Irish Car+Travel Magazine

VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 'FAST START' 271 OFFERS

2026-10-31T11:05:34.056+00:00

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland has announced a package of customer offers for the 271-registration period, including 0% APR finance across the vast majority of its range, writes Trish Whelan.

The campaign is aimed at sole traders, small and medium-sized businesses and larger fleet operators. The updated Caddy Cargo and Caddy passenger models gain a refreshed design and additional standard equipment including a rear-view camera, two-zone air con, a 12.9-inch radio with navigation preparation and a steel spare wheel. The Caddy range starts from €29,495. The VW Amarok range includes the new Dark Label special edition, priced from €68,695 while the VW Crafter now comes with a reduced price walk of €1,000 for upgrading from manual to automatic models. The Crafter 30 MWB 140hp Automatic is now priced from €43,980.

The 271 Fast Start offers are available until 30 November 2026 through participating Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles retailers, subject to availability, eligibility and finance approval.

DACIA LAUNCHES 271 OFFERS

2026-10-31T11:00:10.260+00:00

Dacia has launched its new ’271’ campaign offering a combination of low-rate finance, trade-in bonuses, and a five-year warranty across its passenger car range, writes Trish Whelan.

The campaign, available on qualifying orders placed up to December 31st, 2026 for registration in January 2027, includes 0% HP finance or 4.9% PCP finance across Dacia’s hybrid range.

Customers not availing of a finance offer can instead qualify for a trade-in bonus of up to €1,500, depending on the model. Dacia is also offering PCP finance at 4.9% APR across its petrol and hybrid line-up, with monthly repayments from €189 for the Duster, €215 for the Bigster (pictured), and €225 for the seven-seat Jogger.

Customers will also benefit from Dacia’s five-year extended warranty, available across the Bigster, Duster, Sandero, Sandro Stepway, and Jogger ranges as part of the campaign.

NEW MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS 'BRINGS NEW LEVELS OF LUXURY'

2026-10-31T10:53:02.147+00:00

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been regarded as a forerunner for innovation that, over time, trickles down to other Mercedes-Benz models and out across the industry generally, writes Trish Whelan.

Said by Mercedes-Benz to have been ‘refined in every detail’, the S-Class comes in a choice of seven models: three petrol, two diesel, and two plug-in electrics fitted with EQ hybrid technology. With first-class comfort in every seat, the company say the S-Class can be viewed by corporate owners as a ‘boardroom on wheels’.

The new model comes with a larger illuminated grille, and new twin-star lamps. That delivers high-resolution illumination field. Controlling everything is a purpose-built ‘MB.OS operating system’ connecting all systems into one intelligent ecosystem. There are more than 150 exterior colours and over 400 interior colours available.

Petrol models are a V8, S580 4MATIC and two six-cylinder variants (S500 4MATIC and S450 4MATIC). Two diesel models - powered by a six-cylinder engine already developed to meet future emissions regulations - are a S350d 4MATIC and S450d 4MATIC. Plug-in hybrids are a S580e 4MATIC and S450e 4MATIC, both of which link a 6-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor of 430 kW and 320 kW (with an electric-only range of circa 100kms).

Patrick Howlett, National Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Ireland, says the S-Class promises owners ‘a sublime ride in all conditions thanks to its standard air suspension, intelligent ‘electrically adjusting’ damping and effortless manoeuvrability'.

IRISH CAR OF THE YEAR 2027 UPCOMING

2026-10-28T09:17:44.533+00:00

Fifty-one new car models are competing for the Irish Car of the Year 2027, with electric vehicles dominating the shortlist, writes Brian Byrne. The awards, voted by 30 leading motoring media jurors, have been running since 1979.

The awards feature over 10 categories and will be held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on November 12th, where the overall winner will be announced. Last year’s winner was the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, continuing a strong run for EVs in recent years.

Pictured are Micheal Sheridan, Chairman, Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) and fellow jurors Paul White, Caroline Kidd and Eoin Cuttle at the Irish Car of the Year 2027 pre Awards refresher drives in Trim, Co Meath.

Kearys Belgard is Dacia Dealer of the Year 2026

2026-10-23T16:49:59.970+01:00

Kearys Belgard has been named Dacia Dealer of the Year 2026, recognising the Dublin dealership’s performance and its continued success in building the Dacia brand in the capital, writes Trish Whelan.

The award was presented at the Annual Dacia Dealer Conference on Tuesday 6 October, celebrating the achievements of dealerships and their teams across the network. Located on the Belgard Road in Tallaght, Kearys Motor Group acquired the former Renault Retail Group operation in Belgard in 2022, marking an important expansion for the family-owned motor group into the Dublin market. Since then, the Belgard dealership has undergone significant redevelopment, with investment in its showroom and aftersales facilities.

Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Cedar Motor Group, congratulated Dealer Principal Aiden Heary, and everyone at Kearys Belgard on being named Dacia Dealer of the Year 2026. Kearys Motor Group has a long history in the Irish motor industry, with roots dating back to 1977.

Autoimage Carlow is Renault Dealer of the Year 2026

2026-10-23T14:44:48.048+01:00

Autoimage Carlow has been named Renault Dealer of the Year 2026, writes Trish Whelan. Based at Hacketstown Road, Carlow, Autoimage has been serving motorists in the region and representing the Renault brand since 1990, and Dacia since 2013.

The award, presented at the Annual Renault Dealer Conference on 7th October, is an acknowledgement of many years of hard work, dedication to building the Renault brand within Carlow and the wider region, and commitment to the provision of excellence to its customers across all areas of the business.

The award was accepted by Jeff Pratt, Dealer Principal at Autoimage who said Autoimage has been part of the community for over 36 years and their customers have always been at the heart of this business. He acknowledged all the team working in Autoimage who have helped build the business, and the entire Cedar Motor Group for the recognition.

Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Cedar Motor Group, is pictured presenting the Renault Dealer of the Year 2026 award to Jeff Pratt, Dealer Principal at Autoimage.

Toyota reveals 60th Anniversary Irish Edition Corolla

2026-10-23T14:30:21.373+01:00

Toyota Ireland is celebrating 60 years of the Toyota Corolla with the launch of the 60th Anniversary Irish Edition which comes with an exclusive anniversary accessory pack, writes Trish Whelan. The model is the world’s best-selling car with more than 57 million sold across 12 generations.

Corolla is currently built at 12 locations and sold in 150 countries and regions and is this country’s best-selling model in its segment since its arrival in 1973 when it was assembled at Toyota’s plant in Bluebell, Dublin. More than 215,000 Corollas have been sold in Ireland since then, making it Ireland’s best-selling model in its segment, and demand is still growing.

The special edition combines styling upgrades with practical protection to give the Corolla a distinctive look inside and out. On the exterior, 17-inch alloy wheels and side sills give the car a sharper stance, while a Corolla 60th Anniversary Edition badge marks it out. Hatchback and Touring Sports are available with a 1.8 litre hybrid system offering 140hp or a 2.0 hybrid engine with 178hp. All saloon versions use the 1.8 system. Saloon versions just use the 1.8 system.

Zoe Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs, Toyota Ireland, says: “Few cars have earned a place in Irish life the way the Corolla has. It has been the first car, the family car and the car people trusted to keep going for generations of Irish drivers.” She added that the 60th Anniversary Irish Edition ‘is our way of celebrating the model’s history with customers’. “It celebrates a car that has been part of Irish life for more than five decades, and one that continues to earn its place on Irish roads.” The 60th Anniversary Irish Edition is available to order now through Toyota dealers.

Current Corolla hybrid petrol versions start from €33,815.

OPEL ELECTRIFIES MONDELLO EARLY-DRIVE PROGRAMME

2026-10-20T11:29:00.000+01:00

Mondello Park race track and Opel Ireland have renewed their partnership for the track's Early-Drive programme, which has been educating young drivers for over 25 years, writes Brian Byrne. The programme, aimed at 13- to 17-year-olds, uses a fleet of new Opel Mokka Electrics to teach road safety and driving skills in a controlled environment.

The racetrack is set up to simulate real-world road conditions, complete with signs and junctions for participants to navigate. Instructors also use circuit safety features, including gravel traps and tyre barriers, to demonstrate the important differences between driving on a racetrack and on public roads.

This initiative supports the Road Safety Authority’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating road deaths by 2050. With recent statistics showing 16–25-year-olds make up 27% of road fatalities in Ireland, the programme emphasises the importance of early road safety education.

Around 2,500 teenagers participate annually in the programme, benefiting from practical sessions and essential road safety knowledge.

Pictured are Richard Dillon, Head of Retail Sales, Opel Ireland; and Roddy Greene, Managing Director at Mondello Park.

IRELAND'S FIRST DIGITAL HIGWAY PROJECT LAUNCHED

2026-10-20T10:58:00.000+01:00

Ireland’s first digital highway, the Emerald Motorway Corridor (EMCIE), will enhance 5G connectivity along the M1, M50, and M11 motorways, supporting advanced communications along one of Ireland's key transport and logistics corridors, writes Brian Byrne.

Launched in Wicklow on October 19, the project will facilitate real-time hazard and weather alerts, cargo tracking, border automation, and infrastructure monitoring. It involves the construction of twelve new communications towers and upgrades to 22 existing ones, supported by €3.5 million from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility.

The digital highway will pilot automated transport and logistics applications, including road safety alerts and environmental monitoring, by late 2028. Initial scenarios with Rosslare Europort will demonstrate how 5G can enhance safety and efficiency, using cameras, sensors, and data analytics.

Once validated, these technologies could be expanded to other transport corridors and logistic hubs across Ireland.

Pictured at the launch are Panagiotis Demestichas, CEO and Chairman of Wings ICT Solutions, with Brian McHugh, Managing Director of Vantage Towers Ireland and Eoin MacManus, Chief Business Officer at Three.

BMW iX3 REVIEW: TRISH WHELAN, IRISH CAR

2026-10-19T20:21:30.209+01:00

The launch of BMW’s new iX3 fully electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) heralded the start of a new era for the premium German carmaker, marking its biggest visual and technical reset in 20 years.

This is a very impressive car on all fronts, introducing bold new design language to be used on future BMW cars. A mid-sized SUV designed and built to be aerodynamic in all aspects, the drag coefficient is just 0.24. Dimensions are 4,782mm in length, 1,635mm in height, 1,895mm in width, and a wheelbase of 2,897mm. Trim levels are iX3, iX3 M Sport (my review car), and iX3 M Sport Pro.

My car looked well in a dark grey exterior colour of Polarised Grey, but other exterior colours include Alpine White (no extra cost); however, alternative colour options are pricey.

The first thing you notice are the vertical illuminated, and slimmer kidney grilles, and a lovely headlight setup. The brand’s BMW Iconic Glow lights up the kidney grille to create a distinctive light. (An additional €1,196.) Square-shaped muscular wheel arches, and the slim LED tail lights that reach almost the entire width of the rear, also add interest. My M Sport review car added a more aerodynamic lower bumper trim compared to standard models. Optional bicolour BMW Individual aerodynamic 22-inch alloy wheels convey a commanding presence but are costly at €3,306. M Sport brakes with dark blue callipers were optional but looked the part. The large rear window, with wiper, allows for good rear visibility.

The spacious and upmarket interior is designed for comfort, is very well finished, and leather-free with soft-touch, sustainable fabrics from recycled materials, and polyurethane on dash panels. Gentle ambient lighting on the dash was quite lovely. The panoramic glass sunroof with climate comfort technology (€1,606) doesn’t require a blind. You can also opt for sun protection glass on windows to darken the glass, reducing heat in sunlight while also adding privacy (€567). Front seats are electrically adjustable, with a two-seat memory function. You can set two memory seat settings.

There’s no start-stop button. Sit into the driver’s seat, put the car into Drive (or Reverse), and just go. A large touchscreen screen, slightly angled towards the driver, replaces most traditional physical buttons, with the Home Screen divided into three distinct layers. Temperature controls are permanently on the lower part of the screen. The screen includes BMW maps with online navigation and active route guidance. A full-width display runs along the base of the windscreen, projecting lots of driver data almost at eye level, but is not in any way distracting. It replaces the traditional driver’s instrument cluster. There’s space for six widgets, such as date, weather, navigation, charging, and your media selection. You can remove or add widgets using drag and drop with your finger.

My highly specced car also had an excellent 3D Head-Up-Display that showed my current speed, remaining battery range, and extra info like corners coming up ahead on country roads, and the distance to adjoining roads. The chunky, two-spoke steering wheel in synthetic leather can be heated. There's a minimalist control design where illuminated buttons and touch-sensitive elements only appear and light up when they are active or available for use. A neat feature.

Main controls for media are buttons on the steering wheel. Features include a wireless charging pad with cooling, an excellent reversing camera with panoramic view, Park Assist, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse emergency braking function, and exit warning. There’s lots of rear head- and leg-room even behind a tall person in front, a completely flat floor, and two USB-C ports. The wide middle seat back lowers as an armrest with two cupholders. A power tailgate revealed boot space of 520 litres with all seats in use, and up to 1,750 litres with rear seats folded. The boot has a high floor with an area below for cables, but you can also store them in the 5’8 litre frunk under the bonnet, which is waterproof and rustproof. There's a tyre repair kit.

Optional equipment included a Technology Plus Pack 2 at €2,141, which included two-zone automatic air conditioning, the Head-up Display, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Driving Assistant Plus includes Active Cruise Control and systems such as lane departure warnings and Hill Descent Control.

The car has a rated range 805km. Dual electric motors deliver 469hp and 645 Nm of torque, that propels the car from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Fast DC charging from 10% to 80% takes around 20 minutes, 11kW home charging 11 hrs. I found the car very agile for its large size, smooth to drive, easy to park, an absolute delight to drive on motorways, and well stuck to the road when cornering and on country roads. I found steering quite direct, and the AWD makes driving on wet surfaces so much safer.

The car earned a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. My car as tested is priced from €83,215.

BMW DETAILS AND PRICES iX4

2026-10-14T11:39:00.000+01:00

BMW has revealed details of its iX4, merging a Sports Activity Coupé design with advanced Neue Klasse technology, writes Brian Byrne. It offers a WLTP range of up to 827 km and DC rapid charging capabilities reaching 400 kW, allowing for a 386 km range boost in just ten minutes.

Launch models include the BMW iX4 40 xDrive and iX4 50 xDrive, with the high-performance 612 hp iX4 M60 xDrive set to debut in spring 2027. Standard features include M Sport specification and a large panoramic glass roof.

The sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology enhances range by 30% and charging speed by 30% compared to its predecessor.

First deliveries to Ireland are scheduled for March 2027, with prices starting at €75,705 for the iX4 40 xDrive and €83,135 for the iX4 50 xDrive.

MSL GROUP OPENS NEW NORTH DUBLIN €22M MERCEDES-BENZ SHOWROOM

2026-10-14T11:29:32.561+01:00

MSL Motor Group has officially opened a major new state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz showroom in North Dublin, following a €22 million investment in the purpose-built development, writes Trish Whelan. Located at Junction 5 of the M50, at North City Business Park, the new 2,513 sq metre luxury Mercedes-Benz dealership sports up to 70 permanent roles.

Alan Fitzgerald, General Manager of the new Mercedes-Benz North Dublin showroom, Gerard Lynch, Managing Director of MSL Group, and Dermot O'Hara, Head of Commercial Operations, are pictured outside the new showroom.

MSL Motor Group is a family-owned Irish business that has represented Mercedes-Benz in Ireland since 1959 and is today the largest Mercedes-Benz retailer in Ireland. The site will also house a 1,250 sq metre workshop featuring 21 service bays, the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle scanner in Ireland, a 140-shelf Lean Lift parts storage system, and dedicated vehicle preparation and valeting areas. The development also includes approximately 200 car parking spaces and charging facilities for electric vehicles. Its location will serve customers across North Dublin and the north-east, including Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan, while providing convenient access from the M50.

Speaking at the opening, Gerard Lynch, Managing Director of MSL Motor Group said: “As Mercedes-Benz marks 140 years of innovation, this new development reflects the heritage of the brand and sets a new benchmark for automotive retail in Ireland.” A 279.7kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic system, comprising 643 solar panels, will generate renewable electricity on site, helping to reduce reliance on grid-supplied energy, and lower the building’s operational carbon footprint.

Official opening celebrations this weekend will include a display of vintage Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the O'Flaherty collection, reflecting the history of the brand and MSL's long-standing connection to it. The programme will also feature stories and photography celebrating 140 years of Mercedes-Benz innovation, alongside customer events, and opportunities to explore the latest vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz North Dublin will welcome customers from today at North City Business Park, Finglas, Dublin 11 (D11 X8YF).

JOHN McCABE NISSAN DROGHEDA WINS TOP NISSAN DEALER AWARD

2026-10-14T10:47:03.980+01:00

Nissan’s prestigious ‘Overall Dealer of the Year Award’ has been won by John McCabe Nissan Drogheda for the second time, writes Trish Whelan. The Louth dealership scored top marks in a series of audits that assessed how the five finalists had created a customer-centric culture and maintained an exceptional commitment to excellence and innovation. The award was accepted by Robert McCabe, Dealer Principal at John McCabe Nissan Drogheda.

The award for ‘Nissan Aftersales Dealer of the year’ was won by Randles Bros in Tralee; Windsor MotorMall Galway were named as the ‘Nissan Sales Dealer of the Year’.

Nissan Ireland Managing Director Seamus Morgan commended all Nissan dealers across the country for the high standard they achieved in the audit and evaluation process. All 28 Nissan dealerships competed for one of the coveted awards which were presented in three different categories after a rigorous process of assessment and evaluation by Nissan Ireland.

Opel reveals STX Concept at Paris Motor Show

2026-10-12T17:25:09.299+01:00

Opel has today premiered its STX Concept, a vision for future estate cars, at the Paris Motor Show, writes Trish Whelan.

This latest concept car from Russelsheim continues Opel’s long tradition as an estate pioneer in Europe as early as the 1950s when in 1953, the brand introduced the Olympia Record Caravan. The Kadett Caravan and other models followed up to the latest Astra Sports Tourer. STX stands for Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept.

The brand says this Concept car is a modern expression of Opel's engineering excellence, which combines intelligent technology with bold, precise design.

The STX Concept symbolises the next stage of Opel’s design and engineering philosophy for all models, which will be bolder, purer, more emotional, and more efficient. The STX Concept combines an electric architecture with all-wheel drive and a top speed of over 200 km/h.

Connolly Motor Group invests €1m in new Volvo Sligo dealership

2026-10-12T17:02:58.813+01:00

Connolly Motor Group is investing €1 million in a new Volvo Cars Sligo dealership, further strengthening Volvo’s presence across the West and North West of Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. The investment follows the successful opening of Volvo Cars Galway in Ballybrit 2023.

Volvo Cars Sligo will initially operate from a temporary showroom while work progresses on a new permanent facility at the Group’s Collooney campus. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the permanent dealership will offer a Scandinavian-inspired retail environment across sales and aftersales, showcasing Volvo’s latest retail concept and creating a seamless customer experience from purchase through to ownership.

The dealership officially opens today, Monday, 12 October, culminating in an open evening at the Collooney campus from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, 16 October, when guests can explore Volvo’s electrified model range. Run by brothers Kevin and Neil Connolly, Connolly Motor Group employs 335 people across its outlets throughout the West and North West of Ireland, including 85 employees in Sligo

SKODA ENYAQ 130 LIMITED EDITION REVIEW: TRISH WHELAN, IRISH CAR

2026-10-11T20:03:14.078+01:00

For decades, Czech car company Skoda has been renowned for producing good diesel cars. That won’t change in the near future. What has changed, however, is how the company has adapted to also producing some excellent electric motors.

The brand refreshed its fully-electric Enyaq crossover/SUV in Spring 2025 with a new design, extended driving range, improved aerodynamics, greater use of sustainable materials, and an expanded list of standard equipment. Enhanced digital capabilities and the latest in driver assistance technologies also featured prominently in the refresh. Enyaq is also available as a sleek coupe. Both variants are built on the Volkswagen Group’s dedicated MEB platform for electric vehicles. The update includes a Limited 130 Edition to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Czech company as a car manufacturer. Only 130 units were produced, featuring more premium equipment than the standard ’85’.

The 130 Edition trim is based on the top luxury Laurent & Klement trim (L&K), and ’85’ architecture – L&K is in honour of the original two founders who established the company 130 years ago. It is the most elegant trim line with some exclusive touches and extensive equipment to distinguish it from other Enyaqs. The car’s dimensions are as before, including a wheelbase of 2,772mm, as the upgrade mostly involved exterior and interior styling, and improved technology. L&K models feature the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design era, with an updated front featuring a glossy black panel, special bumpers, diffuser and door mirror design with exclusive Platinum Grey detailing, as well as slimmer headlights and the name ‘Skoda’ now in black letters front and rear in place of the old logo. Even front wing mirrors have discreet L&K badges. Roof rails are finished in silver; window frames have brushed chrome surrounds. Special, multi-spoke 21-inch Aquarius alloy wheels looked absolutely stunning.

The luxurious interior, with a black and Shell cream colour scheme, looked classy and welcoming. Cream seats can be heated and ventilated and are so comfortable to sink into. They have manual seat adjustments including lumbar support, a massage function and the Laurent & Klement signature embroidered discreetly in gold stitching on seat headrests. Extra light filters into the cabin via the panoramic glass sunroof, with shade, that can tilt open for ventilation. The free-standing, user-friendly infotainment touchscreen has lovely colourful and clear graphics, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below are controls for the 3-zone climate control and for drive mode options. The automatic gear shifter is located on the central console flat and includes a ‘B’ mode for regenerative braking. The smaller driver’s cluster provides all drive information and can be customised to your preference. Features include a wireless smartphone charger but I’m not a fan of a slider to control volume. As the glovebox is small, I used the open shelf down below the central console to store some items out of sight.

Rear passengers enjoy huge head and legroom, and their own temperature control, as well as two USBs. The middle seat back lowers to provide two cupholders and a hatch through to the boot. My car had a power tailgate that can be opened with a kicking motion, and huge square-shaped boot space of 585 litres with all seats up. Charging cables can be stored beneath the floor.

Customers can choose from two battery sizes and from three powertrains including the rear-wheel drive Enyaq 60 with 430kms of driving range, or the Enyaq 85 with an extended range of up to 574 kms, which was my review car. The 85x features all-wheel drive with dual motors for added traction in all conditions. A high-performance Enyaq RS variant is also available.

The ’85’ offers improved charging performance with charging from 10% to 80% of the battery in just 28 minutes with DC charging at up to 175kW. I achieved 15.9 kWh/100kms during my days driving the 82kWh battery variant that delivers a claimed range of up to 563kms on a full charge. When recharging the battery, my screen read-out showed a 50% charge equalled 260km of range in real-world driving. Driving in traffic, superb blind-spot monitors light up on the insides of both wing mirrors. The 82kWh battery allows a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.7 seconds, which is nippy enough.

I liked the well-balanced, direct steering, and appreciated the car’s tight turning circle when manoeuvring in a multi-storey car park. The large wheels, though, can make the suspension feel on the firm side, and a fair amount of road noise filters through into the cabin.

All things considered, this is a car I felt very confident and comfortable driving at all times. A very practical family car with plenty of space for five people and their luggage. The Skoda Enyaq range achieved a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP under rigorous testing criteria. Enyaq 60 is from €43,259; Enyaq 85 from €45,250; RS performance variant from €61,240. Prices include SEAI grant and VRT rebate.

HONDA REVEALS UPDATES FOR CIVIC MODEL 2027

2026-10-11T19:34:59.097+01:00

Honda Ireland has announced updates for the Civic Model Year 2027 including the introduction of the new ‘Sport’ grade priced from €43,750, and the debut of S+ Shift technology on a mainstream Honda model, writes Trish Whelan. The latest updates also bring refreshed interior styling, and upgraded equipment specifications as well as introducing a new exterior colour of Meteoroid Grey Metallic.

This new Sport grade combines distinctive styling with a comprehensive specification, and is designed to deliver a more dynamic driving experience, as well as comfort, technology, and everyday usability. Revisions include red stitching on front seats, front and rear armrests, and distinctive red accents surrounding the air vents.

Standard features include a 9-inch Honda Connect touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, new 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, and the latest suite of Honda SENSING safety and driver assistance technologies as well as a heated leather steering wheel, privacy glass, and exclusive Sport-inspired detailing for a more premium and engaging environment for both driver and passengers.

The Honda Civic 2027 model year range is now available to test drive and order at Honda Dealerships nationwide.

CUPRA RAVAL LAUNCHES IN IRELAND

2026-10-07T11:30:28.262+01:00

The new Cupra Raval has been launched in Ireland at a starting price of €23,495, writes Brian Byrne. With front-wheel drive, customers can choose between a 37kWh LFP battery for urban use with up to 323km rated range or a 52kWh NMC battery with a range of up to 448km. Charging capabilities range from 50 to 105 kW, allowing for a charge time of approximately 23–28 minutes.

The grades lineup includes Urban V1 and V2, Endurance V1 and V2, and the performance-oriented VZ, with the Endurance producing 211hp and the VZ 226hp.

Features include heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a rear camera, mobile digital keys, and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen with Android OS. The Endurance V2 is expected to be the best-seller, with the VZ also attracting interest. The Irish market is anticipated to prefer the larger battery option.

The Raval competes against models like the Volkswagen ID Polo and Renault 5. As a brand, Cupra is gaining traction among younger buyers.

BWM iX3 REVIEW: BRIAN BYRNE, IRISH CAR

2026-10-07T10:03:40.050+01:00

BMW's supply chain is some 2,700 providers long, across 31 global production sites, writes Brian Byrne. That's a complicated web of people, equipment, products and processes to keep tabs on, along with development, design, and production of over 70 variations on its core lineup of around 11 model series. So it's a big decision when it comes to a total platform renewal like the Neue Klasse that's to underpin all future cars from the Munich-based company. With the fourth generation of the X3 crossover only launched in 2024, it probably surprised most of us when the battery-electric new iX3 was revealed last year as the first of the Neue Klasse cars, eschewing the older platform on which the first BEV X3 had been built. Yet it makes sense: just taking the Irish market, if the electric and combustion X3s are combined, it makes the model series the biggest seller for the brand.

The car certainly makes a visual impact for Neue Klasse, with styling details that completely sever from most of the largely evolutionary changes that have been a BMW hallmark over two decades. There are things, of course, that must be retained. The 'kidney' style grille shape, in this instance, and thankfully, much smaller than some of the more brutish iterations of recent years. The signature 'Hofmeister kink' on the rearmost window pillar. After these, the designers had free rein. The tall fascia is still impressive enough to give the car an unmissable presence when trying to nose into moving traffic. The rear, with a very distinctive lighting pattern, will distinguish the car from behind in these upcoming dark evenings. Overall the new iX3 looks leaner than the predecessor, thanks to being a little longer and rather lower, which provides both more legroom for passengers and some extra luggage space.

The interior has drama and a technological buzz. The clean basic dashboard structure sports a centre screen with edge-to-edge graphics and a kinky shape that is quite attractive and shows its information and virtual buttons in bright and colourful fashion. The driver information is provided by a panoramic screen that runs the full width of the windscreen base (the Citroën C3 uses a similar system, though it's only in front of the driver). The owner can decide which 'widgets' to have across the panorama, besides the essentials such as speed. The centre console offers charging for two phones, and also houses the transmission selector and the radio volume. The really futuristic item is the steering wheel, styled to encourage the quarter-to-three hold that I learned during a driving course with the company many years ago. The button controls on the wheel have their own distinctive styling, all quite intuitive. Some of the buttons only become visible when triggered, such as by an incoming call.

The seats, front and rear, are a comfortable mix of artificial leather and suede, and I found them well supportive and long-distance comfortable. The middle rear seat is best used for a smaller person, but there's lots of legroom.

There's a lot of improved tech in the drivetrain. Notably with the battery pack, which is next-generation and offers a 20 per cent energy efficiency improvement over the previous iX3. Worth noting too is that, taking overall lifecycle CO2 reduction, this car reaches emissions break-even with a combustion-engined car at around the 20,000km stage: that's a 42 per cent reduction compared to its predecessor, which should give owners something of a warm glow of smugness.

The rated range is up to 805km, my calculations in my time suggest a real-world figure of around 680km, which is in itself impressive anyway. If you're at a fast charger, you can get up to 372km in ten minutes. There's 469hp available, which will allow a sprint to 100km/h in under five seconds (if you do a lot of that, forget about my range calculations).

I took delivery of the new iX3 expecting to be impressed. But not as much as I actually was. This is one of those cars that you really enjoy, and look forward to the next while every time you click the key fob to open it up. It's not any one thing; more that in their work in the development of the car, including directing those 2,700 component suppliers, they have put together a vehicle that just feels right in almost every aspect. That's what makes the brand premium.

PRICE: From €66,985. WHAT I LIKED: The determination to get something right.

EV VRT RELIEF TO CONTINUE TO END 2028

2026-10-07T09:49:10.446+01:00

VRT relief for electric vehicles has been extended for two years in Budget 2027, writes Brian Byrne. Finance Minister Simon Harris announced that the relief will continue until 31 December 2028, while VRT on more polluting cars (A3 to F) will increase by one per cent to encourage low-emission vehicle purchases.

Additionally, the temporary fuel excise reduction is extended until 28 February 2027, with gradual restoration by 30 June 2027.

Recent analysis of customer searches by Done Deal Cars indicates a strong shift in consumer preferences, with electric vehicle searches rising by 75% and hybrid searches by 17% between September 2025 and September 2026. Diesel searches fell by 23% and petrol searches increased by 3% in the same period.

JAGUAR DETAILS TYPE 01

2026-10-07T09:41:23.398+01:00

Rendered images: JLR.

Jaguar has provided details the Type 01, a luxury four-door grand tourer with a unique body architecture and electric powertrain, writes Brian Byrne. Featuring a low roofline, long bonnet, and 23-inch wheels, it includes over 360 patent applications, making it the most technically advanced Jaguar ever according to the company.

The Type 01 achieves a drag coefficient of 0.23 and offers two dynamic driving modes, with a power output of up to 1,030PS and 1,365Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds and has an expected range of up to 644km. The interior includes a 24-inch OLED screen, a central touchscreen, and a bespoke Jaguar Immersive Sound System.

The car is expected to go on sale early in 2027.

RANGE ROVER ELECTRIC REVEALED IN IRELAND

2026-10-05T11:49:00.000+01:00

Range Rover Electric has been unveiled, maintaining the brand’s luxury and capability while introducing EV performance, writes Brian Byrne. The starting price in Ireland is €160,620.

The design brief was for a “Range Rover first, electric vehicle second” approach, preserving the iconic design and all-terrain abilities. The car is built on the Jaguar Land Rover MLA platform, which was developed from the start to use various powertrains, including electric.

JLR developed the battery and twin electric drive units in-house, and the new car claims a 531km WLTP range, and has 900mm wading capability.

Performance figures include the capability to accelerate from 0–100km/h in as little as 4.5 seconds. Features like twin-chamber air springs and active noise cancellation enhance refinement and performance, and the car is said to be the quietest Range Rover yet.

BYD EXPANDS IRISH LINEUP

2026-10-05T09:58:00.000+01:00

Atto 2.

The BYD lineup in Ireland has been expanded with the introduction of the Atto 2 Super Hybrid and the Atto 3 EVO, writes Brian Byrne. The Atto 2 Super Hybrid, available in ‘Active’ and ‘Boost’ models priced at €32,990 and €35,990 respectively, offers up to 1,000km range and 90km electric-only range.

The Atto 3 EVO, available in ‘Design’ and ‘Excellence’ variants at €40,530 and €43,985, features all-wheel drive, a rated 510km range, and rapid charging capabilities.

Both models include a 15.6-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and vehicle-to-load technology, with a six-year vehicle and eight-year battery warranty.

BYD is distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL).

TEXACO CHILDREN'S ART EXHIBITION

2026-10-04T10:00:53.451+01:00

Junction 14 Mayfield on the M7 in County Kildare is hosting an exhibition of the top 21 artworks from the 72nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition, running until 1st November, writes Brian Byrne. The competition dates back to 1955.

Located off the M7 motorway near Monasterevin, the exhibition features 1.5-metre-tall artworks visible to thousands of daily visitors. Liam Fitzpatrick, co-owner of the venue, praised the young artists’ talents, while James Twohig of Valero Energy highlighted the long-standing partnership with the Fitzpatrick family.

The exhibition showcases artists from counties including Cork, Dublin, and Galway.

Pictured at the opening is James Twohig, Director of Operation, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited; Pauline O’Connell, Final Adjudicator of the Texaco Children’s Art Competition; Mary Therese Fitzpatrick, co-owner of Junction 14 Mayfield; Laois student artist, Abdul Ahad Zulfiqar; and local art teachers Sandra Doyle and Ciara Connolly.

MGS6 REVIEW: BRIAN BYRNE, IRISH CAR

2026-09-30T10:51:23.041+01:00

The only MG car that our family ever had was the Magnette Mark IV my Dad owned in the mid-1960s, writes Brian Byrne. A trimmed-to-luxury level of the Pininfarina-designed British Motor Corporation mid-sized saloons produced under the Morris, Austin, Riley and Wolseley marques, it was walnut veneer and leather, comfortable, tough, and in British Racing Green was a handsome enough beast. It didn't have quite the same cachet as the Jaguar 240 he had traded in for it, but, unlike the Jag, it wasn't always refusing to start on any kind of a chill morning. In fact, for the four years he kept it, the Magnette proved utterly reliable. And the toughness was exemplified during one weekend when I had taken it to Achill, and had to tow at least three other cars out of the ditches they had slipped into from the high and narrow roads of the island.

In 2005, following the collapse of the MG-Rover Group in the UK, the Chinese Nanjing Automobile Group bought the MG brand and assets. Nanjing was subsequently bought by SAIC Motor of Shanghai, which in recent years has been strongly pushing the MG brand in the UK, Europe and Australia. The MG4 EV launched in 2022 has offered affordability and decent quality in the compact family electric car segment, a key driver in making MG one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe. In Ireland, MG has gone from less than a thousand units in 2024 to more than 2,400 this year to date, largely thanks to that MG4. Now at 16th place in Irish registrations, this Chinese revival of a quintessential British brand has left many established European carmakers struggling to catch up, offering four BEV models as well as PHEV and hybrid cars.

The MGS6 I drove recently has only been here since March, but is already making a serious impact in the medium-large SUV space. Before I had travelled many kilometres, I was already thinking that this is the car that most European premium carmakers are scared of. If they're not, they should be.

In style, its profile is much like any other modern SUV, but the front-end design has a mix of simplicity and detail that gives it a very elegant look. Both of those elements are repeated in different forms at the rear, the whole ethos coming out as a very smooth result.

The elegance is also apparent inside, with smooth curve-lines around the dashboard and doors, and a relatively restrained use of chrome-style detailing. The traditional octagon surround of the MG badge is mildly repeated in the shape of the steering wheel, but not so much as to make it awkward. A fairly large centre console has a selection of knobs and buttons to manage radio volume and some climate. Transmission selection is a rotary knob on that console, underneath which is space for a handbag. The infotainment screen is a quantum better in design and usability than those in earlier MGs from China. Graphics and permanent virtual buttons are large and clear, and other carmakers from that part of the world should take note. On the other hand, the over-sensitivity of driver monitoring that seems to be elemental in Asian cars is still an annoyance.

The seats are large and well upholstered in an artificial leather and suede material that both looks good and is comfortable, especially in hot weather. As a D-segment car, there's plenty of room for the rear passengers. Though this is not priced as a premium car, the whole materials selection and fit were upmarket in feel.

That sense was also evident in the drive. Obviously, the electric drivetrain was going to be quiet, but the overall road and wind noise is also noticeably well damped, with most progress verging on the serene. I'm not going to throw a large SUV around on twisty roads, but on all normal driving it was clear that the MGS6 will cope with any conditions very well indeed. (Perhaps even towing cars out of ditches on Achill.)

The 240hp electric motor gives this big car a very sporty 5.1-second sprint capability to 100km/h, vastly superior to that original Magnette. There's a rated 530km range that in practice came out at around 480km for me, and the 13.6kWh/100km was a very respectable energy efficiency.

So, no walnut veneer, and no real leather. But the MGS6 is definitely going to take a solid chunk of that almost-premium business.

PRICE: From €39,495. WHAT I LIKED: Modern execution of a premium sporty heritage.