New Wheels on the Block: 5 new cars you need to know about this week

This week we’re taking a look at the latest motors to enter the Irish market, along with some cars aren’t here just yet, but will be in the future; no funky, futuristic concepts this week.

Skoda Superb

Introducing the latest version of the Czech brand’s flagship model, the new SKODA Superb. The third generation of the model is set for its Irish debut on the July 15, with prices for the diesel models starting from €27,795. SKODA expects the big seller here in Ireland will be the 1.6 TDI 120bhp that boasts 14% more power and 13% improved fuel economy when compared with the outgoing unit. To be fair, it’s one superb fine looking car…

Audi Q3

Audi’s slick new Q3 'premium compact SUV’ has officially gone on sale here in Ireland with a starting price of €36,750 (on the road). The Q3 features the option of a new 2.0TDI 120bhp entry-level engine or the advanced 1.4TFSI 150bhp engine with Cylinder on Demand technology. The latter returns at 5.5l /100km and features the ‘ultra’ badge, so that should keep the polar bears happy(ish).

Opel Astra

Opel has revealed details of the new 11th generation Astra, which is set to make its world debut this September at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. No word on a price yet, but the specs already have us intrigued. The new Astra is set to be up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing generation and features more space inside even though it has smaller exterior dimensions. Tech geeks will be happy to hear that the new Astra will also be the first new model with Opel OnStar and New Infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Volvo XC90

The all-new Volvo XC90 was unveiled to Irish motorists for the first time at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre late last month. The launch marked a dual celebration as the XC90 was unveiled and a new partnership between Volvo Car Ireland and Live Nation was also announced, that will see Volvo Car Ireland installed as the new car partner at Live Nation Ireland’s two flagship venues, 3Arena and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The Swedish brand also teamed up with Avicii for this emotive video that’s worth a watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=19&v=VQlJhkD95Uc The new XC90 is available in Ireland from €70,950 – which isn’t cheap, buy by jaysus is it pretty.

SsangYong Tivoli

Recently unveiled here in Ireland, Ssangyong's very cool new compact crossover called the Tivoli will start at €19,995 for the 1.6 petrol model. According to the Korean brand, “Tivoli went on sale in Korea in January, and achieved 7,000 orders within three weeks of being released. Following its international launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the petrol powered Tivoli will go on sale in Ireland from June, and the diesel derivatives from July.” The Tivoli isn’t your average run of the mill motor and it’s set to go up against the likes of Nissan’s Juke and the Renault Captur, both of which sit in the ‘hate-them-or-love-them’ category of cars. We really like it...