Leapmotor heading this way

This is the first wave of the Leapmotor invasion team of B10 SUVs, heading for Europe showrooms via shipping company Grimaldi Lines, writes Brian Byrne. The Chinese carmaker expects to have more than 700 sales and service outlets in nearly 30 international markets, including Ireland, by the end of this year.

The brand is a strategic partnership between Stellantis, one of the world’s largest mobility companies, and Leapmotor. The cars will be marketed in Ireland by Gowan Auto, the exclusive importer and distributor of Stellantis brands in Ireland, including Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot, together with Honda. 

Leapmotor B10 is set to arrive in Ireland in the coming weeks. 

Do you name your car?

Herbie in hiding. Pic: Connor McManus.

Did you know National Name Your Car Day is a thing? writes Brian Byrne. I didn't, but it seems that it is, on 2 October.

To mark the occasion, a survey commissioned by the Irish personalised name label producer, My Nametags, found that more than half of respondents have a name for their car.

So, for what it's worth, the most popular name for a car in Ireland is Betsie, followed by Herbie and Bertie. There's possibly a psychological reason why they all end in 'ie', but that's for someone else to investigate.

The practice is mostly a woman's thing, with females representing almost three-quarters of those who name their jalopies. Just 13 per cent of the 'yes' were men. 

Electric cars power ahead

VW ID 4 is the best EV seller.

Electric car sales in Ireland are almost 39 per cent higher than last year and are close to being one in five of all sales, writes Brian Byrne. The Society of the Irish Motor Industry says the subsidies work and must be retained in the upcoming Budget.

The overall car market for 2025 to date is 121,693, an increase of 3.7 per cent in 2024. Sales of light commercial vehicles are also up, by 3.2 per cent to 29,747.

The SIMI figures released for the end of September also show a substantial increase of used car imports, up 12.4 per cent to 53,662.

Petrol cars continue as the new car market leader at 25.41 per cent, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 22.62 per cent, Electric at 18.39 per cent, Diesel at 17.15 per cent, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.82 per cent.  

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

OK, it's a cardinal rule of journalism to stay away from lots of figures, writes Brian Byrne. But in 20 years, the average length of cars sold in Europe has increased by more than 5 per cent to 4,536mm. The average width is up by more than 6 per cent to 1,844mm. Those increases might not really sound so much, but they do put flesh on what we've instinctively known: it's getting harder to park your wheels in standard spaces. 

Much of the increase is due to the mass adoption of the SUV format, with globally more than half of all cars sold being in that style. On a quick look back at the review cars I've driven this year, that's about right for this country, too. I was prompted towards this train of thought during some time recently with Hyundai's newest model for Ireland, the Ioniq 9 EV. That is a big car in the Irish context. Bigger than the latest Volvo EX90, just a little shorter than Audi's Q7.

The Ioniq 9 is longer and taller than even its Kia stablemate, the EV9, with which it shares platform, drivetrain, and a lot of the interior fitments. Wondering where it might fit in Hyundai's sales here, I looked at that Kia version, here for quite some time now. It could be worth anything between 2.5-3.5 per cent of total sales, where the Tucson compact-medium car is the front-runner. We'll see.

Sometimes I mention a car's presence as it looks on the road. The Ioniq 9 has this with a capital 'P'. Then a bit more in the particular shade of green in the review car. From the high-fronted but smoothly styled face to the rear with a very deep back window, it's a statement of intent to stand out. The hatched design of the main lights, intriguing detail of the wheel arches, and its own version of the BMW 'Hoffman Kick' flip at the rear pillars, the Ioniq 9 demands, and gets, turnings of heads. The very vertical tailgate style also differentiates it from others in the format and class, and I should note that the driver's view through the rear window is quite amazing.

The width — only the BMW XM is wider in its size space — is also immediately evident when you get in. Everybody on board, including in the rearmost pair of seats, has elbow room almost to excess. Most of all, though, they'll be impressed with the quality of the finish throughout. As it should be, of course, in a car priced at the premium end of the scale.

The dashboard styling is strong, with a wide satin-metallised crosspiece that emphasises the width quite elegantly. The unified pair of information screens are in a slightly curved unit standing out from the general dash. There are strong graphics, and the menu levels are relatively easy to manage. Buttons and scrollers on the steering wheel help with keeping distraction to a minimum. There's a double row of virtual buttons underneath to handle the climate. A star button on the steering wheel can be programmed to open the driver assist screen so that you can turn off what you don't need before you move off.

Although there's a big armrest-storage unit between the front seats, there's floor space in front of it so that a handbag, for instance, can be placed on the floor, away from the traffic-light snatch-thieves, though they're not so much an issue today because of automatic door-locking. That unit also has the phone charge pad, placed where you'll not be inclined to forget the phone when you leave the car.

The middle seats easily accommodate three adults, and for those full-passenger-load occasions, the two in the rear are easily accessed once you have mastered the flip-and-forward action of the middle ones. With the rear seats down there's a whopping 908 litres of cargo space, and with all seats in place there's still a commendable 338 litres. Lots of USB points will take care of the connection needs for all passengers.

The real test of a car like this is the long journey, and while I had it, I did one of my periodic 400+ kilometre round trips to the west. I wasn't surprised to have done it in good comfort, but what I didn't expect was how nimble this 2.5-tonne machine was on some very indifferent, narrow, and twisty roads that the sat-nav decided to direct me through. It just proved you can have a big car and not feel like you're piloting a bus. 

There's a realistic range of around 500 km, more if you haven't been driving on motorways. On my way back from the west, I took a break to charge from an indicated 15 percent and had it back up to 70 percent in the time it took me to buy and consume a safety-strategic coffee.

Although the number of cars of this size you'll see on our Irish roads is still relatively small, it's growing, and they're noticeable.

PRICE: €78,495. WHAT I LIKED: The style, comfort, and long-distance legs. 

Newmarket Motors appointed Mercedes-Benz Light Commercials dealers

The Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles division has extended its dealer network with their appointment of Newmarket Motors as main dealers, writes Trish Whelan. Ranked as one of Ireland’s best known and most respected motor dealerships, Newmarket Motors has brought distinction to the town as ‘a centre of excellence in motoring’ throughout the region and across Ireland. 

Managed by dealer principal, Annette Browne, the dealership is expanding its interests through appointments that now include the Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles range. Keynote Mercedes-Benz models are the Sprinter, Vito and Titan panel vans. Current holder of the prestigious Continental ‘Irish Van of the Year’ award presented annually by the Irish Motoring Media Association, the mid-sized Vito van, alongside its larger stablemate Sprinter and entry-level Titan - allow available in fully-electric versions - will lead their product offering. 

Pictured above at the announcement are: Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady; Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles after-sales manager, David Smith; Motor Distributors Limited chief executive, Paddy Finnegan; and from Newmarket Motors - director and dealer principal, Annette Browne; general manager, Bernard Dennehy and sales manager, Denis Scully.

 

Volvo upgrades EX90 for 2026

An upgraded Volvo EX90 is now on sale for 2026 delivery from €99895, writes Brian Byrne. Faster charging and improved safety and driver support are features.

Thanks to a core computer upgrade, the car will come with connected safet alerts for slippy roads, hazards ahead, and accidents ahead. Emergency Stop Assist will bring the car to a controlled stop in its lane if the driver fails to respond to attention or hands-off warnings, for example due to sudden illness. Once the car is stationary, the new e-call feature will automatically connect the car to an emergency call centre linked to Volvo Cars.

A new 800V architecture reduces heat generation during charging, enabling faster charging speeds. The charging performance is further improved by in-house developed battery management software.

Volvo Car Ireland also introduces a new Single Motor, rear-wheel-drive version and Plus trim level. The new Plus trim level is available for both Single Motor and Twin Motor versions

 

Ford Transit Custom-VW Transporter Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

Light commercial vehicles manufactured in Europe have long been cooperative ventures between brands to save on development and manufacturing costs, writes Brian Byrne. For instance, the now-Stellantis vans from Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Fiat are all badge changes, and include Toyota LCVs sold in Europe too. Nissan and Renault vans are versions of each other, and Stellantis is also providing electric van platforms to Iveco for sale in the European market. Mercedes-Benz share a small van with minimal changes between them. The latest Volkswagen Transporter and Ford's Transit Custom are interesting medium van collaborations.

Their nameplates have similar pedigrees. The Transporter evolved from 1967, when it was the T2, derived from the underpinnings of the T1 Volkswagen that became known as the Beetle. The Transit Custom only goes back to 2012, when the large and medium Transit vans were divided into separate categories. But the Transit name itself goes back to 1965. 

Volkswagen and Ford announced a global strategic alliance for commercial vehicles in January 2019. The first result was the most recent pickups, the Ranger from Ford and the current Amarok, a rebadged and lightly changed Ranger. 

The Transit Custom that went into production in 2023 arrived with significant improvements over its predecessor. A new suspension system allowed a lower floor height and improved handling. Changes to the front structure allowed for more room in the cab and reduced the front overhang.

While constrained by the need to have the most efficient load space, the style of vans is still important as the 'face' of many large fleet operators. The latest Transit Custom and VW Transporter — they are twins apart from the badging and grille area — are collectively a good looker. The cargo end has a floor length of over 3 metres (3.450 with the optional load-through bulkhead), and the total load capacity is 6.8 cu m. A sliding side door is standard, and power side doors are an option. The back door is a liftback, but my review van had double rear doors.

The extra footwell room in the cabin compared to the previous vehicle is very noticeable. Trim materials are high quality, and the dashboard has a clean design, though there's an apparent scarcity of storage room for bits and pieces, beyond an open bin behind the driver's instruments.

A large centre screen has all the things that these things have,  including climate management in a line of permanent virtual buttons along the bottom. These included seat heating controls for both the driver and the double passenger seats, indicating the grade of the review van (the Transporter was the same). The shared double seat looked quite comfortable for two adults. The driver's instrumentation had large, bright, and good graphical elements.

As I've said, the two vans were identical apart from badging nd some front cosmetics. The available engines are Fords, a 2.0 EcoBlue diesel, marketed as a TDI in the Transporter, and a 2.5 petrol plug-in hybrid, the power in my Ford review vehicle. The rated electric-only range is 48-55km, which is possible while using it only in a city environment, but would be much diminished on the highway. That said, the drive, attached to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, was a revelatory, very smooth and quiet experience, and for urban delivery work it is something I'd be very happy to operate. By some coincidence, the diesel engine in the Transporter was also the 8-speed automatic, and while the travelling sound was different to the PHEV, it was well muted and the transmission operated equally well as with the petrol unit. My experience with both confirmed something I've always felt: vans should always be bought with automatic powertrains, simply because the drivers are working in those vehicles all day, every working day.

My bottom line thought: if I were a dyed-in-the-wool Volkswagen nerd, I'd not be disappointed taking the latest Transporter as my workplace. Equally, if I were a true-blue-oval Transit aficionado, I'd be very happy with my Custom. Whatever your choice, each is a good step forward from its predecessors.

PRICE: From €340,409, including VAT (Transit Custom), review vehicle €44,529. Transporter: From €39,265, review vehicle €47,120. WHAT I LIKED: Loved the Transporter's colour. 

Peugeot E-5008 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The third generation of the Peugeot 5008, the largest SUV in the company’s line-up, introduced here last February, is available in hybrid or all-electric versions, with both starting at €50,995. This sizeable SUV appeals to expanding families with its robust styling, seven-seat practicality, ample boot space, numerous high-end safety features, and a choice of powertrains. However, most 5008 buyers this year have opted for the mild hybrid. My review model was the E-5008 electric version. 

The front showcases a robust SUV design with a high bonnet, frameless grille, and Peugeot’s lion’s claw effect LED daytime running lights (also in the rear). The side highlights the 2.9m wheelbase, indicating plenty of interior space and comfort. The top GT version features Pixel LED headlights, gloss black pillars and side mouldings, a black diamond roof, privacy glass, and the new Peugeot lion shield logo on the front wings. 

Peugeot cars are known for their beautiful interiors, and this is no exception, with excellent fit and finish. However, I suspect that the grey tweed-like material on many surfaces may not withstand the wear and tear from children with sticky fingers. My driver’s seat only had manual adjustments. Second-row seats can slide forward and back and recline as well. Access to the third row is easy, though they are better suited to children or smaller adults. Legroom here can be limited if the second-row seats are moved further back. Alternatively, you can slide the middle seats forward to create more legroom for those in the third row. 

Storage options include a hidden compartment on the left side of the central console, large front door bins, and a deep space beneath the twin-door front armrest. There are three USB-C ports throughout the cabin and a wireless phone charging pad. The stunning Panoramic i-Cockpit on the dashboard features a 21-inch curved display combining the driver’s instrument panel with a central touchscreen for the i-Connect infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 3D navigation. You can also access key features via the conveniently located physical i-Toggle shortcut buttons below the screen. 

The flat section of the central console is divided into two levels with different switches. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit includes a small steering wheel. Newcomers to the brand may need some time to get used to this compact wheel, but it gives the car a sporty feel and allows quicker reactions if needed. Unlike in some other Peugeots, I had a clear view of my speed on the instrument display after adjusting the wheel height to my 5ft 4in stature. Scroll through the buttons here to customise the instrument cluster to your preferences. The transmission selector is located on the dashboard beside the engine start/stop button and includes a B mode. Regenerative paddles offer three levels of energy recovery. 

The second row features a flat floor, a middle seat back armrest with two cupholders, its own climate control, and two ISOFIX anchors (one of the three previously available has been removed), as well as built-in sun blinds in the rear doors. Boot capacity stands at 348 litres with all seats in use, expanding to 916 litres with the third row folded, and a generous 2,232 litres with both the second and third rows folded flat. When all seven seats are in use, cables and the parcel shelf can be stored beneath the adjustable boot floor. There is only enough space for a tyre repair kit. 

Electric options include a 210bhp 73kWh 2WD version with up to 502 km WLTP range, a 230bhp version with a 96kWh battery offering 668 km, and a forthcoming AWD Dual Motor version with 320bhp and up to 500 km range. The 210bhp model claims an electricity consumption of around 17.7kWh/100km, peak torque of 437Nm, and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.7 seconds. There is also a Mild Hybrid variant producing 136hp. 

On the road, visibility is enhanced by the tall, wide windscreen. The vehicle was very quiet and refined, with a smooth ride, though it can feel a bit firm over rough surfaces. The extensive blue ambient lighting, linked to the Drive Mode, was less appealing to me during night driving. DC fast charging from 20pc to 80pc takes approximately half an hour. During charging, the screen in my car showed 202km of charge equalled 52pc of the full charge. 

Trim levels are Allure and GT. My GT trim featured a power tailgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, an excellent 360-degree camera, front and rear sensors, small blind spot monitors, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. 

The new Peugeot 5008 received a four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, which included the E-5008 electric variant. It scored 80pc for adult occupant protection, 85pc for child occupant protection, 79pc for vulnerable road user safety, and 62pc for safety assist. In summary, the 5008 is among the top seven-seater family cars available. Prices are from €50,995; my GT version from €54,995.

 

 

Drop in observed use of mobiles while driving

The percentage of Irish drivers observed using handheld mobile phones has dropped by a third to 6 per cent in 2024, compared to the previous year, writes Brian Byrne. The drop has been even steeper in the LCV segment, from 13 per cent to 2 per cent.

In the RSA’s 2024 Driver Attitudes and Behaviour study, it was also observed that men and women drivers were equally likely to be observed using a device. Morning drivers and those driving at lunchtime were likelier to use their devices.

However, the self-reported element of the study suggested the issue was much broader; more than one in five respondents said they check notifications at least sometimes while driving, while 12 per cent admitted to responding to texts or social media posts while driving.

 

Cupra Tavascan Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

After a somewhat hesitant start, Cupra is now showing momentum since becoming a stand-alone brand within the Volkswagen group in 2018, writes Brian Byrne. In Ireland, sales have increased more than 60 per cent in 2025 since last year. Most of that can be attributed to the arrival this year of two all-new Cupra models, the Terramar petrol hybrid and the Tavascan all-electric. Another interesting figure, Tavascan and the older ID.3-related Born hatchback sales mean that one in three Cupras sold this year are all-electric. For several reasons, the former SEAT spin-off is a brand on the rise.

One of those reasons is the touch of Alberto Torrecillas, a career product designer with the Spanish SEAT-Cupra company, who has been responsible for the special details and body styles of all Cupra models since the Formentor in 2019. Initially an interiors stylist, he took over full responsibility for exterior designs over a decade ago. The Tavascan is his latest production creation on the road, and his Raval small electric car is due for 2026 sales.

The Tavascan has a much stronger visual personality in the Cupra universe than other models. I suspect that this is because it was destined for the Chinese market from the beginning, and is, in fact, built there. The strongly sculpted and detail-filled front would especially be attractive to Asian tastes, though Torrecillas did ease back on the rest of the car so that it wouldn't frighten the European punters. It's overall a good-looking vehicle. The rear is an especially smooth execution. It has enough modelling to be interesting, but without extremes. In size, the car sits a little above the VW ID.5 and just below the Skoda Enyaq.

Inside, things have gone a bit over the top, with swooping dashboard sections and complicated details. A spar coming from where you would typically expect a centre console has only space for an emergency flasher button. In line with the VW Group style bible, there's a massive centre screen and a small one in front of the driver for the main driving instruments. The steering wheel is a good feel, with the strong copper-cloured motif and stitching that's the Cupra thing. The other Cupra thing is the satellite buttons for start-stop and selecting driving profiles.

When you get used to the visuals, you find that the Tavascan is roomy and comfortable. The finish, as one now expects from the brand, is excellent. The boot capacity at 540L is more than adequate for all reasonable travel needs.

The powertrain is shared across Volkswagen Group electric cars, with some modification for the Cupra sports heritage. There are single and dual-motor AWD variants; my review car was the single with 286hp on tap. That allows for a 6.8-second sprint to 100km/h, and I don't see any need for seeking more. Goes without saying that progress is absolutely smooth. The rated range is 546 km, with my usual caveat on that being closer to 450 in real use. Still plenty, really.

With Cupra, you're paying a bit of a premium for a sporty ethos and performance. That adds a feel-good element to ownership, and when someone shells out significant money for their personal transport, that's always worth factoring into the consideration of choice. I like Cupra's individual detailing, and in the case of Tavascan I probably would get used to the curious dashboard style rather quickly. It's really all down to taste, isn't it?

PRICE: From €44,365; review car €50,250. WHAT I LIKED: That Cupra badge is always a cut above other brands.