Budget 2020 implications

The increase in the carbon tax in last week’s budget will add about €0.02/l to the cost of petrol and diesel. The 1% diesel surcharge will be replaced by a nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions-based charge applying to all passenger cars registered for the first time in the State from 1 January 2020. This will affect used imports more than new cars. The zero rate of benefit-in-kind on electric vehicles has been extended to 2022. VRT relief for hybrids has been allowed subject to CO2 thresholds. The CO2 thresholds for reliefs in respect of capital allowances and VAT reclaim on commercial vehicles have been reduced.

New Kia XCeed crossover

Kia in Ireland has launched the new XCeed, a compact urban crossover. The car is based loosely on the Ceed car and entry prices start from €26,245. Kia will initially offer three trim levels and two engine options, 1l petrol and 1.6l turbo-diesel. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is expected to arrive in Ireland in late January. The entry level 1.0l T-GDi K2 is equipped with standard kit that includes 16in alloy wheels, LED lights front and rear, rear privacy glass, 8in touchscreen and a host of safety features including lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, high beam assist and speed limit assist.

Merc goes electric

Mercedes-Benz in Ireland has launched its first family of electric-powered vehicles with the arrival of the new EQC model, based on the GLC, a mid-range SUV. The company has an EQ 10-vehicle pipeline scheduled to launch in Ireland between now and 2022. This will include an EQV personnel carrier, EQA, EQB, EQS and EQE models. Prices for the entry model EQC 400 4-Matic, 300Kw/408hp start at €89,450, which is claimed to be €3,445 and €10,800 lower than its two main rivals. With power consumption of 22.2kWh/100km and a low emissions figure of zero, EQC has a range of more than 450km.

300bhp Peugeot hybrid

Peugeot has unveiled a new 3008 SUV plug-in hybrid model, which is claimed to be the most powerful road-going Peugeot ever. The 3008 Hybrid4 boasts four-wheel drive and a combined 300bhp, yet it emits just 29g CO2/km and consumes 1.3l/100km of fuel under WLTP (Real World Driving) standards. The model will be only available in the top-of-the-range GT trim. Prices and final specifications will be announced in October. The 3008 Hybrid4 is fitted with a 200bhp (147kW) petrol engine, combined with two independent electric motors, altogether powering each of the four wheels.

The electric unit at the front develops 110bhp (81kW) and is coupled to an eight-speed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox; a second electric motor with 112bhp (83kW), is fitted to the rear axle.