Giving people a steer: So many confused over what to do next - as Subaru edges towards electric with new e-Forester

Against that backdrop of unease and uncertainty, Dooley Motors, of Carlow, recently hosted an interesting consumer information night called 'Future of Motoring'.

A panel of motoring experts including Geraldine Herbert, Wheelsforwomen.ie, and Tom Cullen, director of The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), provided insights into how the latest digital technology and green trends will affect the design, ownership, cost and use of the cars of the future.

Mr Cullen said: "Targets for electric vehicles are wildly ambitious, change can happen with the right measures, but cannot happen overnight, and sensible policies aimed at encouraging motorist to make the right choices can lead to clean, affordable and convenient mobility solutions.

"It is important that the industry and Government work closely together in relation to the drive towards zero-emissions."

Ms Herbert added: "One of the biggest challenges at the moment is the cost of electric vehicles.

"People are being asked to invest significantly more than the equivalent cost for diesel and petrol. Over the next three to five years we will see electric cars move to parity and this will create the shift required to transition to electric."

Rowena Dooley, dealer principal at Dooley Motors, said it decided to hold the event to address the questions it is consistently receiving from ordinary people.

She said people are aware of the imminent changes, but they are uncertain about what that means for them for their next car purchase.

The evening was a good idea and, by all accounts, a real help.

* It is good to see Subaru on the market with the new Forester e-Boxer (pictured).

It's a different take on the 'mild hybrid' theme. I drove a version of it here last May.

Built on a new platform, symmetrical all-wheel-drive is standard.

One technological advance is the facial recognition system. Fascinating.

The Forester (and the smaller XV Crossover) gets mild-hybrid technology as part of the company's move towards electric.

Power comes from a 2-litre horizontally opposed petrol engine (150PS), which is boosted by the motor-assist technology.

Mild-hybrid technology boosts the engine when needed and can deputise for it over short spells.

Prices start at €45,545 for XE models.

The XE Premium costs €49,245 and includes 18ins alloys, sunroof, leather seats, sat nav and heated rear seats.