Opel shows off rugged Frontera concept

A new showcar from Opel, the Frontera Gravel, is a precursor to what a rugged version of the upcoming new small SUV from the brand could be like, writes Brian Byrne. The Frontera itself will debut in Ireland later this year.

The Frontera Gravel is based on the all-electric powertrain and shows off chunky off-road wheels, orange bumpers and a basket roof rack, a semi-matt paint job, and appropriate rugged travel accessories like the bonnet-mounted spotlights and front winch.

Inside, there are seats trimmed in microfibre with bright orange highlights, while the headliner is completely black.

The Frontera will sit between the Mokka and the Grandland in the Opel lineup. 

252 offers from Dacia

Dacia’s 252 offers are available now until the 31 July, writes Trish Whelan. 

The new electric Renault 5 E-Tech, launched here in late March and priced from €25,995, has a 5.9pc APR PCP offer and comes with two battery options of 40kWh and 52kWh. 

The flagship new Bigster large SUV family car (pictured above), priced at under €30,000, is available from 4.9pc APR on both PCP and HP from Mobilize Financial Services at Dacia’s 31 dealerships across the country. Three trims are offered as well as mild and full hybrid petrol engines, plus the option of a 4x4. 

A 252 PCP offer of 4.9 APR is available on Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Rafael, Symbioz, Scenic and Megane E-Tech electric up to a maximum of 39 months, available with MFS finance up to the 31 July.

 

Citroen takes home the treble at Bord Bia Bloom

Citroen’s Downsizers’ Show Garden has won a gold Medal and Best In Show for ‘Planting’ at Bord Bia Bloom 2025 in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, writes Trish Whelan. This marks the third consecutive year in which Citroen has achieved a gold medal for their show garden at the festival. 

The award-winning garden highlights how our needs evolve in tune with our lifestyles and life stages, downsizing cars and more accessible smaller gardens that are easier to manage - all without a need for compromise. 

The 2025 Citroen Downsizers’ Show Garden is designed by Louise Checa, a French landscape architect and chartered member of the Irish Landscape Institute who has worked around the world, designing public spaces and private gardens. 

Trevor Hunt, Citroen Marketing Manager thanked Louise, the judges and Bord Bia. Citroen is involved in a Motoring Partnership with Bord Bia Bloom, exhibiting its latest range of vehicles across this weekend. The full Citroen range is also on display at the Festival.

 

Another Chinese brand for Ireland

The latest Chinese electric car brand to announce a presence in Ireland is Leapmotor, which will launch two models here in September, writes Brian Byrne. The brand will be marketed by Gowan Auto Distributors.

The two cars will be the T03, a compact B-segment hatchback with a 37.3 kWh battery and a rated range of up to 265 km.

The C10 is a D-segment SUV with a 69.9 kWh battery, delivering a WLTP-rated range of up to 500 km. A plug-in hybrid range extender version (REEV) will also be available, delivering a WLTP range of over 900KM combined, including a 150 km WLTP range of pure electric plug-in driving. 

Leapmotor will expand its Irish line-up by a further six models by 2028.

Prices and specifications nearer to the launch date.

Ford offering home charger for €10

Ford Ireland is offering home chargers to customers for just a €10 installation fee, writes Brian Byrne. This is in addition to the eight year 160,000 km warranty and five year rescue and roadside assistance that comes with new Ford electric cars.

Over 80 per cent of charging by EV drivers is expected to happen at home. At current rates, a 60kWh battery can be charged at home for €12.26 or an average of €16 at public charge points. This is, according to Ford, providing the same range as would €58-€70 on petrol.

Ford has 32 dealerships in Ireland with a new one opening in Wicklow shortly. 

Nissan 252 offer €4,000 two ways to customers

Nissan is offering new car buyers two ways to put €4,000 towards their new car, writes Brian Byrne. The deal allows customers to choose between a €4,000 finance contribution or a €4,000 trade-in booster across the brand's full range.

PCP and HP finance is available through AIB at 5.9 per cent across the Nissan passenger range up to a maximum of €50,000 and can be combined with one of the ‘€4k Your Way’ offers.

More details about the offer and terms are at local Nissan dealer websites or www.nissan.ie.

Nissan is also offering a €500 cashback offer on its LCV range. 

Fiat reveals 4x4 Grande Panda concept

A concept revealed by Fiat could be the foundation for a 4x4 Grande Panda, reflecting a car that was available during the 1980s, writes Brian Byrne. 

The Panda 4x4 launched in 1983 became popular with enthusiasts for its agility as a runaround town car and rugged terrain capability.

The 2025 concept version features an electrified rear axle designed to offer efficiency and ability in either set of driving conditions. The Bordeaux red colour and beige details offer a full-bodied modern sense with nostalgic undertones. 

New generation Micra revealed

The sixth generation of Nissan's Micra will go on sale in first markets before the end of this year, writes Brian Byrne. The car was unveiled in a global digital event.

This time it become an electric-only car in a programme that will see four EVs from the brand by 2027 — the Micra, new Leaf, new Juke and city car as yet unnamed. A range of up to 408 km is claimed from the larger of two batteries which will be available.

Though less than four metres in length, a long wheelbase for the class offers more interior space than its predecessor. There will only be a 5-door.