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With a new year comes a rake of new models from the world’s car makers, and 2019 promises to be a bumper year for vehicles of all shapes and sizes. So, what does a motoring expert have to say about it all? Here’s what car connoisseur Dave Humphreys has to about the brand new cars we’ll be driving in the year ahead…
ELECTRIC CARS IN particular look set to grow further in popularity as more brands roll out their battery-powered models. For many models, driving range is increasing along with choice. Crossovers and SUVs will also be high in the popularity stakes, but there are also some excellent hatchbacks and some interesting saloons hitting the roads.
Here’s a rundown of a selection of models worth keeping an eye out for in 2019.
It’s already one of the best-known cars in Ireland, but the whole Toyota Corolla lineup for 2019 is changing to include the renaming of the Auris hatchback. It will also be available as a saloon and estate, with a choice of petrol and hybrid engines, the latter of which are optimised to use the onboard battery and electric motor as much as possible.
In a move that reflects where the industry is going, there won’t be a diesel version available. The new Corolla is also far more interesting to drive than Toyotas of the past, and with more distinctive styling, it should prove popular with buyers. Have a look in further detail here.
Citroën may be coming late to the SUV game, but the French brand has a couple of tricks up its sleeve that it hopes may woo buyers. The C5 Aircross is its new five-seat only mid-size SUV, which will go up against models like the Hyundai Tucson and Peugeot 5008.
Its distinctive styling certainly makes it stand out. Inside, while there is only room for five, the rear seats are all individual and can be moved independently. Citroën aims to be the most comfortable in the segment thanks to its unique progressive hydraulic cushion suspension, making it noticeable softer without impacting much on handling. Find their full spec here.
If you do need a seven-seat SUV, then the new SEAT Tarraco is worth a look. Available as a five- or seven-seat SUV, the Tarraco joins the Arona and Ateca to complete SEAT’s SUV range.
Like those, it features sharp lines and styling that looks good, with modern features like LED headlights and up to 20-inch alloy wheels. If you don’t need all seven seats, the third row can fold flat, revealing a generously sized boot space. Take a look inside here.
The Skoda Scala is an all-new car that enters the highly competitive hatchback segment in 2019. Replacing the unloved Rapid, Skoda has made the Scala larger and far more appealing.
It slots into the same segment as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf but will be pitched at the more affordable end, going up against the Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed. It’s a roomy five-door with some class-leading infotainment hardware and a choice of petrol and diesel engines. See the model in full for yourself here.
There is no shortage of electric vehicles going on sale in 2019, but many of these carry a hefty price tag. Kia is hoping to strike the right balance with its e-Niro, an all-electric version of its crossover that is already available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
Its big selling point is the 64kWh battery that Kia claims can deliver a driving range of up to 455 kilometres between charges. Even with a generous pinch of salt, that’s still an impressive driving range and should be enough to suit the average user. Check them out in detail here.
The BMW 3 Series is a popular choice in Ireland, and the latest generation goes on sale here early in 2019. Its new look continues to divide opinion, but the increase in space between the wheels leaves little cause for complaint in the passenger space department.
Lots of the in-car tech from larger models has now trickled down, and buyers will be able to choose from a range of engine options like petrol and diesel as well as a plug-in hybrid. Browse their features in full here.
There’s an all-new Mazda3 set to hit our roads in 2019, and it will come in two distinct versions: a sleek four-door saloon and a stylish five-door hatchback. By offering two entirely different looking models, Mazda is hoping to win a greater share of the market.
On the inside, there is a high standard of finish, though while rear passenger space is good, it feels a tad claustrophobic in the back of the hatchback. Mazda will also introduce its new SkyactivX engine, which promises diesel-like fuel economy from a petrol engine. See their full spec here.
The T-Cross is Volkswagen’s newest and smallest SUV, slotting in under the T-Roc and is set to rival the excellent SEAT Arona and Citroën C3 Aircross. Don’t expect much off-road capability, but the 1.0-litre petrol engine should make it a fun car to drive.
As with many other premium crossovers, the T-Cross will feature lots of customisation options like a two-tone roof and funky interior colours. Take a look at them in detail here.
So, which one would you love to end up driving this year? Whether you’re looking for a Toyota, Mazda or a Kia, on DoneDeal, there’s one new car listing uploaded every minute, so the perfect car within your budget could be just one click away. Your next car is waiting – check out their extensive 191 range of new cars here.
Another new hotel in Dublin, fantastic, tourists can enjoy the city filled with tourists and other hotels, I hope they design comfortable doorways so maybe some Irish people can get a night’s rest too
@Fenster: Abbey Street is set to become a big area for hotels / tourists, there’s a further 3 hotels and one hostel with planning on Abbey street, 3 near Jervis and 1 near the Four Courts.
@Fenster: Yea the tax intake from more tourists visiting the city will add to the public coffers so when the next crash comes it wont hit as bad. Ita great to see one of our industries is growing and is not dependant on Irish people getting credit to finance it.
There’s more than a few ungainly sights around the Ha’penny Bridge.
Good to see a complaint from An Taisce be rejected for a change. If they were around in the 17 & 1800s they likely would have objected to the very buildings that they now claim to be part of our heritage! Blockers to progress.
@Dave Cunningham:
Google Wide Street Commission instead of wasting time posting here.
Good lad.
@Dave Cunningham: The Pinkos in an Taisce will appeal to Bord Pleanala and it will definitely be refused as usual.
@Michael Fehily:
Most likely because you are a gargantuan tool.
Great place for a cheap hotel. The options around D1 all run at €200+ for a Saturday night so this sounds great! Also, that corner of Abbey street is scaldy and really takes away from the impressive entrance to Arnotts a few doors up.
Used this hotel a few times in Germany. Good value hotel with a nice design and its comfortable with good service. I wonder will it be more expensive here? Ive used it in Munich and Berlin for about 80 eur a night. Few years back.
@Anne: Yes you can bet it will be a lot more expensive here
Maybe they could bring a major German street cleaning crew with them ….state of Dublin City centre at the moment is cringe worthy …. if I was a tourist coming here I’d think the Irish are filthy,not a good message to be sending them home with :-(
@Bob Beal: I totally agree Bob man. I was passing through early one morning last year walking down O Connell Street and the stink of urine, alcohol and cheap perfume was absolutely retched. I thought crikey what do tourists think.
Just look at the state of abbey street site how can you object?
Great news. Hurry up Noel.That area needs tidying up quickly.
This will be appealed to an bord planeala I’d say so won’t be built anytime soon
@madabot:
I hope so. It’s absolutely hideous. I definitely agree that something should be built there but not nine stories high and not with complete disregard for the buildings around it and the streets that it’s on.
@Anton Dec:
You are right there, nine stories is way too low! They should knock all the buildings and bring them up to line.
IMO Dublin could do with another 20 -30 hotels…. demand is definitely there..
It would be a great addition to what is currently a very run down area of Tge North Central Dublin district .
Unfortunately the pinkos in An Taisce and Bord Pleanala will refuse it because of height and bulk …
Imagine waking up after a night out in town going out after your breakfast on to Abbey St and O Connell st – zombie land with drug dealers on every corner.
@Cranky: Blah blah…. Waffle
@Michael Fehily: He is right and anybody who walks around the area on a regular basis could tell you ,
Old Dublin is slowly going, Moore Street has being ruined….
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