VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 'FAST START' 271 OFFERS

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland has announced a package of customer offers for the 271-registration period, including 0% APR finance across the vast majority of its range, writes Trish Whelan.

The campaign is aimed at sole traders, small and medium-sized businesses and larger fleet operators. The updated Caddy Cargo and Caddy passenger models gain a refreshed design and additional standard equipment including a rear-view camera, two-zone air con, a 12.9-inch radio with navigation preparation and a steel spare wheel. The Caddy range starts from €29,495. The VW Amarok range includes the new Dark Label special edition, priced from €68,695 while the VW Crafter now comes with a reduced price walk of €1,000 for upgrading from manual to automatic models. The Crafter 30 MWB 140hp Automatic is now priced from €43,980. 

The 271 Fast Start offers are available until 30 November 2026 through participating Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles retailers, subject to availability, eligibility and finance approval.

DACIA LAUNCHES 271 OFFERS

Dacia has launched its new ’271’ campaign offering a combination of low-rate finance, trade-in bonuses, and a five-year warranty across its passenger car range, writes Trish Whelan. 

The campaign, available on qualifying orders placed up to December 31st, 2026 for registration in January 2027, includes 0% HP finance or 4.9% PCP finance across Dacia’s hybrid range. 

Customers not availing of a finance offer can instead qualify for a trade-in bonus of up to €1,500, depending on the model. Dacia is also offering PCP finance at 4.9% APR across its petrol and hybrid line-up, with monthly repayments from €189 for the Duster, €215 for the Bigster (pictured), and €225 for the seven-seat Jogger. 

Customers will also benefit from Dacia’s five-year extended warranty, available across the Bigster, Duster, Sandero, Sandro Stepway, and Jogger ranges as part of the campaign.

NEW MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS 'BRINGS NEW LEVELS OF LUXURY'

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been regarded as a forerunner for innovation that, over time, trickles down to other Mercedes-Benz models and out across the industry generally, writes Trish Whelan. 

Said by Mercedes-Benz to have been ‘refined in every detail’, the S-Class comes in a choice of seven models: three petrol, two diesel, and two plug-in electrics fitted with EQ hybrid technology. With first-class comfort in every seat, the company say the S-Class can be viewed by corporate owners as a ‘boardroom on wheels’. 

The new model comes with a larger illuminated grille, and new twin-star lamps. That delivers high-resolution illumination field. Controlling everything is a purpose-built ‘MB.OS operating system’ connecting all systems into one intelligent ecosystem. There are more than 150 exterior colours and over 400 interior colours available. 

Petrol models are a V8, S580 4MATIC and two six-cylinder variants (S500 4MATIC and S450 4MATIC). Two diesel models - powered by a six-cylinder engine already developed to meet future emissions regulations - are a S350d 4MATIC and S450d 4MATIC. Plug-in hybrids are a S580e 4MATIC and S450e 4MATIC, both of which link a 6-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor of 430 kW and 320 kW (with an electric-only range of circa 100kms). 

Patrick Howlett, National Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Ireland, says the S-Class promises owners ‘a sublime ride in all conditions thanks to its standard air suspension, intelligent ‘electrically adjusting’ damping and effortless manoeuvrability'. 

IRISH CAR OF THE YEAR 2027 UPCOMING

Fifty-one new car models are competing for the Irish Car of the Year 2027, with electric vehicles dominating the shortlist, writes Brian Byrne. The awards, voted by 30 leading motoring media jurors, have been running since 1979. 

The awards feature over 10 categories and will be held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on November 12th, where the overall winner will be announced.  Last year’s winner was the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, continuing a strong run for EVs in recent years. 

Pictured are Micheal Sheridan, Chairman, Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) and fellow jurors Paul White, Caroline Kidd and Eoin Cuttle at the Irish Car of the Year 2027 pre Awards refresher drives in Trim, Co Meath. 

Kearys Belgard is Dacia Dealer of the Year 2026

Kearys Belgard has been named Dacia Dealer of the Year 2026, recognising the Dublin dealership’s performance and its continued success in building the Dacia brand in the capital, writes Trish Whelan. 

The award was presented at the Annual Dacia Dealer Conference on Tuesday 6 October, celebrating the achievements of dealerships and their teams across the network. Located on the Belgard Road in Tallaght, Kearys Motor Group acquired the former Renault Retail Group operation in Belgard in 2022, marking an important expansion for the family-owned motor group into the Dublin market. Since then, the Belgard dealership has undergone significant redevelopment, with investment in its showroom and aftersales facilities. 

Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Cedar Motor Group, congratulated Dealer Principal Aiden Heary, and everyone at Kearys Belgard on being named Dacia Dealer of the Year 2026. Kearys Motor Group has a long history in the Irish motor industry, with roots dating back to 1977.

Autoimage Carlow is Renault Dealer of the Year 2026

Autoimage Carlow has been named Renault Dealer of the Year 2026, writes Trish Whelan. Based at Hacketstown Road, Carlow, Autoimage has been serving motorists in the region and representing the Renault brand since 1990, and Dacia since 2013. 

 The award, presented at the Annual Renault Dealer Conference on 7th October, is an acknowledgement of many years of hard work, dedication to building the Renault brand within Carlow and the wider region, and commitment to the provision of excellence to its customers across all areas of the business. 

The award was accepted by Jeff Pratt, Dealer Principal at Autoimage who said Autoimage has been part of the community for over 36 years and their customers have always been at the heart of this business. He acknowledged all the team working in Autoimage who have helped build the business, and the entire Cedar Motor Group for the recognition. 

Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Cedar Motor Group, is pictured presenting the Renault Dealer of the Year 2026 award to Jeff Pratt, Dealer Principal at Autoimage.

Toyota reveals 60th Anniversary Irish Edition Corolla

Toyota Ireland is celebrating 60 years of the Toyota Corolla with the launch of the 60th Anniversary Irish Edition which comes with an exclusive anniversary accessory pack, writes Trish Whelan. The model is the world’s best-selling car with more than 57 million sold across 12 generations. 

Corolla is currently built at 12 locations and sold in 150 countries and regions and is this country’s best-selling model in its segment since its arrival in 1973 when it was assembled at Toyota’s plant in Bluebell, Dublin. More than 215,000 Corollas have been sold in Ireland since then, making it Ireland’s best-selling model in its segment, and demand is still growing. 

The special edition combines styling upgrades with practical protection to give the Corolla a distinctive look inside and out. On the exterior, 17-inch alloy wheels and side sills give the car a sharper stance, while a Corolla 60th Anniversary Edition badge marks it out. Hatchback and Touring Sports are available with a 1.8 litre hybrid system offering 140hp or a 2.0 hybrid engine with 178hp. All saloon versions use the 1.8 system. Saloon versions just use the 1.8 system. 

Zoe Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs, Toyota Ireland, says: “Few cars have earned a place in Irish life the way the Corolla has. It has been the first car, the family car and the car people trusted to keep going for generations of Irish drivers.” She added that the 60th Anniversary Irish Edition ‘is our way of celebrating the model’s history with customers’. “It celebrates a car that has been part of Irish life for more than five decades, and one that continues to earn its place on Irish roads.” The 60th Anniversary Irish Edition is available to order now through Toyota dealers.

Current Corolla hybrid petrol versions start from €33,815. 

OPEL ELECTRIFIES MONDELLO EARLY-DRIVE PROGRAMME

Mondello Park race track and Opel Ireland have renewed their partnership for the track's Early-Drive programme, which has been educating young drivers for over 25 years, writes Brian Byrne. The programme, aimed at 13- to 17-year-olds, uses a fleet of new Opel Mokka Electrics to teach road safety and driving skills in a controlled environment. 

The racetrack is set up to simulate real-world road conditions, complete with signs and junctions for participants to navigate. Instructors also use circuit safety features, including gravel traps and tyre barriers, to demonstrate the important differences between driving on a racetrack and on public roads. 

This initiative supports the Road Safety Authority’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating road deaths by 2050. With recent statistics showing 16–25-year-olds make up 27% of road fatalities in Ireland, the programme emphasises the importance of early road safety education. 

Around 2,500 teenagers participate annually in the programme, benefiting from practical sessions and essential road safety knowledge. 

Pictured are Richard Dillon, Head of Retail Sales, Opel Ireland; and Roddy Greene, Managing Director at Mondello Park. 

IRELAND'S FIRST DIGITAL HIGWAY PROJECT LAUNCHED

Ireland’s first digital highway, the Emerald Motorway Corridor (EMCIE), will enhance 5G connectivity along the M1, M50, and M11 motorways, supporting advanced communications along one of Ireland's key transport and logistics corridors, writes Brian Byrne.

Launched in Wicklow on October 19, the project will facilitate real-time hazard and weather alerts, cargo tracking, border automation, and infrastructure monitoring. It involves the construction of twelve new communications towers and upgrades to 22 existing ones, supported by €3.5 million from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility.

The digital highway will pilot automated transport and logistics applications, including road safety alerts and environmental monitoring, by late 2028. Initial scenarios with Rosslare Europort will demonstrate how 5G can enhance safety and efficiency, using cameras, sensors, and data analytics.

Once validated, these technologies could be expanded to other transport corridors and logistic hubs across Ireland.

Pictured at the launch are Panagiotis Demestichas, CEO and Chairman of Wings ICT Solutions, with Brian McHugh, Managing Director of Vantage Towers Ireland and Eoin MacManus, Chief Business Officer at Three. 

BMW iX3 REVIEW: TRISH WHELAN, IRISH CAR

The launch of BMW’s new iX3 fully electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) heralded the start of a new era for the premium German carmaker, marking its biggest visual and technical reset in 20 years. 

This is a very impressive car on all fronts, introducing bold new design language to be used on future BMW cars. A mid-sized SUV designed and built to be aerodynamic in all aspects, the drag coefficient is just 0.24. Dimensions are 4,782mm in length, 1,635mm in height, 1,895mm in width, and a wheelbase of 2,897mm. Trim levels are iX3, iX3 M Sport (my review car), and iX3 M Sport Pro. 

My car looked well in a dark grey exterior colour of Polarised Grey, but other exterior colours include Alpine White (no extra cost); however, alternative colour options are pricey. 

The first thing you notice are the vertical illuminated, and slimmer kidney grilles, and a lovely headlight setup. The brand’s BMW Iconic Glow lights up the kidney grille to create a distinctive light. (An additional €1,196.) Square-shaped muscular wheel arches, and the slim LED tail lights that reach almost the entire width of the rear, also add interest. My M Sport review car added a more aerodynamic lower bumper trim compared to standard models. Optional bicolour BMW Individual aerodynamic 22-inch alloy wheels convey a commanding presence but are costly at €3,306. M Sport brakes with dark blue callipers were optional but looked the part. The large rear window, with wiper, allows for good rear visibility. 

The spacious and upmarket interior is designed for comfort, is very well finished, and leather-free with soft-touch, sustainable fabrics from recycled materials, and polyurethane on dash panels. Gentle ambient lighting on the dash was quite lovely. The panoramic glass sunroof with climate comfort technology (€1,606) doesn’t require a blind. You can also opt for sun protection glass on windows to darken the glass, reducing heat in sunlight while also adding privacy (€567). Front seats are electrically adjustable, with a two-seat memory function. You can set two memory seat settings. 

There’s no start-stop button. Sit into the driver’s seat, put the car into Drive (or Reverse), and just go. A large touchscreen screen, slightly angled towards the driver, replaces most traditional physical buttons, with the Home Screen divided into three distinct layers. Temperature controls are permanently on the lower part of the screen. The screen includes BMW maps with online navigation and active route guidance. A full-width display runs along the base of the windscreen, projecting lots of driver data almost at eye level, but is not in any way distracting. It replaces the traditional driver’s instrument cluster. There’s space for six widgets, such as date, weather, navigation, charging, and your media selection. You can remove or add widgets using drag and drop with your finger. 

My highly specced car also had an excellent 3D Head-Up-Display that showed my current speed, remaining battery range, and extra info like corners coming up ahead on country roads, and the distance to adjoining roads. The chunky, two-spoke steering wheel in synthetic leather can be heated. There's a minimalist control design where illuminated buttons and touch-sensitive elements only appear and light up when they are active or available for use. A neat feature. 

Main controls for media are buttons on the steering wheel. Features include a wireless charging pad with cooling, an excellent reversing camera with panoramic view, Park Assist, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse emergency braking function, and exit warning. There’s lots of rear head- and leg-room even behind a tall person in front, a completely flat floor, and two USB-C ports. The wide middle seat back lowers as an armrest with two cupholders. A power tailgate revealed boot space of 520 litres with all seats in use, and up to 1,750 litres with rear seats folded. The boot has a high floor with an area below for cables, but you can also store them in the 5’8 litre frunk under the bonnet, which is waterproof and rustproof. There's a tyre repair kit. 

Optional equipment included a Technology Plus Pack 2 at €2,141, which included two-zone automatic air conditioning, the Head-up Display, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Driving Assistant Plus includes Active Cruise Control and systems such as lane departure warnings and Hill Descent Control. 

The car has a rated range 805km. Dual electric motors deliver 469hp and 645 Nm of torque, that propels the car from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Fast DC charging from 10% to 80% takes around 20 minutes, 11kW home charging 11 hrs. I found the car very agile for its large size, smooth to drive, easy to park, an absolute delight to drive on motorways, and well stuck to the road when cornering and on country roads. I found steering quite direct, and the AWD makes driving on wet surfaces so much safer. 

The car earned a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. My car as tested is priced from €83,215.