Electel Blogspot

There was a lot of angst when Land Rover decided they could no longer just keep updating the Defender and killed off the model that was the icon of the vehicle from which the brand was born, writes Brian Byrne . The simple truth, it was no longer fit for modern purpose. It was truly iconic, still very capable in the right skilled hands, and was loved enough to garner a significant number of buyers every year. But an ever diminishing number. Besides, it was uncomfortable, noisy, and would never last under the continually more stringent emissions regulations. Eventually the patchwork of incremental improvements could no longer take another patch. Defender had become a dinosaur. I learned my early off-roading in a Defender. A long time ago now, but I would still be happy taking one in the most difficult conditions today and be confident that it would take me back home safely. But dinosaurs have to die eventually. Land Rover promised a replacement. It took them some time, but they finally ...

Jaguar has given its XF saloon and XF Sportbrake a substantial makeover that includes an enhanced exterior design for a more assertive presence, new more luxurious interiors, advanced connectivity and efficient engines with mild-hybrid capability, writes Trish Whelan . The new exterior includes a new front bumper, lower air intakes, a new wider grille, all-LED headlights, and a new rear bumper. This top end saloon also gets a new, more luxurious interior. The new cockpit design places greater focus on the driver. There’s also a new sporty centre console. Technologies include Jaguar’s latest Pivi Pro dual-sim infotainment accessed through a new 11.4 inch HD curved glass touchscreen. Software-Over-The-Air capability means the latest vehicle systems and infotainment are installed seamlessly and remotely. Petrol customers can choose between 250hp or a 300hp version of the 2.0 four-cylinder producing 365 Nm and 400 Nm respectively. The latter version is offered exclusively with AWD. The 250...

Range Rover has updated its Velar range with its new plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers 53km of all-electric driving, writes Brian Byrne . The Velar also gets the new 3.0 straight-six petrol and diesel engines, which are available with mild-hybrid technology in power outputs up to 400hp. A 240hp four-cylinder diesel is also now available on the range. Interior improvements include the provision of Land Rover's latest infotainment system Pivi and Pivi-Pro, which include an embedded data connection. Irish prices and specifications have yet to be finalised.    

A new generation of the Jaguar F-Pace is on the way with enhanced styling, a completely new interior and a range of engines that include a plug-in petrol hybrid, writes Trish Whelan . Styling changes include a larger grille, new bonnet sculpting, a revisit to the bumper design, and super-slim all-LED headlights as well as the familiar J-shaped running lights. Engine options will include diesels ranging from 163hp-300hp, a 250hp petrol and mild-hybrid petrols of 340hp and 400hp, as well as a 404hp PHEV with a rated all-electric range of up to 53km. Inside, a new 11.4" curved glass HD touchscreen is brighter and larger and has a simplified menu structure. There's also a 12.3" main display which is highly configurable. An improved filtration system is part of a cabin air ionisation to improve the air quality for car occupants. No details are yet available for Irish arrival or pricing.