Renault 4 E-Tech review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Renault R4 E-Tech reinvented as everyday compact EV. The original Renault 4, introduced in 1961, sold over eight million units worldwide. It was the French carmaker’s first family car with a front-drive engine, the quirky gear shift being in the centre dash. A family member has fond memories of driving two 4Ls in the ‘60s, recalling how well they drove with excellent suspension over poor country roads, how economical they were, and how affordable they were to buy. A car for its time and place. His 4Ls were used to bring greyhounds to the track when the back seat bench was lifted out. 

The new retro-inspired Renault R4 electric car was launched here as a B-segment urban crossover in December 2025 with many design cues from the iconic original. Renault says the new R4 E-Tech taps into the DNA of the original model to reinvent itself as a versatile, everyday compact car. Designers and engineers have worked wonders at bringing the original car into a modern era as an electric vehicle. Retro cues include a unique single-piece illuminated grille, round headlights, a modern reinvention of the three-part rear lights, and many other touches. It is the first Renault car to feature a backlit emblem at the centre of its face. Front and rear bumpers come with vertical overriders, also harking back to the original, as does a sticker stretching from the windscreen’s sides to the chunky wheel arches. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard. 

My car was in a lovely new shade called Hauts-de-France Green, which pays tribute to the Ole-de-France Blue of the 1960s with a contrasting black roof and roof rails. The ‘4’ figure is highlighted at the rear. The R4 E-Tech electric is designed to be bigger and more spacious than the latest Renault 5, thanks to its 2.62m wheelbase. The narrowish, but wide, windscreen, high dashboard, and dark materials, including the low black roofliner, gave me a sense of being cocooned in the car, but the interior is really top class, oozing French chic. The black quilted textile trim with yellow top-stitching and ribbon with the French flag colours on the dashboard highlight that the car is French-made. I also liked the LED backlit Renault 4 logo on the front passenger’s dash that changes colour depending on your choice of ambient lighting. 

Screens are the same as the R5 E-Tech; a large and curved 10.1-inch multimedia infotainment screen is angled towards the driver, and with the OpenR Link system, compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It has Google built in, including Google Maps with charging route planning. A row of permanent controls along the base includes temperature, heated steering wheel and front seat controls, and air direction. The recessed dark green 10-inch digital driver’s cluster is clear and easy to read. We’ve become familiar with all the stalks on the right side of steering columns in Renaults, but it’s confusing. These include the transmission selector, wipers, radio and volume control, and the Multi Sense control for drive modes of Eco, Comfort, Sport and Personal. The steering wheel also has paddles that select from four regenerative braking levels, with energy recovery optimised with every deceleration, and enables One Pedal driving. 

Colourful and comfy seats are in black leather-type upholstery and greyish materials on side bolsters and doors. My seat had manual adjustments and a lumbar support setting. There are two USB-C sockets (front and back), and a wireless phone charging pad. Those in the rear benefit from good knee and headroom, but the middle seat back is fixed upright. My ionic grade car had a power tailgate, a low loading lip, boot space of 420 litres, and a 55-litre area under the floor for the cables. With rear seats folded down, luggage space grows to 1,405 litres. 

Three trims are offered - Evolution, Techno, and Iconic. My car had all-around parking sensors, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear occupant safe exit alert, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, a very good reversing camera, hands-free parking, and pedestrian and cyclist recognition. I turned off the driver attention alert and all the lane departure warnings, as I find them all annoying. The My Safety switch allows you to customise your settings. 

The entry Evolution grade is only offered with the smaller 40kWh ‘Urban Range’ battery with 120hp and a range of 308kms; the 52kWh ‘Comfort Range’ battery with a 150hp motor and 245Nm torque, and claimed range of up to 409km (nearer 350kms in real-world driving), has a 0-100km/h time of 8.2 seconds and can charge from 15-80 percent in 30 minutes with DC fast charging, or in 7 h 47 m from a 7.4 kW wall box. Batteries come with an 8-year, or 160,000km warranty. The charging port is located near the front passenger door. 

The R4 is nimble and agile with a turning circle of just 10.8 m, ideal for driving on city streets, as is the light steering. It’s also quite a fun drive for a good everyday car, which suits most families with small children. The car comes with increased ground clearance, and the suspension has been optimised for a smoother, more comfortable ride. 

The R4 E-Tech was awarded a four-star safety rating when tested by Euro NCAP, and achieved a top five-star rating in Green NCAP for sustainability and low emissions. 

The entry-level 40kWh is priced from €27,995; the 52kWh 150hp from €30,995-€34,995.

Skoda reveals new Epiq compact SUV

Skoda has officially revealed its Epiq, a fully-electric, compact SUV, priced from €24,559 including the SEAI Grant and VRT Rebate, writes Trish Whelan. It will be the brand’s most affordable fully electric model and the entry point to its all-electric portfolio. Epiq will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the company’s EV line-up. It will be the brand’s first all-electric model with front-wheel drive. 

With a range of around 435kms and fast DC charging from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 24 minutes, it is suited to both city driving and longer journeys. The 475 litre luggage compartment is among the largest in its class. 

Irish customers will have the option of multiple different Epiq trims of Choice, Essence, Selection, and Sportline, and two gross battery options of 38.5 or 55kWh depending on the chosen trim. Skoda Ireland will begin taking orders for the Selection 55 trim as of launch, with the remaining trims available for ordering from Q3 of 2026. 

Units are expected to be on the ground for the 271 registration plate.

Simon Delaney is Honda Ireland Brand Ambassador

Simon Delaney, best known for his work in television, film and radio, has signed a year-long brand ambassadorship with Honda Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. Simon will drive the Honda CR-V, highlighting its innovation and versatility. 

Simon is a familiar face within the Irish motor industry, is an advocate for road safety, and has owned two Honda cars, both Honda Civics. 

John Saunders, Managing Director at Honda Ireland, said Simon is the perfect fit to showcase Honda’s fleet to the wider Irish audience. Both are gearing up for a year filled with engaging storytelling and authentic connection, highlighting the brand’s commitment to innovation, versatility and everyday comfort.

Simon is pictured above with Ciaran Cusack of Honda Ireland, accepting the keys to his Honda CR-V.

Lexus RZ 500e Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

You may never have heard of Alfred Vacheron, who, in 1894, replaced the then-standard tiller steering lever on his Panhard & Levassor automobile with a steering wheel during the Paris–Rouen race, writes Brian Byrne. Quickly adopted by all car builders afterwards, most of the time since then the wheel has been round, although occasionally flattened at the top, bottom, or both, or hexagonal in the case of current electric MG models. As a reliable and effective means of vehicle control, it has been proven to be safe. Last year, Lexus introduced a ‘yoke’ option on the RZ electric model. After some experience with it, I think they should revisit Henry Ford’s maxim, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The yoke looks like control systems found in small aircraft or detachable units used in high-performance racing cars. It is butterfly-shaped rather than round, and Lexus has offered a number of reasons for the thing, thankfully available as an optional feature. They suggest it makes it easier for drivers to get in and out (valid enough, as the high floor of the RZ, like the bZ cousin from parent brand Toyota, does make that somewhat tricky for taller people). Also, you can see the instruments more easily (not really an issue with an appropriately aligned steering wheel and instrument cluster). Lexus also suggests that the smaller form factor could be useful in an autonomous car (not likely a realistic everyday driving for at least another decade, or until vehicles can navigate as adeptly as humans when negotiating crowded pedestrian pathways.

The most intriguing technical aspect is that, with the yoke, there is no steering column. The system operates via ‘drive-by-wire’ electronics, incorporating sensors, artificial feedback algorithms, and multiple electric motors. While I got used to the yoke during normal driving, I never did when trying to manoeuvre in tight spaces such as parking garages, missing the traditional wheel's ability to guide the vehicle into cramped spots comfortably.

That said, the remainder of the Lexus RZ is a standard electric SUV positioned within the premium segment. It is longer and wider, and slightly lower in height, compared to the bZ model, with which it shares a platform. Its styling is assertive yet non-intimidating. The front fascia features a distinctive grille shape that has evolved over recent generations within the Lexus stable, with a combination of pointy bits, edges, and softening sculpts. Strong shapes extend along the sides to a rear hipped-up design that adds a coupe sense. With black trim against the silver exterior of the review car, it actually all comes together very well, in my view, making it possibly the best-looking Lexus in some time.

Inside, all is — apart from the yoke — presence-full, large, and cohesive. The central display dominates the dashboard but is positioned low enough not to be too visually distracting. It has a mixture of virtual and physical controls for climate, audio volume, and access to other functions. Beneath it, the centre console widely separates the front occupants and neatly includes beverage holders, the transmission selector, an electronic parking brake, and an 'off' control for traction (which nobody in their right mind would ever use). The driver information display is straightforward and easily understood, although I would have liked it to be brighter than its maximum setting.

The RZ, given its segment designation as a mid-sized SUV, has enough accommodation for five occupants to merit that. It's a plush place too — the review car's suede-like trim material was suitably luxurious, and had enough width in the rear seats to seat three quite beefy adults comfortably. The wheelbase is the same as the related bZ; the additional length ups the luggage capacity to 522L. More than adequate for weekend trips.

The entry-level 350e delivers 224 horsepower, while the 380hp configuration in my review car went through two axles to provide all-wheel drive, with the rear motor being smaller than the front. A 100km/h sprint performance of a little over 4.5 seconds makes it evidently no slouch when that might be required. Doing that often, though, will significantly reduce range (as it would if doing the same thing in a combustion car). For paper comparison, the rated range is up to 457km; however, real-world conditions typically reduce this by approximately 15-20 per cent. All that said, though, the RZ is a highly capable, quiet, luxurious cruiser deserving of its prominent 'L’ emblem.

PRICE: From €66,280; review car €81,490. WHAT I LIKED: The yoke is optional. 

Jaguar unveils name for new electric four-door GT: Type 01

Jaguar has announced that its upcoming luxury four-door GT will be called Type 01, marking the start of a new generation for the British car brand, writes Brian Byrne. The name combines Jaguar’s heritage with its electric future.

“Type” references iconic models such as the C-type, E-type and F-type, while “0” stands for zero tailpipe emissions and “1” signifies the first model in Jaguar’s new era.

The car, designed and built in the UK, is expected to feature tri-motor electric technology producing more than 1,000hp and 1,300Nm of torque. Prototype versions of the Type 01 will appear at the Monaco E-Prix in a camouflage wrap ahead of the model’s full reveal later this year.

Managing Director Rawdon Glover described the car as part of a complete brand reset, saying the Type 01 represents Jaguar’s next chapter in design, technology and performance. 

Opel plans a new C-segment SUV

Opel has announced its intention to produce a new C-segment SUV in Europe, the first model of the intended expanded partnership with Leapmotor, writes Trish Whelan. Both are part of the Stellantis Group. The SUV would be designed and created at Opel in Russelsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. 

The completely new, all-electric SUV will extend the brand’s current line-up. With Stellantis and Leapmotor contemplating an expansion of their partnership, the new vehicle is intended to serve as a blueprint for efficient global collaboration. It would also enable the German manufacturer to take a major step forward in terms of electrification within the shortest possible time scale with sales of the newcomer expected to start in 2028. 

The new vehicle would be expected to use core components of the latest Leapmotor electric architecture and battery technology, combined with Opel’s signature design, on-board experience, chassis engineering as well as lighting and seat technology. The newcomer would benefit from the Stellantis production network in Europe and its production in Zaragoza, Spain, alongside the Opel Corsa is under evaluation. The Spanish plant has been home of Opel’s B-segment icon since 1982.

New Mercedes-Benz Vito Edition and Sprinter 2 Series

Mercedes-Benz is enhancing its van line-up with the introduction of the new Vito EDITION, alongside the return of the Sprinter 2 Series, writes Trish Whelan. 

Priced from €35,008 (ex-VAT), the Vito EDITION provides an accessible entry point into the Mercedes-Benz van range. Designed with everyday business needs in mind, it combines practicality with premium comfort, and comes with enhanced specification that includes smartphone integration, air conditioning, a comfort driver’s seat, and factory-fitted ply lining as standard. 

Meanwhile, the Sprinter 2 Series (pictured below) returns following strong customer demand. Priced from €39,366 (ex-VAT), it continues to offer a balance of capability, efficiency, and driver-focused technology, supporting businesses across a wide range of industries. 

Together, these Mercedes-Benz van updates reflect what their commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady, says is a ‘continued focus on delivering a smarter way to drive a Mercedes-Benz, offering customers greater choice, enhanced spec, and solutions tailored to modern business needs’.

 

Kia expands sponsorship of Rás Tailteann

Cathal Kealey (Head of Marketing & PR at Kia Ireland), Liam Crowley (2026 Rás Tailteann competitor) and Séamus Domegan (Cairde Rás Tailteann) pictured at Kia’s sponsorship launch of Rás Tailteann 2026.

Kia Ireland has renewed and expanded its sponsorship of the 2026 Rás Tailteann, the iconic five-day international cycling race taking place from May 20 to 24 across Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. Kia’s support includes a fleet of plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles and fully electric PV5 Cargo vans to help with race logistics. 

The company is also sponsoring the race’s yellow jersey, awarded to the overall leader after each stage.

Now in its 71st edition, this year’s Rás Tailteann will cover more than 793km across 11 counties, featuring 21 categorised climbs before concluding in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

Kia Ireland said the partnership reflects its commitment to the event, while organisers welcomed the increased backing as 'hugely important' for the delivery of the race. 

Nissan Micra First Drive: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

When a small car lasts through six generations without changing its name, there's obviously a level of trans-generational affection involved, writes Brian Byrne. That's the case with the Nissan Micra, introduced in Ireland in 1983, the same year that Shergar was kidnapped and never seen again. (Who was Shergar, you wonder? Yep, well that's absolute trans-generational and nothing to do with cars — a valuable horse stolen for ransom, it's believed by the Provisional IRA.) Anyway, between then and the end of the 'noughties', some 140,000 Micras were sold in Ireland. Over four of those model generations, it was the car that most people were likely to learn to drive in, and most likely to downsize to when they became empty-nesters. For the record, we owned a late 2002 version that served faithfully for a decade before suffering terminal damage in a 'timpiste'.

It's fair to say that the last two versions didn't make the same impact on the Irish market, up against a trend towards larger cars and a lot of competition in the segment. But now, the brand is aiming to win back a whole new generation, as Nissan's most accessible electric car.

Let's deal with the elephant in the room first. The new Micra is on the same platform as the Renault R5 and is built on a Renault assembly line in France. That doesn't make it any less a Nissan, and the styling sets it distinctly away from the French car. 

As was the case with the second and third generation Micras, the designers of this latest one clearly wanted their customers to smile when they looked at their car. The big semi-circles of DRLs/indicators above and below the main lights up front — help to make that happen (they also 'wink' when the car is unlocked). These are reflected in the round styling of the rear lights, softening the look at both ends but without taking away from what is a purposeful profile. Nice that they didn't try to make it a pseudo-small SUV — it's a hatchback in the best of that small car tradition. Not of that tradition are the large wheels, 18-inch as standard, adding to the overall stature of the car. Upper versions have a contrasting black roof, giving it the popular 'floating' look.

Inside, there's nothing small-car about the driver space. A large panel integrates the infotainment and the driver's instrumentation. All graphics are big and intuitive — this is where the Chinese competition still has, largely, something to learn. Key climate controls are proper switches on the centre stack, and there's a single switch to change to preferred driver assistance setups (making most of the beeps and bumps switch off).

The driving position feels good and provides excellent visibility in all directions. The steering wheel is flattened top and bottom and is pleasantly grippable (remind me to tell you about the 'yoke' in the Lexus I'm currently driving. Gimmicky change is not for the best). I had plenty of head and elbow room, though getting in and out was a little iffier, but that problem is me being older and more stiff than I used to be. The new Micra is longer, wider, and has a longer wheelbase than the most popular one from 20 years ago. The cargo volume is 326L, a good 30 per cent more.

The powertrain has two battery sizes, offering rated ranges of 317km or 416km — the Irish market reality in this scenario is that most people buy the larger battery model, for an extra €2,000 or so in the Micra's case. There are three grades; the middle Evolve one is expected to be the dominant choice.

I had a good opportunity in my first drive event with the Micra to test the 'smiley' character. It's definitely there, and I look forward to more grinning when I have the time to take it for a full evaluation. Meantime, I think there will be many smiling owners already on the road by then.

Nissan has the longest experience in electric car sales, from the original Leaf's launch in 2010. More than any other, they arguably know best how to pre-qualify a customer for an EV — in other words, their salespeople are told not to sell one to a customer for whom it wouldn't suit. Nissan Ireland's own research is that 95 per cent of their EV customers over the decade and a half have been happy with their choice. The new Micra will probably raise that ratio even higher.

PRICE: From €25,995. WHAT I LIKED: Another car to smile about. 

Škoda previews new Epiq with sketches

Škoda Auto has released the first interior sketches of the upcoming Epiq, its most affordable all-electric compact SUV, ahead of the model’s world premiere on 19 May 2026, writes Brian Byrne. The Epiq is the first Škoda production model to fully showcase the brand’s Modern Solid design language.

The sketch shows a clean, angular interior focused on simplicity, space and ease of use. A horizontal layout replaces the traditional dashboard, giving the cabin a more open feel.

Part of Volkswagen Group’s European Urban Car Family, the Epiq is expected to play an important role in expanding electric mobility to more customers and in helping Škoda double its battery-electric vehicle portfolio in 2026. 

In the first quarter of 2026, Škoda Auto became Europe’s second best-selling car brand, delivering 222,500 vehicles (+17.1%) and outperforming the overall market. Worldwide deliveries to customers increased 14.0% year on year to 271,900 vehicles, driven mainly by the all-electric Elroq and Enyaq, which ranked second and fifth among Europe’s best-selling BEVs.

EV demand boosts Irish April car registrations

Skoda Enyaq best selling electric car in April.

New car registrations in Ireland rose 17% in April to 10,184, driven by strong demand for electric vehicles, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, writes Brian Byrne. Year-to-date registrations are up 2.1% to 75,074.

Battery electric vehicle registrations more than doubled in April to 2,779, up 109.7% year-on-year, while 2026 EV sales to date have climbed 48.5% to 16,779.

Hybrids remain the most popular engine type, with 26.67% of the market, followed by EVs at 22.35% and petrol at 21.25%.

SIMI said private buyers account for 77% of EV sales, helped by government supports, but warned that more incentives and charging infrastructure are needed to encourage sales that will meet climate targets.

Commercial vehicle registrations were weaker, with light commercial vehicles down 3% and heavy goods vehicles down 20.5%. Imported used car registrations rose 43.1%.

The top-selling new car in April was the Toyota Rav4; the top-selling new electric car was the Skoda Enyaq.