MG4 URBAN REVIEW: BRIAN BYRNE, IRISH CAR

When I first reviewed the MG4 EV back in 2022 the car I drove was a bright orange, all style swoops and edginess with which the Chinese owners of the brand were trying to indicate sporty heritage, writes Brian Byrne. It was indeed quite a sporty car, drove well, and felt good on the road. The interior was a bit old-fashioned and a tad tacky with too much shiny black. I was fairly OK with the value for money, though the lack of real buttons and a screen operation that was less than good was my personal dealbreaker.

Move on to 2026, and the replacement MG4 (in this market: the other is still sold alongside this one in other places) has a larger footprint, is given an Urban suffix to further distance it from the predecessor, and is the car that has surprised me most this year. The style has a cleaner shape that will definitely appeal more to European tastes. A bit generic, and that's a plus for a swathe of ordinary motorists who don't respond to performance and tech hype but value comfort, affordability, and reliability for their family motoring needs. A slightly old-school look reminds me of the Ford Focus in its best later years — a model gone that Ford hasn't replaced because of a mistaken belief that the compact family hatchback was no longer relevant. A mistake that has, in significant measure, diminished Ford's own relevance in Europe's car markets.

Inside the MG4 Urban, the driver information screen is the same as before, though the central infotainment one has a tidier design and improved graphics, and a much better operating system that integrates with all smartphone systems. Real controls for volume and temperature are small changes that make a big difference. The dashboard is a little restyled, and the centre console more so. The materials finish seems nicer. 

The cloth and leatherette seat fabrics are par for the segment and there's decent leg room for the rear passengers, thanks to a longer wheelbase than before. Said passengers otherwise are best accommodated if they are not very tall. The boot capacity is more than the other MG4 at up to 577 litres.   

Like many in this highly competitive segment, the MG4 Urban comes with two battery options, rated respectively at 325/416km ranges. It's worth noting here that the price difference between the batteries is €2,800, and in Ireland we do tend to go for the longer range offered.

As this car is FWD, unlike the RWD of the older model, the driving feel is closer to what family motorists in this segment have long been used to. The 149hp output is a bit down on that in the base motor in the other car, and that cuts the 0-100km/h by about two seconds to 9.5 s. That actually means that the simpler front suspension setup manages handling normal demands quite well. Enthusiastic drivers will find the MG4 Urban not as responsive or engaging as the older car, but for the vast bulk of buyers in this segment that's not an issue.

I suggest the MG4 Urban as a viable option for all those Ford Focus owners who have found themselves a bit homeless while trying to replace their beloved hatchbacks.

PRICE: From €23,695; review car €26,495. WHAT I LIKED: A compact family hatch for the everyday motorist. 

DIESEL OPTION ENDING FOR OCTAVIA

2007 Octavia Tour 1.9 TDI (100bhp) that has completed one million kilometres, and the Model Year 2027 Octavia Heritage 2.0 TDI (115bhp), the final diesel special edition.

Škoda is marking the end of an era as it phases out diesel engines from the Octavia range, a model that has significantly influenced Ireland’s diesel car market over the past 30 years, writes Brian Byrne. The Octavia, introduced in Ireland in 1998, quickly gained popularity with its diesel options, including the iconic 110bhp model with the red “i” badge. 

Diesel technology advancements, such as Pumpe Düse in 2001 and diesel particulate filters in 2007, enhanced the Octavia’s performance and environmental credentials. The Octavia RS diesel models, particularly the 2020 version with 200bhp, became favourites among enthusiasts. However, final diesel Octavia orders will be accepted until February 2027. 

Škoda plans to introduce full hybrid technology to the Octavia later in 2027 and continue developing diesel-hybrid innovations for other models. 

An Octavia Heritage edition is available for early order to commemorate the final diesel models. 

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. 

OPEL MOKKA GSE REVIEW: BRIAN BYRNE, IRISH CAR

Sometimes I get press review cars that are rolling billboards for the model, writes Brian Byrne. With decals, occasionally half-wraps, silently shouting the name or version of the car. I have colleagues who dislike this, but I've never minded, even if, from time to time, it means me having to explain more to neighbours or people in the street where I have parked. The most recent such was the Opel Mokka GSE. When revealed last year, it was billed as the fastest production electric car launched by Opel. 

GSE as a performance suffix in the brand goes all the way back to 1970 when a version of the Commodore large coupe wore it, the GS part meaning Grand Sport and the E for the fuel-injection system that offered more combustion bang. Down the decades, Opel switched to GSi and, later, OPC, to designate punchy performance variants of standard cars. Now, the E represents electric in the fast lane. 

The base car is the second-generation Mokka, the B-segment urban SUV that last year was the German brand's most popular model in Ireland. A nice edgy smart looker from the beginning, it's a familiar motor, and in the metallic grey of the review car might not have stood out as something special without the decals. But some subtle upgrades of the fascia, and the really outstanding style of the alloy wheels with yellow brake callipers would have been noted by those interested in more than basic transportation. They maybe would also have spotted the lower ride height, by 10mm. At the rear, nothing much is different, except the lack of a tailpipe indicating the electric powertrain.

The inside is the same as the facelift of two years ago, with some minor details to the controls and the new steering wheel. For the GSE the big difference is the sculpted sport seats with the GSE logo and individualised fabric and stitch patterns to show it off. The driving information cluster and central screen are combined into a pleasant curved housing that keeps everything easily visible to the driver. It's worth noting the nav-infotainment screen is not one of those massive things that dominate too many car interiors. Climate and volume controls are physical knobs. Nothing flash about the centre console, which has the transmission and drive mode selectors side by side. The overall driving position in the Mokka has always suited me.

The electric motor can output up to 281hp, and with the instant torque available from an EV powertrain, it offers a 100km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds. Not supercar stuff but practical and reassuring during overtaking, and without the sound and fury of a combustion-engined equivalent hottish hatch. Again, while colleagues miss that, I don't. There's something special about quiet but fast acceleration. The 54kWh battery is the Mokka standard one, offering a rated range of up to 336km, but providing substantially less if you set out to enjoy the car's full performance.

Significant underpinnings changes help it be a sporty car for those who get the opportunity to use it thus. There's a tighter steering rack. A heavily modified suspension with stiffer spring and damper rates, and an anti-roll bar that increases rear roll stiffness substantially. All help keep the car under control in more extreme twisty road driving. A trade-off in ride comfort is partly mediated by hydraulic bump stops that come into good effect when negotiating anti-speed ramps. As always, a passenger will notice any discomforts more than the engaged driver will, and the review car's OMG! decal could become said passenger's real exclamation if pushing things on some of our more challenging roads.

There's a question to be considered if a 'halo' high-performance version of a standard car does anything these days for general sales. Are the younger cohort who used to be the flag-carriers for hot hatches actually out there? Especially when the 'hot' is silent electric performance. There are still young guys in my own locality who go for modified cars, but a key requirement is that they make loud noise. GSE is just a quick winding-up to a faster hum.

PRICE: €39,879 (standard Mokka-E from €29,478). WHAT I LIKED: The relative quiet of the swish to speed. 

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.