SEAT Leon FR PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

SEAT cars are renowned for their stylish good looks and for how well they drive. The brand offers a range of models from compact city cars to hatchbacks, estates, and SUVs.  

My most recent test drive was in the Leon, available in hatchback or estate Sportstourer body styles. Both versions offer good value for money, making the model an affordable family car and the estate a very good alternative to a compact SUV.  Mine was the 5dr hatchback version, a good all-rounder that is fun to drive, spacious, and very well equipped with standard features.  The Leon and the Volkswagen Golf are closely related, sharing the same platform and many components, but the Leon is often described as the more youthful, sportier, and more affordable alternative.  

 

Trims are FR, SE Plus, and SE. The FR trim is the sporty option for those buyers looking for enhanced performance and generous amounts of standard equipment. The styling features a prominent grille and triangular daytime-running lights, with sharp lines, distinctive creases along the sides, and a full-width LED rear light bar, which makes the rear seem wider. The FR trim adds further sporty touches, including some additional chrome, 18-inch machined alloy wheels in Cosmo Grey, and full LED headlights, along with FR badges on the exterior, while the Leon badge on the rear is now in handwritten script.  

Leon is quite a low car, so tall people may have to duck their heads when getting in and out, even with the front passenger seat set as low as possible and fully back.  The well-thought-out interior features good-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The FR trim adds red stitching and the letters FR on mats and on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a wireless phone charger (with two C-USBs close by and two more in the back). A sunroof stretches to the backs of the front seats, and you can pull down the blind. Sporty seats with black microsuede and red stitching are comfortable, and the cushions are nicely padded. Front seats have manual adjustments and can be heated.  

The dash is dominated by a large 12.9-inch free-standing central screen and a recessed 10.25-inch digital cockpit where your current speed is shown on the bottom right of the screen. Colourful graphics in both cases look really well and are clear. Climate controls are on the base of the central screen, as are volume controls. The dual-clutch automatic transmission selector is located on the flat of the central console, which is my preference. Paddles on the steering wheel allow you to change up or down a gear when the selector lever is in the D/S position.  

The rear offers good head and legroom but fits three adults at a squeeze. A high tunnel intrudes on the middle seat leg space; the middle seat back lowers as an armrest with two cupholders, and there’s a hatch through to the boot. My car had a manually opened tailgate and a boot space of 270 litres, which is less than the 380 litres of the standard petrol or diesel versions due to accommodating the battery. This means there’s no room for a spare wheel.  Front and rear parking sensors, good blind spot monitors, and an excellent reversing camera are standard, while parking controls also let you see around your car.  Driving modes are Eco, Comfort, Performance, and Individual.  

My car was the e-Hybrid PHEV powertrain version, which pairs a 1.5 turbocharged petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor, giving a claimed electric range of up to 133km (in the real world, maybe around 100km) and a total combined output of 204hp. Maximum torque is 350Nm and top speed 220km/h. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is a very decent 7.7 seconds. My car returned around 5.4 L/100km fuel consumption, which is pretty efficient. Road tax is €140.  

I found the Leon FR to be a perky performer, which handled well and proved plenty agile with a turning circle of 10 m. With its stiffer suspension than the other trims, the ride was a bit on the firm side over rural roads, much smoother on good motorway surfaces. Little wind or road noise filtered through to the cabin, and I had no problem with visibility front/side views. The SEAT Leon, including ICE and plug-in hybrid versions, achieved a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.  

The entry level is priced from €30,070-€43,855; Sportstourer 204hp e-hybrid FR from €45,555. SEAT name all their cars after towns in Spain. Leon is a city in northwestern Spain.

 

 

Car sales hold moderate increase

VW ID.4 is the best-selling electric car.

Year-to-date new car registrations total 108,531, a 3.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry for July, writes Brian Byrne. New car registrations for July rose 4.3 per cent (26,787) compared to July 2024.

Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations grew by 22.8 per cent to 6,133 compared to July last year. Year-to-date imports of used cars are up by 9.4 per cent (40,698).

So far this year, 18,542 new electric cars have been registered, marking a 33.7 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. In July, 4,913 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, representing a 57 per cent rise compared to July 2024.

Petrol cars continue to lead the market at 26.90 per cent, followed by petrol-electric hybrid (22.72), diesel (17.13), electric (17.08), and plug-in electric hybrid (14.71). 

Alfa Romeo Junior review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The new Alfa Romeo Junior crossover SUV was unveiled here by Irish importers Gowan Auto on Valentine’s Day this year, surely a good omen for a car launch with all that love around. The car is the first 100 per cent electric model from the Italian brand that marked its 115th anniversary in June of this year. The Irish distributor believes it will capture the hearts of drivers who crave style, performance, and innovation — an accurate summary of the new model, which is certainly one of the most stylish cars on our roads. 

It looks premium and sporty, especially in the vibrant Brera Red exterior colour that refers to a specific shade of red used by the brand for their Brera 2+2 coupe, and contrasting black roof and pillars. The front end is quite aggressive looking with the special Scudetto V-Shield standing out on the grille. LED Matrix headlights provide superior illumination for enhanced visibility on the road, and gorgeous Petal 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels certainly added to the overall look. Sleek black LED taillights and the black spoiler ensure the rear design looks almost as good as the front. Rear door handles come integrated into the black C-pillars and, in a nod to icons of its past, the laser-etched ‘Biscione’ grass snake also features on the C-pillars. The front registration plate has been repositioned to the centre of the car to comply with new EU pedestrian safety regulations. 

The beautifully designed and mostly dark cabin with the wrap-around dash cocoons you nicely. The sunroof certainly helps lift the dark look. My mid-spec Speciale trim was equipped with some extra special features like the luxurious suede/leather Sabelt bucket sports seats that hold you in snugly while offering good back support, have integrated headrests, and some open areas. They were part of the Performance interior pack, as was the leather-wrapped steering wheel. My driver’s seat had 6-way power adjustments. Front seats can be heated. 

The recessed 10.25-inch instrument cluster offers intuitive information and customisable controls, while the same-sized touchscreen, located lower on the dash than in many other cars and angled slightly towards the driver, provides a smartphone-like user experience and is fully customisable to match your preferences. The transmission selector on the centre console is similar to that used by Peugeot, as both brands are part of the Stellantis Group. The Start/Stop engine button is here also, along with a wireless charging pad and two USB ports. 

Tall people will find the rear on the tight side, especially with a similarly sized person seated in front, and there’s a tunnel on the rear floor to manoeuvre feet around. Rear storage is very limited with no pockets on front seat backs and there are no rear door bins, but you do get a Type C USB. The boot features a hands-free power tailgate; luggage space of 400 litres can expand to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded down. The high floor offers three levels of versatility, and you can store the charging cables beneath the floor. 

Features included sports pedals, a small but high-definition rear-view camera and a 6-speaker sound system, blind-spot detection, and all-around parking sensors. The onboard technology included adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and traffic sign information. Trims are Elettrica, Elettrica Speciale and Veloce. All use the same 54kWh battery. 

Two power variants are offered: the 156hp with a claimed range of up to 410km WLTP and peak torque of 260Nm, and the high-powered 280hp Veloce with 345Nm torque is capable of doing from 0-100km/h in 5.9 secs, but has a lower range of just 322km. My car was the Elettrica Speciale 156hp version, with a claimed power consumption of 15.3kWh/100km and road tax of €120. The urban electric range is around 574km. Drive modes are Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency. AC charging from 0-100pc takes 5hrs 45mins; DC fast charging from 20-80pc is 24 minutes. 

The Junior Speciale was a pure joy to drive with instant torque. While it excelled on motorway driving, it was also very well behaved in urban driving. I found the ride on the firm side, but never uncomfortable. Steering was direct and well balanced, and little road noise came through with the car’s good insulation. The Alfa Romeo Junior is a thrilling fusion of innovation and performance, faithful to the sporty Alfa Romeo DNA. 

The Junior electric entry price is from €41,083; my Speciale from €38,950; 280hp from €51,405. Prices include SEAI grant and VRT relief. The Junior Ibrida petrol hybrid version retails at €34,995 (no grants available).

 

 

Volvo reveal ES90 pricing and specifications

Volvo reveal ES90 pricing and specs Volvo's ES90, its latest all-electric premium offering, has a start price of €82,100, writes Trish Whelan. 

The introductory Volvo ES90 Single Motor Extended Range has the refined elegance of a saloon, the adaptability of a fastback, and the spacious interior and higher ground clearance of an SUV. 

It is the first Volvo car with 800V technology for a longer range and faster charging than any previous electric Volvo. The ES90 can add 300kms of range in 10 minutes at 350 kW fast charging stations and offers a driving range of up to 700kms. 

Three grades are offered. Core is priced from €82,100; Plus from €89,900, and Ultra from €102,400. The ES90 is now available for order from local Volvo dealerships.

 

New Leaf orders in autumn

Orders for Nissan's new-generation Leaf will commence in the autumn, with initial deliveries scheduled for early next year, writes Brian Byrne. The car was unveiled in June and, in its new generation, follows the Ariya in a crossover-SUV form.

There will be two battery options, offering rated ranges of up to 436km and 604km.

The new Leaf provides a fully connected mobility experience with Google integrated, dual 14.3” screens, and advanced driver assistance technologies.

The car will be manufactured in Sunderland, UK.

Since its debut in 2010, the Nissan Leaf has sold nearly 700,000 units worldwide. It was the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle. 

New C3 selling on space, comfort, and value

The new Citroen C3 is now on sale in Irish dealerships at a starting price of €23,400 for both petrol and electric versions, writes Brian Byrne. A hybrid version is also available.

With SUV cues, the car is the tallest in its B-segment hatchback space, with key selling points being ease of getting in and out, and comfort. The company promises more elbow and knee room than the average in the market.

The C3 has been a key seller for the Citroen brand since it was launched, with over 6 million units sold since 2002.

In e-C3 format, the car has a rated range of 320 km, and an urban-centric variant with a 200 km range will be available next year.

The car offers a high degree of visual customisation, using two-tone paintwork and 'colour clips' to accentuate style details.

Cupra Formentor PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

In 2021, Cupra’s Formentor was the first vehicle designed and developed from the ground up as a Cupra model. Cupras are designed to offer a more thrilling driving experience, with powerful engine options and sporty avant-garde styling, whereas sister-company SEAT’s vehicles are more focused on traditional cars with smaller engines and value for money. Both are part of the Volkswagen Group. 

Their largest offering, the five-seater Formentor SUV coupe, provides the benefits of a performance car with the qualities, ride height, and roominess of an SUV but with lots of extra touches included. It is aimed at high-earning male buyers in their forties who will most likely have a young family and who want their car to have robust style and a sporty driving performance combined with modern technology. 

Cupra has sold 1,173 units in Ireland this year, with Formentor leading the charge with a 12.25 percent increase on the whole of last year, so their marketing strategy is obviously working. The Irish company plans to increase its market share to 2 percent as it builds awareness of the brand. The model has been given a significant facelift for 2025. Exterior changes include a redesigned front bumper that integrates the logo, a new grille, and updated fog lamps. The rear has an integrated, illuminated logo set within 3D infinite lighting for an iconic signature. 

My car was in a new matt shade called Century Bronze, which resembles an army vehicle’s colour. Bronze accents and 19-inch alloys made it stand out. Interior changes include a new dashboard, a padded central console, copper-coloured accents and stitching, and a wrap-around ambient light system across the dash and door panels. Centre stage is the new and easy-to-use 12.9-inch infotainment screen with an integrated navigation system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The car has a three-zone climate control system that allows both front seat occupants and rear passengers to set their own preferred temperatures independently. 

A colourful and customisable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster supplies all the information you need almost within your line of vision, with your current speed shown bottom right on the screen. The multi-function steering wheel has two satellite buttons, which are the Start/Stop button and a drive selection one. Drive modes are Comfort, Performance, Individual, and Cupra for the ultimate driving experience. Some may like the touch-sensitive sliders for temperature and volume, others perhaps not. The automatic transmission gear selector is located on the flat of the central console. The D/S position allows operation in normal mode or sport mode. 

Comfy leather bucket seats with integrated headrests are mostly made from recycled polyester. My driver’s seat had power seat controls, three memory seat settings, and lumbar support. Storage areas include big front door bins, a decent glovebox, and a deep area below the front armrest with a 12V power socket. A wireless phone charger and two USBs are on the dash. Other features are an excellent rear view camera and Blind Spot monitors that light up a bright warning lamp on the inside part of the corresponding side mirror where a vehicle is approaching from that side. 

There’s good head and legroom in the rear, headspace being unaffected by the large sunroof, which you open or close by sliding your finger along the overhead control. There's a power tailgate, and luggage capacity for the plug-in hybrid version is 345 litres compared to the 450 litres in other variants. When not needed, the rear seats can be folded down for more cargo space. Trims are Formentor with output power below 245hp and VZ with a power out from 245hp. The latter adds touches of luxury, elevates performance, and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, dynamic chassis control, as well as new technology and a range of new engine options that now include petrol, diesel, two mild-hybrids, and plug-in hybrid versions with a blend of electric and petrol performance. 

While the entry engine is a 1.5 TSI with 150hp, my review car was the powerful VZ 1.5 TSI (petrol) 272hp e-Hybrid PHEV hybrid version mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Max torque is a powerful 400Nm which together with the petrol engine can shift the car from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds. My fuel usage was 6.4 L/100kms. Motor tax is €140 for the PHEV models. 

On the road, I liked the power on tap, the whole atmosphere and styling of the cabin, and had no trouble with all-round visibility and liked the quite direct, well-balanced steering. With a big suite of driver assistance and safety systems, Formentor was awarded a maximum five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP. The entry price is €39,885; VZ from €59,135. Over €10,000 worth of options were exterior paint (€2,626), 19-inch copper machined alloys (€1,641), Sennheiser 12-speaker system with subwoofer (€704), Pure Performance of Matrix LED Ultra and Dynamic Chassis Control (€1,134), a Progressive Design pack of leather seats/power front seats with driver memory €1,154), Intelligent Drive DQ of side and exit assist, pre-crash assist, intelligent park assist, lane keeping, navigation, traffic jam assist and a top view camera (€2,017), panoramic sunroof (€1,287). These brought the price of my car as tested to €69,698. 

Formentor is named after Cape Formentor on the Spanish island of Mallorca and is produced in the Martorell factory in Catalonia, Spain.

 

Road version of Mokka GSE Rally confirmed

A road version of the Opel Mokka GSE Rally will be revealed soon, writes Brian Byrne. The rally version debuted recently at the  ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup.

The all-electric car offers 280hp and is visually arresting with OMG! GSE lettering, black bonnet, yellow brake callipers and many other rally accents.

Details are scarce, but the road Mokka GSE will share many components and traits of the rally version.