Peugeot E-408 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The updated Peugeot 408 fastback range, which arrived here late 2025, features a fully electric 408 version, giving Irish 408 customers the option of an electrified petrol-hybrid or fully electric powertrain. 

The all-electric E-408, manufactured at the Stellantis Mulhouse plant in France, brings a distinctive silhouette to the important C-segment with coupe-like lines and distinctive French styling. I like the car’s overall look which is a blend of saloon and crossover, the signature Peugeot fang LED lights at the front, the stylish grille with the new shield badge in the centre, and the triple-clad LEDs at the rear, along with the two high rear spoilers charmingly referred to as ‘cat ears’ due to their angular shapes at the top of the roof, which are designed to help airflow around the vehicle. Black cladding around the 19-inch graphite alloy wheels adds to the overall look along with privacy glass. But I missed a rear wiper. 

While there are five exterior colours to choose from, my car looked really good in Okenite White. The cabin is upmarket, typically Peugeot, with gorgeous materials and trims and a nice sweep to the dash. This top specced car had black inner roof lining, aluminium front door sills, lovely Alcantara soft touch materials. Well-bolstered, ergonomically designed bucket seats were sporty and comfy; front ones can be heated. Seats had manual adjustments. They are certified by the German Action Gesumder Rucken Association, which campaigns for healthier backs and offers optimal support to prevent spinal pain through extensive adjustments. 

Peugeot’s i-Cockpit features a flat top, compact steering wheel, a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a similarly sized, centrally located touchscreen, the latter mid-dash with beautiful graphics. It comes with Peugeot I-Connect Advanced, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, built-in navigation and voice recognition. A trip planner with charging station integration is included in the infotainment system. Below the touchscreen are five virtual i-Toggle buttons for shortcuts, and a row of physical buttons for climate control, fan, screen demisters, as well as a volume knob. The 10-inch customisable digital instrument panel shows all the necessary information including your current speed. But when adjusting the steering wheel to suit your driving position, make sure the top of the wheel doesn’t block your vision of your speed. Paddles off the steering wheel manage up to three levels of regeneration. The user-friendly Stellantis flick-switch transmission shifter is on the split level central console. 

Features include wireless phone charging, for USB-C ports, dual zone climate control, a decent glovebox and door bins, and a storage area beneath the twin-door front armrest. Rear space is much better than you would expect from a coupe-style car with OK headroom for tall people and best-in-class knee room, aided by deep indents on the front seatbacks. The transmission tunnel isn't high enough to impede foot space. There are two Isofix child seat anchors in the rear; seats split 60/40 and the middle seat back comes down to provide a hatch to the boot. The power tailgate provides wide access to the boot. Luggage capacity is a very decent 470 litres that can expand to 1,545 litres with rear seats folded using a lever in the boot. The hybrid version provides 536 litres. An area below the floor is for storing cables and puncture repair kit. 

The entry Allure trim features keyless entry, 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a 180-deg colour reversing camera with wash system with rear sensors, LED headlights, automatic dual zone air conditioning, high beam assist, extended traffic sign recognition, and cruise control. The upper-level GT trim adds more Peugeot shield badging, a drive assist plus pack that includes adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and the foot operated power tailgate. Safety features include automatic emergency breaking (detects pedestrian and cyclists, day or night; collision risk warning, long-range blind spot monitors on side mirrors, and rear cross traffic alert - ideal for busy supermarket carparks! 

The E-408 features a 210hp electric motor with 345 Nm of torque paired with a high-efficiency 58 kWh battery (under the floor to preserve interior space), offering up to 453km WLTP range and a heat pump that helps maintain range in cold weather. An 11 kW AC onboard charger comes as standard; you can fast charge from 20-80 per cent in just over 30 minutes or quick charge to add 100km in 10 minutes. E-408 offers a comfy and very refined drive experience over all types of roads making it ideal for urban or country journeys. The suspension seemed to glide over rural roads where I live while the 453km range is practical for daily commuters, especially those with home chargers. Visibility was good out front/side when approaching roundabouts; rear visibility was hindered somewhat by the car’s coupe styling. Drive modes are Eco, Normal and Sport. 

The 2025 Peugeot 408 maintains a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating, based on testing carried out in late 2022. Peugeot offers a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and three-year EV Service Plan. Annual road tax is €120 for the all-electric and €190 for the Hybrid145. 

The Hybrid 145hp and E-408 start at €38,995; the E-408 GT from €43,995 (electric price includes SEAI grant and VRT rebate).

Opel Corsa GSE hot hatch confirmed

Opel will expand its range of all-electric GSE models, writes Trish Whelan. Opel claim that soon, the new Corsa GSE will be gibing customers goosebumps, speed and electric emotions. 

Following the premiere and launch of the Opel Mokka GSE last year, the new Corsa GSE will be the next everyday sports car to bring electric performance to the road. Small, agile and very practical, Opel’s Corsa is a best-seller for the brand while the three letters ‘GSE’ stand for battery-electric high-performance and top dynamics. The Corsa GSE is the new all-electric, top-of-the-range version of that small car. 

The Mokka GSE 281hp, the most powerful electric road car ever produced by Opel, and inspired by the Mokka GSE Rally and packaged in a GSE motorsport design, won the Golden Steering Wheel 2025 award as Best Small Car, immediately after its launch. 

Like the Mokka GSE, the new Corsa GSE will also be based on the current model generation. Germany’s most popular small car for five years in a row, will feature electrifying design details, with ‘thrilling, locally emissions-free performance on the road’. 

The new Opel Corsa GSE will be available to order during this year. Further information to follow shortly.

First authorised Farizon Ireland dealer appointments announced

The first authorised dealers appointed to represent the Farizon Ireland brand in the Irish market are Frank Keane Farizon in Ballymount, Dublin; and M50 Truck & Van Centre, located off Exit 5 on the M50 in Dublin, writes Trish Whelan. 

Frank Keane Farizon will offer customers a dedicated commercial sales and after sales environment backed by experienced teams supporting SME and larger fleet operators across Dublin and surrounding regions. 

M50 Truck & Van Centre is recognised for their strong focus on commercial vehicle servicing, fleet maintenance and customer support. 

The Farizon brand is the commercial vehicle division of Geely and has become China’s No. 1 commercial EV brand. Its first model for Ireland, the Farizon SV, is available in multiple body sizes and battery configurations, with up to 397km WLTP range, a maximum payload of up to 1,350kg, and cargo capacity of up to 13m3. 

Prices start from €44,500 (including taxes and applicable SEAI grant), with every vehicle supported by a five-year / 200,000km warranty, and an eight-year / 200,000km battery warranty. 

John Keane & Sons Roscommon joins Kia dealer network

Kia Ireland have announced John Keane & Sons Roscommon as their newest sales and after sales dealership, writes Trish Whelan. The dealership, operating as John Keane Kia, has now opened for business. 

Welcoming the appointment, Ronan Flood, Managing Director, Kia Ireland, said ‘before this appointment, Kia had no Roscommon dealer and we are excited to now showcase our product to their customers and look forward to working with all the team going forward’. 

John Keane & Sons Roscommon have been in business over 50 years. 

Pictured above (Left to Right) are: Stephen Fleming (Sales Manager at John Keane Kia), Adam Fogarty (Head of Network Development at Kia Ireland), Ronan Flood (Managing Director at Kia Ireland), John Keane (Dealer Principal at John Keane Kia), Micheál Keane (Aftersales Manager at John Keane Kia) and Jason Flanagan (Sales Executive at John Keane Kia.

Anna Daly is new brand ambassador for Honda Ireland

Multi award-winning TV broadcaster and entrepreneur, Anna Daly, has signed as a year-long brand ambassador with the Honda car brand, writes Trish Whelan. 

Through her work across media, events and campaigns, Anna has brought her engaging style and broad audience reach to conversations around motoring. She will be driving the new HR-V hybrid and will explore the full Honda passenger car range and highlight what each model has to offer during this partnership. 

The year ahead will see the launch of a new updated Civic and the return of the sporty Prelude to Irish roads. 

Pictured above are Ciaran Cusack (Communications and brand Manager, Honda Ireland), Anna Daly (Honda Brand Ambassador), and Orla Flynn (Senior Marketing Executive, Honda Ireland).

Continental produces road safety videos for Irish drivers

Continental Tyres Ireland has teamed up with content creator Erika Crawte to produce a series of short information videos aimed at boosting awareness of tyre safety and maintenance, particularly among younger motorists, writes Brian Byrne. The latest video in the campaign features Continental’s Tom Dennigan explaining the benefits of all-season tyres for Irish driving conditions.

Dennigan outlines how all-season tyres blend summer and winter tyre technology to deliver strong performance in moderate climates, providing reliable grip and safety in rain, summer heat and light winter conditions. He contrasts this with traditional summer tyres, which can lose effectiveness below 7°C, and winter tyres, which are primarily designed for the harsher, snowy winters typical of northern and eastern Europe.

All-season tyres, such as Continental’s AllSeasonContact 2 range, feature more tread blocks, edges and sipes, as well as an open shoulder and deeper, wider channels to improve grip and disperse water, snow and slush. The range is also EV-compatible, indicated by a dedicated EV logo, underlining Continental’s push to promote safer, climate-appropriate tyre choices for Irish motorists. 

Kia EV4 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Kia’s EV4 all-electric model, designed specifically for Europe, arrived here last October in both hatchback and fastback body styles. The five-door hatchback is the Korean carmaker’s first all-electric car in that format, produced at Kia’s plant in Zilina, Slovakia, alongside the brand’s Sportage and XCeed models. The Fastback version is manufactured at Kia’s plant in South Korea. 

After test-driving both models in recent weeks, my preference leans towards the Fastback, as it is 300mm longer than the hatch, has a larger boot, and sits lower. While it’s not an SUV, it could be described as a crossover vehicle, but with a lower driving stance. The test car, in Aurora Black Pearl, features a distinctive long-tail silhouette, a heavily sloping rear window, sculpted dual spoiler, and striking vertical LED tail lights. The design of the 19-inch alloy wheels significantly enhances the overall appearance, complemented by the GT-Line exterior styling. 

The cabin, with a panoramic glass roof, is thoughtfully designed with eco-friendly recycled materials; it is roomy and comfortable with claimed best-in-class rear legroom. The expansive screen across the dash includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Kia Connect, a similarly-sized customisable driver cluster, and a 5.3-inch climate touchscreen. All displays are easy to read at a glance, as is the Head-Up Display on the windscreen showing my current speed. There are physical buttons for fan, mode, and temperature controls, along with a roller wheel for volume. The lovely two-tone, three-spoke steering wheel, fitted with paddles, looks stylish and offers good feedback during driving. A twist-type gear selector for the automatic transmission is positioned on the steering wheel. 

The vegan leather seats are two-tone, exceptionally comfortable, and equipped with heating and ventilation; the front seats feature power adjustments—driver’s seat with lumbar support and two memory settings. Standard features include a wireless smartphone charger, 12V socket, USB-C charging ports for front and rear passengers, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, an excellent reversing camera, and metal floor pedals. The blind spot monitor shows approaching vehicles on the instrument cluster, with alerts also on the side mirrors. Rear seats split 60:40 and fold down easily, with no tunnel to manoeuvre around. 

Family-friendly features include rear door locks and ISOFIX child seat anchors on the outer rear seats. The electric tailgate is adjustable for height. Boot capacity is 490 litres, expandable to 1,425 litres with rear seats folded. The boot can easily fit a full set of golf clubs, thanks to the additional space over the wheels. 

Three trims are available: Earth 2, Earth 3, and GT-Line, the latter on my test car. All feature LED daytime running lights, LED Rear Combination Lights, rear fog lights, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a window defog system. While two drivetrains are offered, the Fastback only comes with the more powerful, long-range 81.4kWh battery. The electric motor delivers 204hp and a maximum torque of 283Nm, can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 170 km/h. Kia claims a WLTP range of 625 km, though real-world driving will provide less. 

DC fast charging from 10-80 per cent takes just over 30 minutes. When collecting the car, the screen indicated a full charge at 543 km. A longer trip showed energy consumption at 16.9kWh per 100 km. An array of advanced driver assistance features includes anti-collision assistance, parking sensors, parking assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Smart Cruise Control—all contributing to the EV4’s maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Visibility up front is excellent, thanks to the wide windscreen and low dashboard. 

The ambient lighting shifts colour with drive modes: Eco, Normal, My Drive, and Snow. I mainly used Eco mode, which proved perfectly adequate for everyday driving. Handling was excellent. Fastback colours include Aurora Black Pearl, Ivory Silver, Shale Grey, Snow White Pearl, Clear White, and Morning Haze. Servicing is recommended every two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

Kia has partnered with Energia to offer a free home charger with installation for new electric or plug-in hybrid Kia vehicles. Kia provides a 7-year warranty and an 8-year battery pack warranty on all EV, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid models. Kia EV4 Fastback starts from €46,175; my GT-Line from €51,250; road tax €120.

New Volkswagen Multivan due later this year

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ new Multivan is due to arrive in Ireland later this year with a sharpened front end design based on the iconic VW Bus, a refreshed colour palette, and new wheels, writes Trish Whelan. The VW Multivan was originally introduced four decades ago. Over five generations, the versatile all-rounder for family, leisure and business became a bestseller. 

The current model is the most successful Multivan ever. Based on the MQB platform, the Multivan is claimed to be one of the most practical and comfortable cars on Irish roads. With a high driving position, car-like handling and very good all-round visibility, it is ideal for family life. Sliding doors on either side make light work of parking. This generation Multivan offers more digital features, high-level mobile online services and intelligent assist systems. 

With nearly 39,000 vehicles sold in 2025 (an increase of 31 per cent on 2024), last year was a record year for Multivan. For the first time, a matt paint finish will now be available as well as a selection of two-tone variants. VW Commercial Vehicles has also revised six of the 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Paul Hunt, Brand Director for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland, said it is the perfect car for Irish families with all the space, practicality and versatility buyers could ask for and this latest iteration is both stylish and luxurious, so will appeal to buyers everywhere. 

The new Multivan is due here at the end of this year. Pricing to be released closer to launch.

Pat Shortt partners with Slatterys Garage Puckane

Slatterys Garage, Puckane, Nenagh, Co Tipperary has appointed one of Ireland’s best-know entertainers, Pat Shortt, as a brand ambassador for the dealership while driving a Peugeot 3008 hybrid, writes Trish Whelan. The family-run business has represented the Peugeot brand for over 55 years. 

The popular comedian, actor, writer and Tipperary native, will travel the country in the Peugeot 3008 as he continues to perform live shows and appearances across Ireland. The partnership will see Pat feature in a number of promotional activities for the dealership throughout the year, including social media content and local campaigns highlighting the Peugeot range. 

Andrew Slattery, Dealer Principal of Slatterys Garage said: “Pat, like ourselves, has strong roots in the local community and we are delighted to welcome him as an ambassador for Slatterys Garage, and Peugeot.”

Jeep Avenger 4xe review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The Jeep Avenger is the smallest vehicle offered by Jeep, positioned below the Renegade in the brand’s line-up. A subcompact crossover SUV, it has been produced by Jeep since January 2023, mainly for the European market. It uses the STLA Common Modular Platform, closely shared with the second-generation Peugeot 2008. 

My latest test drive was in the Avenger 4xe, the all-wheel-drive option in the Avenger range designed to handle on-road and off-road challenges while offering very good everyday practicality. My review car looked very smart in its Snow exterior with contrasting black roof and windows, rugged-looking front end, bumpers made from anti-scratch material that offers increased protection, 17-inch black alloys with green accents, black side mirrors, sturdy roof rails, and a rear tow hook. Green accents on the front differentiate this car from its non-AWD siblings, while a large black decal on the bonnet reduces sun glare and reflections, aiding visibility for the driver. It all presents, and is, a superb package with the ‘Wow’ factor. 

The interior is focused on comfort and space; you sit high and enjoy excellent visibility. An added bonus is the seat material, which is durable, waterproof, and washable, making the cabin easy to clean after muddy, off-road adventures. The dash features a free-standing 10.25-inch digital infotainment display and a similarly sized driver’s information cluster that is customisable and easy to read at a glance. Thankfully, physical controls provide easy access to key functions including temperature control, demisters, fan, etc, and a volume knob. Transmission is selected via buttons across the lower dash. The flat-bottomed steering wheel includes remote audio and voice control functions and a paddle shift for manual transmission control, allowing you to shift up or down without removing your hands from the wheel. Storage options include large front door bins, a decent area below the front armrest, some storage spaces on the central console, and a reasonable glovebox. 

The rear seats are suitable for two adults to sit comfortably, with very good head and legroom. There is a small transmission tunnel, a USB-C port, and pockets on the front seat backs, but no rear door bins or cupholders. Rear seats can split 40:60. The boot in the AWD version is smaller than in other variants, with a capacity of up to 325 litres, and the floor is height-adjustable. There is no spare tyre, only an emergency repair kit. 

AWD offers extra grip and is beneficial in a family car when dealing with poor weather conditions. The Selec-Terrain system enables you to choose Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand/Mud, or Snow modes to suit different situations, while Hill Descent control provides maximum traction and grip when descending slopes. Ground clearance is higher than the standard model at 210mm, and the Avenger 4xe can ford water up to 400mm deep for off-road adventures. 

The MHEV 48V (mild hybrid) powertrain of my 4xe AWD model delivers a total of 136hp, with two 21kW electric motors (one on each axle) paired to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Jeep claims an average fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100km, which I found to be close to the figure during my time with the car. 

The Avenger 4xe is available in Upland, Overland, or The North Face Edition trims. Upland features include an excellent reversing camera, a 6-speaker audio system, heated door mirrors, Adaptive Cruise Control, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, rear parking sensors, vulnerable road user recognition for pedestrians and cyclists, and wiring prepared for towing. No blind spot monitor, but it is available on higher trims. The Overland version adds LED tail lamps, velour mats, and privacy glass, along with 360-degree parking sensors (front, rear, and side). The top North Face Edition adds rubber floor mats, gold accents on seats, a Mont Blanc-themed dash, and a branded adventure kit. It also includes heated seats, a hands-free tailgate, and built-in navigation. 

On the road, I was able to achieve a comfortable driving position, found the steering quite light with little feedback, but all passengers travelled in comfort. The LED fog lamps include a cornering function, which I find useful. The Snow exterior of my car costs an extra €950 over the base price. 

Tested by Euro NCAP when introduced in 2024, the Jeep Avenger (LHD version) achieved three out of five stars in safety ratings. The Avenger is manufactured at the Stellantis plant in Tychy and won the prestigious European Car of the Year 2023 award. 

The Avenger petrol manual 6-speed transmission version and eHybrid start from €29,995; the BEV 156hp from €29,995 after SEAI grant and VRT relief; my 4xe Upland costs €39,995, Overland €42,995, The North Face €47,995. Motor tax for my 4xe is €200.

Skoda reveals new Superb PHEV has 140km EV range

Skoda has expanded the Superb range with a new 200kW plug-in hybrid powertrain to the Superb hatchback variant priced from €50,685 excluding delivery and related charges, writes Trish Whelan. It joins the Superb Combi, already offered with plug-in hybrid technology. The existing 150kW PHEV powertrain will continue to be offered in the Superb Combi. 

The new powertrain combines a 1.5 TSI petrol engine producing 130kW with an 85kW electric motor and a 25.7kWh traction battery, with a combined total output of 268bhp, the most powerful combustion-engine version in the current Superb range. 

Since its introduction in 2019, more than 68,000 Superb iV models have been sold globally.

DS Automobiles unveils new No. 7 SUV

DS Automobiles have unveiled the new DS No. 7 SUV planned to arrive in Ireland for Q1 2027 with price and specs to be revealed closer to launch, writes Trish Whelan. It marks the first time since its creation in June 2014, that DS Automobiles is renewing one of its models. 

The new car will replace the brand’s best-seller, DS 7. The DS No 7. will compete in the premium market in the compact SUV segment. Both electric and hybrid versions will be offered. The fully electric E-TENSE FWD Long Range model delivers up to 740km of WLTP combined-cycle range while the Hybrid 145 versions records emissions starting from just 121g of C02 per km. 

No 7 E-TENSE has three 100 per cent electric powertrains, 230hp for the FWD version, 245hp for the FWD Long Range version, and 350hp for the AWD Long Range version. All have a boost function providing a brief increase in power. 

 No 7 E-TENSE can charge from 20-80 per cent in 27 minutes (31 minutes for the 73.7 kWh battery.

Alpine A290 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The stunning looking Renault Alpine A290 is a high-performance, fully-electric, premium hot hatch based on the multi-award-winning Renault 5 electric car (voted 2026 Irish Car of the Year by the Motoring Media Association of Ireland). It blends a sporty fun drive with everyday practicality with five seats and five doors. The car is engineered for agility in urban areas. That said, why would you opt for a high-performance car if you don’t venture far out from the suburbs? The answer is for the sheer fun of driving this A290 exclusively sold in Ireland by Windsor Motor Mall in Dublin. 

This is the Alpine brand’s first all-electric model. Both Renault 5 and Alpine A290 models share the same small platform, but the Alpine is wider and more powerful, and is kitted out with a different, firmer, suspension and set-up. 

The line-up includes a GT 180hp, GT Premium 180hp, GT Performance 220hp, GTS 220hp (my review car) and Premiere Edition 220hp. All versions share the same small 52kWh battery. Absolutely gorgeous to look at in its unique shade of Matte Schiste Grey, the Alpine black logo on the bonnet and at the rear, the model’s aggressive styling, muscular bodywork, blue anodised roof line, stunning 19-inch black alloy wheels/blue Brembo brake calibers, the unusual four-light motif arrangement at the front with rally-inspired ‘X’ daytime running lights that flicker; the Alpine badges and peak mountain designs around the car, and there is a rear wiper. 

The compact interior has many features carried over from the Renault 5, including the 10.1-inch central display system, which has Google built-in for maps and assistant, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. This screen is paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver display. Both have lovely graphics. Below is a row of physical switches for the climate control, fan, demisters, AC and air flow directions. Below again, are C-type USBs and a wireless charging pad. The Devialet audio system is quite superb! The comfy sports seats, as well as dash and door panels, are in lovely blue and pale grey Nappa leather upholstery. Seats have the A290 logo and discreet French flag colours showing the car is made in France. My seat had manual adjustments and lumbar support. 

Unlike in the Renault 5 EV, where the transmission lever is on the steering wheel, the ‘buttons’ for the automatic transmission (N, D, R) are on the flat of the central console, taking up space for cupholders. Also there are the electronic parking brake and a dedicated slot for placing the flat key fob. The Nappa leather-wrapped, steering wheel features a red ‘OV’ button just above the right-hand spoke, providing a maximum power boost when overtaking (that’s 220hp for 10 seconds on this version), a blue RCH (Recharge/Braking Control) toggle switch on the bottom left allows four different levels of regeneration and one-pedal driving, and a Drive Mode control on the lower right. Drive modes are Save, Normal, Sport, and Personal. The radio/volume controls are on a lower stalk off the steering wheel. Features included front and rear parking sensors, and a good reversing camera. 

Three adults in the rear will find it tight on space. No rear armrest, no cupholders or door bins, just pockets on front seatbacks. Boot space is 300 litres with the audio system, standard on higher specced models like my car. There’s an underfloor area for the charging cables. The charging port is at the front left side of the car. You can DC fast charge from 15-80 per cent in thirty minutes. 

This top GTS trim delivers up to 220hp and 300Nm of torque, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.4 secs, and has a claimed range of 360km (which would be a decent range) but this was not the case with my review car which, when 100 per cent charged, offered just 188 kilometres of driving. This is not a practical range for a car now that automakers have gone way beyond the first adopter stage into real world use. It brings to mind the 160kms offered on the first generation Nissan Leaf introduced 16 years ago. Other niggles included the lack of blind spot monitors, thick pillars, and how the middle seat headrest blocked most of my view out the rear view mirror. 

Yes, the car was great fun to drive even on country roads, but I admit its poor range, and the fact I live many kilometres from a fast-charge meter, meant I regularly experienced range anxiety. It would be different for owners who can charge their car overnight. The ride was on the firm side due to the car’s performance-led set-up that includes Micheline Pilot Sport tyres, but that’s part and parcel of a sporty car. Its neat size and agility helps when parking. 

The A290 received a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2024, sharing the same safety results as the Renault 5. The entry level from €36,690; my car from €42,500 (incl SEAI grant and metallic paint). Road tax is €120.