New Mercedes-Benz CLA arrives in Ireland

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is now on sale in Ireland, arriving with a larger body, more interior space, new mild-hybrid and fully electric drivetrains, and a stronger focus on luxury and technology, writes Brian Byrne.

Recently named European Car of the Year 2026, the third-generation CLA features a more aerodynamic design, updated styling, and a high-tech cabin centred around the latest Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system.

Irish buyers can choose from a 1.5-litre 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol range priced from €57,960, or a fully electric line-up starting from €53,425 after SEAI grants. A WLTP range of up to 793 kilometres is claimed for the electric CLA, while its 800-volt architecture can add up to 325km of range in less than 10 minutes of charging, at appropriate charging stations.

Petrol and electric CLA Shooting Brake estate versions are also due in Ireland soon. 

Polestar 4 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The Polestar brand is becoming more recognised here in recent times, with over 1,000 of their vehicles now on Irish roads. Polestar is a Swedish automotive brand that arrived in Ireland in 2022 with the launch of the Polestar 2 model, followed by models 3 and 4 in 2024, along with a revised Polestar 2. A Polestar 5's arrival is imminent. 

My review car was the long-range single-motor version with a Plus Pack and powered by a 100kWh battery, with 272hp and 343 Nm of torque and a claimed range of 620km, which should quell any range anxiety. An SUV coupe, it is stunning from every angle, slightly shorter and lower than the Polestar 3, but wider for more inside comfort. From the outside, you don’t notice that the car has no rear window. Designers say it allowed for providing extra space for rear seat passengers. 

The car opens as you get very close with the ‘blank’ key fob in your hand. There’s no on/off button, as your bum on the driver’s seat turns everything on and off when you sit or lift yourself to exit. The interior is both luxurious and minimalist. Sumptuous seating and high-quality materials give a premium feel. The dash has no knobs or buttons. The split 16.4-inch screen display features a colourful rotating planet of your choice, which determines the interior lighting colour - I chose bright red/orange Mars. This interface is powered by Google Automotive, so it has Google Maps built in. It controls almost all of the car’s functions, even the opening of the tailgate or adjusting the side mirror settings, with quick access to key features like climate control, permanently located at the bottom of the screen. You can also opt to use Voice Control to change the car’s temperature, radio station, or to navigate to a destination. The many apps include a recording facility that operates as a dash cam. 

The driver’s screen provides all your driving information clearly, with your current speed shown large. With no rear window, a wide rear view is provided via a high-definition camera on the roof, sending the view to a wide ‘screen’ where the rear view mirror would normally be located. It can take a bit of getting used to, but it provides a much wider field of view than a traditional mirror. Cubbies include a large open area below the central console, which you can use to store an iPad or a bag out of sight. 

A panoramic sunroof reaches from the A-pillars to beyond the heads of rear passengers, providing plenty of light, and is tinted to block out bright sunshine. Rear passengers can enjoy their own infotainment and climate control, and can heat their seats. The boot is opened by pressing a dark rectangle on the boot door. Luggage space is a very decent 520 expandable to 1,536 litres, and the floor level can be adjusted. A deep area below stores a tyre repair kit and cables, or you can put these in the 15-litre frunk under the bonnet. 

There are just two drive modes, Normal and Sport. The latter should only be used on a sports track, as Normal provides more than sporty driving. On the road, my Polestar 4 was a pure joy to drive, with so much power on tap for overtaking or for motorway cruising. You feel very engaged behind the wheel, and the car’s low centre of gravity provides beautiful balance and weight distribution. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.1 secs. Energy consumption is claimed to be 17.8-18.4 kWh/100km - I achieved 20.4 kWh/100km during my lengthy test drive period. 200 kW rapid DC charging from 10-80 per cent takes 40 mins; home charging from 0-100 per cent, 5.5 hrs. 

You can opt for one-pedal driving, and set the feel of the steering wheel to light (for navigating city streets), standard (for motorways) or firm (for active driving on twisty roads). The Lane Keeping Alert was way too sensitive, so I switched it off. 

When tested last year, the Polestar 4 scored a maximum 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. A top car for those who want their car to be different from mainstream models. The brand is mainly owned by Geely Holding and Volvo Cars, each of which has ties to the Geely industrial conglomerate in China. Polestar has its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, but produces its cars in facilities controlled by Volvo or by Geely. 

My long-range single motor car is priced from €56,490; the long-range dual motor version from €78,390. Road tax is €120.

New BMW 7 Series on the way

BMW has unveiled a completely new 7 Series, due to arrive later this year, writes Brian Byrne. The new model brings technology inspired by BMW’s Neue Klasse generation, led by improved battery performance, fresh design elements, and a stronger focus on in-car digital features.

Three all-electric 7 Series models will go on sale in September 2026, with two plug-in hybrid versions set to follow before the end of the year. 

The flagship version is the electric BMW i7, which gains new Gen6 cylindrical battery cells that boost efficiency and extend driving range to a claimed 727km (WLTP) in the i7 50 xDrive. The 7 Series also gets expanded personalisation options, including more than 500 exterior colour combinations.

Inside, BMW is introducing its latest Panoramic iDrive system powered by the company's Operating System X, as well as a new passenger screen. 

Volkswagen to launch new full-hybrid Golf and T-Roc

Volkswagen has unveiled a new full-hybrid powertrain for the Golf and T-Roc, with both models due to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026, writes Brian Byrne. The system is designed to enable short periods of all-electric driving without the need for plug-in charging, using energy recovered through braking and a turbocharged petrol engine paired with a generator.

The new system will be offered in two output levels and is positioned between Volkswagen’s existing mild-hybrid eTSI models and plug-in eHybrid variants. It will deliver lower fuel consumption and emissions than a mild hybrid, while avoiding the higher purchase cost and charging requirements of a plug-in hybrid.

The system is based on a 1.5-litre TSI evo2 petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. It can operate in electric-only, serial and parallel hybrid modes. 

Cyclist Safety gap widens across Europe

Cyclist safety in Europe is falling behind that of car occupants, according to a new report from the European Transport Safety Council, writes Brian Byrne. While deaths among motorised road users have declined steadily over the past decade, cyclist fatalities have barely fallen.

In 2024, 1,926 cyclists were killed on EU roads. Between 2014 and 2024, cyclist deaths dropped by just 8 per cent, compared with a much faster reduction among car occupants and other motor vehicle users. Cyclists now make up 10 per cent of all road deaths in the EU.

The report calls for lower urban speed limits, better enforcement, and major investment in protected cycling infrastructure.

In Ireland, cyclist death rates remain low by EU standards, but serious injuries are a growing concern. Hospital data suggest the problem is significantly undercounted in Garda records, pointing to a much greater safety challenge than official figures show.

Road safety experts say governments cannot continue promoting cycling for health and climate goals without also making it safer, especially as motor vehicles remain involved in most fatal cyclist collisions. 

MG Motor Ireland prices new MG4 EV Urban from €22,995

MG Motor Ireland has announced the imminent arrival of the new MG4 EV Urban, a fully electric hatchback aimed at drivers seeking an affordable, practical EV for everyday use, writes Brian Byrne. The model will launch in Ireland in three variants, with prices starting from €22,995.

The line-up includes a 43kWh Standard Range Comfort model with up to 325km of WLTP range, a 54kWh Long Range Comfort offering up to 416km, and a 54kWh Long Range Premium with up to 405km of range. MG says the car can charge from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.

Inside, the MG4 EV Urban features a dual-screen layout, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, MG iSMART connected services, and a range of driver assistance features. 

The launch comes as MG introduces 0% finance across its 262 range and new three-year service plans in Ireland, starting from €99 for EVs. The company has also expanded its Irish dealer network with the opening of O’Brien’s MG Tullamore. 

Electric Juke in spring 2027

Nissan’s all-electric Juke will arrive next year as the carmaker expands its European EV line-up, writes Brian Byrne. Unveiled at Nissan’s Vision event in Japan, the third-generation Juke is the first fully electric version of Nissan’s compact crossover.

Built on the CMF-EV platform and set to be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK, the new Juke is part of the company’s broader push toward electrification in Europe. Nissan said the model will join an expanding EV range that includes the new Micra, third-generation Leaf, Ariya, and Townstar, with another A-segment EV also planned.

The electric Juke will retain the bold character that helped make the model a success since its 2010 debut, while adding zero-emission driving and Vehicle-to-Grid capability.

Nissan said hybrid models, including the Juke HEV and Qashqai e-POWER, will remain in its line-up as it offers customers a mix of electrified options.