Alfa Romeo forced to change name of new car

Alfa Romeo have had to change the name of their new compact car less than a week after revealing it, writes Brian Byrne.

The new Milano will now be called the Junior, resurrecting a 1960s nameplate for the brand's sports coupes of the era designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

The Italian government complained about the name of the new car because it is not to be produced in Milan but in Poland. Italy's industry minister Adolfo Urso cited a 2003 law that says using Italian-sounding names for products not manufactured in Italy misleads consumers.

The Junior is a B-segment SUV that will be the sporty brand's first EV. Petrol engines will also be available later.

Alfa Romeo, which started in Milan, previously used the Milano name in America when it sold the Alfa Romeo 75 saloon there.

 

Opel reveals images of new Frontera SUV

Opel Ireland has revealed the first full images of its new Frontera SUV, writes Trish Whelan. 

The spacious new SUV will be available both in fully electric and hybrid powertrains and will debut in Irish showrooms later this year. 

Opel Ireland say it is ideally suited to the urban and sub-urban environment and will feature a fully digital Pure Panel cockpit with two 10-inch displays and multimedia infotainment system and an Intel-Seat feature in the front seats designed to relieve pressure on the tailbone ensuring comfort even on long journeys. A wireless charger and two USB ports are available in the front with two USB ports in the second row. Second row passengers have integrated smartphone pockets in the back rests of the front seats. 

Luggage space of 460 litres can increase to 1,600 litres with seats folded down. 

Price and equipment levels will be announced closer to launch.

 

Skoda regenerates Kodiaq

Skoda have revealed details of their second generation Kodiaq, their largest SUV, writes Brian Byrne.

The vehicle has larger dimensions than the outgoing one, and will have choices from five powertrains outputting 150hp-204hp. There will be a PHEV engine with a claimed EV range of 100km. All powertrains will be automatic. AWD will be available in the range.

A ChatGPT integration with the voice control system will bring Artificial Intelligence improvement to the facility. 

Hybrid powertrains for DS models

New hybrid powertrains are being added to the DS 3 and DS 4 models options in the DS Automobiles division of the Stellantis Group, writes Brian Byrne. The units are claimed to be up to 20pc more fuel efficient than the standard petrol engine offerings.

The self-charging hybrid technology incorporates a 1.2 136hp petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic that has the electric motor integrated. The battery is under the floor, so boot capacity isn't affected.

The hybrids offer improved acceleration in both models, and in use in urban driving can operate in EV mode for more than 50pc of the time.

Irish market availability and pricing will follow. 

Big revisions to Renault Captur

Renault has revealed details of a substantially updated Captur, writes Brian Byrne. The B-segment SUV comes with front and rear end styling, and an upgraded interior.

A higher bonnet and much more technical look to the front end sharpens the visuals, as does a new daytime running lights signature shape. LED lights are standard across the range of grades.

The interior changes include a new vertical infotainment and redesigned driver information screens and new upholstery trim that now excludes leather. Renault aims to phase out animal-derived materials by 2025.

Engines options will include petrol, mild-hybrid and full-hybrid with outputs from 90hp-160hp depending on markets. The full hybrid is claimed to off 80pc driving in electric mode in urban conditions.

More information on Irish market availability and pricing will come later.