Latest news with #carlaunch
BreakingNews.ie
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- BreakingNews.ie
Leapmotor joins the Chinese ranks in Ireland in September
Were you sitting there, fingers crossed, hunched in anticipation of yet another Chinese car brand arriving in the Irish car market? Well, then we have some good news — Leapmotor is coming in September. Leapmotor isn't entirely Chinese, however; it's actually the product of a joint venture between Leapmotor itself, and the vast car-making conglomerate that is Stellantis. That being the case, it's only natural that the Irish importer for Leapmotor is going to be Gown Auto, which already represents eight other Stellantis Group brands here, including Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot (and Honda, which is nothing to do with Stellantis at all). Advertisement Michael Dwan, Managing Director at Gowan Group said: 'Leapmotor aims to become Ireland's best value electric vehicle brand by offering high levels of specification and advanced technology as standard.' Leapmotor is big in China, of course, and has been one of the fastest growing new brands there. Its first models will arrive in Ireland in September of this year, and they couldn't be more different. The first is the small and very cheap T03, which looks like a car trying to wear a Fiat Panda Halloween mask, has a 37kWh battery, and has a range of only 265km. It will be a rival to the likes of the Hyundai Inster and the Dacia Spring, but Leapmotor is promising high-end specifications for the dinky EV, including a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a modern 10.1-inch infotainment system. Advertisement At the other end of the scale is the C10 SUV, which is meant to be a premium-level car and a rival to the likes of BMW and Audi. Leapmotor C10 SUV It boasts a 69.9kWh battery and a range of up to 500km, but possibly of more interest to Irish buyers will be a long-range plug-in hybrid which boasts a range of up to 145km on battery power, and then 900km on a combined battery and fuel tank. It will be notably well-equipped, and will come as standard with electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree surround view camera, heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker premium Hi-Fi system, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, and a ten-inch digital instrument cluster. Prices haven't been announced yet, but the T03 will have to start below €20,000 if it's to compete with Dacia and Hyundai. Advertisement The C10's quasi-premium ambitions make for a cloudier picture, but realistically it's going to have to be priced between €40,000 and €50,000 to compete with mainstream opposition, not to mention the more established Chinese brands such as BYD. As is ever the case with these new brands, ambition is not in short supply. Leapmotor says that by 2028 it will have expanded to an eight-car lineup, including a third model for 2025 — the B10 compact crossover. The B10 and the T03 are already being built in Europe (the B10 in Slovakia, the T03 in Poland) which means they will be able to duck around the EU's Chinese EV tariffs. At the same time, the status of the C10 is less clear, although Stellantis is known to be seeking additional factory space in the EU for a third Chinese EV.
Arab News
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Renault Koleos 2026 makes regional debut in Diriyah
Wallan Trading, the exclusive distributor of French automotive brand Renault in Saudi Arabia, officially launched the Renault Koleos 2026 in Diriyah in a grand event attended by notable guests, media persons and auto enthusiasts. The launch marked the model's debut in the Middle East region. The event featured an interactive reveal enriched by dynamic audiovisual effects, culminating in the unveiling of the new Renault Koleos. Guests had the opportunity to explore the vehicle up close and discover its distinctive design and advanced technological features. Fahad Al-Wallan, chairman of Wallan Holding, emphasized the strong partnership between Wallan Trading and Renault, united in their vision to deliver a premium ownership and driving experience through vehicles known for their elegant design, innovative technology, and high performance. 'The Renault Koleos 2026 represents a significant milestone in the automotive world and is the perfect choice for those who value elegance, refinement, quality, and innovation,' Al-Wallan said. 'The decision to debut Koleos 2026 in the Saudi market, as a first in the Middle East, reflects the Kingdom's growing importance amid strong economic growth and ongoing positive developments. This new generation of Koleos offers a truly exceptional option for car lovers, thanks to its innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and advanced features.' The new Koleos is a pivotal launch within Renault's International Game Plan 2027. It belongs to the D-segment of midsize SUVs and reflects the brand's new design language and its guiding philosophy 'voitures à vivre,' meaning 'cars for living.' The model offers a bold, premium driving experience while prioritizing safety for drivers, passengers, and other road users. Measuring 4.78 meters long, 1.88 meters wide, and 1.68 meters tall, Koleos delivers the proportions of a high-end SUV. A generous 2.82-meter wheelbase ensures ample interior space, with boot capacity of up to 589 liters. The cabin features three panoramic 12.3-inch openR screens stretching across the dashboard, premium materials, and high-comfort seats, all contributing to a luxurious onboard experience. The front seats are heated and ventilated, with the front passenger seat adjustable in six directions, controlled via the dedicated passenger display. Koleos is equipped with an intelligent four-wheel drive system that seamlessly adapts to changing road conditions without manual intervention. On smooth roads, it switches to 2WD for enhanced fuel efficiency. The intelligent torque distribution system adapts seamlessly to slippery, muddy, or sandy environments, providing optimal traction. The 8-speed automatic transmission adjusts to the driver's style, improving over time for smoother performance. It is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque, ensuring a dynamic and refined drive. Koleos includes six drive modes, including off-road mode, and features 29 advanced driver assistance systems, three of which enable Level 2 autonomous driving. The vehicle uses a 180-degree interface to display nearby traffic in real time. Koleos is also fitted with next-generation active driver assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centering technology. This system maintains the vehicle's lane position using sensors and cameras, while an emergency lane-keeping function anticipates collisions and assists in avoidance maneuvers. To ensure maximum safety, 18 percent of Koleos' body structure uses hot forming technology, enhancing rigidity and crash protection. This also reduces vibrations and road noise for a smoother ride. The Renault Koleos 2026 is now available across Saudi Arabia with prices starting from SR112,900 ($30,100), excluding VAT. It comes with a five-year or 100,000-km warranty and free servicing for two years or 40,000 km (whichever comes first).
