New Leapmotor B03X priced from €24,995

Leapmotor Ireland has revealed prices for the new fully-electric compact crossover B03X will start at €24,994 inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT rebate, writes Trish Whelan. This is the fifth new model in just over a year since the brand’s arrival on the Irish market in October 2025. 

The new model was officially launched at last weekend’s Nevo Electric Vehicle Show at the RDS, Dublin where Leapmotor was Official Vehicle Launch Partner, ahead of its official launch to the Irish motoring press later this year. 

Three versions of B03X are available. Style 39.8kWh with a range of up to 292km; Style 53.0kWh with a 382km range (€27,496), and Design 53.0kWh with 382km range (€28,998). The car is designed as a smart urban crossover pairing SUV character with a compact, city-friendly footprint. 

Every B03X has a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and 8.8-inch digital cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED auto headlights, a heat pump, Vehicle-to-Load capability, seven airbags and 21 advanced driver assistance functions. 

At 4,270mm in length and with a 5-metre turning radius, it is easy to park and to drive with a high seating position, flat floor and 33 storage space. It has a 105 litre washable ‘frunk’ for muddy boots, charging cables or wet gear. Leap Flex Seats allow the rear seat cushions to lift up with ease, opening a tall space in the cabin for bulky or upright loads (a plant, golf bag, or a week’s shopping). Boot space of 510 litres can extend to 1,545 litres with the rear seats folded. 

Both battery variants support 11kW AC charging and DC fast-charging at up to 133kW, with a rapid charge in 16 minutes. The car will arrive on dealer forecourts in the coming week.

Kevin Egan Cars appointed Leapmotor Dealer in Sligo

Kevin Egan Cars, Carraroe, Co Sligo is the latest official franchise dealer partner to Leapmotor Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. This appointment now extends Leapmotor’s nationwide footprint into a ninth county and introduces the brand to motorists across Sligo and the north-west. 

Established in Carraroe in 2009, Kevin Egan Cars has grown from one of the north-west’s leading used car retailers into a multi-award-winning dealership, serving motorists across Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and the surrounding counties for 17 years. 

Long established within the Gowan Auto network, the business has twice been named SIMI Independent Car Dealer of the Year and was recognised as SIMI Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year in 2019. Services include new car sales, quality used vehicles, and aftersales. 

The full Leapmotor range will be available to order through Kevin Egan Cars with first deliveries landing on the Carraroe dealership’s forecourt in the coming weeks. 

Pictured above at the announcement are James Brooks, Managing Director of Leapmotor Ireland; Kevin Egan, Dealer Principal at Kevin Egan Cars; and Stephen McGrath, Brand Manager of Leapmotor Ireland.

Over 42,000 attend Nevo Electric Vehicle show in RDS

The Nevo Electric Vehicle Show, in partnership with Bank of Ireland, welcomed over 42,012 visitors to the RDS Simmonscourt over the last weekend, writes Trish Whelan. Over 557 visitors enjoyed test drives over the Saturday and Sunday The figures cement the event's position as Ireland's premier electric vehicle show and a major fixture in the Irish motoring calendar. 

With over 140 electric vehicles representing 41 automotive brands, the show allowed visitors explore the latest electric and electrified technology, from affordable city cars and family SUVs to premium electric vehicles and new market entrants. 

Distributors and dealerships reported much consumer engagement with numerous customer deposits secured. 

Simon Andreucetti, Managing Director of Nevo, believes the true measure of the event’s success will become evident when January’s 271 registration figures are published. 

New Peugeot E-208 GTi price revealed

Peugeot Ireland has revealed pricing for the new Peugeot E-208 GTi will start at €40,100, including state subsidies, writes Trish Whelan. The new model combines Peugeot’s GTi heritage with a renewed focus on driving enjoyment. 

The model is equipped with the M4+ electric motor, developing 281hp and delivering 345Nm of torque and a combined WLTP range of up to 352kms. 

Engineered by Peugeot Sport, it offers a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds and has a top speed limited to 180km/h. Charging from 20%-80% takes less than 30 minutes with a 100 kW DC charger. 

Deliveries to Irish customers are expected to begin from March 2027.

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class goes on sale

The all-new, all-electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class is now available in dealer showrooms priced from €71,110, writes Trish Whelan. 

Mercedes-Benz Ireland say it sets a new benchmark in safety with ‘an abundance of proactive assistance and driver support features’ and is ‘the sportiest C-Class ever’ with a coupe-like silhouette, longer wheelbase, more spacious interior and class-leading technology. A panoramic roof is standard. 

This new electric C-Class has an impressive driving range of circa 762km (WLTP) with up to 325km recharge capability in just 10 minutes, as well as providing long-distance driver and passenger comfort. Alongside its star-designed LED headlights, the fusion of light emitted from its fascia, sufficient to bathe the road in night-time conditions, is pitched as a major safety-enhancing feature to its drivers and other road users. Boot space is 470 litres, with an additional 101 litre size frunk under the bonnet. 

Models available here initially are a C300 4MATIC 489hp, and a range-topping C400 4MATIC from €74,070. More variants will follow next year.

GEELY ENTERING IRISH MARKET

Irish motorists will have an expanded choice of Chinese cars from early next year with the arrival of the Geely brand to the country, writes Brian Byrne. The brand's parent company also owns Volvo, Polestar and Smart.

The Irish initial offering will include the electric E2 city car, the electric E5 SUV and the Starray EM-i SUV plug-in hybrid. 

Details of each vehicle’s specifications, pricing and trim levels will be confirmed closer to the commercial launch into the Irish market.

Geely has been available on the UK market for the past year and sold over 15,000 units there in that time. 

ID. TIGUAN INTRODUCED IN IRELAND

Volkswagen Ireland has introduced the ID. Tiguan as the successor to the ID. 4, at a starting price of €38,635, writes Brian Byrne. The move also furthers the brand's electric vehicle naming to use traditional model nameplates.

There are two battery options, with rated ranges of up to 450km and 600km respectively.

First deliveries to Irish customers are expected in April of next year. 

2026 CAR SALES HOLD ONTO YTD INCREASE

Toyota Yaris Cross.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has reported a 6% increase in new car registrations year to date, writes Brian Byrne, reaching 130,754 compared to 123,855 in the same period last year. 

October saw a 15% rise in new car registrations, with 2,501 units sold. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) also rose by 7% year to date, totalling 33,638, while Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) increased by 2% to 2,586. 

Imported Used Cars saw a significant 32% year-to-date rise, with 79,969 units. Electric car registrations have surged by 57% this year, with 36,270 units sold, leading the market share at 27.74%. 

The Toyota Yaris Cross, a hybrid, is the biggest-selling model to date in 2026.