BYD Sealion 5 PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Chinese car brand BYD has certainly made its mark on the Irish car market, having launched eight new models since arriving here just three years ago. The company has sold 3,894 units so far this year, representing a massive increase of +99.69% over the whole of last year’s sales. BYD is now amongst the leading five EV and PHEV brands in Ireland. 

My latest test drive was the BYD Sealion 5 Super Hybrid, which sits below the larger Seal U hybrid in the brand’s hybrid line-up. It measures 4,738mm long, 1,860mm wide, 1,710mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,712mm. 

This is a 1.5 plug-in hybrid with a range of up to 1,016km when fully charged and with a full tank of petrol, dispelling any driver range anxiety as you could travel the length and breadth of the country without having to stop to ‘refuel’. To me, the model is not as stylish as some competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, or Toyota Corolla Cross. It looks quite fussy with too much going on, especially on the front and sides with the large textured grille, muscular shoulders that flare over the wheel arches, and all the indented lines. But the 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels look great and provide good grip, while the full-width LED light bar and contrast-colour D-pillar create a ‘floating’ roof effect. 

This is a proper five-seater with room for all adults to travel in comfort, with very good levels of headroom and legroom front and rear. Front seats feature durable vegan faux leather upholstery, have integrated see-through head restraints, and can be heated. The driver’s seat has six-way power adjustment, while the co-driver’s seat has four-way power adjustments. Both provide very good back support. The centre dash is the fixed 12.8-inch landscape touchscreen, which I changed from a dark background to a lighter one. The touchscreen is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; built-in shortcuts let you change the temperature and fan speed. Dual zone climate control, fan, air direction settings are permanent controls along the base of the central screen. 

The colourful 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster stands out from the dash and provides all the relevant information, including your current speed shown large top centre. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel includes voice control - say ‘Hi BYD’ to grab her attention. You can ask ‘herself’ to turn on the air conditioning, change the temperature, or radio station. There’s also an excellent reversing camera. The automatic transmission selector is on the flat of the central console, with the start-stop button and buttons for sensors, audio, fan, windscreen heater, and controls for EV or HEV driving. 

Rear seats can split 40:60. Wide-opening doors help install a child seat, and there are three ISOFIX anchor points provided. A completely flat floor improves foot room for the middle passenger. 

The power tailgate opens up 463 litres of boot space that can expand up to 1,410 litres with rear seats folded. PHEVs can be charged by both regenerative braking and by plugging into an external charger, either a home charger or public charging station. 

Hybrid cars are ideal for long-distance driving as when the electric range runs out, you can just carry on your journey powered by petrol in this case. The Dual Mode hybrid system pairs a 1.5 petrol engine with an electric motor to provide a combined 212hp. In EV or HEV modes, wheels are driven solely by the electric motor and back-up charge supplied with power from the 1.5 petrol engine. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the car becomes pure-electric with up to 86kms of electric range with its dual Blade Batteries, manufactured in-house by BYD. When the battery charge runs out, it changes over to the petrol engine. This DM-i technology improves efficiency during hybrid driving, with a combined fuel consumption of just 2.1 L/100km. 

Trims are Comfort and Design. The Comfort model, with its 12.96 kWh battery, delivers up to 62kms of all-electric range and a range of 992kms. With its larger 18.3 kWh battery, the Design trim has an electric range of 85kms and a combined range of 1,016kms, with acceleration from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds. Comfort trim includes metallic paint, LED headlights and tail-lights, power folding/heated exterior mirrors, aluminium roof rails, V2L, 6 speakers, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Design adds an electric tailgate, heated front seats, a wireless phone charging pad, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and Dynamic welcome lights. 

On the road, I liked how this car drove like an electric vehicle, mostly using the Normal drive mode (also Eco and Sport modes), and was able to get a great driving position, and I appreciated the comfort provided. The car comes with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, but I turned off all the annoying lane keeping/departure ‘alerts’ and stuck masking tape over the driver monitor on the A-pillar, which annoyed me with a big yellow ‘eye’ image on my driver’s screen warning me to keep my eye on the road should I glance sideways. 

The Sealion 5 Super Hybrid has a basic warranty of 6 years or 150,000km; the power battery 8 years or 250,000km. Road tax is €140. Prices are from €36,990-€40,990. 

Škoda Peaq sets new range record

The Škoda Peaq has set a new range record for seven-seater electric SUVs by travelling 936km on a single charge of its 91 kWh battery, writes Brian Byrne. The record attempt, led by Škoda employees Marek Jež and Jakub Krs, was supervised by TÜV SÜD and began in Mladá Boleslav, ending in Zandvoort, Netherlands. 

The car was a production model, rear-wheel drive, and with  low-rolling-resistance tyres. It achieved an average energy consumption of 9.2 kWh/100 km. The journey, which took place from 25 to 26 August 2026, included driver changes and breaks.

The Peaq goes on sale in Ireland in November at a starting price of €54,995. 

New Opel Corsa GSE revives hot hatch tradition

Last year marked the resurrection of the Opel GSE badge, including the all-electric Opel Mokka GSE Rally competition vehicle, the Opel Mokka GSE road car and the high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car, writes Trish Whelan. 

Opel will expand its electrified portfolio with the new Corsa GSE. This new, everyday performance car, will celebrate its world exhibition premier at the Paris Motor Show in October, before arriving in Ireland later this year.  

The new Corsa GSE is pictured above 'with a nod to the Corsa GSi of the late 80s and early 90s. 

Corsa GSE, Opel returns to the market of real hot hatches with all-electric vehicles: GSE stands for Grand Sport Electric! With 281hp and 345Nm of torque, it will offer just as much electric power as the Opel Mokka GSE. The new model stores its energy in a 54kWh lithium-ion battery. 

Drivers can choose from three driving modes. In Sport mode, the electric car is tuned for pure performance and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. In normal mode, it delivers 231hp and has a top speed of up to 180km/h. In Eco, all settings are trimmed for best possible efficiency. 

Inside, front passengers sit on performance seats adorned in a black, grey and yellow chequered pattern, with bright yellow seatbelts. Features include a 10-inch colour touchscreen, heated seats and steering wheel, 180-degree reversing camera, and V2L charging for external devices. 

More information will follow ahead of the Paris Motor Show 2026 reveal. 

New ferry passport requirements between ROI and Britain

From Monday, 28 September 2026, all passengers travelling with Irish Ferries between the Republic of Ireland and Britain will be required to carry a valid passport, writes Trish Whelan. 

This is a change to the current ID accepted and means that from that date, no other forms of photo ID will be accepted by Irish Ferries for any passengers, including Irish and UK citizens. This is to ensure compliance with UK Border Force requirements relating to the accuracy and integrity of passenger date before boarding and aligns ferry travel requirements with the document checks already carried out by many airlines. 

Irish Ferries is encouraging Irish and UK citizens travelling or planning to travel after 28 September 2026 to check their passport is valid, and in-date (or Irish passport card) before arriving at the port to avoid delays or disruption to their journey. 

Customers with existing bookings are being notified of the new requirement by Irish Ferries’ Customer Service Team.

Kia Ireland return as sponsors of Big Beach Clean 2026

Kia Ireland will return as the official sponsor of the Big Beach Clean 2026 which takes place from 18-20 September across Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. Last year, over 60 tons of litter were removed from Irish beaches and waterways by almost 11,000 volunteers from more than 500 organised clean-ups. 

The Big Beach Clean is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) and invites volunteers from across ireland to remove litter from coastal areas and inland waterways at the end of the bathing season. The data collected from this campaign is part of a worldwide citizen science project that aims to heighten awareness about the issue of marine litter and help to shape future policies in this area. Registrations are now open for this year’s event and Kia are encouraging as many people as possible to sign up for their local beach clean at cleancoasts.org. 

On a global level, Kia continues to support the Ocean Cleanup, an organisation with a long-term aim of removing 90% of floating ocean plastic worldwide by 2040. In addition to using recycled materials in vehicle production, Kia also explores ways for collected plastic waste to be recycled and reused and have recently launched a boot liner accessory which contains 40% recycled ocean plastic. 

Looking forward to another big turnout this year for the annual Big Beach Clean, Bronagh Moore, An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Manager, commented: “Every piece of litter collected and recorded during the cleanup is vital for raising awareness and driving meaningful policy changes to protect our oceans. Small actions, when multiplied by many, can have a huge impact. We encourage everyone, no matter your location, to get involved and record your findings. By working together, we will create a tangible and lasting impact on ocean health.” 

Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts Programme Manager; and Cathal Kealey, Head of Marketing and PR at Kia Ireland, are pictured at Big Beach Clean launch in Rosslare recently.

Lynn Motors is official Leapmotor dealer in Louth

Leapmotor Ireland has appointed Lynn Motors, Newry Road, Dundalk, Co Lough as its latest official franchise dealer partner, writes Trish Whelan. It is the brand’s tenth retail location in Ireland, and extends Leapmotor’s nationwide footprint into an eight county while introducing the brand to motorists across Louth and the north-east. 

Commenting on the appointment, Stephen McGrath, Brand Manager of Leapmotor Ireland said: “Lynn Motors has been looking after motorists in Dundalk for many years, and that kind of standing in a community is exactly what Leapmotor needs alongside it. We need partners who know their local market and who put the customer first.” 

A fixture on the Newry Road since 1993, Lynn Motors is a family-run, multi-franchise dealership, and is long established as a Gowan Auto dealer in New Car Sales, Quality Used Vehicles, and Aftersales. 

The full Leapmotor range is now available to order through Lynn Motors, comprising of the T03 compact city car (265km WLTP BEV from €18,950), the new B05 C-Hatchback (482km WLTP BEV from €28,998), the B10 compact SUV (434km WLTP BEV, from €32,984; 900km Hybrid EV from €36,995) and the C10 large family SUV (420km WLTP BEV from €38,995; 975km Hybrid EV from €45,420), all prices inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT rebate. First deliveries have now landed on the forecourt of Lynn Motors.

Pictured (above) at the announcement are: Stephen McGrath and Yvonne Sweeney of Leapmotor Ireland; and Don Lynn, Dealer Principal Lynn Motors. 

Alan Bateson to lead Volkswagen Group Ireland

Volkswagen Group Ireland have appointed Alan Bateson as Chief Executive Officer, writes Trish Whelan and Brian Byrne. His appointment marks the VW Group's first Irish full-time chief executive. He succeeds Pierre Boutin in the position. 

A highly regarded industry leader with more than 17 years of service within Volkswagen Group Ireland, including some years as Managing Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Alan brings extensive market experience and a strong track record of commercial success to the role. Most recently, he served as Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, where he played a key role in delivering sustained market share growth and establishing Volkswagen as Ireland’s leading Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brand. As CEO, Bateson will retail responsibility for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in Ireland. 

Commenting on his new appointment, Bateson said: “It is a great privilege to take on the role of CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland. Having built my career within the Irish motor industry, I know what an honour it is to lead a business with such strong brands, talented people and trusted retail partners. My focus is clear: to continue to grow, to lead in mobility, and to deliver an outstanding and seamless experience for every customer.” 

Volkswagen Group Ireland represents six globally recognised brands - Volkswagen Audi, Skoda, CUPRA, SEAT and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The Group’s portfolio accounts for over 28 per cent of new car sales in this country and over 16 per cent of the van market. 

On a personal note, we wish Alan every success in his appointment.

Siamsa Glas returns to Boyne Valley

Siamsa Glas, a cultural festival celebrating heritage, music, wellbeing, community, and outdoor experiences, returns for its third year from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th of September 2026. It offers over 30 events along the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, inviting visitors to explore County Meath’s distinctive tourism route.

The festival unites communities across Navan, Baile Ghib (Gibstown), Wilkinstown, Castletown, Nobber, and Kilmainhamwood. It encourages people to discover the Greenway, experience local culture, and enjoy the unique offerings of County Meath.

Supported by Meath County Council and Boyne Valley Tourism, Siamsa Glas highlights the communities along the route and the Irish language and cultural heritage of Baile Ghib.  

The Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, a 30km off-road trail opened in 2023, connects many participating areas. It follows the former railway line between Navan and Kingscourt and is popular for exploring the area’s heritage, landscapes, and villages.

This year’s programme includes the Wilkinstown Community Market, Cuairt Rothar ar Ghaeltacht BhaileGhib, Craobh na bPrátaí, and Save the Last Dance. Highlights also feature the Fiáin Green Run, biodiversity walks, heritage talks, Meath Made workshops, traditional music sessions, a cultural concert at Nobber Heritage Centre, wellness experiences, and activities for all ages.

Many events are free, offering local communities and visitors an accessible chance to explore the Greenway and enjoy a varied programme.

Full programme details and booking information are available at: http://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/siamsa-glas-festival

Follow @discoverboynevalley on social media for festival updates. 

Škoda announces Irish pricing for Peaq flagship EV

Škoda Ireland has announced the pricing and specifications for the new Škoda Peaq, its seven-seat electric flagship, writes Brian Byrne. Starting at €54,995, the Peaq offers three electric powertrains with ranges up to 637 kilometres. 

It is the largest SUV in Škoda’s range, and will be available in Selection and Sportline trims. The Peaq 60 Selection includes features like 19-inch alloy wheels, a 13.6-inch infotainment display, and three-zone climate control. The Peaq 90 Selection, expected to be popular, offers up to 637 km of range and starts at €58,150. Sportline models begin at €61,550, and the Peaq 90X starts at €59,650. 

A nationwide roadshow will start in November 2026, with the first models arriving in January 2027.

 

Two new Mercedes-Benz models launched

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the latest GLB and GLC models to the Irish market, writes Brian Byrne. The GLB is available in electric and hybrid versions, and The GLC in all-electric and other fuel variants. 

The GLB offers a seven-seat layout with a luggage capacity of up to 1,715 litres and an electric range of up to 624km. It features faster interior heating, advanced driver assistance, and vegan trim, with prices starting from €59,355.  

The GLC is the first model to showcase Mercedes-Benz’s new design language, and has a rated range of up to 664km, a fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, and a panoramic glass roof, with prices starting from €72,085.  

Electric CX-6e coming from Mazda

The all-new Mazda CX-6e, a fully electric SUV, is set to debut in European showrooms shortly, writes Brian Byrne. Developed in collaboration between Mazda’s European and Japanese design teams, the CX-6e will be powered by a 258hp motor and there's an estimated rated range of up to 484km.

The silhouette and integrated design elements aim to emphasise craftsmanship, aerodynamics, and a progressive ethos, and details include digital side mirrors. 

The CX-6e aims to offer a fresh, engaging experience and maintain Mazda’s design heritage.