Higher power, bigger verve

Coming here in late June is the new generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Great news is that, in some cases, the new model will be cheaper than the old one, especially when its extra standard equipment is taken into account. With a CO2 reading of just 139g/km, the four-cylinder diesel models will come in Band B for taxation purposes. Although named E200 CDi, E220 CDi and E250 CDi, all use the same 2143cc engine, though in different states of tune. The wedge-shaped body is very distinctive, set off by a new, four headlamp look, while bigger rear doors aid access.

Structurally, the car is 30pc stiffer than the old one, which makes a noticeable improvement to ride quality on poor road surfaces. A newly developed suspension system, with adaptive shock absorbers, also helps in this regard. The new shape is aerodynamically efficient too, its Cd factor of only 0.25 being the best in class. The car gets lots of safety-related equipment, the latest (standard on all versions) being Attention Assist, which uses 70 different sensors to monitor a driver’s behaviour, giving both audible and visible warnings if the onset of fatigue is detected. With driver fatigue at last officially recognised as being a big contributor to accidents, this is very welcome news.

Lexus RX450h

Imagine a big, luxurious Crossover SUV, with a four-wheel drive, that pays the same annual road tax as a Ford Focus or a Volkswagen Golf with a 1.4-litre petrol engine? Seems impossible! However, that is what Lexus has been able to achieve with the new RX450h, thanks to its second-generation hybrid system.

This, along with a more aerodynamic body, is the key to the Lexus RX450h’s Band C tax in Ireland, making it cleaner than the best diesel-engined rivals. As a result, its price will start at €62,000. That is very much cheaper than the vehicle it replaces, which is on the list at €77,560. Over a three-year period, fuel costs will be much lower, too, estimated at €4,875, against €8,250 previously, assuming 20,000km per annum.

In most of Europe, only this hybrid version will be available, though in some markets, including the US, a petrol-only model will be sold as well. The body is all-new and its exterior design brings a fresh look, though the family resemblance carries over. The interior is much refreshed, with a top-quality trim and excellent levels of fit and finish. The vehicle has more passenger room than before and a redesign of the suspension brings less intrusion into the luggage space.

A very significant improvement comes with the new controller system – the human machine interface, if you wish. Instead of the previous touchscreen system, there is a new joystick control, which Lexus calls ‘Remote Touch’. This works like a computer mouse, with a point and click action. In use, it really is intuitive, much more so than the systems used by luxury German makers – particularly for those who sit in the right-hand seat to drive.

The European launch took place in Hungary, starting off the drive in and around Budapest. In the city, the car could be driven in full electric mode and, as one moved further out into faster traffic, the engine cut in quite seamlessly. Performance when you put your foot down is very brisk, with Lexus claiming that it takes just 7.8 seconds to go from rest to 100km/h. The only slightly strange thing is the sound of the engine, which, as with any CVT transmission system, goes straight to maximum revs when full power is required. On the motorways, cruising is very silent and relaxed, particularly with the advanced cruise control system set.

Our routes took us across some rough, bumpy, twisty country roads too, and here the improved suspension did a fine job of smoothening out the journey. The standard car was quite good in corners, being pretty roll-free and steering competently. With the Active Stabiliser System fitted, it was even more precise and rewarding to drive. Lexus has made big improvements in these areas. Overall, even in these cash-strapped times, the new RX450h makes sense. It is much cheaper than before to buy and run, yet offers more space and improved comfort.

BMW Z4

Perhaps more difficult to justify economically in straightened times is the dashing BMW Z4, particularly in its top-of-the-range 306bhp twin turbo format, which comes at €74,500. However, such mundane matters aside, this is a great car to drive and, for the first time, it abandons the traditional BMW fabric cabriolet roof for a folding metal one. The new looks are immediately attractive, while there is a slightly larger cabin and more boot space. This top version was the only one available at the international launch, although the range in Ireland now starts with the 2.3i, which enters at €52,250.

New to the range is an optional seven-speed double-clutch gearbox. This was fitted to the test car and suited it very well in fully automatic mode. However, BMW’s double-action paddle shifts behind the steering wheel are less than intuitive in operation and it was more satisfying to use the gear lever when manual changes were required. On smooth Spanish roads, comfort was quite acceptable, though subsequent reports from the UK suggest that it might be a wise idea to stick to the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, as larger sizes reduce ride comfort. On twisty roads, dynamics are very good, with precise steering, good body control and fine grip. Then, should the rains come, the metal roof takes just 20 seconds to close. All Z4 models come in Band F, with annual road tax at €1,050.

Will purchasing an electric car be a real option in the coming years?

Electrical propulsion has been around since the very beginning of the motor car. However, it was not long before other forms of power – steam and then the internal combustion engine – relegated the electric motor vehicle to the museum. Electric delivery vans were quite common after the Second World War in cities but, once again, cheap oil won out.

Today, as the finite life of oil is undisputed and cleaner ways of generating electricity are perfected, the electric car is back as a very serious contender. This more general acceptance of electric propulsion was helped by the phenomenal success of the Toyota Prius, a petrol/electric hybrid. This showed drivers that a car could function perfectly on electric power (admittedly for a limited period) and, more importantly, that an electric motor gave lots of bang for your buck in the form of instant acceleration.

While the combustion engine/electric motor hybrid will continue to increase its share of production and more will become ‘plug-in’ hybrids, mainstream manufacturers are now starting to roll fully electric cars off the production lines. New technologies are helping, bringing smaller, lighter batteries that take up less space and last the lifetime of the car. Public utility companies, such as the ESB, are now fully committed to providing recharging points and ‘empty for full’ battery exchange stations are on the way for those who wish to undertake longer trips.

Just a few weeks ago, Renault/Nissan signed a deal with the Government and the ESB, which will see family saloon-size electric cars on sale here, starting in 2011. Mitsubishi is even better placed. Its i-MiEV four seater goes into full production in Japan next month, and the Irish importer hopes to have 50 vehicles here in October. Peugeot has just announced a deal with Mitsubishi, which will allow it to sell the same essential vehicle under its logo.

As well as these developments, many car makers are close to launching electrically propelled cars, which will also have an internal combustion engine on board. The latter never drives the wheels. It is only used to run a generator that keeps the battery charged on long journeys, thus giving the same range as a conventional car, but with greatly reduced emissions. The Opel Ampera/Chevrolet Volt is a good example of what is to come in this regard.

While the precise timing remains uncertain, it is quite clear that, five years or so from now, plugging your car into the mains will be as normal as going to the filling station for petrol or diesel.

This article first appeared in Irish Director magazine