Tag: 2026
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New Mercedes CLA 200 hybrid. Is it better than the BMW 2 series Gran Coupe and Audi A3?
Road tested by Hugh Maguire. Range priced from €57,960 CLA 180 hybrid. Car on test Mercedes CLA 200 hybrid €58,560. Pros: Lovely styling. Excellent long distance cruiser. Very economical. Cons: Hybrid system a bit rough around the edges. Too much reliance on the huge touch screen. A few below par plastics in the cabin. When Mercedes
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Ford announce five new vehicles bred for Europe and infused with Ford’s Rally motorsport DNA.
A New Era for Ford Passenger Vehicles in Europe Ford today detailed a vibrant new vision for its future in Europe at a gathering of European dealers and partners. With a comprehensive product and technology rollout for commercial and retail customers planned over the next three years, Ford is renewing its commitment to European drivers
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On the road in the Citroen e-C5 Aircross: Is This Where Comfort meets Family SUV Practicality?
Road Tested By Hugh Maguire. Pros: A class winner for supreme comfort. Lovely interior design. Very well equipped. Cons: Steering has no real feedback. Feels too light. Spongy long travel brake pedal feel. Body roll in corners limits fun element of driving it. I road test a multitude of new models every year. There are
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NEW FLAGSHIP TRIALMASTER X LAUNCHES AS THE MOST CAPABLE AND BEST-EQUIPPED INEOS GRENADIER Dominating the Grenadier line-up, the life- and adventure-ready Trialmaster X is priced at €68,117. Proudly wearing exclusive Trialmaster X badging, it is finished in Scottish White as standard, with a choice of three additional colours – Devil Red, Magic Mushroom and Donny
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Sharper Design, Stronger Value. SEAT ‘262’ Offers.
SEAT has announced its new ‘262’ offers, introducing compelling finance offers across the Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Ateca; alongside notable updates to two of its most popular models. At the forefront of the SEAT range are the recently refreshed Ibiza and Arona, both of which benefit from enhanced exterior styling, improved interior quality and a
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Should you shortlist the Lexus RZ 350e if looking for a premium electric car?
Road tested by Hugh Maguire. Pros: Attractive styling. Supremely comfortable. Premium look and feel. Cons: Range still trails some rivals. Charging speed is only average. Not an involving driving experience. So you have decided an EV is for you. But you are not looking for a budget entry level model. You seek something more premium.
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Mercedes announce Irish pricing of the new 3rd generation CLA.
Recently voted European car of the year 2026, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA now comes in fully electric versions, and in a range of long distance, high-tech 48-volt mild hybrid drivetrain models with a 1.5-litre petrol powered engine, plus the availability within the range of 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Stylish inside and out, and designed with sleek, aerodynamic looks that echo other models within the Mercedes-Benz world, additional possibilities also include the availability
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Is the Leapmotor T03 just cheap or does it offer real value as a budget EV?
Road Tested by Hugh Maguire. Likes: Perfect around town Cheap for an EV Good equipment for the price Dislikes Limited range Overly sensitive ADAS Not engaging or fun to drive So what’s the story? Come to think of it there are less and less manufacturers producing really small city cars. It seems we live in
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New 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Review. Range,Specs, Price in Ireland and full road test.
Likes: The “super hybrid” system is very efficient. Incredible range & economy. Plenty of standard kit. Roomy and practical. Ideal for families. Dislikes: Tyre roar on coarse tarmac. A firm overly rigid ride quality. Bland to look at and equally so to drive. Road tested By Hugh Maguire. Is the BYD Sealion 5 the answer
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Leapmotor B10. A smart buy or just another budget EV?
Road tested by Hugh Maguire. The advance of Chinese car manufacturers into Europe continues unabated. Already here in Ireland we have, BYD, MG, Leapmotor, GWM (Great Wall Motors) Maxus, and XPENG, but not everyone knows for example that Volvo and Polestar are also Chinese based and owned by the huge Chinese conglomerate Geely. These brands have