Road Tested By Hugh Maguire.
Citroen have been producing some rather nice cars of late and the new C3Aircross is another example of this.
The car market is now dominated by the SUV, which is ironic really as in a time where everybody is getting hysterical about climate change, the heavier bigger SUV is not really the way to go. Lighter smaller cars produce less emissions, but that does not seem to stop the advance of the SUV. Ummmm…….food for thought! Ok I digress.
All-new C3 Aircross is now longer at 4.39 meters, providing greater interior space. The longer wheelbase offers the ability to comfortably accommodate up to 7 people onboard with two foldable seats in the third row. C3 Aircross is full of tricks to make family life easier by offering great flexibility making it a truly easy-to-live-with SUV.
The new C3 Aircross will offer for the first time alongside a traditional combustion engine a hybrid option that facilitates access to electrification. And to go further, an affordable all-electric powertrain produced in Europe will also be available.
In mid-2024, Citroën will fully unveil the new C3 Aircross, which has been completely reinvented to meet the expectations of families. It has a completely new dimension with powerful, assertive styling, more space on board and modularity with the capacity to accommodate up to 7 people, electrified offerings from hybrid to 100% electric, and comfort and connectivity on board.
Due to arrive in Ireland Q4 of 2024, more information about the all-new C3 Aircross will be shared closer to launch.
New Mazda CX-80
Mazda want an SUV to rival the best the German premium brands can offer and they hope the all new and I must say very luxurious CX-80 is the new flagship model for the brand.
It is the most spacious car in Mazda’s European line-up and will become the new flagship for Mazda in the region.
In this latest evolution the designers have focused on the elegance and purity of a minimalist Japanese aesthetic.
At almost five metres long and with a wheelbase of over three metres, the all-new Mazda CX-80 is longer, higher, and has a significantly longer wheelbase than the popular CX-60. In conjunction with two-fold-flat third row seats, the CX-80 will be available with a choice of three second row configurations, including the choice of two separate captain seats combined with either a centre console or a walk through to the third row.
The CX-80 is available with a choice of two powertrains at launch: an e-Skyactiv PHEV, combining a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, offering engaging performance with excellent environmental credentials; and a highly efficient, e-Skyactiv D, in-line six-cylinder diesel unit featuring Mazda’s M Hybrid Boost 48V mild hybrid system, which delivers outstanding emission and fuel economy performance for the segment.
Both powerplants are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) also offers a choice of four drive modes (plus EV mode for the PHEV) as already introduced in the CX-60.
Presales for the all-new Mazda CX-80 will start in May, and the car will be on sale in dealerships from Autumn 2024. Price of the all-new Mazda CX-80 in Ireland starts at €61,380.