2019 has been a year full of potential in the automotive industry. That potential has made selling and buying cars in Ireland all the more interesting, as no one could quite predict which trends were going to flourish.
Now that the end of the year is upon us, it’s easier to see how things have panned out. Drivers, it seems, found comfort in the familiar, even as the automotive industry began to shift towards electric vehicles and vehicles equipped with more complex AI.
#Hyundai Tucson
You shouldn’t be surprised to see the Hyundai Tucson back on a top vehicle list for 2019. The Tucson has long been popular in Ireland, thanks to its highly-successful launch in 2016. The body of the car hasn’t changed all that much since its initial debut. You can still enjoy its larger-than-life style, with a spacious boot and an accommodating back seat.
It may not be the most exciting car on the market to drive, thanks to its 1.6 GDI unit, but it’s more than workable on the road. Coming in at just €288 per month when you purchase from Hyundai directly, you’ll be able to find this car parked in all manner of garages.
2019 has evolved this long-popular model. Instead of relying solely on the petrol option that’s long dominated the roads, Hyundai is now experimenting with a pseudo-hybrid version of the Hyundai Tucson. This version, while more expensive than the original, is more environmentally-sound, not to mention more affordable on the road.
In short, if you’re looking for a reliable car to take on a road trip in Ireland, the Hyundai Tucson will serve you well – so long as you don’t lose it among all the others on the road.
#Toyota C-HR
If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s a little more competitive, you may find what you’re looking for with the Toyota C-HR. Like the Tucson, the idea behind the vehicle has been around for a while. The exterior didn’t see too many changes in 2019, though the body has shrunk, if only a little.
However, you can now opt for a hybrid powertrain, with 2.0-litre 180hp to support you on long drives. You won’t be short on in-car entertainment, either, as the infotainment centre for the Toyota C-HR received a 2019 upgrade.
The vehicle is another one that’s reasonably affordable, given its strengths. It’s a fun car to drive and will allow you a sense of comfort on the longer drives you have to take over the course of the year.
However, be prepared to leave some of your luggage behind – the boot on this car is nothing to stare at. You may be able to fit in extra car tyres, in case of a flat, but that’s about it. Even so, the Toyota C-HR is ideal for inner city driving and has proven popular throughout 2019.
#Range Rover Evoque
On the other side of the pricing spectrum rests the popular Range Rover Evoque. For all the changes that this model of car didn’t see in 2019, it now drives like a dream. How the makers managed it is yet to be determined, given the fact that the 2.0-litre diesel line-up is exactly the same as it has been in previous models.
It may be that the included mild-hybrid system is pulling its weight, providing drivers with a more affordable and smoother experience on the road. We may not yet be able to list this vehicle among the electric cars currently on the road, but we may see future variations lean in that direction within the next few years.
There’s more to the Range Rover Evoque than its smooth ride, believe it or not. The body and styling have smoothed out, making the car itself all the more elegant on the road. The new chassis marries old and new with its appearances while also providing the aerodynamic structure the car needs to provide drivers with an exceptionally enjoyable ride. You’re not going to be able to make the same turns with another mid-sized SUV, that’s for sure.
#Peugeot 5008
What if you want to up the size of your car, though? There are several larger SUVs on the road in Ireland, even though there weren’t too many stunning debuts in 2019. The Peugeot 5008, however, does stand out from the crowd. A significant seller all across the country, this car offers you all the size you need to carry friends or family into town. A seven-seater, the maker has evolved the chassis of the Peugeot 3008 to better accommodate parties of all sizes.
If you’re looking to make several road trips over the course of an Irish year, the Peugeot 5008 will let you bring home as many souvenirs as you want. The 900-litre boot is unmatched by the competition, especially given the price of the car. Combine that with the car’s overarching reliability, and you can count on the Peugeot to take you on every adventure that tickles your fancy.
As it turns out, the cars that are the most popular in Ireland aren’t the ones taking advantage of AI just yet. Even with autonomous vehicles coming in the next few years, Irish drivers are content to rely on the classics.