Free vehicle history report with Done Deal

DoneDeal Cars has launched a free History Check on cars listed by Trusted Dealers on its website, giving buyers access to key vehicle information upfront at no extra cost, writes Brian Byrne.

The new feature allows buyers to download a Free History Report directly from eligible listings from all Trusted Dealers, with the report emailed straight to them. 

The Report includes essential information such as import status and country of origin, A and B write-off history, number and dates of previous owners, NCT and tax details, mileage history, any UK history for imported vehicles, whether the car now has an Irish registration, and more. 

Irish School of Excellence wins road safety award

The Irish School of Excellence, a practical driver education and road safety programme specially designed for Transition Year students, received the Vulnerable Road User Award at the recent 2025 Leading Lights Road Safety Awards, writes Brian Byrne. The award recognises groups and organisations that are enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, children, and older people. 

Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Sean Canney TD, presented the award to Kieran O’Brien from the ISE. Supported by Allianz, this school is Ireland’s only certified, on-site driving and road safety programme, delivered directly in schools with no off-site travel needed. Students have the chance to drive a vehicle with a qualified instructor, practise the Theory Test, learn about buying and taxing a vehicle, explore road safety and green energy, and acquire basic mechanics skills, among other things. In 2021, the school also introduced an E-scooter safety module. 

Kieran O’Brien said that over 25 years, the school has delivered its programme to more than 500,000 students across the country. 

Highest monthly sales of electric cars

More than one in five cars sold in January were electric vehicles, writes Brian Byrne. It marked the highest monthly volume of EVs to date, with 7,319 new electric cars registered, a 48.7 per cent increase from 4,923 in January 2025. For the first time, EVs surpassed the number of petrol-engined vehicles sold. 

According to figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, overall new car registrations for January rose by 3.3 per cent (34,604) compared to January 2025 (33,499). Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 21.6 per cent (7,579), while Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations declined by 16.6 per cent. 

Imported used cars rose by 43.5 per cent (8,041). In the new car market, hybrid (petrol-electric) has taken the lead for the first time at 28.28 per cent, followed by electric at 21.15 per cent, petrol at 20.94 per cent, plug-in hybrid at 14.56 per cent, and diesel at 12.48 per cent. Automatic transmissions account for 78.74 per cent of the market share. 

Tyre failure rates in NCT described as 'shocking'

Tyre issues accounted for the highest visual defect failures with the NCTS last year, writes Brian Byrne. At 14.3 per cent of fails, that amounts to more than 250,000 cars. 

The second-highest visual failure was suspension at 10.9 per cent, followed by steering linkage defects at 8.5 per cent.

The results are shocking according to Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland, who says Irish drivers need to "up their game' when it comes to tyre safety. 

"Tyre manufacturers as well as their industry representative bodies, such as the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA), and road safety organisations, all engage in well thought-out tyre safety campaigns," he said. "On the evidence of these latest NCT statistics, Irish drivers are not heeding these important road safety messages.” 

2025 a record year for VW Group in Ireland

Images: Trish Whelan.

With 40,950 vehicles registered across its six brands, 2025 was a record-breaking year for Volkswagen Group Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. The group achieved a 29 per cent share of the overall new car market.

More than one in four electric vehicles sold in Ireland were VW Group cars, with the ID.4 being the top EV seller for the fifth year in a row.

Skoda Ireland saw a 300 per cent rise in battery-electric registrations, contributing to a third year in a row of record sales for the brand. Audi's electric and electrified vehicle orders for 2026 represent 40 per cent of the total order bank. Cupra increased Irish registrations by 55 per cent in 2025.

The Volkswagen Group plans to launch 20 new models in 2026, including the 325PS Golf GTI Edition 50 from the parent brand, the all-new T-Roc, Passat, and ID.Polo and ID.Cross Concept. New Škoda models will include the Epiq, a seven-seat Peaq SUV, and an updated plug-in hybrid Superb. The Cupra Raval will be the first model in the Group’s Urban EV family, arriving in September. Audi will introduce a new RS5 sports saloon and Avant, an updated Q4 e-tron, and new Q7 and Q9, along with an entry-level, fully electric crossover. SEAT has new versions of the Ibiza and Arona. VW Commercial Vehicles will debut the all-electric e-Caravelle. 

Dacia Bigster Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

It has been a big year for the Dacia Bigster since its debut here last year, writes Brian Byrne. Among its awards, notable mentions include the Irish Medium SUV of the Year 2026 in partnership with Continental, the German Car of the Year (under €25,000), the Lithuanian Car of the Year (under €35,000), and a finalist in the 2026 European Car of the Year. In this market, it boosted Dacia’s SUV sales alongside its smaller sibling, the Duster, helping the Renault-owned budget brand break into Ireland's top ten brands for 2025. Although it’s only fourth in sales among Dacia's five models locally, there’s a strong sense that the Bigster is on a promising rise.

Like all Dacias, the Bigster prioritises practicality and affordability. As a C-segment SUV, it offers a lot of car for the money. Larger than the VW Tiguan, and not much smaller than the Toyota RAV4, it positions itself as a serious contender for family buyers.

The design is sharp, an elongated version of the highly successful Duster in its latest generation. Sometimes, simply stretching an existing model doesn't look quite right, but that's not the case here. From any angle, the proportions are spot on. The front end has quite a pleasing style, with the grille and light design. The overall appearance is further enhanced by roof rails, which can be adjusted for cross-roof use, making it easy to secure items like a kayak. The rear features distinctive tail lights and a roof-level spoiler, which help keep the rear screen clean, among other benefits.

Inside, the dashboard is exactly like that of the smaller Duster, and there's nothing wrong with that. The central screen might stick out a little, and I'd be cautious about how sharp the corners are in the event of a head impact, but if, as they should be, the passenger is properly belted, it’s unlikely to pose an issue. The graphics on both the driver’s information screen and the multimedia display are clear, sizeable, and feature enough colour to please the eye. There's a row of switches underneath to manage key climate features. The built-in navigation system isn’t brilliant, but with CarPlay and Android connectivity, this isn’t a real problem. The materials are durable but don't look cheap—one area where the Dacia brand’s image has significantly improved since arriving here. My review car was in the top Extreme trim, with copper-coloured accents inside and out, which adds a further touch of character.

The Bigster offers slightly more rear passenger space than the Duster, but its true advantage over the smaller model lies in its cargo capacity, with 667 litres. Returning to the family theme, this is where all their gear can be easily transported, and even a lawnmower can be taken with ease for end-of-season servicing.

When I reviewed the Bigster last July, I drove the hybrid car, which, by design, has an automatic transmission. This time, I was in the 4x4 version, powered by a 130hp 3-cylinder engine paired with a manual gearbox and a console-mounted selector to manage various off-road settings. On paper, the slightly lower power and added weight of the all-wheel-drive system make the Bigster a bit sluggish compared to its 2WD versions, but it doesn’t feel slow. The road drive is good, with some low-speed fidgeting, getting better at motorway speeds. The manual gearbox feels somewhat agricultural, especially in what seem to be very low first and second gears, and the clutch pedal placement doesn’t help. I adapted to it, but my overall preference would still be the Bigster hybrid with its automatic transmission.

This is now Dacia's flagship model, elevating the brand into a new segment. Will it carve out a solid place in Dacia's overall performance in the Irish market, where the Sandero remains the top seller? I believe the answer is a Bigster yes.

PRICE: From €29,990; Review car: €40,435 (including paint). WHAT I LIKED: The ongoing evolution of a brand that was once associated with cheap and cheerless vehicles. 

Leapmotor sponsors Today FM's The Louise Cantillon Show

Leapmotor Ireland is sponsoring The Louise Cantillon Show on Today FM throughout 2026 to help build national awareness and connect with Irish audiences across the airwaves, writes Trish Whelan. Presented by Limerick native Louise Cantillon, the show blends uplifting music, memorable listener moments, celebrity interviews, and feel-good conversation. 

Mark Brennan, Marketing Manager of Leapmotor Ireland said: “Louise’s infectious energy, authenticity and genuine connection with her listeners embodies many of the same values we hold dear at Leapmotor Ireland - positivity, a fresh approach and boldly taking a leap! This collaborations gives us a brilliant platform to bring our brand to life through one of Ireland’s most exciting radio voices.” The sponsorship will feature daily Leapmotor stings throughout the show, weekly promos, and exciting giveaways for listeners. 

The full Leapmotor range is now available for customer test drives nationwide at Leapmotor’s network of retail partners: Bright Airside (Swords, Dublin): Bright Motor Group (Navan Road, Dublin): Dan Seaman Motors (Forge Hill, Cork): Fitzpatrick’s Garage (Naas, Co Kildare): Greenhall Motors (Buttevant, Co Cork): Joe Norris Motors (Navan, Co Meath): and Kenny Galway (Tuam Road, Galway).

Pictured above: (L-R); Suzanne Gray (Senior Account Manager, EssenceMediacom); Hannah Nolan (Marketing Intern, Leapmotor Ireland); Stephen McGrath (Brand Manager, Leapmotor Ireland); Louise Cantillon (The Louise Cantillon Show); Yvonne Sweeney (Sales Development Manager, Leapmotor Ireland); Mark Brennan (Marketing Manager, Leapmotor Ireland), and Emma Toner (Marketing Director, Leapmotor Ireland).

Toyota Aygo X Hybrid arrives

The Toyota Aygo X Hybrid is now available from the brand's Irish dealerships at a starting price of €24,195, writes Brian Byrne. It's the first full hybrid in the A-segment.

Customers who place an order until the end of January can benefit from a €750 Trade-In Booster alongside a competitive 5.9% APR, making Toyota’s first full-hybrid A-segment model available from as little as €217 per month. 

Features include a 9” touchscreen multimedia system, 17” alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, and a four-speaker audio system. Adaptive Cruise Control is introduced for the first time on the model. 

The Aygo X Hybrid is supported by Toyota’s Hybrid Battery Extended Care Programme, which provides coverage for up to 15 years or 1,000,000 kilometres, subject to an annual Hybrid Health Check at a Toyota dealer.  

Opel Grandland Mild Hybrid SUV: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Opel Ireland sold 2,257 passenger cars in 2025, with its Mokka SUV the most popular, followed by the Corsa and the new Grandland, launched in February of last year, and which has already sold 537 units, compared to the 287 registered in 2024 for the previous model, proving this latest version has made a big difference for sales. 

Grandland is designed, engineered, and built in Europe and is offered with all-electric (BEV), mild-hybrid (MHEV), and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This second-generation is longer, wider and taller than before, styled with clean lines, a flat bonnet, the brand’s Blitz logo permanently lit in centre front, and the Opel name also lit across the rear. Nice touches. It’s a high vehicle which helps with getting in and out. My review car had grained wheel arch and lower door cladding, available only on the hybrid version, and had 19-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle will appeal to many families for its looks and practicality. Three trims are SC, Elegance, and GS. 

The Grandland feels premium, is very spacious for five occupants, and offers high levels of comfort for long-distance travel. Ergonomic front seats in my review car were upholstered in a two-tone cloth; the driver’s had 6-way manual adjustments and lumbar support, as well as power cushion tilt (in GS trim). The central console is angled towards the driver, with a wide screen and large touch controls, which proved user-friendly. These include heating controls for the front seats and steering wheel, along with applications and media management. It also incorporates a digital version of a traditional analogue clock. 

The driver’s information display shows a lot of information, all easy to see at a glance, with the current speed shown prominently. The ‘Pure’ option mode reduces the amount of content on this cluster to reduce distractions. Thankfully, Opel has kept physical controls for frequently used settings, such as air conditioning, climate control, volume, and screen demisters. All are easy to get to while on the move. Stellantis-type automatic transmission selection is easy to use and includes a manual (M) option. Drive modes are Eco, Normal and Sport. Good storage areas are essential in a family car, and the cubbies include a large, cooled space below the front armrest, good-sized door bins, and a cooled glove box. A wireless charging pad is only offered with the top trim.

Rear passengers enjoy decent head and leg room, and there’s almost a flat floor for the middle passenger, thanks to a low tunnel. The middle seat back comes down as an armrest with two cupholders. There are clothes hooks on the B pillars in all grades. Boot capacity is 550 litres with the rear seats up, consistent across electric, petrol, and plug-in hybrid models, and up to 1,645 litres with the rear seats folded down. The car has a wide tailgate, a high boot floor with a bespoke reversible rubber/carpet mat, and a sealant kit. The tailgate was manually operated. 

The long list of standard features included an excellent reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, eight airbags, auto high-beam LED lights, automatic emergency braking, and extended traffic sign recognition. As with many new cars, I found the safety alerts annoying at times and managed to turn most of them off. 

A 136hp 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology powered my car. The battery is mainly charged by engine braking and can allow the car to operate in EV mode in urban areas for up to 50 per cent of the time. The engine is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is circa 5.5 L/100kms, and annual road tax is €200. There’s a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,100kg. 

The 2025 Grandland received a four-star safety rating in Euro NCAP tests. Prices are from €40,995 for the hybrid version.