MINI Countryman review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The Countryman compact SUV is the largest model in the MINI family line-up, and the biggest MINI ever. Versions include ‘C’ 3 cylinder with FWD, ’S 4 cylinder ALL4 AWD, and John Cooper Works ALL4 with four cylinders; all are petrol vehicles. A fully electric model is also available. 

My car was the Countryman C Sport with a John Cooper Works style pack that includes specific JCW badging, exterior details and interior trim but comes without the full JCW renowned performance. This entry-level model with Sport trim has imposing presence with its SUV muscular design, upright stance, pronounced shoulder line, large grille, striking LED headlights and high bonnet. A real get-out-of-my-way warning to less dramatic looking vehicles! My review car had a Midnight Black exterior with contrasting Red Chili roof, two big red stripes down the bonnet and large John Cooper Works red badging over rear side windows. Roof rails are standard, and roof and mirror caps were also available in Chili Red. The rear spoiler also gets the red treatment while the whole design emphasises the car’s solid, and wide stance. 

The spacious interior has a sporty and modern look with lots of high-quality materials such as the knitted black fabric with red vertical lines across the dash and door panels, the race-inspired John Cooper Works sports seats with a red stripe on the integrated head rests in a Vescin/cord combination JCW Black with red stitching. They looked quite fabulous and held me in well with support from my shoulders down my back while also managing to be extremely comfortable. Front ones have manual seat adjustments and can be heated. The main attraction, however, is the big 9.4-inch circular central touchscreen with superb graphics that runs the new MINI Operating System 9 for touch and voice control, featuring cloud-based navigation and connectivity. The driving-related information is shown on the top half, with the controls for navigation, media and dual zone climate controls (with up and down arrows on both sides) on the lower half. You can customise this screen to suit your preferences. Use the Experiences knob below the screen, to change the default Core mode, to Go-Kart (sporty), Green efficiency or the adventurous Trail mode - not a proper 4x4 mode - each with its own ambient lighting colour and display or choose the nostalgic Timeless one that provides graphics inspired by the original MINI’s analogue dials. You can use voice mode to get the setting you require. 

A 360 deg camera system allows you select all the different views of the outside your car. It’s all pretty cool really. While there’s no driver’s instrument cluster, a Head Up Display screen pops up from the dash within the driver’s direct line of sight, showing the current speed. Other physical switches are for the engine on/off, volume control, and a neat lever for the automatic transmission. The spec includes a wireless mobile phone charging pad and two C-type USB ports. The floating front armrest has no storage area directly below, but there’s a neat little storage box with a red pull-up opener for storing small items. Other cubbies include large front and rear door bins and a decent sized glovebox. The steering wheel also gets JCW special badging and a colourful strap as a bottom spoke. It can be heated via the screen. 

Those in the rear enjoy good head and legroom, but the high tunnel compromises footpace. The rear seats can be slid back or forth for extra legroom. There are two small USB ports here, too. Luggage capacity is 450-1,450 litres with rear seats folded down. No spare, just a sealant. Extras included a Sport Pack at €5,094.73 which includes John Cooper Works features, Adaptive Suspension, an automatic transmission with gearshift paddles, and Sport Trim Content. Level 1 Pack at €3,951.86 included a larger fuel tank, Comfort Access, luggage net, folding wing mirrors with auto-dimming, rear-view mirror with auto dimming, Adaptive LED Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, the Head-up Display, and Driving Assistant Plus preparation. 

Countryman is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. Powertrains range from 170hp, to 218hp and up to 300hp. All come with a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission. My car, with mild hybrid technology which improves fuel efficiency, was powered by a 1.5, 163hp 3-cylinder turbo engine. Max torque is 280Nm and top speed is 212km/h, where allowed. 

While I didn’t opt for the go-kart drive mode, the car was quite fun to drive, with its own good acceleration from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and felt secure on the road. A Boost button increases maximum power for up to ten seconds for overtaking or when joining the motorway. There were no complaints from my back seat passengers on ride comfort with the slightly raised suspension doing its job. I appreciated the blind spot detection which is not always provided in many of the cars I test drive. 

The model was awarded a maximum 5-star safety rating when tested by Euro NCAP in 2024. The basic price is €40,260.00; packages and optional equipment of €9,893.42, brought the total price of my car as tested to €50,153.42. Road tax is €210. 

 

2026 new model arrivals at Motor Distributors Limited

The pace of new model introductions planned for 2026 at Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) on the Naas Road in Dublin, shows no sign of slowing down with 24 passenger car arrivals expected over the coming year, writes Trish Whelan. Of these 15 will come from Mercedes-Benz, seven from BYD and two from XPENG. 

Early arrivals for Mercedes-Benz will be the latest version of its four-door CLA Coupe, and Shooting Brake variant, both arriving here in Q2 in internal combustion engine (ICE) and, for the first time, battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions. Q2 will also see the introduction of the luxury SUV GLC, in BEV drivetrain. Expected in late Spring/early summer is the 7-seater GLB, in both BEV and ICE versions. The all-electric AMG GT 4-door Coupe - a performance unit that blends sports car styling with executive car practicality, rounds out the Q2 arrivals. Q3 will see the unveiling of the updated S-Class saloon, with the S-Class Maybach following as the ultra-luxury expression of the model line. Also due in Q3 will be an updated 2026 version of the C-Class, in both saloon and estate variants, closely followed by C-Class saloon BEV versions in early Q4. Late 2026 will see the arrival of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLA, their subcompact luxury SUV. Rounding out the year will be the AMG GT BEV all-electic 2-door luxury sports coupe with AMG performance. 

BYD will start 2026 with the Q1 arrival of the SEAL 6 with Dmi technology, in both touring and saloon versions. A Sealion 5 compact super-hybrid SUV will arrive early 2026. Completing the early-year line-up will be the ATTO 2 compact super-hybrid SUV (pictured) designed for city driving. Expected here later in the summer will be the Dolphin G, a new ‘Grand’ trim level for the EV hatchback. Q3 will see a refreshed all-electric ATTO 3, followed in Q4 by the new ATTO 3 super hybrid variant. 

Q1 2026 will see the new version of the ‘ultra smart’ 4-door, XPENG G6 Coupe SUV. Q2 will also see the arrival of XPENG’s second model in Ireland, the large 7-seater all-electric X9 with enhanced comfort features and advanced touring AI system.

Nissan gives new van buyers boost with fuel or tools

Nissan is giving van drivers three ways to boost their business when they purchase any 261 Nissan van, writes Trish Whelan. Its ‘Fuel Up or Tool Up’ offers reward new van buyers with a €750 voucher to put towards fuel, tools or genuine Nissan accessories. 

The offer can also be combined with 4.9 per cent APR Finance up to 30 December 2025 which is available across the full range of Nissan vans. It is available on the Nissan Interstar which comes with 17m3 of load space for big jobs and a powerful, efficient diesel engine designed to keep running cost down. Prices start from €40,850. 

The same offer also applies to the Interestar-e for those seeking the electric alternative. Prices start at €48,095 for the 40kWh battery which has a range of 150kms, and at €56,595 for the 87kWh battery with a range of 365kms. 

Prices for the Nissan Primastar all-rounder with two lengths and roof heights, start at €36,745. All prices are inclusive of VAT and the SEAI grant of €7,600. 

The ‘Fuel Up or Tool Up’ offer is also available on new Qashqai mild hybrid and ePOWER vans, and on the X-Trail ePOWER van. The offer also extends to the fully electric Ariya 63kWh Engage van and Ariya 87kWh Advance van.

 

Volkswagen Transporter wins 2026 IVOTY award

The Volkswagen Transporter has been voted the Irish Van of the Year 2026, in association with Continental Tyres, by the Irish Van of the Year Jury, writes Trish Whelan. The Irish Van of the Year title is awarded by the van jury of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) whose members individually assess each commercial vehicle launched in Ireland each year and the winner is announced as part of the overall Irish Car and Van of the Year programme at an awards event each November. 

MMAI Irish Van of the Year juror, Paul White, congratulated Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland as a very worthy winner of the title. He commented: “In every measure: versatility, comfort, fuel economy, new safety technologies, driving dynamics - commercial vehicles have come on in leaps and bounds over the last number of years and the Transporter scored very highly in each of this key attributes.” 

Presenting the award to Paul Hunt of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles team, Tom Dennigan of award sponsors Continental Tyres, said the Irish Van of the Year title for 2026 will undoubtedly be a huge boost for the Transporter in Ireland’s hyper-competitive van segment. He added: “In carrying out their assessment of every commercial vehicle launched here each year, the MMAI jury pay particular attention to how a vehicle meets the particular requirements of the Irish market, that is why their choices are such a great help for fleet operators and van owners here in choosing the right vehicle for their needs.” 

With a bumper field of 27 new commercial vehicle models launched in Ireland over the past 12 months, the eligible models for this year’s Irish Van of the Year awards were broken down into four categories. 

2026 category winners: Irish Car-Derived Van of the Year: Jeep Avenger CDV Irish Electric Commercial of the Year: Joint winner Ford E-Transit Custom/Volkswagen e-Transporter Irish 4x4 Commercial of the Year: Toyota Land Cruiser Irish Panel Van of the Year: Volkswagen Transporter.

Paul White of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) Irish Van of the Year jury, is pictured above with Paul Hunt of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles team, and Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland, with the Volkswagen Transporter which took the Irish Van of the Year title for 2026.

 

Jeep appoints Cork singer as ambassador

Cork singer-songwriter Allie Sherlock has been appointed a brand ambassador for the Jeep brand in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. The move is aimed at attracting a young generation of Irish drivers to the brand.

Allie first gained widespread attention through her street performances on Dublin’s Grafton Street, and she also gained millions of followers online, leading to international performances and collaborations. She has appeared on major global platforms, including a memorable performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which brought her talent to millions of viewers worldwide. 

Allie has just completed her UK and European “Damage Control” tour, which concluded in Ireland, including a headline date at Cyprus Avenue in her native Cork.  She is currently busy working on her new album.

The handover of Allie’s all-electric Jeep Avenger took place at Dan Seaman Motors, a Jeep dealer in her home county of Cork. Pictured there are Allie Sherlock and Ciaran Cusack, Communications and Brand Manager at Jeep Ireland.

Nissan Ariya Nismo review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Nissan started producing its Nismo high-performance cars in 1984, when it combined its two racing divisions to form Nissan Motorsports International Co Ltd (NISMO for short). A Nismo-badged car first appeared at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1986, and since then, many more have followed. 

The latest to bear the badge is the Ariya Nismo electric SUV, introduced in January 2024, with up to 430 horsepower and built on the same platform as the standard Ariya BEV compact crossover, which has been in production since January 2022. This was the carmaker's first zero-emissions SUV, also based on a dedicated EV platform. The Ariya Nismo is eye-catchingly distinctive. It is larger than the Nissan Leaf and somewhat bigger than the Qashqai. The design is more aggressive than the standard Ariya's, while retaining the grey exterior colour typical of previous Nismo models. This look is enhanced by red accents on the mirrors and side skirts, along with all the Nismo badging. Impressive 20-inch Enkei alloy wheels complement the sporty appearance. The model features a more aerodynamic profile, including a sportier front bumper and grille, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, LED taillights, and a power tailgate. The exterior styling includes a rear twin diffuser and a ‘ducktail’ spoiler — a small spoiler inspired by Nissan’s racing heritage that improves aerodynamics compared to the standard Ariya and increases tailgate rigidity. 

Inside, the high-quality interior features red lighting that creates a warm glow and numerous red accents. Key features include dual 12.3-inch TFT screens with colourful, though somewhat dated-looking graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay, cabled Android Auto, an Intelligent Personal Assistant, Nissan Connect Services, and a 360-degree around-view monitor with a bird’s-eye view when reversing. My test car also had a Head-Up Display; a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a BOSE sound system. 

The front seats are uniquely styled with sporty bolsters to keep you securely in place. They are upholstered in a suede-like material with red stitching, offer power adjustments —including a lumbar setting for the driver — and are heated. Nismo logos are embroidered on the headrests. The lower dash features wood trim housing dual-zone climate controls, fan, windscreen and rear-window heaters, and a prominent red power button. The parking brake is located beside the gear lever on the flat central console. Below are the drive modes: Nismo mode for enhanced performance and acceleration, Standard, Eco, Snow, and the e-Pedal button for driving mainly with the accelerator. Rear seats comfortably accommodate three adults and split 60/40. There is ample head, knee, and foot room. Boot capacity is 408 litres, less than the 466 litres offered by the standard Ariya. 

Nissan’s advanced E-4ORCE all-wheel control technology provides a balance of power and comfort, enhancing stability. It uses two electric motors to independently power each axle, improving handling and steering. The additional motor reduces rear boot space available in FWD models. The Ariya Nismo is well equipped with dual-zone auto climate control, Type A and Type C USB ports front and rear, a 12V power socket, seat back pockets, and a rear armrest. Safety features include blind-spot monitors with intervention, integrated into the ProPILOT Assist suite, which includes Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction assist, forward collision warning, rear emergency braking, cross-traffic alert, Traffic Jam Pilot, and parking sensors. 

With its 87kWh battery, the claimed WLTP range is 419km, though real-world figures may be lower depending on driving style and weather. Charging from 10% to 80% with a 130kW DC fast charger takes around 35-40 minutes; a full charge at home via AC can take up to 14 hours. The dual motors produce approximately 429hp (320kW) and 600 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds. 

On the road, the car delivers swift acceleration and precise cornering, with upgraded springs, dampers, and a stabiliser bar for a more dynamic suspension. The ride is quite firm, though more comfortable on motorways. This high-performance model is suitable as a practical family vehicle with an added edge when required. The Ariya Nismo does not have a separate Euro NCAP rating, but the standard Ariya on which it is based was awarded a maximum 5-star safety rating in 2022. 

Priced at €68,495. Road tax €120.

 

 

Brand new driver-car interface for Mazda CX-5

Mazda is the latest carmaker to adopt built-in Google for its interface between driver and automobile, writes Brian Byrne. The system will debut in the new generation CX-5 SUV.

The dashboard and instrumentation design will also be a departure from current Mazdas, with a larger 10.5" infotainment screen as standard and the option of an even bigger one. Head-up displays will also feature larger graphics.

Physical buttons will remain for essential functions, and frequently used screen features will be positioned high on the screen and be permanently visible. 

The new CX-5 is powered by the 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol engine with Mazda M Hybrid technology.

The all-new Mazda CX-5 will reach European showrooms in 2026, with prices starting at approximately €32,560.