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.

Ford Pro and ChargePoint to support EV fleet charging

Ford Pro has announced a new collaboration with ChargePoint aimed at making it easier for Irish businesses to transition their commercial fleets to electric vehicles, with reduced installation times, advanced tech and sophisticated fleet management tools, writes Trish Whelan. 

Through the partnership, Ford Pro commercial customers will gain access to integrated home and depot/office charging solutions designed specifically for fleet operators. The model connects businesses with expert charging providers such as ChargePoint, while keeping vehicle and charging data integrated within the Ford Pro Telematics platform. The initiative is designed to help address one of the biggest barriers to fleet electrification: access to reliable and scalable charging infrastructure, with benefits including faster charger installation, advanced fleet charging management tools and improved visibility of energy usage and costs. 

Fleet customers who need charger installation and related services at drivers’ homes or at their business depots and offices, will be seamlessly referred to a network of expert third-party partners such as ChargePoint in Ireland. Charging records from Ford Pro vehicles will be available via Ford Pro Telematics, so fleet managers retain a single platform to manage their vehicles’ data. 

John Manning, Market Lead, Sales & Marketing Director at Ford Motor Company, Ireland, said: “Through this collaboration with ChargePoint, Ford Pro customers in Ireland will have access to charging solutions designed to support their transition to electric vehicles while maintaining the productivity and uptime their businesses rely on.” Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, added: “Together with Ford Pro, we are supporting every charging scenario to help fleet managers lower costs and streamline operations.”

Leapmotor launches 'Take The Leap Champion' initiative

Leapmotor Ireland’s new ‘Take The Leap’ initiative, celebrating inspiring stories behind the 2026 Chi Women’s Mini Marathon, marks Leapmotor’s inaugural year as Official Motor Sponsor of the much-loved national event, writes Trish Whelan. 

The 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, now in its 44th year, takes place on Sunday, 31 May. 

Running from March to May 2026, the initiative invites people to nominate women taking part in this year’s event whose personal ‘what drives me’ stories reflect the resilience, courage and emotional transformation that define both the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon and Leapmotor’s ‘Take The Leap’ ethos. 

On race day, one of the three monthly winners will be crowned the overall ‘Take The Leap Champion’, receiving the use of a brand-new 262-registration Leapmotor vehicle for six months. “The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has always been defined by the emotion behind every step - from those running in memory of loved ones, to those doing it for someone who can’t be there on the day,” said Mark Brennan, Marketing Manager of Leapmotor Ireland. “Through this initiative, we want to shine a light on those special ‘what drives me’ stories that are so synonymous with the Mini Marathon, and celebrate the ordinary women who do extraordinary things year after year.” 

The event’s Race Director, Dave O’Leary, said the ‘Take The Leap Champion’ initiative ‘is a fantastic way to recognise those stores’. Leapmotor Ireland will provide a fleet from its all-electric range, including the C10 family SUV, the compact T03 city car, and the new B10 SUV, to serve as official support vehicles throughout the event. The fleet will also include the lead car, guiding thousands of participants along the route. Submissions can be made to https://form.jotform.com/leapmotorireland/take-the-leap-champion-nomination.

Nissan MY 2026 X-Trail is 'tougher and more connected'

For 25 years, the Nissan X-Trail has been one of Nissan’s most successful global SUVs, synonymous with rugged capability, writes Trish Whelan. 

Nissan has now presented the tougher and more connected 2026 X-Trail with a sturdier, redesigned front fascia with a wider grille to give greater visual presence. It is also loaded with standard specification and high tech features that includes seamless connectivity with Google built-in infotainment offered for the first time on X-Trail, and 3D Around View Monitor. 

The cabin has also been upgraded for more comfort and quality while staying true to its durable, adventurous nature, with new materials including chestnut brown premium quilted leather upholstery, brown wood console trim, and a high-quality synthetic leather option. Across the range, comfort-enhancing features include heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, three-zone air conditioning, 12.3-inch infotainment screen and enhanced trims. A sliding 40/20/40 second row adds flexible space for passengers or larger gear. Optional equipment such as a BOSE 10-speaker premium audio system, heated windscreen and towing hitch receiver increase practicality for adventurous lifestyles. 

The upgraded N-Trek grade - the most adventurous X-Trail to date - has been given a tougher stance, bespoke detailing and materials are chosen for harsher, more frequent use. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are offered, with max power of 204hp and 213hp respectively, and max torque of 330Nm. This model year update for Spring 2026 strengthens its core character with a more assertive look, enhanced onboard comfort and greater connected technology and Nissan’s unique e-POWER technology available on Qashqai and X-Trail; e-POWER delivers full electric motor drive for instant torque, smooth acceleration, and EV-like quietness without the need for charging. 

The updated 2026 Nissan X-Trail will be available to order in the second half of 2026.

New INEOS MEDIC vehicle for Kerry Mountain Rescue Team

A new specialist rescue vehicle based on the INEOS Grenadier 4x4 platform has been officially launched for Kerry Mountain rescue Team in Killarney National Park, writes Trish Whelan. Members of the Kerry Mountain Rescue, including John Hussey and Mike Finn, were present at the launch alongside local representatives and government ministers. 

The INEOS Medic vehicle has been developed to support search and rescue operations across some of Ireland’s most challenging terrain and will play a key role in helping the 35 active volunteer team respond to incidents in remote mountain environments and adverse weather conditions, safely transporting casualties to road access points to be transferred to fully equipped ambulances for onward treatment. 

Equipment includes front, centre, and rear differential locks; raised air intake, heavy-duty 5.5-tonne winch, full underbody protection, rock sliders, roof rack, auxiliary lighting and communications capability. Additional equipment includes snow chains, fire extinguishers, specialised stretcher conversion and a Starlink connectivity system to ensure reliable communications where mobile phone coverage is limited. 

The INEOS Medic was supplied by Orangeworks Automotive following a competitive tender process last year. The purchase was funded through grant support secured by Kerry Mountain Rescue Team with additional equipment provided by Orangeworks Automotive.

Pictured at the event are Cllr Tommy Cahill, TD Michael Cahill, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary; Minister Normal Foley, Cllr and Deputy Cathaoirleach Marie Moloney, Cllr Anne O’Sullivan and Cllr Niall Kelliher. TD Michael Healy-Rae was also in attendance. 

Kia launches K4 hatchback from €31,500

Kia has launched the K4 hatchback in Ireland with prices starting from €31,500, writes Trish Whelan. 

Designed to meet the demands of modern drivers, the K4 offers generous interior space, premium features and advanced technologies. Key features include the floating roofline that slips stylishly into the rear of the hatch, Star Map Signature Lighting inspired by their EV9 and rear hidden door handles integrated into the C-pillar. Boot space is a decent 328 litres, expandable with folding down the rear seats. 

Three trim levels are offered. The entry level K2 (from €31,500) includes Kia’s triple panoramic display of 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5.3-inch climate control screen, and 12.3-inch digital drivers cluster, 16-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision avoidance assist, heated steering wheel and front seats, LED headlights. K3 (from €34,000) adds 17-inch alloys, vegan leather seats, black and chrome exterior detailing, LED headlights, rear blind spot collision avoidance assist, power driver’s seat with lumbar support, wireless charging and rear privacy glass. The range topping GT-Line (from €38,500) adds a digital key 2.0, driver memory seat, glass sunroof, GT-Line exterior and interior styling, highway driving assist 2, smart cruise control 2, ventilated front and heated rear seats. Customers have a choice of seven exterior colours including two non-metallic colours. 

K4 launches with 1.0 T-GDI Mild-Hybrid petrol engine outputting 115hp coupled with a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). A 1.6 GDI Hybrid (HEV) version with 154hp will arrive before the end of the year also. 

Vehicles are now available to test drive at Kia dealerships nationwide.

Kia EV5 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

Kia may be suffering from a model naming issue, albeit achieving considerable success with its electric vehicle range, writes Brian Byrne. While EV6 and EV9 were manageable at the start of the 'EV' moniker, there are now so many that it's confusing — EV3, EV4, EV5, and an EV2 upcoming. Add to that the way the company marks specification grades in 'K' designations, K1-K4, the soon-arriving combustion engine car, model name K4, is going to add to the perplexity. Just saying.

None of which takes away from the quality of the Korean brand's cars, which helped the Irish distributor to achieve over 10,000 sales in 2025 across its range. My latest review model was the EV5, a mid-size SUV close enough in size to the latest generation of the Sportage to be its electric equivalent. Though the EV is slightly larger in every dimension. Against competitor brands, it sits in size between Nissan's Ariya and Opel's Grandland.

The EV5 follows the boxy style of the much larger EV9, and the smaller EV3 debuted in Ireland this time last year, a theme which gives the latest car a similar strong presence even when parked. The front is marked by an even more distinctive lighting signature than the highly individualistic ones which the brand has been developing in previous models. The profile view features brawny sculpting and pronounced wheel arch curves, while the rear has a deep overhang spoiler element, which the company says helps to keep the rear screen from getting dirty. Kia and Hyundai cars in recent years have ditched the rear wiper, depending on this feature. The customer jury is divided on its effectiveness, but the Kia designers say it helps with aerodynamics, key to extending the range of an electric car.

There are no design surprises inside for anyone who has driven Kia EVs; strong style elements in the dashboard and trims, the very wide screen integrating the three elements of driver information, climate, and infotainment. On all three, the graphics and info are clear, as they also are on the steering wheel controls. Temperature and radio volume use real switchgear, and the buttons for the seat heating and ventilation are on the doors. While setting up the preferred driver assistance features can be shortcut-accessed by linking them to a * button on the steering wheel, it still takes five taps on the screen to deal with them every time you start up. Note to all carmakers: the Dacia single-button system is the one to emulate here.

The seats are similar to what we've seen in other Kia EV models, nicely bolstered and finished in a leather-type material that's easy to keep clean, and both front and rear are heated. With an extended wheelbase, there's plenty of room for the three rear passengers, though the centre one could feel it as too cosy, depending on fellow travellers' bulk. The 566L boot is second only to Skoda's Enyaq in the class. Lowering the back seats provides a two-metre-long, absolutely flat floor. 

Kia's own app can enable digital key entry via smartphone, and also allows remote digital key sharing. A fingerprint authentication system helps prevent unauthorised access to the car. An entertainment package can include Netflix and YouTube—obviously not for front-seat use.

Three grades share the same 81.4kWh battery, with a rated range of 505-530km, the lower figure for the top-spec and presumably heavier GT-line model. The motor delivers up to 215hp and allows the 2-tonne car to reach 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, a reasonable acceleration that should be enough for anyone. The 16.4kWh/100km I got on a typical morning 50km commute was notably efficient.

The drive is smooth and quiet, as we expect from EVs of any decent quality. Last year, the EV3 led Kia Ireland to its own record car sales. This year, because of interest, they've already had to negotiate further EV5 supply. A good space for a car company to be smiling in.

PRICE: From €47,625-€54,000. WHAT I LIKED: The current Kia way.