While the move to electric and hybrid drives might not be obvious in the early days of 2020, by the end of the year there will be a total transformation.
Part of the urgency to switch away from diesel is next year’s tougher EU regulations, which will fine car companies that fail to comply. Sales of full-electric and plug-in hybrid cars are expected to grow 35% across Europe in the first nine months of 2020.
Hybrids
Market leader Volkswagen will be launching 34 new models worldwide this year, including twelve SUVs and eight electric/hybrid vehicles. The German brand will be investing €19bn in future technologies through 2024, €11bn alone in the further development of e-mobility.
Volkswagen will also start the biggest electric offensive in the automotive industry in 2020. The new ID.31 electric car goes on sale this summer, followed by the ID.Next2, the brand’s first electric SUV.
It was revealed earlier this month that Nissan will cease to offer a diesel version of the Qashqai, its best-selling car in Ireland. It will instead offer the third-generation Qashqai, which is due to be revealed next September, with its popular e-Power hybrid system. This system lets a car function like an electric vehicle, because its petrol engine is only used to charge the battery.
Peugeot has new hybrid and electric cars for early in 2020, with the arrival of the new 2008 and 308 models, along with new hybrid drives for the 508.
If it is a success, it will help fund costly investments in new technologies, as it aims to create the world’s fourth-biggest car company
Merger deal
The bigger news for the motor industry this year will be the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. If it is a success, it will help fund costly investments in new technologies, as it aims to create the world’s fourth-biggest car company with annual sales of 8.7m vehicles. This new group will have 14 different brands, including Citroën, DS, Peugeot and Opel from the PSA side, along with Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, to name but a few. The Italian Agnelli family is the dominant shareholder in the deal, which also includes PSA, the French government’s Bpifrance investment bank and China’s Dongfeng Motor. The evolution of the deal will be closely watched by EU legislators for issues of competition.
Closer to home, we take a look at some of the upcoming models that you can expect to see on Irish shores in 2020.
You’ll have to wait until July for the new Skoda Octavia, which comes with more space and a host of new generation engine options.
The fourth generation of the Skoda Octavia, the brand’s best-selling car in Ireland, is due here in July 2020. The new Octavia is said to be more spacious and safer than before, with new levels of connectivity. The new car is slightly longer and wider than the current model, with there is more boot space.
This is the first Octavia that comes with a plug-in hybrid engine option, in addition to a mild-hybrid engine. Petrol and diesel engines are still on the programme along with a new compressed natural gas (CNG) engine option. These new generation diesel engines claim to emit up to 80% less nitrogen oxide.
This wide range of engines delivers anything from 110bhp to 204bhp and is complemented by the Octavia G-TEC. With 17.7kg of CNG in its tanks, this car can cover up to 523km in its eco-friendly and efficient CNG mode.
Part of the urgency to switch away from diesel is next year’s tougher EU regulations, which will fine car companies that fail to comply
In the Octavia iV, a 1.4TSI petrol engine and an electric motor deliver a combined power output of 204bhp. With a capacity of 37Ah providing 13kWh of energy, the high-voltage lithium-ion battery allows for an all-electric range of up to 55km in the WLTP cycle.
The eTEC variants are fitted with the latest EVO-generation 1.0TSI or 1.5TSI petrol engines, which features mild hybrid technology when equipped with the DSG automatic gearbox.
The new EVO diesel engines apply a new ‘twin dosing’ exhaust gas treatment, where AdBlue is injected in front of the two catalytic converters that are arranged one after the other.
Another new feature of the Octavia is a shift-by-wire technology system for operating the DSG gearbox.
The Ford Puma compact cross-over is a new generation hybrid petrol SUV that’s fresh to the market for January 2020.
The Ford Puma, a new SUV-inspired compact crossover, will be one of the early car arrivals for January 2020. The new Puma claims uncompromised load space, and sophisticated mild-hybrid powertrain technology. Entry prices start at €24,465.
The model introduces a new chapter in Ford’s design identity, with distinctive wing-top mounted headlamps. This compact crossover delivers a raised ride-height driving experience and class-leading luggage capacity of 444l, thanks to the new Ford MegaBox. The MegaBox provides a deep storage space capable of accommodating two golf bags in an upright position.
Ford claims that the Puma’s fuel efficiency is delivered using Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology. The mild-hybrid drive integrates electric torque assistance with a three-cylinder 1.0l EcoBoost petrol engine.
In Ireland, new Puma will be offered in three series: Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X.
New Audi e-tron 50 quattro
Audi’s new e-tron 50 quattro, the latest and smaller version of the e-tron, will soon be available in Ireland. Entry prices from €74,990 (excluding government grants).
Audi in Ireland will launch a second version of the Audi e-tron, the new e-tron 50 quattro in early 2020. Entry prices will start from €74,990 (excluding grants). There will be three equipment levels to choose from at the 11 Audi Irish dealers; Advanced, Sport and S Line.
Audi claims that the e-tron 50 quattro offers high efficiency and strong performance. It is equipped with a 71-kWh battery and two electric motors which provide a range of up to 330kms, according to the WLTP test cycle. The new SUV also has a 120kW charging capability, which facilitates recharging to 80% capacity in approximately 30 minutes at fast-charging stations. Audi, along with other car brands, are working with Ionity to ensure the creation and implementation of a fast-charging network in six key sites across Ireland.
Audi, along with other car brands, are working with Ionity to ensure the creation and implementation of a fast-charging network in six key sites across Ireland
The new car is a product of the carbon-neutral Audi Brussels plant. Like the version before it, the entry-level model features all-wheel-drive, delivered by an electric motor mounted on each axle. These generate a combined total of 230kW and 540Nm of torque and are capable of propelling the electric SUV from 0 to 100km/hr in 6.8 seconds.
To achieve high efficiency, only the rear electric motor is active most of the time, while the front electric motor is activated when needed. The regulation of the electric all-wheel drive is said to be fast, highly connected and very precise. With a combination of a new air suspension and the e-tron’s low centre of gravity, Audi claims impressive dynamics and stability.
The Audi e-tron 50 quattro recuperates energy using its two electric motors, with priority given to the rear motor, during more than 90% of all deceleration actions. Audi claims that the energy from practically all normal braking manoeuvres is recovered and fed back into the battery.
Land Rover’s new Defender
Land Rover's new Defender will be one of the highlights of 2020.
Land Rover’s new Defender model, a redesign of the brand’s iconic model, will be available from March 2020. The new Defender model has a recognisable silhouette that features signature Defender designs, including short front and rear overhangs. Defender also claims to have retained its legendary toughness.
This latest model still has its valuable work credentials, with a 900kg payload, and a trailer towing capacity of 3,500kg, with a wading depth of up to 900mm.
This new generation Defender comes with Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 technology, a new Wade programme and a new off-road Configurable Terrain Response to allow drivers to optimise traction, no matter the conditions.
Cleaner engines
There will be a choice of new petrol and cleaner diesel engines, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range later in the year.
So far, the petrol line-up comprises a four-cylinder P300 and a powerful six-cylinder P400, featuring efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology. Alternatively, customers can choose from a pair of four-cylinder diesels, the D200 and powerful D240, both of which claim to deliver fuel economy of 7.6l/100km (37.2mpg ) and CO2 emissions of 199g/km (NEDC equivalent).
The new Defender model has a recognisable silhouette that features signature Defender designs, including short front and rear overhangs
Land Rover retains the durable rubberised flooring. The new D7x architecture is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction, to create a stiff body structure. This replaces the traditional ladder-frame chassis. Land Rover claims that it is three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs.
Land Rover will retain the Defender 110 model available with 5+2 seating in four distinct Accessory Packs (Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban) and with 170 individual accessories, as well as the smaller Defender 90 and commercial models. We can expect to see the new Defender in Ireland in March 2020. While prices have yet to be revealed, expect to be paying over €40,000. The new Land Rover Defender is built at Land Rover’s new factory in Nitra, Slovakia, beside the new Discovery.
Suzuki offers self-charging hybrids
Suzuki fitted an engine change to most models in its range, as it introduces a new self-charging hybrid drive system, similar to that used by Toyota, in March 2020.
Suzuki plans to introduce three 48-Volt self-charging, hybrid-equipped derivatives to its range in spring 2020, which will also include the launch of the new K14D Boosterjet petrol engine. The brand will also have a new hybrid drive for Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross models. It claims that the new hybrid models offer up to 20% lower CO2 emissions, a greater level of torque and 15% overall improvement in WLTP-combined fuel consumption than previous models.
These new cars will directly replace the current 1.4l Boosterjet derivatives with manual transmission.
Similar to the 12V Hybrid SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system that was pioneered in 2016 with the Ignis and Swift SZ5 models, the newly developed 48V hybrid drive is said to be lightweight in design and the components add less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle.
Lithium-ion battery
The new high-powered Suzuki SHVS system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage, including lights, audio and air conditioning.
The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor. It is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off for a higher level of torque, with 235Nm available from 2,000rpm.
Suzuki plans to introduce three 48-Volt self-charging, hybrid-equipped derivatives to its range in spring 2020
The lithium-ion battery stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking, and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the ISG. This battery, along with the DC/DC convertor unit, are located under the front seats to assist overall weight distribution.
An interesting benefit of the new 48V hybrid system is electric motor idling when the clutch is disengaged and the engine speed is approximately 1,000rpm. This feature replaces fuel injection with power from the electric motor to maintain engine idling at vehicle speeds below 10mph and when stationary.
Suzuki claims that this function eliminates fuel consumption. As the engine momentum is electrically controlled by the ISG unit, the car is ready to re-accelerate with no engine restart delay.
While the move to electric and hybrid drives might not be obvious in the early days of 2020, by the end of the year there will be a total transformation.
Part of the urgency to switch away from diesel is next year’s tougher EU regulations, which will fine car companies that fail to comply. Sales of full-electric and plug-in hybrid cars are expected to grow 35% across Europe in the first nine months of 2020.
Hybrids
Market leader Volkswagen will be launching 34 new models worldwide this year, including twelve SUVs and eight electric/hybrid vehicles. The German brand will be investing €19bn in future technologies through 2024, €11bn alone in the further development of e-mobility.
Volkswagen will also start the biggest electric offensive in the automotive industry in 2020. The new ID.31 electric car goes on sale this summer, followed by the ID.Next2, the brand’s first electric SUV.
It was revealed earlier this month that Nissan will cease to offer a diesel version of the Qashqai, its best-selling car in Ireland. It will instead offer the third-generation Qashqai, which is due to be revealed next September, with its popular e-Power hybrid system. This system lets a car function like an electric vehicle, because its petrol engine is only used to charge the battery.
Peugeot has new hybrid and electric cars for early in 2020, with the arrival of the new 2008 and 308 models, along with new hybrid drives for the 508.
If it is a success, it will help fund costly investments in new technologies, as it aims to create the world’s fourth-biggest car company
Merger deal
The bigger news for the motor industry this year will be the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. If it is a success, it will help fund costly investments in new technologies, as it aims to create the world’s fourth-biggest car company with annual sales of 8.7m vehicles. This new group will have 14 different brands, including Citroën, DS, Peugeot and Opel from the PSA side, along with Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, to name but a few. The Italian Agnelli family is the dominant shareholder in the deal, which also includes PSA, the French government’s Bpifrance investment bank and China’s Dongfeng Motor. The evolution of the deal will be closely watched by EU legislators for issues of competition.
Closer to home, we take a look at some of the upcoming models that you can expect to see on Irish shores in 2020.
You’ll have to wait until July for the new Skoda Octavia, which comes with more space and a host of new generation engine options.
The fourth generation of the Skoda Octavia, the brand’s best-selling car in Ireland, is due here in July 2020. The new Octavia is said to be more spacious and safer than before, with new levels of connectivity. The new car is slightly longer and wider than the current model, with there is more boot space.
This is the first Octavia that comes with a plug-in hybrid engine option, in addition to a mild-hybrid engine. Petrol and diesel engines are still on the programme along with a new compressed natural gas (CNG) engine option. These new generation diesel engines claim to emit up to 80% less nitrogen oxide.
This wide range of engines delivers anything from 110bhp to 204bhp and is complemented by the Octavia G-TEC. With 17.7kg of CNG in its tanks, this car can cover up to 523km in its eco-friendly and efficient CNG mode.
Part of the urgency to switch away from diesel is next year’s tougher EU regulations, which will fine car companies that fail to comply
In the Octavia iV, a 1.4TSI petrol engine and an electric motor deliver a combined power output of 204bhp. With a capacity of 37Ah providing 13kWh of energy, the high-voltage lithium-ion battery allows for an all-electric range of up to 55km in the WLTP cycle.
The eTEC variants are fitted with the latest EVO-generation 1.0TSI or 1.5TSI petrol engines, which features mild hybrid technology when equipped with the DSG automatic gearbox.
The new EVO diesel engines apply a new ‘twin dosing’ exhaust gas treatment, where AdBlue is injected in front of the two catalytic converters that are arranged one after the other.
Another new feature of the Octavia is a shift-by-wire technology system for operating the DSG gearbox.
The Ford Puma compact cross-over is a new generation hybrid petrol SUV that’s fresh to the market for January 2020.
The Ford Puma, a new SUV-inspired compact crossover, will be one of the early car arrivals for January 2020. The new Puma claims uncompromised load space, and sophisticated mild-hybrid powertrain technology. Entry prices start at €24,465.
The model introduces a new chapter in Ford’s design identity, with distinctive wing-top mounted headlamps. This compact crossover delivers a raised ride-height driving experience and class-leading luggage capacity of 444l, thanks to the new Ford MegaBox. The MegaBox provides a deep storage space capable of accommodating two golf bags in an upright position.
Ford claims that the Puma’s fuel efficiency is delivered using Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology. The mild-hybrid drive integrates electric torque assistance with a three-cylinder 1.0l EcoBoost petrol engine.
In Ireland, new Puma will be offered in three series: Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X.
New Audi e-tron 50 quattro
Audi’s new e-tron 50 quattro, the latest and smaller version of the e-tron, will soon be available in Ireland. Entry prices from €74,990 (excluding government grants).
Audi in Ireland will launch a second version of the Audi e-tron, the new e-tron 50 quattro in early 2020. Entry prices will start from €74,990 (excluding grants). There will be three equipment levels to choose from at the 11 Audi Irish dealers; Advanced, Sport and S Line.
Audi claims that the e-tron 50 quattro offers high efficiency and strong performance. It is equipped with a 71-kWh battery and two electric motors which provide a range of up to 330kms, according to the WLTP test cycle. The new SUV also has a 120kW charging capability, which facilitates recharging to 80% capacity in approximately 30 minutes at fast-charging stations. Audi, along with other car brands, are working with Ionity to ensure the creation and implementation of a fast-charging network in six key sites across Ireland.
Audi, along with other car brands, are working with Ionity to ensure the creation and implementation of a fast-charging network in six key sites across Ireland
The new car is a product of the carbon-neutral Audi Brussels plant. Like the version before it, the entry-level model features all-wheel-drive, delivered by an electric motor mounted on each axle. These generate a combined total of 230kW and 540Nm of torque and are capable of propelling the electric SUV from 0 to 100km/hr in 6.8 seconds.
To achieve high efficiency, only the rear electric motor is active most of the time, while the front electric motor is activated when needed. The regulation of the electric all-wheel drive is said to be fast, highly connected and very precise. With a combination of a new air suspension and the e-tron’s low centre of gravity, Audi claims impressive dynamics and stability.
The Audi e-tron 50 quattro recuperates energy using its two electric motors, with priority given to the rear motor, during more than 90% of all deceleration actions. Audi claims that the energy from practically all normal braking manoeuvres is recovered and fed back into the battery.
Land Rover’s new Defender
Land Rover's new Defender will be one of the highlights of 2020.
Land Rover’s new Defender model, a redesign of the brand’s iconic model, will be available from March 2020. The new Defender model has a recognisable silhouette that features signature Defender designs, including short front and rear overhangs. Defender also claims to have retained its legendary toughness.
This latest model still has its valuable work credentials, with a 900kg payload, and a trailer towing capacity of 3,500kg, with a wading depth of up to 900mm.
This new generation Defender comes with Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 technology, a new Wade programme and a new off-road Configurable Terrain Response to allow drivers to optimise traction, no matter the conditions.
Cleaner engines
There will be a choice of new petrol and cleaner diesel engines, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range later in the year.
So far, the petrol line-up comprises a four-cylinder P300 and a powerful six-cylinder P400, featuring efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology. Alternatively, customers can choose from a pair of four-cylinder diesels, the D200 and powerful D240, both of which claim to deliver fuel economy of 7.6l/100km (37.2mpg ) and CO2 emissions of 199g/km (NEDC equivalent).
The new Defender model has a recognisable silhouette that features signature Defender designs, including short front and rear overhangs
Land Rover retains the durable rubberised flooring. The new D7x architecture is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction, to create a stiff body structure. This replaces the traditional ladder-frame chassis. Land Rover claims that it is three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs.
Land Rover will retain the Defender 110 model available with 5+2 seating in four distinct Accessory Packs (Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban) and with 170 individual accessories, as well as the smaller Defender 90 and commercial models. We can expect to see the new Defender in Ireland in March 2020. While prices have yet to be revealed, expect to be paying over €40,000. The new Land Rover Defender is built at Land Rover’s new factory in Nitra, Slovakia, beside the new Discovery.
Suzuki offers self-charging hybrids
Suzuki fitted an engine change to most models in its range, as it introduces a new self-charging hybrid drive system, similar to that used by Toyota, in March 2020.
Suzuki plans to introduce three 48-Volt self-charging, hybrid-equipped derivatives to its range in spring 2020, which will also include the launch of the new K14D Boosterjet petrol engine. The brand will also have a new hybrid drive for Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross models. It claims that the new hybrid models offer up to 20% lower CO2 emissions, a greater level of torque and 15% overall improvement in WLTP-combined fuel consumption than previous models.
These new cars will directly replace the current 1.4l Boosterjet derivatives with manual transmission.
Similar to the 12V Hybrid SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system that was pioneered in 2016 with the Ignis and Swift SZ5 models, the newly developed 48V hybrid drive is said to be lightweight in design and the components add less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle.
Lithium-ion battery
The new high-powered Suzuki SHVS system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage, including lights, audio and air conditioning.
The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor. It is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off for a higher level of torque, with 235Nm available from 2,000rpm.
Suzuki plans to introduce three 48-Volt self-charging, hybrid-equipped derivatives to its range in spring 2020
The lithium-ion battery stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking, and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the ISG. This battery, along with the DC/DC convertor unit, are located under the front seats to assist overall weight distribution.
An interesting benefit of the new 48V hybrid system is electric motor idling when the clutch is disengaged and the engine speed is approximately 1,000rpm. This feature replaces fuel injection with power from the electric motor to maintain engine idling at vehicle speeds below 10mph and when stationary.
Suzuki claims that this function eliminates fuel consumption. As the engine momentum is electrically controlled by the ISG unit, the car is ready to re-accelerate with no engine restart delay.
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