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The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
UK's best-selling car unveils bold new look with stylish ‘star-point' lights and sleek interior
KIA has unveiled a new-look model of their popular Sportage – and it's gunning to stay one of the UK's favourite SUVs. The Advertisement 3 The model is getting a handsome facelift Credit: Supplied 3 It boasts a new sleek interior For buyers to better understand, they should know that Kia is launching the Sportage in three clear These are named Pure, GT-Line and GT-Line S. Each one comprises a range of plug-in hybrids . Automatic, manual, front and all-wheel Advertisement READ MORE MOTOR NEWS Inside the new The GT-Line S adds a full digital cockpit and a 10-inch head-up display. All versions keep a 1.6-litre turbo engine but each have different levels of hybridisation. The first hybrid starts with 148bhp and a choice of manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. Advertisement Most read in Motors Full hybrids have jumped 28bhp to 235bhp thanks to a beefier e-motor. Meanwhile, Kia 's plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain has gotten the biggest upgrade due to a 42bhp increase in power. The first-ever all-electric MINI JCW Aceman It can now punch out a whopping 283bhp. Kia has remained tight-lipped on the electric-only range's max distance - so shoppers can expect it to remain at roughly 40 miles. Advertisement The car manufacturer is sticking to offering the Sportage in its Euro-centric short-wheelbase form. Models made in the domestic Korean, American and Australasian markets will feature a longer wheelbase The exterior also boasts new colour options - as well as a range of new 17-19-inch wheels. New swipe-down shortcuts and AI voice control make the tech accessible and top of the line. Advertisement Also important to note, is the glossy scratch-prone plastics used in the surround, which have been binned for a tougher brushed metal trim. Since 2022, Brits have snapped up over 124,000 Sportages and sales have often topped monthly charts. Rivals like VW's Tiguan and Hyundai's Tucson are worthy competitors in the SUV market. But the Advertisement The old model already looks great, drives sweetly, and has the right mix of hybrid engines, useful tech and practicality. And it starts from just £29,000. The Sportage has been dubbed the "do-it-all family SUV". 3 Brits snapped up over 124,000 Sportages last year Credit: Supplied Advertisement
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Ferrari reveals date for iconic brand's first-ever EV after ‘preparing for years'
FERRARI has revealed the launch date for its first ever electric vehicle - after having "prepared for years". The car giant's CEO Benedetto Vigna made the bombshell announcement at a financial meeting, saying that the car would be unveiled in three steps . Advertisement 2 Ferrari announced when its new EV will reach customers, after they launched an e-building factory, pictured He said that the manufacturer will show "the technological heart" of the new model at the company's capital markets day on October 9. The revolutionary model's debut will take place in the spring of next year and sales will start in October 2026, Vigna announced on May 6. The groundbreaking statement is the first time Ferrari has indicated when the In February, Vigna claimed the car would be presented at the company's capital market day in October. Advertisement READ MORE MOTOR NEWS Ferrari Chairman John Elkann said that his company had been "preparing for years" for electrification. The company first started selling hybrid models in 2019 - but has now scheduled to unveil the new fully electric cars for this October. Elkann said during the company's annual shareholders' meeting: "Electrification has been a path that we've been pursuing now for decades, starting in Formula One and then from our race cars to our sports cars. "We are very excited about unveiling the Ferrari Elettrica." Advertisement Most read in Motors He praised the newly inaugurated Ferrari facility - which was introduced in June in its hometown of Maranello. Known as the e-building, he said it would give the firm increased manufacturing flexibility to develop future models. Ferrari releases NEW convertible with blistering 211mph top speed for £366,500 "Now, we can also claim that all our key electric components are developed and handcrafted in Maranello," Elkann added. Vigna reaffirmed that Ferrari would continue to produce petrol, hybrid as well as fully electric cars. Advertisement Hybrid cars made up 51% of all Ferrari sales in 2024. Vigna said: "Indeed, in line with our strategy, we continue to invest in all three powertrains ... to offer our clients maximum freedom of choice." Ferrari sells about one in four cars in the United States - its largest market. The firm said in March that it plans to raise prices for some of its models by as much as 10 percent because of Donald Trump's tariffs. Advertisement But despite the economic changes - Ferrari on May 6 reported a 15 per cent rise in first-quarter core earnings and stuck to its financial guidance for the year. 2 Sales will start in October 2026
