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.

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.