Euro car sales set for small bounce-back

European vehicle sales are likely to grow in 2014 for the first time in seven years, though unemployment and the lingering impact of sovereign debt problems will limit the extent, a think tank affiliated with Hyundai Motor Group said.

European vehicle sales will rise 2.5 percent to 13.87 million units next year, the Korea Automotive Research Institute said in a report published today. The rise compares with a forecast decline of 3.8 percent to 13.53 million this year.

The think tank said it expects a recovery in U.S. vehicle sales to slow in 2014 due to a likely rise in central bank interest rates. It projects U.S. sales to rise 3.2 percent to 16.1 million vehicles, compared with an increase of 7.6 percent to 15.6 million this year.

The report said Chinese demand is likely to push global vehicle sale growth to 4 percent next year from 3 percent this year.

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The latest Honda CR-V with the firm's new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine is now on sale in Ireland priced from €31,995.

Honda cliams it’s the lightest engine of its type in the world and has emissions of 119g/km, giving it an annual motor tax bill of €200. The Japanese car giant says its offical fuel consumption figure is 4.5 litres/100km (62.8mpg). Standard equipment on all models includes Dual-zone climate control, 17” alloy wheels, Cruise control, USB Connectivity and Daytime running lights. The CR-V ES grade is priced from €33,995 and offers additional equipment such as Reversing camera, Front & rear parking sensors, Bluetooth HFT, Front fog lights, Auto lights & wipers, Leather steering wheel and Electrically folding mirrors. The CR-V ES Sport grade tops the range from €37,495, and equipped with the addition of Alcantara & leather seats, Bi-HID headlights, 18” alloy wheels, Roof rails, Privacy glass, heated front seats and DAB Radio.