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NEXT YEAR SEES a whole host of new cars hitting our shores but which ones deserve your attention?
We’ve rounded up the best and most hotly anticipated cars that will be available to buy during the 171 registration period. Although some of these cars won’t be out until later in the year, we think they are worth the wait.
(This is only the first half of our 171 preview, we’ll bring you more next week.)
Volkswagen up!
This fun and funky little car gets updated styling with new bumpers and lights front and rear. Inside, the dashboard has been updated and it now features a clever smartphone holder – which can integrate your device with the car for music streaming, on-board computer and driving data as well as functioning as a sat nav unit.
The 60- and 75hp engines remain but there is new 90hp version on range-topping five-door High up! model which is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and is priced from €17,065rrp.
There is also a new Hyundai i10 hitting the market during the 171 period. This is more a facelifted model than a new version.
Nissan Micra
A name that is very familiar to motorists in Ireland, the Nissan Micra will get a sharp new look in 2017 as the latest generation is launched. It will have a very different appearance to previous versions of the Micra, and it has grown a little more in size.
A big grille, sleek headlights and sweeping lines along the sides all bring the styling up to date. Under the bonnet there will be a choice of 0.9- and 1.0-litre petrol engines and a 1.5-litre diesel. Nissan claims it will be one of the best in the segment for interior space. The new Micra is due here in April. Click for more details.
Also coming our way in Spring 2017 is the new Ford Fiesta with four production variants; an upscale Vignale version, a sporty ST-Line, and a Titanium model and Active crossover – all available with three or five doors. Click here to read our news story.
Fiat Tipo
Having been on the periphery of this popular segment for many years Fiat looks set to make a return with its all-new Tipo model, which will come in five-door hatchback, saloon and estate versions.
With pricing starting from just under €18,000 the Tipo is aiming to be more competitive than many of its rivals. There will be a choice of diesel and petrol engines while standard equipment will include all-round electric windows, air conditioning, Bluetooth and multifunction steering wheel. It looks good too. Click to read more.
Also keep an eye out for the new considerably updated Skoda Octavia range, which is due here at the start of the year. Click for more details.
Toyota C-HR
This seriously funky looking C-HR is Toyota’s latest crossover and could be one of the most popular cars of 2017. Unlike its rivals Toyota isn’t going to offer a diesel engine with this car, instead, there will be a choice of a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.8-litre petrol hybrid.
Both claim low emissions and low fuel consumption, while the chassis that it shares with the larger Prius means it should drive well too. Its styling really makes the C-HR stand out and while it might prove divisive it moves Toyota away from that boring look it used to have.
The MINI Countryman Crossover is also hitting the roads during the 171 registration period. It will be available with all-wheel drive and is expected to be a big seller.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Czech car maker’s first proper SUV will offer seating for seven and loads of versatility – and it should be hitting Irish showrooms by March. Its sharp looks are matched with refined handling and a choice of both petrol and diesel engines, while front and all-wheel drive models in either manual or automatic mean there should be a Kodiaq to suit everyone.
With pricing expected to start just shy of €30,000, it will appeal to many looking for a larger SUV.
Another one to watch out for is the new seven-seat Land Rover Discover, which starts at €58,000 and should be on sale in February. Click here to read more about this car.
Next week we’ll bring you part two of this 171 preview guide.
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Ruble is at a 7yr high, European the weakest in 20yrs. The Saudis are getting such a discount on Russian oil they’re saving there own stock for when needed. Russia doesn’t seem to be feeling the pinch, as for Europe.
@Thommo’s Nose: This is part of the problem, we’ve essentially sanctioned ourselves. I know the aim of these sanctions is for short term suffering for Europe and long term suffering for the Russian state, but by the time that happens, Russia will have established new trade, replaced western products with new products of their own (or alternative countries) and established stronger ties to other big countries outside of the EU/NA. I know a lot of people will say that it’s better than doing nothing, but it’s really only affecting ourselves and the plan has failed. As for the alternative plan, who knows.
@Thommo’s Nose: “Ruble is at a 7yr high”
You understand this doesn’t mean anything? It’s artificially inflated. There is tremendous stress on production lines in Russia due to lack of access to high tech parts.
@Seán Ó Briain: exactly. give it time. lets see how they do in 3-6 months when everything starts falling apart.
Sadly people are already tired of it. It doesn’t mean people don’t care anymore, but the situation is very fatiguing even as an onlooker. I know that’s nothing like what Ukranians feel, but the reality is that focus on the war outside of Ukraine will continue to drop if inflation keeps rising and the cost of energy keeps rising. We will be more concerned with our own “suffering” than what’s going on elsewhere in the world.
@Wooden Spoon: Spreak for youself. But you are not wrong.
A lot of people will at some point loose sight of the bigger picture and just think about their own little “problems”.
Dead right. It’s a long game. As Europe develops next generation power and renewables and sanctions are targeted more and more Russia will fold. So long as the populists like Orban and the Tankies don’t get their way.
As bad as the pinch is now, and I know it’s bad, the difficulty in replacing Russian energy is a blessing in disguise.
Suddenly renewables are not just cheaper long-term (after initial capital investment) but have become an imperative. And yes they don’t replace Russian oil overnight.
But if the progress in fighting climate change shows anything in the last few years it’s a lack of urgency about it. And this has finally added urgent.
@Gerard: This 100%. We have to stick it out. The alternative is much much worse.
@Brian Henoll: I’m afraid it’s already to late putin will drop the bomb when he feels like it he is not personally feeling any effects of sanctions he doesn’t care what anyone thinks he has won the brinkmanship battle and wont back down now, it’s time for US and NATO to grow a pair and stop pussy footing around with sanctions which will take to long to have any meaningful effect I can’t see any other way its capitulate or fight back, putin wants a dead zone along his western borders so after he annihilated Ukraine what’s next on the menu????
Who is winning?
The EU should not be adding fuel to the fire. It is time for countries in the West, including Ireland, a neutral country with a seat on the UN Security Council, to start working for a negotiated peace.
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