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.
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