Review: The Junior Elettrica, Alfa's very first electric SUV
As Alfa Romeo's first electric SUV, there's a lot riding on the success of the Junior Elettrica.
The design is immediately recognisable as an Alfa, inside and out. To bring costs down, there are obvious pieces of trim taken from the wide range of Stellantis' stable. As an electric SUV, the slow charging rate is good and the range is approximately 400kms in Speciale trim.
Boot space is decent for the class, and passengers in the rear will feel the pinch on long journeys, even if the driver isn't that tall. The infotainment syncs quickly, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto makes it easy to live with.
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Irish Times
14 hours ago
- Irish Times
Carluex Pro+ review: turning your in-car system into an entertainment hub
Tech review: Carleux Pro+ Carluex Pro+ Price : €222 Website : Where To Buy : Carluex There was a time when every car had a CD player (and if you are old enough to remember before that, a tape deck). But in recent years, there has been a shift to streaming music and these days you are more likely to buy a car that comes with an oversized infotainment screen so your smartphone content can take pride of place in some way. Exactly how it does that, though, can vary from car to car. More often than not it taps into your smartphone's content in some way. Apple has CarPlay, while Google has developed Android Auto so your phone is essentially mirrored on your in-car entertainment system. Most cars built after a certain date will include at least wired access to this software, meaning you need to connect it to the car via a USB cable. READ MORE But there are limitations to what you can do with it. Only certain apps can be accessed, in some cases with good reason – video streaming while driving is an obvious dangerous practice, as is gaming, but when the car is parked, why not allow it? And there are other apps that just don't seem to make it on to the in-car systems, because they aren't relevant to driving or because the developer hasn't made a version that will work on the systems. Step in the Carluex Pro+, a small box that will turn that display into a full extension of your smartphone, without (many) limitations. All it needs is a decent-sized display and an existing compatible wired connection. Before we go to deep into this, it is worth noting that there are cheaper wireless CarPlay and Android Auto adaptors out there. But the Carluex Pro+ is not simply a wireless accessory that allows you to mirror your phone on the car's screen. Iit is more of a mini computer in its own right. It just happens to use your car's screen as the display via a USB cable, and adds voice control. On the inside, the Carluex is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and runs on Android 13. It is relatively easy to set up too. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Instead of plugging your phone to your car's USB port when you get into the car, you simply plug in the Carluex Pro+. It takes a few minutes to connect properly and sync, but once it does, you have access to the full suite of applications via the Play Store, plus your Android Auto or CarPlay interface. So how do you access all the apps? It works best if you have a touchscreen in the car – something that is fairly standard for many new cars – but if you have a simple screen, you can buy an optional remote control. For this review, the car had a touchscreen so it was easy to access the on-screen menu. [ Are car touchscreens safe? Safety regulator lays down the law Opens in new window ] The device itself worked pretty well for the most part. There was an occasional lag, which may have had more to do with the data connection than anything else. There is a bit of a learning curve to start with, especially if Android is not your usual mobile platform. There are some apps pre-installed, such as Disney+ and Netflix, but to access more you will need a Google account for the Play Store, or the technical know-how to get around that. Most people will choose the former option, so best to have those details to hand rather than trying to set an account up from scratch on your in-car screen. There is 64 GB of storage on board but you can expand that with a micro SD card. Why do you need extra storage? Because you can download extra apps or load up video content to watch while you are stuck on the side of a rainy football pitch without internet connection. And that is another element you have to consider. A lot of the apps on the device will need an internet connection of some sort at some stage, either to download them or set them up, if not an ongoing connection to access content. You have two options here: you can have a separate sim card for data that you can insert into the Carluex device; or you can use your phone's data connection as a hotspot. One involves extra expense, obviously, but both will work. [ MyFirst Fone S3 review: A child-friendly watch that delays the inevitable smartphone Opens in new window ] I mentioned at the start of the review there weren't many restrictions. There is one that people should be aware of – or at least certain people. The Carluex Pro+ is not compatible with BMW s, although there is a separate version that is specifically built for the German cars. Good For a reasonably small sum of money, this device will bring new functionality to your car. It will also broaden what you can do with your in-car facilities, turning the touchscreen into an entertainment hub – when the engine is off. Bad It doesn't work with every car – BMW requires a different Carluex model, for example. There is also the safety aspect that comes into play; there is a reason why certain features and apps are locked out from in-car systems when driving. Everything else The expandable storage gives you space to download Netflix episodes so you don't always need an internet connection, which is especially handy for rainy mornings sitting at the side of a pitch with other children to keep entertained. It is also another way to move your favoured settings between different cars as easily as plugging in a USB cable. Verdict An easy way to turn your in-car system into an entertainment hub. Just use it sensibly.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Kia's refreshed Sportage including comfy cabin, punchy new looks and driving mode young families will love
PEOPLE say never work with children or animals. Because they're totally unpredictable. Treats will only get you so far. Advertisement 5 Maisie and cockapoo pal Bijoux help put the Kia Sportage, Britain's favourite family SUV, to the ultimate family test 5 The Kia comes with three engine choices — 1.6-litre petrol mild hybrid, full hybrid or plug-in hybrid Credit: Supplied 5 Two little fluff balls, perfect for having a proper rummage around the refreshed Sportage Credit: Supplied But I'm not one to listen. So when Kia said Britain's favourite SUV is better for the family than ever before, I had to put it to the test. Meet Maisie and her new bestie, Bijoux the cockapoo. Two little fluff balls, perfect for having a proper rummage around the refreshed Sportage. Advertisement READ MORE ROAD TESTS Here are five things you need to know. 1. It's got a 'baby and toddler mode' which smooths out acceleration and driver inputs. Makes everything less jolty. So little toddlers like Maisie stay sound asleep. Happy babies = happy parents. You know that. 2. The boot. Comfortably beats a Nissan Advertisement Most read in Motors Swallows pushchairs, luggage and all the usual family debris — even a dog crate to keep Bijoux safe. Which also means no muddy paws on the seats. Bonus. Some dogs will appreciate the baby mode, too. The Sun's Motors Editor, Rob Gill test drives the Kia EV3 3. New front end. OUT go the 'boomerang' lights from today's More aggressive. Will help Sportage stand out from the crowd. The rear lights have also been updated, as well as some other little details to keep things fresh. Advertisement 4. Cabin. Absolutely nailed it. Lots of big-car tech in here but still knobs and buttons for the things that need knobs and buttons. Comfy. Roomy. Lots of handy storage, big cup holders, even USB-C charging ports in the side of the front seats for people sat in the back. Three well-equipped trim levels, not four as before. Posher versions get Apple CarPlay satnav arrows integrated into the Head-up Display. 5. Engines. Three choices — 1.6-litre petrol mild hybrid, full hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Advertisement The last two have a bit more oomph than before and the option of four-wheel drive. It's got a 'baby and toddler mode' which smooths out acceleration and driver inputs Here's some good news for caravanners and people with weekend toys. Maximum towing capacity has increased to 1,510kg. No diesel. No pure electric. If you want to go electric next , there's a Sportage-sized EV5 coming soon. 6. Sorry, I can't count. Price. No official numbers from Kia yet but I'm guessing £31k for the petrol manual when it hits showrooms in September? Advertisement That would be a lot of car at a sensible price. Maisie's parents own a Kia Niro by the way. You can guess what car they want next. 5 The refreshed Sportage's cabin is spot on – packed with big-car tech but still has proper knobs and buttons where it counts Credit: Supplied 5 It's even got a 'baby and toddler mode' which smooths out acceleration and driver inputs Credit: Supplied Advertisement
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
String of UK car dealerships to SHUT in weeks with dozens of jobs up in the air after being ditched by huge brands
TWO major car brands are set to stop trading with one of the largest dealerships in the UK. Staff at affected branches were left fuming after being informed of the decision earlier this week, putting dozens of jobs at risk. Advertisement 5 Staff at the affected dealerships were informed of the decision earlier this week Credit: Marshall Vauxhall 5 Marshall Motor Group is set to cull several of its 138 stores across the UK Credit: Marshall Peugeot 5 It comes after six branches were shut earlier this year Credit: Marshall Peugeot Stellantis UK, who own huge brands including Peugeot and Vauxhall, confirmed it had terminated its contract with Marshall Motor Group by mutual consent. It means that Marshall, which represents 25 manufacturers, is set to close several of its 138 stores across the country. Six branches were Three Peugeot stores have been culled, with locations in Gatwick, Cambridge and St Neots set to be shut down by the end of June. Advertisement Read more in Motors And one Vauxhall garage in Ipswich is also set to close its doors for the final time by the end of next month. Staff members at the affected shops were informed of the shock decision earlier this week following an internal announcement. Speaking to The Sun, a source said: 'Staff at all four branches have been told the exact same thing. 'There is a lot of purposefully confusing jargon being thrown around, but essentially they are not renewing the contracts with Stellantis. Advertisement Most read in Motors 'There are roughly 60 people at each location, so we're looking at dozens of jobs being put at risk. 'They didn't give staff any particular reason, it doesn't seem to make much sense to them.' Japanese giant unveils its new bargain EV with quirky 'bug eye' headlights It is not known whether The motor firm declined to comment on the closures. Advertisement Stellantis confirmed they would continue to sell cars in the same areas with new investors. In a statement, the firm said: "Stellantis UK confirms that, by mutual agreement, our retailer agreements with Marshall as a group has ceased at all their sites. "We have appointed new investors to represent our brands in the majority of these locations, therefore offering our customers continued representation for sales and service." It comes after Marshall confirmed in March it was "downsizing" its relationship with Stellantis. Advertisement The firm axed It also shut a Vauxhall store in Peterborough, with all four closing on March 31. 5 The Marshall Peugeot Gatwick store is set to close at the end of June Credit: Peugeot 5 Marshall confirmed in March it was "downsizing" its relationship with Stellantis Credit: Peugeot Advertisement Employees at these locations were reportedly "blindsided" by this shocking news, according to Staff were reportedly told about the sad news on February 28. An employee claimed: "We were blindsided by it to be honest, we just didn't see it coming. "When the directors came down to tell us last week, they said it wasn't linked to performance and it's because Marshall is downsizing its number of Stellantis sites." Advertisement Marshall Volkswagen Horsham and Aylesbury were also culled at the end of March. A statement on its website read: "Further to a strategic review, Marshall Volkswagen Aylesbury and Marshall Volkswagen Horsham will close. "Its sales, service and parts operations, including the customer base will transfer to Marshall Volkswagen stores." Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.
