Motors with Tony Conlon: New plate arrivals are just 222 good to be true

Between a shortage of semi-conductors - which in itself has led to a scarcity of cars - a war, high fuel costs and Covid, crystal ball-gazing to try and determine what the next six months will bring is a hazardous occupation.

What I do know, however, is that the second half of this year will see more new cars arriving on the Irish market.

Mercedes-Benz: The second half of the year will see no let-up in the pace of new model introductions at Mercedes-Benz. Planned are twelve new arrivals, including facelifted versions of the popular A-Class and B-Class, accompanied by high-performance Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 models in each case.

Also making an appearance will be a new AMG SL, the high-performance version of a model generally regarded as one of motoring’s most iconic creations.

Continuing the AMG story, other newcomers will be an AMG GT 4-door Coupé and AMG-branded versions of the recently introduced EQE and EQS – a Mercedes-AMG EQE 43, EQE 53 and EQS 53 AMG. And rounding off the year will be the anticipated arrival of the new GLC SUV which was recently revealed to international media.

Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in Ireland, said arrivals in the second half of the year will see the brand’s model offering in Ireland brought totally up-to-date with a heavier-than-ever concentration of all-electric, plug-in electric and mild hybrid model choice.

BMW: Come September order books will open for the first-ever BMW M3 Touring, a model that is claimed to blend blistering performance with everyday practicality.

Powered by a 510hp 3.0-litre straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, the tourer will be exclusively available in competition guise with M xDrive all-wheel-drive from €147,160.

Volkswagen: Volkswagen has introduced its new ID.5 E-SUV Coupé Tech and a top dual motor all-wheel-drive GTX model in time for 222 sales.

Priced from €69,185 and €78,410, respectively, I had a short spin in both models which display premium standards and feature cutting edge technologies such as their lighting systems. Projected WLTP mileage for the electric models is 520km for the Tech and 490 kms for the GTX.

Range Rover: The new Range Rover Sport has been on display recently at Land Rover dealers around the country for prospective clients to view.

Claimed to be the most desirable, advanced and dynamically capable, a static view of the large SUV showed it to redefine the sporting luxury DNA of the model.

Priced from €114,150 for the 3.0 16 PHEV 433bhp Dynamic SE model, other models include six-cylinder extended range electric hybrids, a potent V8 and mild hybrid six-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium engines. A pure electric version will be introduced in 2024.

Citroen: Citroën has announced details of its facelifted C5 Aircross SUV.

Having undergone significant design enhancements as part of the latest product refresh, the new C5 Aircross has a newly designed front end which incorporates a new design language and interpretation of the brand logo; it also features new rear taillights and lavish new interior seating.

The facelifted version of this SUV, which has been the bestselling Citroën passenger car in Ireland since 2020, will be available with a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power systems. First models have arrived in Ireland for the 222-registration period.

The facelifted C5 Aircross will be available in six different colour options including the new Eclipse Blue option which changes shade based on the external light exposure.

Inside, the car features a fully customisable 12.3” digital display. There is also a newly designed 10” touchscreen infotainment system (My Citroën Drive) which comes as standard from the second trim level.

The new C5 Aircross is equipped with the latest generation of Citroën Advanced Comfort seats and the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension, which is exclusive to Citroën and improves absorption of imperfections in the road.

The boot volume is said to be a record for the segment: from 580 litres to 720 litres in the petrol and diesel versions and from 460 litres to 600 litres for the hybrid version. The Aircross also offers a wide range of latest-generation technologies and 20 driver-assistance systems

Colin Sheridan, managing director of Citroën Ireland, recently remarked that he was delighted to have “secured a strong production allocation based on our July seasonality”.