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Sun, Jan 24, 2021

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Audi e-Tron Sportback 55 quattro: a seriously impressive and stylish SUV Audi e-Tron Sportback: A seriously handsome, impressive and pricey e-SUV

 

BMW 530e M-Sport:  incisive and entertaining to drive BMW’s 5 Series proves its worth amid plugin-hybrid controversy

 

The Mercedes GLA’s 200D diesel engine feels a little old fashioned in this hybrid-electric world but it’s hugely economical in daily use. Mercedes faces stiff competition from itself with the GLA

 

The most striking feature is the styling as the Sorento follows the trend towards bigger and bolder front grilles. Kia’s spacious Sorento is like a sittingroom on wheels

 

Striking: the Peugeot e-2008 wins big in terms of styling Peugeot e-2008: Disappointing battery range overshadows beautiful design

 

This short-wheelbase model is, surely, the Defender as she is meant to be spoken. Land Rover Defender 90 has more capabilities than any car on market

 

Toyota Yaris: Well-worked evolution of a popular supermini, but larger 1.5-litre engine seems the better buy while hybrid makes most sense. Facing stiff competition from impressive rivals. Toyota Yaris: New supermini is stylish and spacious but faces stiff competition

 

You can have the Berlingo in two wheelbases  4.4m (14.4ft) long, with five seats and a large boot or a longer 4.75m. Citroen Berlingo a worthy candidate to inherit mantle from 2CV

 

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid ST-Line X: Shoots straight to the top of our 2020 charts. Puma proves Ford’s heart is in the right place

 

Skoda Octavia Combi Style 2.0: What you get from Skoda is a spacious car at a good value price compared to equivalently roomy rivals. New Octavia set to further cement Ireland’s enduring love affair with Skoda

 

Rolls Royce Ghost: An ambulatory work of art. Rolls Royce Ghost: More than just a plaything for the rich and shameless

 

In styling terms, the new ID.3 makes the evolution to electric without abandoning the traits of traditional hatchback formats Volkswagen ID.3: A full-blown leap into the electric world that doesn’t disappoint

 

The Peugeot e-208 provides a range of 370km from its 50kWh battery pack which is enough for the vast majority of Irish drivers to complete multiple daily commutes Peugeot e-208: the best small electric car on the market

 

Does the GLB do enough, though, to invalidate the appeal of the GLA or GLC? Well, not quite Has Mercedes thrown a spanner in its own works with the appealing new GLB?

 

The new Seat Leon delivers a pretty stellar all-round package of great looks, smart cabin, good tech and  usable performance Seat’s new Leon: It’s now better than the VW Golf it’s based on

 

Ford Kuga: a hugely impressive plug-in hybrid that might just help cement a Ford renaissance Ford Kuga: Impressive plug-in hybrid SUV underlines motor giant’s renaissance

 

Opel’s Grandland X Hybrid4 weighs in at more than 1,800kgs. Grandland X hybrid sees Opel approaching new era

 

Kia Xceed: The €29,000 price point puts it right in the mix against regular hybrid rivals Kia Xceed shines with sleek styling

 

The Focus ST is an eighties heroes reborn Ford’s working class hero for these tough times

 

Land Rover Defender: A reboot that lives up to the hype

 

Renault Zoe Z.E.50 R135 GT Line: within sight of being a class leading four-star car, thanks to a mix of usable range, competitive price and practical, smart cabin Is this the best electric car you can buy right now?

 

Mini Electric: Proper premium appeal with electric fun but limited range will prove a sales hurdle Mini Electric: It’s a breeze to drive, but it has a major range issue. And it’s not cheap

 

The new Golf is longer, wider and taller than before, which means a spacious cabin, but takes away a little from its sportier lines. Car review: Golf is bowing out as VW’s star car. So is the new version any good?

 

Opel’s new Corsa is big improvement on previous models and boasts plenty of premium toys Opel Corsa: French takeover helps German supermini reach new heights

 

Dacia Logan: decent ride quality and fuel economy make up for some rough layout edges Dacia gets the boot in with affordable Logan

 

Sportback-and-sides haircut for Audi’s Q3 SUV

 

Who would have thought a manual, front-drive, three-cylinder, 1 Series could be one of the most truly BMW BMWs you can buy? BMW goes back to its roots with 1 Series

 

Upgraded Lexus RX revs up to German challenge

 

The equipment levels on the Hyundai i10 will surprise even the most cynical car buyer Hyundai’s smallest model makes a big impression

 

With 155hp and 250Nm of torque, the Peugeot 2008 GT fairly shifts along. It’ll crack 100km/h in just under nine seconds From demure to daring: Peugeot’s 2008 compact crossover

 

Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid XE Premium Subaru’s Forester e-Boxer: looks blocky but packs a driving punch

 

The T-Roc R:  it asks  you to throw away the heritage of the Golf in favour of a non-descript suburban runaround VW gives us the fast and fun T-Roc R but it’s not so good on the pocket

 

The 62kWh Nissan Leaf lacks for one major item relative to its opposition: range Nissan’s big-battery Leaf left behind in electric charge

 

The new Corsa may  lack  in star quality, but it does not put  a foot wrong in any major way Corsa’s return sparks new beginning for Opel in Ireland

 

The Toyota C-HR, which starts at €30,620, offers stylish looks and a premium finish Toyota C-HR: A proper premium hybrid crossover that’s a halfway house to electric

 

Ford Puma 1.0 125hp Ecoboost Hybrid Titanium Ford’s new Puma hits our funny bone

 

The Model X is not as polished a product as the smaller, cheaper Model 3, but it is fascinating, it is interesting, it is intriguing. And how often can you say all that about a modern car? Tesla’s next-gen Model X: A frustrating €95k drive – but everyone else will love it

 

VW Passat VW Passat plug-in hybrid is the bridge to an electric future

 

Mazda 3: the saloon certainly looks the part but its engine tech lets it down Mazda 3: Handsome saloon’s clever engine tech doesn’t stand up in court

 

 The development team of the new Clio has got the interior mix of physical buttons and touchscreen controls just right Fifth-generation Clio scores with its Gallic charm and practical appeal

 

Skoda Superb’s 62km electric range means for anyone with a county-to-city commute,  you could conceivably get from Monday morning to Friday evening without a single millilitre of petrol being burned Skoda Superb: Plugin option makes saloon more sensible still

 

The Mercedes-Benz GLB takes some styling cues from the company’s glorious G-Wagon, though not quite enough in our opinion Mercedes-Benz GLB: One of the most impressive SUVs of the year

 

Plug-in hybrid BMW cleans up the image of premium SUVs

 

The new X6 has a slightly updated shape with a solid stance thanks to its broader shoulder line. It is slightly longer and wider than before but the roofline is lowered thanks to an increased slope to the windscreen’s A-pillar. BMW’s X6 remains motoring marmite

 

New Skoda Superb Skoda Superb: bucking the trend for four-door saloons

 

The Tesla Model 3 an official range of up to 560km depending on your choice, a 0-100km/h time as low as 3.4 seconds, and a price tag starting at €48,900. Tesla Model 3 charges ahead as rivals fail to plug market gap

 

The 2-litre, 194bhp engine  is quieter and more refined than its predecessor, but it’s also noticeably more responsive Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d: Electric dreams can wait

 

Kia e-Soul electric car: its big selling point is the new 64kW battery with an official range between charges of 452km. Kia e-Soul: an electrifyingly stylish car

 

If a car buyer has the choice between a BMW 320d with diesel power, or a new BMW 330e with plugin-hybrid electric power, which one should they choose? BMW’s new plugin 330e adds up rather nicely

 

Delightful: the BMW 3 Series Touring is a pleasure to drive and the steering is the best you’ll find in any car this side of your local Porsche garage – it bursts with feel and feedback BMW 3 Series Touring bucks the trend for crumbling estates

 

The Audi S4 TDI Audi’s mighty S4 hoists the diesel flag high

 

The Ford Focus ST boasts a top speed of 250km/h Ford Focus ST: Quick and comfortable but is it worth the price?

 

BMW 118d: the mix of engaging steering and smooth power delivery, combined with a smart modern cabin, is enough to justify its premium badge BMW’s new 1 Series can go wheel-to-wheel with the best of its hatchback rivals

 

Overall, the Audi e-Tron crossover delivers proper premium flair in a family-sized car, but at a hefty price Audi eTron is full of sparkle but lacks some spark behind the wheel

 

A view of the new Renault Clio (2019) New Renault Clio feels more grown up, with less fun factor

 

Volkswagen T-Cross is a fun little crossover, overshadowed by its own hype and the more affordable Polo hatchback Volkswagen T-Cross: Cool little crossover with strong Polo roots

 

Volkswagen Passat has been given a mid-life facelift that adds new technology plus a few subtle styling changes, ding in this estate version Volkswagen’s plug-in Passat embraces new tech services

 

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC: There are new bumpers and lights, new grilles, some new colour options, and a revised interior with (optional) digital instruments and a bigger (also optional) touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system. Merc’s updated GLC keeps one eye on the past and one on the future

 

‘Hybrids are supposed to be powered by a mixture of petrol and electricity, but the NSX’s engine note will have you convinced that this one runs on venom and rage.’ Honda’s NSX adds hellfire to hybrid power

 

For the Fast and Furious generation, the driving fun is certainly there in the new Supra. Toyota Supra’s homage stays true to its roots

 

With the V8 in full roar, the screech of tyres laying down a layer of rubber on the road, and smoke rising from the rear, it’s a wonderful way  to wake up your neighbours Ford’s Mustang Bullitt more than just a star of a bygone age

 

    Irish road test: Newly refreshed Toyota Camry makes a welcome return

 

Mercedes-Benz CLA: new model features a stunning design and is a dream to drive Mercedes-Benz’s new CLA splits the four-door hairs

 

Honda CR-V: Two engines are offered up in Ireland: the 2-litre petrol-electric hybrid – tested here – and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol Honda CR-V: The brand is back, and Sliotar Mums can rejoice

 

The Seat Tarraco:  it  suffers from that same hesitancy that we’ve seen  in other VW Group vehicles Seat’s seven-seater Tarraco is stylish but dull to drive

 

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds and can do the shorter dash from 0 to 50km/h in just 3.3 seconds DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is more than just a Citroën with notions

 

The X7’s front grille is   as if someone has strapped two garden gates to the front of the car When size matters, the X7 from BMW fits the bill

 

The new Toyota Rav4   ticks a lot more boxes. For a start it has the rugged image. It also has the family space Toyota Rav4: Impressive family crossover with rugged looks and hybrid tech

 

The price of the Mazda 3 has yet to be released but it could be about €25,000-€26,000 Mazda’s gorgeous hatch brings Japanese craftsmanship to family driveways

 

DS 7: Stylish French model made for the catwalk not Irish roads

 

Striking: The BMW 8 Series is a seriously good-looking coupe BMW 8 Series: A big, beautiful coupe you’ll never want to get out of

 

The four-door Corolla saloon will be the best-selling version of Toyota’s new line-up in Ireland Saloon will top new Corolla Hybrid sales, but you should buy the estate

 

Alfa Stelvio leaves scarlet streak across the landscape

 

    A Corolla that’s pretty and fun to drive? We’re gobsmacked

 

The Audi Q3 is not perfect, but it’s alright Audi’s new Q3 is the acceptable face of crossovers

 

Lexus ES: Eco-friendly aura with proper boardroom luxury

 

The Peugeot 508 boasts  muscle car menace and a premium quality interior Peugeot 508 proves to be a tempting alternative to elite German saloons

 

The Vitara gets the fundamentals right. It’s compact, but usefully practical. It’s designed to be light, nimble, and easy around town, but equally adept at dealing with demands of a more rural nature The Vitara is the Suzuki we get, but not the one we deserve

 

Hyundai Kona: sales of the eco-friendly crossover in Ireland  have  overtaken those for the Nissan Leaf during the first 20 days of 2019 Hyundai’s Kona leads the electric charge - for now

 

The new RAV4 is  an intriguing proposition. A car that combines surprising levels of ruggedness, with forward-looking hybrid tech, and big-saloon-style refinement and comfort on a motorway run. Toyota’s RAV4 goes back to its 4x4 roots

 

BMW X5 30d M Sport Still a bit bling but the best driving SUV in its class

 

The Ariel Nomad relies on rear-wheel drive, chunky tyres, and low weight to keep itself mobile when the going gets slippery or sandy None madder than an Ariel Nomad

 

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plugging the gap between now and the future

 

This 3 Series is one of the very few relatively affordable cars you can buy that retains that sense of driver engagement and fun How BMW’s 3 Series got its magic back

 

Sadly, the e-Niro is pretty ordinary to drive. It’s a pity Kia couldn’t engineer some of the  new Ceed into the e-Niro’s steering and suspension Kia’s electric Niro has star backing but wins no oscars on the road

 

Honda’s hybrid CR-V keeps it clean and comfortable

 

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz B Class range will initially comprise B180 and B200 petrol models and B180d, B200d and B220d diesels. First Drive: Mercedes-Benz B Class is as boxy as ever

 

The Lexus RX450h-L: the combo of big, smooth V6 and the extra torque from the hybrid electric motor means your journey will likely be effortless Lexus’ seven-seat RX adds practicality, but only for the smallest passengers

 

 Audi Q8 50 TDI: With adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering, it wafts along, unfazed by rutted roads. Audi Q8: the latest German coupe crossover

 

It  would be so easy to dismiss the Audi A6 based solely on its styling, but spend a bit more time with it and the subtleties emerge Audi plays a safe shot with the new A6, but neatly pots the black

 

The Jaguar i-Pace is fast, fun, sure-footed, and intriguing to look at It’s electric: Jaguar’s I-Pace surges ahead of Tesla

 

Having a Dacia in the driveway during the recession suggested you were sensible with your spending Dacia’s refined Duster keeps its cost-conscious roots

 

The Urus costs £165,000 (€186,000) in the UK, and that’s before you even glance at the options list. Lamborghini revs up to SUV success with the Urus

 

The Mini just zips along, with a sweet personality and an appetite for fun Mini Cooper S review: ‘go-kart feel’ provides endless driving fun

 

“The Fiesta ST gets better the quicker you go and the harder the questions you ask of it.” Ford’s third-generation Fiesta ST: King of the (back) road

 

The new BMW X4 xDrive M40d BMW X4: How can this coupe SUV feel so wrong but still feel so right?

 

Ford Mondeo Hybrid Ford’s Mondeo Hybrid arrives late, but still welcome

 

BMW i3:  Like the current crop of hybrids on the road, it recycles resistant energy from braking and the like. The distinct allure of the BMW i3

 

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