Irish Car+Travel Magazine

BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition orders now open

2026-06-18T15:12:23.159+01:00

BMW has opened orders for the i3 50 xDrive First Edition, writes Brian Byrne, giving customers an early chance to secure the all-electric saloon ahead of its official Irish launch in autumn 2026.

Priced from €72,855 OTR, the First Edition is based on the M Sport model and comes with enhanced standard features including BMW Iconic Glow, the 3D Head-Up Display, and AC Charging Professional offering up to 22 kW AC charging.

The i3 50 xDrive First Edition delivers 469hp, 0–100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and a WLTP range of up to 906 km. The high-voltage 108.7 kWh battery supports 800V technology for rapid charging and bidirectional capability.

The i3 50 xDrive will formally launch in autumn 2026 at €66,685 OTR. Orders are now available exclusively through BMW retailers.

Fiat Ireland again sponsors Dalkey Book Festival

2026-06-18T14:27:50.074+01:00

Fiat Ireland is continuing its partnership with Dalkey Book Festival for 2026, supporting one of Ireland’s most celebrated cultural events, writes Trish Whelan. The festival kicks off today, Thursday June 18th, and runs up to Sunday 21st.

As official vehicle partner, Fiat will provide five brand-new Grande Pandas to transport guests and speakers throughout the weekend, along with a Fiat Professional van supporting the festival’s logistical requirements.

John Saunders, Managing Director at Fiat Ireland said the festival brings an incredible mix of literature, ideas, politics and world affairs, attracting world class speakers and audiences to one of the most picturesque corners of Ireland. He added: “The creativity, innovation and magnificent atmosphere found at the festival makes this partnership a perfect fit for the Fiat brand”. Founded by Sian Smyth and David McWilliams, the festival is now celebrating its 18th year with the inclusion of a new location on the grounds of Loreto Abbey.

This year’s festival will have over 100 speakers across 90 events including leading figures such as Roddy Doyle, Neil Jordan and Salman Rushdie, who memorably described the Dalkey Book Festival as ‘the best little festival in the world’.

The Fiat Grande Panda, available from €22,995, is the latest addition to the Fiat range. It has already earned international recognition, winning the 2026 Autobest Conquest Award for Design and the prestigious Red Dot Award in 2025.

Pictured above are David McWilliams, co-founder of Dalkey Book Festival, and Ciaran Cusack, Communications and Brands Manager, Fiat Ireland.

Volvo ES90 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

2026-06-17T04:48:00.000+01:00

The radiator grille was traditionally a very important element in car design, writes Brian Byrne. The radiators behind them, keeping the engine from overheating, were all similar, but the grilles allowed designers to convey an ethos of the car concerned. The fronts of the cars I grew up with all immediately denoted brand and model identities.

When the electric car arrived, some stylists emphasised the elimination of the radiator by providing bland frontages. Smooth painted metal, sometimes just the brand's logo in the centre. Flat surfaces that quickly showed dirt and squashed insects. Among these, Ford's Explorer EV is a case in point. I think there's a pushback, though. Audi never went for the flat look, nor did BMW, and Mercedes-Benz is very much back in the grille identity business with the upcoming electric C-Class.

Volvo is somewhere in the middle, particularly with their big ES90 lift-back saloon. It's a car that could look very imposing if it had a grille that gave it frontal presence. There's still the diagonal bar through the main badge that has identified the brand for a long time, and the lower bumper air management design is quite strong. But the shiny part above it softens things somewhat.

Otherwise, the ES90 is a handsome car. A full five metres long, it’s big too. The semi-coupe look with the lift-back offers a sporty ethos. The light styling front and rear is distinctive, and the rear three-quarter look is a modernised echo of Volvo saloon styling since the S80 launched the brand into the space age in 1999.

Inside, it's all high-quality, verging on opulence. In my review car, it was ivory leather and toning grey trim with an elegant amount of brushed aluminium detailing. A portrait centre screen with Google's excellent operating system is large but doesn't loom over everything. Though the climate controls are also on-screen, the virtual buttons are large and on permanent display. There's a physical roller volume control underneath. The driver information screen marries simplicity with large graphics, and the overall digital operation is pleasing.

Seats for all are sumptuous and stylish. There's enough room for the rear-seat passengers to stretch out and cross their legs, in an airy ambience thanks to the full-length panoramic roof in my Ultra grade review car. That glass is electrochromic — which allows changing the transparency at the touch of a button. The liftback boot has a good capacity of 446L, adequate for the luggage of a full passenger complement on a weekend away. A small visibility observation: due to the rear window and roof angle, the centre seatback needs to be left down in the armrest position if not in use so the driver can see through to following traffic.

This is an electric-only Volvo. My version was the Single Motor with 333hp and a comfortable 0-100km/h capability of 6.6 seconds — the ultimate is the Twin Motor Performance version with 680hp and a 4.0s sprint. It's to be expected that the car performs very smoothly, but I was quite impressed with the relative silence too... wind and road noise seemed exceptionally well insulated away.

I don't write much about driver assist and safety systems these days, taking it as a given that all cars have them. Volvo has taken one step further: the ES90 comes pre-prepared with the software to operate an alcohol lock — a third-party system that is not part of the car's specification.

My time with the ES90 coincided with one of my occasional day trips to the west for family reasons, where I do a total of 400-plus kilometres there and back. The mix of roads makes it a very good test of real range in an electric car. While Volvo suggests a WLTP rating of up to 664km combined, my actual experience was something a little more than 500km, which tallies with my standard rule of thumb for most electric cars of 20 per cent less than the WLTP range claimed. Related, I charged the car from 20 to 80 per cent in half an hour at a standard 150kW charger, giving me a nominal 300km in that time.

All in all, the ES90 is a fine and quite practical car, for those who can afford a price tag that, for most of us, is as out of this world as was that famous 1999 astronaut advertisement for the S80. But there's a car for everyone in their own financial space.

PRICE: From €79,995; review car €102,595. WHAT I LIKED: The smooth, premium feel.

New A6 allroad arrives in Ireland

2026-06-16T13:55:54.109+01:00

Audi Ireland has announced the arrival of the new Audi A6 allroad e-hybrid quattro, writes Brian Byrne. It's the first plug-in hybrid version of its long-running all-road estate.

Now in its fifth generation, the A6 allroad features a wider, more rugged design, standard adaptive air suspension, quattro all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering for confident performance across a range of driving conditions.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 362hp and 500Nm of torque, rated for up to 94 kilometres of electric-only driving range.

Inside, the new model offers a high-tech cabin centred around Audi’s panoramic MMI display, along with a strong focus on comfort, practicality and long-distance touring.

The new Audi A6 allroad e-hybrid quattro is available to order in Ireland from June 18, with prices starting at €88,150.

Cupra Raval here in late August

2026-06-15T14:33:00.000+01:00

Cupra Ireland has announced that the all-new Cupra Raval will arrive here from late August 2026, writes Brian Byrne, marking the brand’s first fully electric urban car and its most significant expansion in the Irish market to date.

Priced from €23,495 including applicable EV incentives, the Raval is built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform. It will be offered in three trims and two battery sizes, with WLTP range figures of up to 318km for entry models and up to 445km for higher-spec versions.

Standard equipment will include a 12.9-inch infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital cockpit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting and a suite of driver assistance features.

Cupra Ireland said the Raval is aimed at making electric mobility more accessible without losing the brand’s distinctive design and performance appeal.

Canvas top option for Renault R4 electric

2026-06-15T14:05:00.000+01:00

Renault has extended the model choice for its all-new Renault 4 E-Tech Electric in Ireland with the introduction of the Plein Sud, writes Brian Byrne. It's a new variant featuring a large electrically operated canvas roof.

Available with a 52kWh battery and 110kW electric motor, the Plein Sud brings an open-air driving experience to Renault’s latest electric small car while retaining the practicality of the standard model, including five seats, a 420-litre boot and 750kg towing capacity.

Priced from €34,495, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric Plein Sud is available to order now as a distinctive new option for Irish buyers.

Production of Epiq starts

2026-06-12T14:14:00.000+01:00

Škoda Auto has begun series production of its new all-electric entry model, the Epiq, at Volkswagen Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, writes Brian Byrne, marking the brand’s first-ever vehicle production in the country.

The Epiq is part of the VW group's Electric Urban Car Family, under which four models from CUPRA, Volkswagen and Škoda will be built at Spanish plants. The move helps preserve capacity at Škoda's Czech factories for other high-demand models while expanding its EV lineup.

Positioned in the entry-level electric segment, the Epiq is the brand’s first vehicle based on the new MEB+ platform and the first to fully adopt Škoda’s Modern Solid design language. Together with the upcoming Peaq, it is expected to play a central role in doubling Škoda’s electric portfolio this year.

RSA alcohol campaign for summer festivals

2026-06-11T14:23:00.000+01:00

Main pic by George Charry via Pexels.

The Road Safety Authority is bringing its summer road safety campaign to some of Ireland’s biggest concerts, festivals and sporting events, writes Brian Byrne, with a strong focus on the dangers of drink driving.

The initiative, which began at Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds at Malahide Castle, will see the RSA attend major events nationwide in the coming months. A key part of the campaign is the use of FlineBox interactive breathalysers, powered by Dräger alcohol sensor technology, allowing people to voluntarily check their breath alcohol level and get guidance on when it is safe to drive.

The campaign comes as new RSA research shows alcohol remains a factor in serious and fatal road collisions. Between 2021 and 2025, 384 surviving drivers involved in fatal and serious injury crashes tested positive for alcohol, with those collisions resulting in 38 deaths and 264 serious injuries.

The RSA said the campaign is aimed at bringing life-saving road safety messages directly to large summer audiences across the country.

Jeep Avenger 4Xe review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

2026-06-10T14:40:00.000+01:00

Bang! The car shook, and I started crying, writes Brian Byrne. My first recollection of the Jeep brand goes back to when I was maybe nine or ten. Our family car was a Jeep Station Wagon. It had a two-tone paint job, I seem to remember as beige and brown. On a memorable day, when we children were being transported to the annual family holiday in Courtown, somebody ran into it while we were parked at a petrol station. I recall being very upset, but there was only some panel damage, and we were able to continue our journey.

Jeeps have featured many times in my some 35 years of motoring journalism. It’s a small brand in Ireland. In 2007, just 93 units were registered. But last year more than 200 were, so there’s growth, due mainly to the arrival of smaller models that make sense in today’s driving world — the Renegade a decade ago, and the Avenger in the last couple of years. The latter is the current biggest seller, offering a smaller and more car-like experience than the chunkier Renegade that is no longer on sale in this market. A new mid-size Compass has just been launched here.

I’ve liked the Avenger since it first arrived. It has a tidy, smart look, is wide enough to give it some presence, and is not so big as to be unwieldy in the urban landscape for which it is designed. The front has a modernised version of the Jeep grille, making the car distinctively of the iconic automotive tribe. Chunky alloys and scratch-proof polymer skid plates added to the character of my review 4Xe version. Black and green painted panels on the bonnet and some special badging gave the car an individual look. I liked the black roof and the rails that come with the 4Xe package, and the stronger sculpting on the front bumper area.

Inside, there’s enough space to be young-family useful or empty-nester comfortable. The sense of width is reinforced by the straight-edge styling of the dashboard. The driving information screen keeps things simple, and the infotainment-nav one is a neat, non-dominating size. The main climate controls and volume control are toggle switches, and the automatic transmission, which my car had, is selected with a line of PRND buttons under them — a bit fiddly, those, when doing back and forward manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Shoulder and headroom are good, and I found the seats comfortable. The Avenger's boot space is a metre wide and has a capacity of up to 325L with the rear seats in use. The 4Xe interior materials are selected to be easily washed after a day on dirtier terrain than suburban roads.

Originally planned to be sold in electric form only, brand owner Stellantis quickly backed off that thought and added both a standard petrol and its small mild hybrid petrol option to the Avenger's powertrains. The hybrid used in the 4Xe is linked to an electric AWD system developed for the smaller car, and with 136hp compared to the FWD version's 100hp. The off-road ability is real, with selectable terrain control for different conditions. The car rides higher than the standard Avenger and can ford water up to 400mm deep. A rated 5.4L/100km is frugal.

There are three dedicated 4Xe specification levels available, culminating in a North Face that adds some orange-themed detailing outside and in to make the owner feel ahead of the pack. But everything that's really necessary is available in the Upland grade, which was my review car.

Over my three and a half decades in this business, I have driven Land Rovers in the Argentine Andes and Icelandic glaciers, Range Rovers and Ford Rangers in scary Moroccan mountains, and many other off-road capable vehicles in various rugged conditions that, really, very few owners would need to experience. The little Jeep Avenger 4Xe is probably not in the same league as some of those, but it is a very capable car that I'd be very comfortable living with for everyday use and the occasional adventurous experience.

PRICE: Avenger from €29,995 in petrol, BEV or hybrid; review 4Xe version from €39,995. WHAT I LIKED: Cool style and capability that's accessible for the family motorist.

Toyota to sponsor Special Olympics Ireland to May 2028

2026-06-08T13:11:26.846+01:00

Toyota has announced a new partnership with Special Olympics Ireland, becoming one of the organisation’s Premier Sponsors until May 2028, writes Trish Whelan. The partnership will see Toyota Ireland support Special Olympics Ireland at both national and local levels. Toyota Ireland has sponsored Special Olympics Ireland since 2003.

The partnership will support the organisation’s mission to create inclusive communities where people with intellectual disabilities can participate, contribute, and thrive through sport. The Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026 take place from 18-21 June with more than 1,200 athletes across 12 sports taking part.

Toyota’s 41 dealer network will play a central role in bringing the partnership to life celebrating athletes in their communities, encouraging volunteering, and supporting local clubs. The scale and strength of the network ensures that support for Special Olympics is felt in towns, cities, and communities right across the country.

Pictured at the announcement of Toyota Ireland’s new partnership with Special Olympics Ireland at Toyota Ireland HQ are: Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland; Ed Garavan, Managing Director of Toyota Ireland; Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland; Dara Kieman, badminton player, and Ayoub Daboub, footballer.

BMW M2 coming with xDrive

2026-06-08T08:47:15.666+01:00

BMW has unveiled the new M2 with M xDrive, bringing all-wheel drive to the compact high-performance coupe for the first time, writes Brian Byrne. The new BMW M2 with M xDrive will go on sale in Ireland in late summer 2026, priced from €126,175 on the road.

Powered by a 480hp 3.0-litre straight-six engine, the new M2 with AWD can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the rear-wheel-drive version. BMW said the M xDrive system is rear-biased in normal driving but can send power to the front wheels when extra traction is needed, improving stability and performance in all conditions.

The model also introduces BMW M Ignite pre-chamber combustion technology, which the company says reduces fuel consumption under high loads and helps meet upcoming EU7 emissions requirements.

Prices revealed for new electric C-Class

2026-06-08T08:29:59.338+01:00

Mercedes-Benz Ireland has announced pricing for the new all-electric C-Class ahead of its arrival in Ireland in Q4, writes Brian Byrne. The model will start at €72,290 for the C400 4Matic, rising to €78,990 for the AMG Line Plus version.

The electric C-Class marks the first fully electric version of one of Mercedes-Benz’s most established and best-selling models. Mercedes says it will offer up to 762 kilometres of range (WLTP) and can add up to 325 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

Patrick Howlett, National Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz Ireland, described the new model as a landmark step for the C-Class, combining the comfort, performance, and technology associated with the nameplate in a fully electric format.

Opel Frontera SUV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

2026-06-05T12:44:20.804+01:00

Opel’s practical Frontera SUV will appeal to families seeking a spacious and good value for money family car, and who will appreciate the option of five or seven seats, and the choice of fully electric or petrol hybrid powertrains.

Frontera sits between Opel’s Mokka and larger Grandland in the brand’s SUV line-up. This is a high, boxy-shaped vehicle, which makes it easy to get in and out while also providing good all-around visibility. My review car, in the top grade, was in a new shade of Khaki Green with a contrasting black roof (there are five other options), roof rails, high gloss black door mirrors, rear privacy glass, 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, LED tail lamps and rear LED fog lamps. The new Opel Blitz emblem is displayed in the centre of the front face, but it actually blends into the black background. The Frontera name certainly stands out in black lettering on the tailgate. Prominent wheel arches add to the car’s ‘off-road’ look - but this is not a full off-roader. Doors open wide to provide easy access to both front and rear seats, and this is particularly good for a parent trying to fit a baby or child seat.

I was surprised to have a traditional key to insert into the ignition lock, which I would like to be backlit at night. The dash is well laid out, and the cockpit is driver-focused. The 10-inch touchscreen digital display, angled towards the driver, comes with Opel Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is linked to the same-size driver’s information cluster. There are physical controls for the single-zone climate control, seat heaters and for volume. Sublimely comfy front seats were designed to relieve pressure on the tailbone to ensure comfort on long journeys. The driver’s seat has 6-way manual adjustments, the co-driver’s 4-way adjustments. But no lumbar support control.

A flexible strap around the centre console area is designed to hold larger items like tablets or small laptops and keep them securely in place. Other storage areas are an open shelf above the small glovebox, big front door bins, good rear ones, and a good area below the front armrest, which can slide back and forth. The central console includes a wireless phone charging pad, two C-type USBs, a pair of cupholders, the familiar Stellantis lever-type automatic transmission, and an electric parking brake. My car had a really good reversing camera and blind spot monitors, which should be standard in every car. Rear passengers enjoy plenty of head and legroom, but have quite a high tunnel to contend with. There are integrated smartphone pockets in the back rests of the front seats, two more C-type USBs, and storage pockets on front seat backs. The middle seat back is fixed, so there are no rear cupholders. The rear bench seat splits 60:40.

A high-opening tailgate is manually operated, revealing boot space of a very decent 460 litres, expandable to a whopping 1,600 litres with back seats folded down, and 370 litres in the seven-seater. A second floor allows additional versatility for families, and there’s a fitted rubber mat that you can remove for cleaning purposes. No spare, just a tyre puncture repair kit. You can order a spare wheel from your dealer as an optional extra.

Buyers have a choice of two 1.2, 3-cylinder petrol hybrid engines of 100ps and 136ps, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum torque varies from 205Nm to 230Nm, respectively, and 0-100km/h times are 11 secs and 8 secs. The claimed fuel return is from 5.2 to 5.5 litres/100km (WLTP-rated), depending on the specific trim and seating configuration. Over my days with the car, the trip computer registered an average of 6.2 L/100kms.

Frontera has a long list of standard equipment and a big array of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, driver drowsiness alert, forward collision alert and Hill start assist. All grades have a child safety lock/auto door locking. The entry-level SC trim has a 10-inch info display plus a smartphone station, rear parking sensors, 16-inch steel wheels, and manual climate control. Elegance grade adds navigation, rear view camera, wireless phone charger, heated front seats/steering wheel/windscreen, automatic climate control, and larger alloy wheels. The top GS grade offers seven seats and adds park pilot front and rear, power folding/adjustable outside rear view mirrors, and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.

I found the hybrid version provided plenty of oomph for everyday use and handled competently on all types of roads; the steering was quite light, which aids manoeuvring on city streets, but I’d have preferred it to be heavier. Drive modes are Sport, Normal and Eco. Normal was perfectly adequate for everyday driving. I could turn off the annoying over-speed warnings via a button on the lower dash. Frontera comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard.

The car has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP. The hybrid is priced from €33,095 - €34,595 plus delivery charges. BEV prices are from €24,606-€31,165 (price inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT rebate).

Sketches of new Skoda Peaq

2026-06-05T08:24:00.000+01:00

Škoda has offered an early look at its new all-electric seven-seat flagship SUV, the Peaq, ahead of its full debut later this month, writes Brian Byrne. In exterior sketches, the Czech carmaker showed a large SUV shaped by its “Modern Solid” design language, with clean lines, sculpted surfaces, and distinctive T-shaped lighting signatures front and rear.

The Peaq is designed to project a confident, timeless presence while signalling the brand’s move further into the electric era, according to the carmaker.

The world premiere will take place in Monnetier-Mornex, France, on 23 June 2026.

Toyota sponsors Special Olympics Ireland

2026-06-04T08:54:00.000+01:00

Toyota Ireland has announced a new partnership with Special Olympics Ireland, becoming one of the organisation’s Premier Sponsors until May 2028, writes Brian Byrne. The sponsorship will support Special Olympics Ireland at both the national and local levels, helping to promote inclusion and celebrate athletes with intellectual disabilities across the country.

The announcement comes ahead of the Summer Games 2026, which will take place from 18–21 June and bring together more than 1,200 athletes competing in 12 sports.

As part of the partnership, Toyota Ireland will roll out a national radio, digital and digital audio campaign to encourage public support for the Games, while its nationwide dealer network will help activate the sponsorship in communities across Ireland.

The partnership renews a long-standing relationship between Toyota and Special Olympics, dating back to Toyota’s support for the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland.

Pictured at the announcement are Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, and athletes Ayoub Daboub and Dara Kiernan.

BYD Sealion 5 Super Hybrid review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

2026-06-03T09:06:00.000+01:00

In 2023, in a review of the Atto 3, I suggested that BYD's chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, formerly of Audi, should look at the non-adjustable integrated head restraint in the car, particularly how it pressed against a vertebra at the top of my spine, writes Brian Byrne. He obviously didn't get the message. The Sealion 5 Super Hybrid has the same feature, with the same problem for someone with my skeletal anatomy. An extended several days driving the car to and around West Cork had me feeling very uncomfortable, trying all the time to keep myself away from contact with the offending part of the seat.

It’s the small things that get you. And the small things can have the biggest effect when it comes to something as important as a driver's seat. I should say that my passenger, who is shorter than I am, found her seat very comfortable.

The Sealion 5 Super Hybrid is BYD covering its bets in the electrification stakes. A family crossover for the buyer not yet fully comfortable with the idea of going full EV. Perhaps concerned about the availability of adequate charging on a long summer run with a full consignment of teenagers on board.

Said teenagers certainly should be impressed with the car in most aspects. It's big in looks, with sufficient exterior detailing to have it stand out amongst the sameness of so many SUV types. I certainly found it easy to spot in a couple of crowded car parks.

The interior is well-appointed. Good finishes, quality materials. My review car had subdued but coherent colour treatments … nice, as sometimes you can get a more brash style from Chinese brands. The trim feel had a good mix of premium and the toughness required to stay looking well over the years. I was happy too to see real controls for setting the external mirrors, none of that needing to talk to the car to get to the right place on the screens.

Unfortunately, that plus didn't extend to management of the climate system, which required three to six stabs at the screen to make basic changes. Also, the virtual button graphics and the descriptive fonts on the screen are too small, another area where European carmakers are superior to their Chinese counterparts. I know, I harp on … and will continue to do so until sanity is restored in these matters. And while I'm on the grumpy road, I couldn't find a setting that gave me a fuel consumption reading in L/100km, only km/L or both imperial and American mpg.

The powertrain is based on a 1.5-litre inline four petrol engine and a plug-in battery that has a claimed 85km range in pure EV and a total of more than 1,000 km full tank and battery range. What the company calls its dual mode system has the electric motor driving the wheels, the petrol engine acting most of the time as a generator, or working in tandem with the electric motor when under strong acceleration. It's a smooth operation, offering an 8.5-second 100km/h sprint, relatively peppy for the size of the car. Not so smooth is the highway cruising driver assist system, very fidgety, so I tried it and then dispensed with it.

BYD is on a roll here, currently in 12th place in Ireland by brand sales. The Chinese company is planning to make cars in Europe to build on its growth across this region. At this stage, like several carmakers from that part of the world, it doesn't have to prove that it can build high-quality vehicles.

But it does need to rethink its design of integrated head restraints. I'm tall, but I'm not unique. Three years on from my first attempt, I hope Wolfgang Egger is given the message this time.

PRICE: From €36,990. WHAT I LIKED: Most of it, except the seat.

EV-focused scrappage scheme announced

2026-06-03T08:41:00.000+01:00

Ireland will launch a new €10 million scrappage scheme from 1 July aimed at helping households replace older high-emitting petrol and diesel cars with new electric vehicles, writes Brian Byrne. The pilot ICE2EV scheme will provide €5,000 to motorists who scrap a qualifying private car registered in 2013 or earlier and put the payment towards the purchase of a new battery electric vehicle.

To qualify, applicants must have owned the car for at least 12 months and show it has been taxed, insured and covered by a valid NCT, or one expired by no more than six months.

The support is in addition to the existing €3,500 SEAI EV grant, bringing the total potential grant to €8,500.

The Government said 65% of the funding will be reserved for rural applicants. Separately, the maximum price threshold for cars eligible under the existing SEAI EV purchase grant will be reduced from €60,000 to €50,000 for new applications received after 31 July 2026.

Take a drive to the Boyne Valley in June

2026-06-01T07:25:00.524+01:00

Boyne Valley is gearing up for a packed June calendar, writes Brian Byrne, with new festivals and special events set to draw visitors across Meath.

Navan will host the inaugural Navan Mid-Summer Festival, a four-day celebration of the summer solstice supported by Meath County Council and Discover Boyne Valley. Running from Thursday 19 to Sunday 21 June 2026, the festival will feature live music, street performances, a midsummer market showcasing local food producers and craft makers, creative children’s workshops, face painting and a tapas trail across the town’s cafés, bars and restaurants.

As part of the festival, The Watergate in Navan will stage a family darts competition on Friday 19 June at 5pm, promising fun for all ages, while Habitus Yoga will host a Solstice Flow Yoga session in Blackwater Park, Navan, on Saturday 20 June at 12 noon, inviting participants to unwind in the Boyne Valley’s green landscapes.

Further west, Trim will debut its Midsummer Jazz & Blues Weekend from 19–21 June 2026. Visitors can enjoy street entertainment and follow a trail of live jazz and blues sessions in pubs each evening, with ticketed performances scheduled in local hotels and the Swift Cultural Centre.

The month rounds off with a new BBQ Night at Emerald Park on 26 June 2026. Hosted in the park’s Garden Marquee and open to over-18s only, the evening event will run from 6pm to 10pm, combining food, drinks and after-hours access to rides including Cú Chulainn, Fianna Force and Quest.

More information on June events and trip planning is available on the official Boyne Valley tourism website.

New Jeep Compass points the way

2026-05-29T13:24:27.103+01:00

In the year that marks Jeep’s 85th anniversary, Jeep Ireland launched its new Jeep Compass to the motoring media at the historic Slane Castle over the last two days bringing the brand’s latest electrified SUV to one of Ireland’s most iconic music venues and atmospheric historic estates, writes Trish Whelan. Jeep has been designed for people who value independence, capability and the freedom to choose how they move.

The Jeep brand is also steeped in history, the first prototype Jeep - the Bantam BRC - was delivered to the US Army for testing in September 1940. Shortly after, Willys-Overland and Ford refined the design, leading to the legendary Willys MB mass-produced for World War II.

The new Jeep Compass launches in Ireland in both electric and hybrid variants. Further powertrain options will follow as the range expands. The full range of powertrains planned for the Compass includes a 145hp 48V e-Hybrid, a 195hp e-Hybrid Plug-in and three full-electric versions, ranging from a 213hp front-wheel drive version up to 375hp in all-wheel drive powertrain, allowing customers select the powertrain that best suits their lifestyle and driving needs.

At this week’s Irish launch, John Saunders, Managing Director at Jeep Ireland said: “The all-new Jeep Compass represents exactly where the brand is heading in Ireland, bringing together electrified performance, real-world versatility and genuine freedom of choice for customers at a time when many are deciding to start their electric journey.” He said launching the car at Slane Castle felt entirely appropriate, a place defined by history, character and unforgettable moments, which mirrors what Jeep stands for. A vehicle equally suited to commuting as it is to weekend adventures.”

The new Compass features a fully redesigned interior with enhanced digital interfaces, improved connectivity and increased comfort. The cabin is more spacious than the previous Compass, with rear passengers enjoying more legroom and cargo space expanding up to 550 litres, 45 litres more than before. We got to drive this new Jeep on motorways and country roads to our Slane destination entering the estate through the old Gothic Gate which allowed us try out the Selec-Terrain (standard across all versions) driving on a narrow and bumpy track through the woodland area using the Sand/Mud drive mode, but all five modes are designed to optimise performance and control in different conditions proving front-wheel drive versions are also capable of off-road. Other driving modes are: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Electric (exclusive to e-Hybrid Plug-in version). Ground clearance is up to 200mm and the vehicle’s water fording depth is up to 470mm. Level 2 autonomous driving is standard on this new Jeep Compass along with many high-end safety technologies.

Six colours are available but the launch colour of Hawaii - a bright brilliant green - was the stand out colour.

With a rapid 160kW DC charger, the Compass EV can be charged from 20-80 per cent in 30 minutes, and there’s an onboard charger with up to 22kW. The battery-electric (BEV) range is up to 500km on launch models, with an extended range version coming later offering up to 650kms.

Jeep’s ‘Freedom to Choose Electric’ initiative, first introduced last year on the Jeep Avenger, continues with New Compass meaning customers who choose electric to switch to a hybrid powertrain within 90 days if they feel a fully-electric model is not the right fit for them. It also includes common pricing on hybrid and electric versions.

The new Jeep Compass is available now in Jeep dealers nationwide with both hybrid and electric versions starting from €42,995. Jeep offers a 5-year warranty, and free home charger with eligible electric models.

Farizon introduces new electric van

2026-05-29T08:48:00.000+01:00

Farizon has launched the new V7E electric medium van, writes Brian Byrne, aimed at urban logistics and fleet operators seeking lower-emission transport options.

Priced from €30,700 including VAT and grants for the 50kWh model, and from €33,700 for the 67kWh version, the V7E is built on a dedicated electric platform rather than an adapted combustion design. There's a rated range of up to 329km WLTP, a cargo volume of up to 6.95m³ and a compact footprint.

Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display with smartphone connectivity, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, Vehicle-to-Load capability, heated windscreen, up to 100kW DC fast charging and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Farizon Ireland, said the V7E represents “another important step” in growing the brand’s Irish line-up, sitting below the larger Farizon SV and offering “diesel-rivalling value” combined with advanced technology for modern commercial operators.

The Farizon V7E is now available through authorised Farizon dealerships across Ireland.

Nissan's €4K 262 offer

2026-05-28T08:57:00.000+01:00

Nissan Ireland has launched a new 262 plate promotion designed to help car buyers navigate the growing electrified car market, writes Brian Byrne. The ‘€4k Your Way’ offer gives customers a choice of either a €4,000 finance contribution or a €4,000 trade-in bonus when purchasing a new 262 Nissan X-Trail, Qashqai, Juke or Ariya, with 4.9% APR finance also available.

The X-Trail, Qashqai and Juke are available as hybrids, while the Ariya is a fully electric model.

Interested buyers can find out more at nissan.ie, or book a test drive with their local Nissan dealer.

Ford supporting tradespeople to help Dublin communities

2026-05-27T10:09:00.000+01:00

Ford Ireland has launched an official Transit Team Directory, bringing together a group of skilled tradespeople to support charities and community organisations across Dublin, writes Brian Byrne. The initiative invites charities, community groups, youth clubs and local organisations to submit projects in need of practical help.

Five standout tradespeople, selected following a nationwide public nomination process, will each have the use of a Ford Transit vehicle for 12 months to assist their work and community projects.

Ford says the campaign also aims to help tradespeople transition to electric and electrified commercial vehicles through connected services, charging support and tailored customer care.

John Manning, Managing Director, Ford Ireland, says the Ford Transit has supported Irish tradespeople and businesses for generations. "With the Transit Team Directory, Ford Pro, and our Power Promise, we want to ensure tradespeople are part of Ireland’s EV journey and feel confident adopting the future of commercial mobility, while continuing to serve their communities.”

Honda Jazz Crosstar review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

2026-05-27T08:15:47.657+01:00

I have yet to meet any colleague who has driven the Honda Jazz that doesn't think it's a really superb motor, writes Brian Byrne. That's a thought that's being shared by an increasing number of Irish motorists, as it's the second biggest seller for the brand here. Now in the second half of its fourth generation, the Jazz's unique cab-forward style makes it stand out in a flurry of other B-segment cars with their own distinctive personalities. It's a small car that thinks it's bigger, and in several respects, the Japanese company has made it actually so.

We're in a time when the SUV theme is dominant, and even small cars have to offer crossover characteristics. Honda has done this with a Crosstar variant of the standard car. They haven't gone all out on suggesting that the Crosstar Jazz is going to take us over the mountain instead of around it, but it does have some extra practical elements as well as nice cosmetic touches.

Those latter include some black detailing and extra silver finishes. There's a different grille, while an increased ride height and integrated roof rails are both useful, as well as looking good. The car gets its own distinctive alloy wheels, finished in black. Hints of skid plates are added to the front and rear bumpers, which are styled differently from the standard car. The whole feel of the original mini-MPV shape is upshifted to something with extra presence, and the changes also make it a bit longer and wider.

The Crosstar is developed on the top grade of the basic Jazz, so the specification level is already high. But this variant also gets a water-repellent finish on the fabric-and-leather upholstery, ideal if the feeling of SUV and the extra ride height has taken you to places that are less than pristine. It doesn't have the blind spot monitor system, which will upset some people, but doesn't particularly bother me.

The overall dashboard and screen layout is what I expect from Honda: clear, bright, and ergonomically good. Honda is deliberately keeping its centre screens to a relatively small size, which I like, and there are proper knobs and switches for climate and other key controls. The driver information screen is clutter-free, with the main metrics instantly intelligible. A matched set of press buttons on either side is for the drive mode and start-stop. Overall, things are very classic, and the better for that.

A high level of fit and finish has long been a Honda hallmark, and this is the case with the Jazz. Contrast stitching is tastefully evident in the trim and seat material, nothing brash. The passenger space in the back row is good for the segment, with more rear headroom than many. Those seats also have the ability to fold the seat part against the back to make room for any unusually tall cargo, which Honda calls its 'magic' attribute. They're comfortable for even a longish person when in the normal position. The boot space is about par for the segment, and when the passenger seats are folded in the normal way, it's a good flat area with a capacity of more than 1,200 litres.

The powertrain in the Crosstar Jazz is the same as throughout the range: a hybrid petrol with up to 122hp available. This offers a sub-10-second 0-100km/h, peppy enough for the class. The transitions between the various combinations of drive are seamless. There's a real-world fuel consumption below 5L/100km, while for its size and positioning, the Jazz is surprisingly fun and engaging in the handling department.

We're in the middle of transitioning from combustion powertrains to electric, which will still take some time. Honda was, along with Toyota, a forerunner of the start of that transition, with the offer of hybrid technology. Even where other brands have moved more aggressively to EVs, there's a place for this level of technology for some time to come. The Jazz is in just that space.

PRICE: €34,950. WHAT I LIKED: How Honda adds stuff without going overboard.

More than three in four injured cyclists are men

2026-05-26T09:09:00.000+01:00

Pic by Yavuz Kosar via Pexels.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has published a new “Cyclist Spotlight Report: Fatalities and Serious Injuries” document examining cyclist casualties on Irish roads between 2021 and 2025, writes Brian Byrne. The report is based on data from the Irish Road Traffic Collision Database.

The document shows that over half (55%) of cyclists seriously injured were aged 26–55, and that men accounted for 78% of serious injuries. Most serious injuries (79%) occurred between 8 am and 8pm, with the peak period between 4pm and 8pm. High proportions were also recorded between Tuesday and Thursday and from May to September.

Dublin accounted for 52% of all serious cyclist injuries over the period. Nearly half (48%) of serious injuries happened at junctions, while 83% occurred on straight roads. In terms of collision type, 69% of seriously injured cyclists were involved in multiple-vehicle collisions, most commonly with a car or light goods vehicle. Single-vehicle collisions accounted for 20% of serious injuries, and hit-and-run incidents for 11%.

The report follows a separate RSA study using hospital data, which found that 3,305 cyclists were admitted to hospital between 2020 and 2024 after road traffic collisions — a figure significantly higher than serious injury numbers recorded by An Garda Síochána. The RSA says underreporting and differences in injury classification may explain the gap between hospital and Garda data.

Renault 4 E-Tech review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

2026-05-22T14:48:10.798+01:00

Renault R4 E-Tech reinvented as everyday compact EV. The original Renault 4, introduced in 1961, sold over eight million units worldwide. It was the French carmaker’s first family car with a front-drive engine, the quirky gear shift being in the centre dash. A family member has fond memories of driving two 4Ls in the ‘60s, recalling how well they drove with excellent suspension over poor country roads, how economical they were, and how affordable they were to buy. A car for its time and place. His 4Ls were used to bring greyhounds to the track when the back seat bench was lifted out.

The new retro-inspired Renault R4 electric car was launched here as a B-segment urban crossover in December 2025 with many design cues from the iconic original. Renault says the new R4 E-Tech taps into the DNA of the original model to reinvent itself as a versatile, everyday compact car. Designers and engineers have worked wonders at bringing the original car into a modern era as an electric vehicle. Retro cues include a unique single-piece illuminated grille, round headlights, a modern reinvention of the three-part rear lights, and many other touches. It is the first Renault car to feature a backlit emblem at the centre of its face. Front and rear bumpers come with vertical overriders, also harking back to the original, as does a sticker stretching from the windscreen’s sides to the chunky wheel arches. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

My car was in a lovely new shade called Hauts-de-France Green, which pays tribute to the Ole-de-France Blue of the 1960s with a contrasting black roof and roof rails. The ‘4’ figure is highlighted at the rear. The R4 E-Tech electric is designed to be bigger and more spacious than the latest Renault 5, thanks to its 2.62m wheelbase. The narrowish, but wide, windscreen, high dashboard, and dark materials, including the low black roofliner, gave me a sense of being cocooned in the car, but the interior is really top class, oozing French chic. The black quilted textile trim with yellow top-stitching and ribbon with the French flag colours on the dashboard highlight that the car is French-made. I also liked the LED backlit Renault 4 logo on the front passenger’s dash that changes colour depending on your choice of ambient lighting.

Screens are the same as the R5 E-Tech; a large and curved 10.1-inch multimedia infotainment screen is angled towards the driver, and with the OpenR Link system, compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It has Google built in, including Google Maps with charging route planning. A row of permanent controls along the base includes temperature, heated steering wheel and front seat controls, and air direction. The recessed dark green 10-inch digital driver’s cluster is clear and easy to read. We’ve become familiar with all the stalks on the right side of steering columns in Renaults, but it’s confusing. These include the transmission selector, wipers, radio and volume control, and the Multi Sense control for drive modes of Eco, Comfort, Sport and Personal. The steering wheel also has paddles that select from four regenerative braking levels, with energy recovery optimised with every deceleration, and enables One Pedal driving.

Colourful and comfy seats are in black leather-type upholstery and greyish materials on side bolsters and doors. My seat had manual adjustments and a lumbar support setting. There are two USB-C sockets (front and back), and a wireless phone charging pad. Those in the rear benefit from good knee and headroom, but the middle seat back is fixed upright. My ionic grade car had a power tailgate, a low loading lip, boot space of 420 litres, and a 55-litre area under the floor for the cables. With rear seats folded down, luggage space grows to 1,405 litres.

Three trims are offered - Evolution, Techno, and Iconic. My car had all-around parking sensors, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear occupant safe exit alert, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, a very good reversing camera, hands-free parking, and pedestrian and cyclist recognition. I turned off the driver attention alert and all the lane departure warnings, as I find them all annoying. The My Safety switch allows you to customise your settings.

The entry Evolution grade is only offered with the smaller 40kWh ‘Urban Range’ battery with 120hp and a range of 308kms; the 52kWh ‘Comfort Range’ battery with a 150hp motor and 245Nm torque, and claimed range of up to 409km (nearer 350kms in real-world driving), has a 0-100km/h time of 8.2 seconds and can charge from 15-80 percent in 30 minutes with DC fast charging, or in 7 h 47 m from a 7.4 kW wall box. Batteries come with an 8-year, or 160,000km warranty. The charging port is located near the front passenger door.

The R4 is nimble and agile with a turning circle of just 10.8 m, ideal for driving on city streets, as is the light steering. It’s also quite a fun drive for a good everyday car, which suits most families with small children. The car comes with increased ground clearance, and the suspension has been optimised for a smoother, more comfortable ride.

The R4 E-Tech was awarded a four-star safety rating when tested by Euro NCAP, and achieved a top five-star rating in Green NCAP for sustainability and low emissions.

The entry-level 40kWh is priced from €27,995; the 52kWh 150hp from €30,995-€34,995.