In the meantime, it’s our pleasure to bring you another batch of live contenders for this year’s awards, with new arrivals from Kia, Ford and Mercedes-Benz to consider.

Kia e-Soul

If you went looking for a 192 Kia e-Soul earlier this year, there’s a fair chance you were out of luck. The popular Korean manufacturer’s new electric crossover sold out fast, which is a fair indicator of just how sought-after this imposing looking new EV is. What’s all the fuss about?

For starters, the e-Soul is incredibly well-equipped. Take a deep breath and contemplate this treasure trove of specification: electric windows front and back, heated electric door mirrors, 17” alloys, heated steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system, rear view camera, USB port, Bluetooth, wireless phone charger, keyless entry, active cruise control, climate control… and we could go on!

The e-Soul is a big unit so there’s plenty of room inside, with lots of thoughtful touches and a nice premium finish all round. The e-Soul comes with a 64kWh battery pack, making it a cost-effective choice in the EV category, but there isn’t much in the way of performance compromise: it leaps from 0-100kmph in under eight seconds. A really long range completes the package and ensures stocks will sell fast in 2020 as well.

Ford Focus ST

One of the true performance cars of its generation, the new Focus ST jostles its way into a fiercely competitive hot hatch category but looks set to hold its own… again.

This being a ‘driver’s car’, we start with the whopping 2.3 litre 4-cylinder Ecoboost powertrain which is the most powerful engine ever fitted to an ST. On the road, the new ST is as lightning quick as you’d expect, with spine-tingling acceleration and handling designed to please the most discerning driver. So far, so ST.

The new ST comes with a choice of two engines (2.0 litre turbodiesel and that rip-roaring 2.3 litre EcoBoost petrol) and two body styles (hatchback and estate) and is bristling with driver technology and accessories including flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium gearshift and alloy pedals, Ford PASS Connect (optional) and Ford’s acclaimed SYNC3 system, giving you control over climate setting, audio and more via a colour touchscreen.

There’s so much to admire about the new Focus ST but at heart, it remains true to its heritage as an adrenaline-surging hot hatch. Definitely one to watch.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

A smart fusion of driving dynamics, driver technology and standard-setting safety equipment, the third-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class comes to Ireland – and the Car of the Year awards – on the back of some highly favourable reviews.

Looks-wise, the new B-Class is neither one thing nor another: not quite a hatchback, not quite a people carrier. But it being a Merc, there’s a lot more to the B-Class than meets the eye with very pleasing driving dynamics and a package of equipment that includes a space-age centre console, head-up display, reversing camera, MBUX multi-media system and a seriously impressive multi-functional steering wheel.

In terms of safety technology, the B-Class offers the full monty including Active Lane Assist, Active Braking Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Emergency City Stop and a Driving Assistance Package designed to anticipate and avoid danger at pretty much every turn.

The diesel version is still likely to be the big seller, but handling is excellent whichever version you opt for. Technology, however, is the main hallmark of the B-Class and as comprehensive as anything else in the class.

Competition heating up

With the awards now just a matter of weeks away, we are witnessing one of the most competitive years in new automotive technology for some time. We’ll bring you more contenders and much more news as the time gets close. Happy motoring!

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Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 S Coupé

A lovely coupé version of the much-lauded GLC, this latest offering from Mercedes-Benz is tipped for big things, not least because of the mighty 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine lurking beneath the bonnet. This gives the new GLC a surge of power that has to be felt to be believed – pure joy on the open road – without losing any of the refinement or responsiveness that is one of the many hallmarks of the GLC.

The GLC 63 also benefits from a range of new additions and updates including 21-inch alloy wheel options, a snazzy new grille and lights (high-performance LEDs), as well as new ‘designo’ colour options: diamond white bright, hyacinth red metallic and selenite grey magno. Inside, there’s a new instrument panel and much bigger infotainment system along with sporty new bucket seats.

Safety and comfort are central to the new GLC, with the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Driving system designed to take the strain out of any journey. There is Active Braking Assist, PRE-SAFE system, Blind Spot and Traffic Sign Assist, while the new ‘Distronic’ system automatically regulates the distance between you and the vehicle in front: very handy in slow-moving traffic.

We’re only really touching the surface here, as the new GLC 63 is packed full of features and equipment. With its distinctive coupé look, the new GLC is one of the most noteworthy new arrivals of the year.

Audi SQ2

Genuinely one of the best all-rounders on the market, the first thing to say about the new Audi SQ2 crossover is that it looks fantastic. Stylishly subtle with neat black detailing throughout, the new SQ2 comes with a range of visual options including quattro decals and quad exhausts so you can tune up the look to your heart’s content.

On the road, the SQ2 offers a nice high driving position with loads of acceleration and light, sporty handling that fits squarely with the SUV/crossover feel.

Equipment levels are comprehensive with loads of thoughtful touches, features and options including Active Lane Assist, Driver Assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control, forward collision warning, parking system, rear parking sensors, ‘hill hold’ assist, cruise control, rear view camera and Audi’s side assist. The SQ2 comes bristling with airbags and other safety technology, including a handy first aid kit.

As we write, it’s not yet clear whether the SQ2 will actually be on sale in Ireland… we can but hope!

Nissan Leaf 62 kWh

Well now… this is certainly interesting. Already one of the pace-setters in the EV space, with the 2019 Irish Green/Efficient Car of the Year trophy safely on the mantelpiece, Nissan have set the bar even higher with a new longer-range engine designed to broaden the appeal of the Leaf.

At a glance, the new Leaf is not hugely different from the existing hatchback model. Not that there’s anything much wrong with that, given that the exciting stuff largely happens out of sight, i.e. in that much-acclaimed electric motor and battery pack. The latter features a 50+% increase in storage power while the capacity of the motor has also gone up from 110 to 150 kWh. All of which adds up to a really attractive and interesting package for those seeking a ‘conventional’ drive in EV form.

There’s a comprehensive array of safety, driver assistance and other technology but the highlight is undoubtedly Nissan’s multi-award-winning e-Pedal, which allows you to accelerate and brake with the same pedal. The e-Pedal takes a little getting used to but is a really great piece of kit and one of the most progressive technologies in the industry – a worthy winner of the 2019 Innovation Award too.

2020 awards on the horizon

Things are bubbling up nicely ahead of the 2020 Irish Car of the Year awards, in association with Continental Tyres, and we’ll continue to keep an eagle eye on all new car launches ahead of our awards event in November. Not every model reviewed here will be eligible for the awards, but all will be revealed when the ICOTY jury announcers its shortlist later in the year. Stay tuned!

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This time out, we run the rule over three very different new offerings from Honda, Range Rover and Skoda. Whether you’re in the market for a new car or simply interested in the new vehicle scene, we hope you find our quick capsule reviews interesting. Enjoy!

Honda HR-V Sport

First off the blocks is the new Honda HR-V Sport, a seriously nifty looking crossover with a raft of lovely new design touches including dark chrome front grille, sharp headlights, rear chrome trim and a sporty front bumper. The new lines give a pleasing impression of aerodynamism and efficiency, the new shape designed to “catch the eye and stir the heart” according to the manufacturer.

The 1.5 litre VTEC turbo petrol engine certainly adds to the impression, with razor-sharp yet impressively refined driving dynamics that are equally suited to a weekend jaunt in the countryside or a crosstown dash in the traffic. Honda’s unmistakable driving character is very much to the fore in this most modern of crossovers.

There’s plenty to enhance the driving experience too, with the 7” touchscreen Honda Connect system, including DAB digital radio and the acclaimed ‘Aha’ app that lets you access internet music services, radio shows, podcasts, as well as your own social media platforms. Safety is also to the fore, with a range of Advanced Driver Assistance System technologies including multi-angle rear view camera and much more.

Range Rover Evoque S D 244 diesel

Next is a heavyweight new arrival in the coupe-like shape of the Range Rover Evoque, the latest iteration of the wildly popular 2011 version, which comes to Ireland as a 5-door SUV that’s big on style… and substance.

The new Range Rover Evoque offers a highly sophisticated design featuring fewer lines, cleaner surfaces and some genuinely compelling touches including 20” split-spoke wheels, illuminated treadplates and a range of subtle exterior colours: Nolita Grey, Yulong White and (our favourite) Seoul Pearl Silver.

Inside, attention to detail is the watchword with a quality of finish very much what you would expect from such a luxury brand. The infotainment system includes InControl Portal giving you access to your music, a Smartphone Pack to control apps through your phone, Navigation Pro system for map exploration and Heads-Up Display providing all your driving data. We could go on and on!

On the road, the Evoque is refinement personified with startling low noise levels and reassuring power delivery, especially at faster speeds. Handling is nice and sharp too, and of course this powerhouse’s off-road abilities are nothing short of legendary.

Skoda Scala hatchback

And so to the new Skoda Scala hatchback, which has already drawn rave reviews for its class-leading space – plenty of legroom for rear seat passengers and a truly cavernous boot – as well as a range of hugely competitive packages. 

Lest we forget, the new Scala is great to look at. The car is the proud recipient of a ‘Red Dot’ award for product design, with a sporty silhouette that features lots of crisp, swooping lines and a lovely array of light/shadow shapes. Interior finish is high on quality, with an impressive free-standing display putting the driver at the centre of the action.

Cutting-edge technology is liberally deployed throughout the new Scala, with a generous array of safety features including Side Assist, Lane Assist, Front Assist (with pedestrian monitor), not to mention comfort assists including adaptive cruise control and auto light assist. Smart Link connectivity, meanwhile, puts a state-of-the-art infotainment system at your fingertips.

Driving dynamics are crisp and reassured, with plenty of power coming through the 1 litre petrol engine, and overall the Skoda Scala offers more than enough to delight hatchback lovers.

More to follow

Hope you found something of interest in our latest batch of ones to watch. We’ll be taking a fresh lot of new arrivals next time and doing the very same, keeping you right up date with the Irish new car market. Watch this space.

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As part of our ‘ones to watch’ series, we’re keeping track of all new contenders that arrive – not every single one will satisfy the strict criteria for inclusion in the awards programme proper, but that won’t matter hugely if you’re tuning in as a would-be new car buyer. 

Our latest batch of newbies includes a stunning sports star from Toyota, a retro classic from Mini Cooper and a big beast from Jaguar.

Toyota Supra

Conceived as an out-and-out, no-holds-barred sports car, the new Toyota Supra throttles into Ireland on the wave of considerable acclaim. It’s been a while coming… so how does it measure up?

First things first. It looks amazing. Say the word ‘amazing’ out loud, slowly, emphasising all three syllables: that’s how good the new Toyota looks. It’s short, stocky, taller than its predecessor (the A80), but who cares about a few millimetres here and there when the product is this jaw-droppingly gorgeous? The double-bubble roof alone is spectacular.

Fold yourself into the driver’s seat and there’s a sensible fusion of sport and practicality. A relatively stripped-back digital display makes good sense (and easy reading) with further intuitive touches dotted around the cosy confines of the cockpit. There’s also an excellent infotainment system and very good acoustics.

It’s when you turn the key, however, that the new Supra roars into its own. The BMW-derived engine gets the power flowing instantly – acceleration is thrilling – while the handling, steering, and overall feel of the car is joyously responsive. Performance is underpinned by a solid Safety+ package which includes Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.

A sports car is what Toyota promised, and a sports car is what they have delivered with the new Supra. Possibly the most excitement you’ll have on four wheels this summer!

Mini Cooper S ’60 years edition’

One of the most iconic cars ever to grace the roads of Ireland, the Mini Cooper celebrates 60 years with a new S edition that is huge on style, while staying true to the car’s distinctive look and feel.

The new Mini Cooper S is available as a 3- or 5-door hatch, the former looking tailor-made for a go-kart track near you while the latter offers a slightly more grown-up functionality. Both are available in unmistakable British Racing Green – another significant nod to the car’s heritage – topped off with a lovely black roof and dashing bonnet stripes.

Equipment levels are impressive, with Mini’s Navigation Plus system (complete with 8.8” touchscreen), wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and rear parking control. Driving dynamics are responsive and enjoyable, while cornering and braking are perfect for cross-town dashes.

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Another impressive contender joins the ranks of the SUV, however the new Jaguar F-Pace SVR is unlikely to be mistaken for any other model. It is a huge, muscular-looking behemoth of a car with a supercharged 550PS engine lurking under the bonnet, offering power a-plenty.

Visually, Jaguar’s new SVR is a thoroughly modern looking SUV with bespoke front and rear bumpers, body-coloured door claddings and sporty quad tailpipes. Impressively proportioned, the new F-Pace offers one of the most comprehensive equipment packages around, including Navigation Pro, Interactive Driver Display, Connect Pro, Meridian Sounds System and much more. Loads of space, front and back, with a gargantuan 650 litres of boot space for whatever you fancy.

On the road, that supercharged V8 engine offers some serious power and acceleration. That’s to be expected with a whopping 550PS, but what’s less expected is the incredibly responsive and refined handling: even with all that oomph, the SVR is as precise as they come around corners. Loads of capability to explore in this model, starting with that beast of an engine!

Stay tuned

Remember, we’ll continue to bring you our ‘ones to watch’ as the 2020 Irish Car of the Year awards get closer. Keep checking back for news and updates on all those new contenders!

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After all, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle then the more information you have at your fingertips, the better! Here’s our latest batch of ‘ones to watch’, starting with an eye-catching compact crossover from our friends at Volkswagen.

Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI petrol

A very strong addition to one of the most competitive segments in today’s fast-changing market, the VW T-Cross is instantly recognisable with bold new lines that accentuate and add muscle to an already distinctive, off-road look.

Inside, take your pick! The T-Cross comes with a range of standard interior and individual design options, as well as a choice of three packages and three different designs to choose from. Stylish and extremely comfortable, the new VW crossover also features lovely indirect background lighting that comes into its own on night-time journeys.

The driving experience is also pretty special. An innovative Active Info Display (available on request) shows all key driving data, while a host of safety, infotainment and driver assistance features make life easy. There’s also a raised seating position to give a bird’s eye view of the road – or whatever you’re driving on.

Volvo V60 Cross Country D4 diesel

Already one of the most visually attractive mid-sized family estates out there, the new Volvo V60 Cross Country enhances the range in truly gorgeous style.

As you’d expect from the nameplate, the new V60 Cross Country comes bristling with benefits: a powerful range of engines, advanced chassis and choice of driving modes. The interior is all Scandinavian craft and know-how, underpinned by smart technology and driver features designed to put a smile on the most discerning of faces.

Flexibility is key to any estate, and the V60 offers a handy 60:40 rear seat split, optional electrically operated folding backrest, as well as one of the biggest load compartments in the class (a whopping 500+ litres). Practicality does not come at the expense of performance, however, with sporty driving dynamics and optional settings for the engine, gearbox, steering, brakes, stability control and even the engine stop/start function.

The Volvo V60 Cross Country has been making waves since it arrived in Ireland, its stunning looks backed up by some serious driving prowess. Well worth checking out.

BMW 745 Le xDrive hybrid

In the rarefied atmosphere of the BMW 7 Series, the revamping of the plug-in hybrid option – the 745e – is noteworthy on a number of levels.

While its predecessor teamed an electric motor with four petrol cylinders, the 745e offers no less than six petrol-fed cylinders as well as a lithium ion battery that is the same size as before but significantly more powerful (12kWh). BMW’s plush new hybrid also offers a choice of new driving modes, including the option of locking the engine in electric mode.

At the upper end of hybrid performance, the 745e really benefits from that extra pair of cylinders to offer serious acceleration and driving dynamics that are as refined as you would expect.

On the technology front, the new 745e is at the forefront of innovation. BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant is there to answer any question you might have – or check your emails for you – while advanced features including Driving Assistant Professional, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Parking Assistant Plus and Reversing Assistant ensures help is always at hand.

More to come… lots more!

Hope you enjoyed our latest round-up of ones to watch. We’ll continue to monitor the market and bring you all the news and new arrival from the frontline of automotive technology. Watch this space!

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PEUGEOT 508

First up is the truly gorgeous Peugeot 508 family/fleet model, which already boasts the enviable title of Most Beautiful Car of the Year. Available in three different models and with a choice of four trims – Active, Allure, GT Line, GT – the new 508 comes with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit which features a 10” touchscreen, multipoint massage function and FOCAL hi-fi sound. An estate version is scheduled for release later in the year.

CITROEN DS7 CROSSBACK

Next out of the blocks is the DS7 Crossback, equal parts SUV and premium coupe, which arrives in Ireland with an impressive level of equipment. Available with both petrol and diesel engines (a plug-in hybrid will follow later in the year), the DS7 comes with a choice of four trims – Elegance, Performance Line, Prestige and Ultra Prestige – and a range of driver assistance technology that includes Active Scan suspension.

SEAT TARRACO

An out-and-out SUV – and a big one at that – SEAT’s new Tarraco crossover comes with a choice of five or seven seats and a choice of two trim levels: SE and Xcellence. A stylish model, the Tarraco is impressively equipped with a package of comfort/safety technology including a customisable digital cockpit that displays maps and driving assistance systems. Available with petrol or diesel powertrains (again, a plug-in hybrid will be available later in the year).

TOYOTA COROLLA

A dramatically restyled version of an old favourite, the new Toyota Corolla is available in Ireland as a saloon, hatchback or touring sports (hybrid) model. The cabin is a truly spacious affair, with premium touches scattered all around and a smart exterior look. The new Corolla is all about Toyota’s hybrid system, however, with options to suit all tastes.

FORD MUSTANG BULLITT

Perhaps one of the most famous car brands ever built, this special edition of the iconic Ford Mustang has been launched to mark 50 years since the movie ‘Bullitt’ came out in 1968 and comes with a mighty 5-litre V8 engine and no less than five drive modes: Normal, Sport+, Snow/Wet, Track and Drag Strip. A distinctive presence on the road, the new Mustang Bullitt is a true driver’s car with six-speed manual transmission and stacks of driver/safety technology. Roar!

We’ll have another batch of 2020 awards contenders very soon.

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Even at this early stage we’ve seen the arrival of several hot new models into Irish showrooms. And here, as part of our ongoing news and analysis, we run the rule over three new cars widely tipped to feature as contenders in the Irish Car of the Year awards 2020.

VW GOLF GTI TCR

First up is the new VW Golf GTI TCR, a very hot hatch with a proud motorsports heritage. And boy does it show! Inside and out, the new Golf GTI features sporty touches and flourishes including slimmer headlights, slick black air intake vents and wider side sills that give the car a crouching, powerful stance.

The sports theme continues inside, with chequered seat covers, sports steering wheel and classic ‘golfball’ gearstick.

Performance-wise, the new GTI offers a 2-litre turbo direct petrol injection engine (0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds) while the car is fitted with a range of performance features including electronic differential lock (XDS), advanced progressive steering and sports running gear.

There’s a cutting-edge infotainment system and a host of driver assistance options including Blind Spot Sensor with Rear Traffic Alert, adaptive cruise control (ACC) as standard and City Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring.

LEXUS RX 450hL

Next out of the blocks is the 7-seater Lexus RX 450hL, a family-sized SUV with a strong emphasis on luxury. The new Lexus hybrid features an even bigger and more versatile cargo space – think family holidays – with three rows of seats in a 40-20-40 split-bench configuration.

The new SUV is big on style too, with what Lexus describes as a ‘floating-roof’ effect created by blacked-out C-pillars as well as wrap-around L-shaped LED lights at the rear and the distinctive spindle grille.

Inside, the Takumi have been hard at work with a precision-finished cabin offering touches of craftsmanship here, there and everywhere including separate air-conditioning zones for each row of seats.

The new RX is available in Ireland with a choice of hybrid and petrol engines and a comprehensive safety package including pre-collision system (PCS) and pedestrian detection, lane-assist, automatic high-beam and all-speed dynamic radar cruise control plus side curtain airbags along all three rows.

AUDI Q8 50

Our trio of newcomers is completed by the new Audi Q8 50, another SUV that combines size with style and sporty credentials. The patriarch of Audi’s Q family features a distinctive front end with a very sleek silhouette and sculpted rear, with quattro ‘blisters’.

On the road, the new Q8 offers permanent all-wheel drive which the company says delivers better acceleration and deceleration with enhanced road-holding capabilities for a sporty drive.

This is an SUV that’s packed with technology, although in this case less (buttons) is more (convenience). The Q8 offers ‘MMI touch response’ with an intuitive control system designed to make it easier and safer to navigate between control and infotainment features. There’s also a 10-inch touchscreen and a high-res 3D map in the cockpit.

Safety is paramount, as you’d expect, with a range of assistance features including adaptive cruise control, efficiency assist, lane change warning, curb warning and a 360-degree camera, all backed up by a central driver assistance controller with a multitude of radar sensors, cameras and scanners.

Plenty more to come

Early contenders from VW, Lexus and Audi! But there will certainly be plenty more where those three new arrivals came from – we’ll be keeping you posted with more news as the year unfolds.

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