Updated Astra here for 262 sales

The updated Opel Astra is scheduled to arrive in Ireland in late spring 2026, writes Brian Byrne, just ahead of the new 262 registration plate in July. 

Unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show, the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer feature a modernised design with an illuminated Opel Vizor front face and a range of powertrains, including petrol hybrid, plug-in hybrid, all-electric, and diesel options. The all-electric model offers a range of up to 454 km, while the plug-in hybrid provides up to 82 km of electric range. 

The Astra also has improved interior comfort with AGR Intelli-Seats as standard and advanced Intelli-Lux HD lighting. 

Prices and standard equipment for the Irish market will be announced closer to the launch. 

VW's ID. Cross testing in Amsterdam

Volkswagen’s ID. Cross will debut in the European market in the second half of 2026, priced from around €28,000, writes Brian Byrne. This five-seater electric car targets customers seeking affordable, everyday mobility. 

Pictured here in Amsterdam with a camouflage wrap, the ID. Cross will provide flexible powertrain options with power levels of 114hp, 133hp, and 208hp, paired with battery sizes of 37 kWh and 52 kWh.

Volkswagen promises a compelling price-performance ratio with its compact size, advanced technology, and spacious interior. 

World Car Design win for Mazda6e

Mazda’s all-electric Mazda6e has been awarded the 2026 World Car Design of the Year (WCDOTY) at the New York International Auto Show, writes Brian Byrne. 

This marks Mazda’s third win in the WCDOTY category, following the Mazda MX-5 in 2016 and Mazda3 in 2020. 

The Mazda6e features elegant proportions and a warm interior, reflecting Japanese craftsmanship. 

The award underscores Mazda’s commitment to design excellence as it advances its electrification strategy. 

EV sales surge in Q1

Kia EV3, second place electric car this year.

Year-to-date electric car sales in Ireland have surged, with 14,004 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) registered, marking a 40.5 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, writes Brian Byrne. 

In March alone, BEV registrations rose by 52.1 per cent, reaching 3,851 units. This growth has propelled the BEV market share to 21.5 per cent for the year so far, up from 18.9 per cent in 2025.

While there was an overall decline in new car registrations, which fell by 10.4 per cent in March compared to the previous year, Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) saw a 13.5 per cent increase, while Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) experienced a 10 per cent rise, marking their first month of growth this year.

Hybrid vehicles continue to dominate the market, accounting for 27.36 per cent of new car registrations, followed by Electric at 21.56 per cent and Petrol at 21.24 per cent. 

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) noted that while the first quarter of 2026 saw a slight slowdown in new car sales, the strong performance of electric vehicles across all counties remains a significant highlight. 

Škoda Auto is set to unveil its new flagship electric vehicle, the Peaq SUV, in mid-2026, writes Brian Byrne. Based on the Vision 7S concept, this fully electric model will expand Škoda’s electric lineup, doubling the EV models in 2026. 

Measuring nearly 4.9 metres, the company claims a range of over 600 kilometres from the powertrain. 

With five seats, it offers a class-leading 1,010 litres of boot space. There will also be a 7-seat option. 

Peugeot E-408 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The updated Peugeot 408 fastback range, which arrived here late 2025, features a fully electric 408 version, giving Irish 408 customers the option of an electrified petrol-hybrid or fully electric powertrain. 

The all-electric E-408, manufactured at the Stellantis Mulhouse plant in France, brings a distinctive silhouette to the important C-segment with coupe-like lines and distinctive French styling. I like the car’s overall look which is a blend of saloon and crossover, the signature Peugeot fang LED lights at the front, the stylish grille with the new shield badge in the centre, and the triple-clad LEDs at the rear, along with the two high rear spoilers charmingly referred to as ‘cat ears’ due to their angular shapes at the top of the roof, which are designed to help airflow around the vehicle. Black cladding around the 19-inch graphite alloy wheels adds to the overall look along with privacy glass. But I missed a rear wiper. 

While there are five exterior colours to choose from, my car looked really good in Okenite White. The cabin is upmarket, typically Peugeot, with gorgeous materials and trims and a nice sweep to the dash. This top specced car had black inner roof lining, aluminium front door sills, lovely Alcantara soft touch materials. Well-bolstered, ergonomically designed bucket seats were sporty and comfy; front ones can be heated. Seats had manual adjustments. They are certified by the German Action Gesumder Rucken Association, which campaigns for healthier backs and offers optimal support to prevent spinal pain through extensive adjustments. 

Peugeot’s i-Cockpit features a flat top, compact steering wheel, a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a similarly sized, centrally located touchscreen, the latter mid-dash with beautiful graphics. It comes with Peugeot I-Connect Advanced, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, built-in navigation and voice recognition. A trip planner with charging station integration is included in the infotainment system. Below the touchscreen are five virtual i-Toggle buttons for shortcuts, and a row of physical buttons for climate control, fan, screen demisters, as well as a volume knob. The 10-inch customisable digital instrument panel shows all the necessary information including your current speed. But when adjusting the steering wheel to suit your driving position, make sure the top of the wheel doesn’t block your vision of your speed. Paddles off the steering wheel manage up to three levels of regeneration. The user-friendly Stellantis flick-switch transmission shifter is on the split level central console. 

Features include wireless phone charging, for USB-C ports, dual zone climate control, a decent glovebox and door bins, and a storage area beneath the twin-door front armrest. Rear space is much better than you would expect from a coupe-style car with OK headroom for tall people and best-in-class knee room, aided by deep indents on the front seatbacks. The transmission tunnel isn't high enough to impede foot space. There are two Isofix child seat anchors in the rear; seats split 60/40 and the middle seat back comes down to provide a hatch to the boot. The power tailgate provides wide access to the boot. Luggage capacity is a very decent 470 litres that can expand to 1,545 litres with rear seats folded using a lever in the boot. The hybrid version provides 536 litres. An area below the floor is for storing cables and puncture repair kit. 

The entry Allure trim features keyless entry, 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a 180-deg colour reversing camera with wash system with rear sensors, LED headlights, automatic dual zone air conditioning, high beam assist, extended traffic sign recognition, and cruise control. The upper-level GT trim adds more Peugeot shield badging, a drive assist plus pack that includes adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and the foot operated power tailgate. Safety features include automatic emergency breaking (detects pedestrian and cyclists, day or night; collision risk warning, long-range blind spot monitors on side mirrors, and rear cross traffic alert - ideal for busy supermarket carparks! 

The E-408 features a 210hp electric motor with 345 Nm of torque paired with a high-efficiency 58 kWh battery (under the floor to preserve interior space), offering up to 453km WLTP range and a heat pump that helps maintain range in cold weather. An 11 kW AC onboard charger comes as standard; you can fast charge from 20-80 per cent in just over 30 minutes or quick charge to add 100km in 10 minutes. E-408 offers a comfy and very refined drive experience over all types of roads making it ideal for urban or country journeys. The suspension seemed to glide over rural roads where I live while the 453km range is practical for daily commuters, especially those with home chargers. Visibility was good out front/side when approaching roundabouts; rear visibility was hindered somewhat by the car’s coupe styling. Drive modes are Eco, Normal and Sport. 

The 2025 Peugeot 408 maintains a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating, based on testing carried out in late 2022. Peugeot offers a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and three-year EV Service Plan. Annual road tax is €120 for the all-electric and €190 for the Hybrid145. 

The Hybrid 145hp and E-408 start at €38,995; the E-408 GT from €43,995 (electric price includes SEAI grant and VRT rebate).

Opel Corsa GSE hot hatch confirmed

Opel will expand its range of all-electric GSE models, writes Trish Whelan. Opel claims that soon, the new Corsa GSE will be giving customers goosebumps, speed and electric emotions. 

Following the premiere and launch of the Opel Mokka GSE last year, the new Corsa GSE will be the next everyday sports car to bring electric performance to the road. Small, agile and very practical, Opel’s Corsa is a best-seller for the brand while the three letters ‘GSE’ stand for battery-electric high-performance and top dynamics. The Corsa GSE is the new all-electric, top-of-the-range version of that small car. 

The Mokka GSE 281hp, the most powerful electric road car ever produced by Opel, and inspired by the Mokka GSE Rally and packaged in a GSE motorsport design, won the Golden Steering Wheel 2025 award as Best Small Car, immediately after its launch. 

Like the Mokka GSE, the new Corsa GSE will also be based on the current model generation. Germany’s most popular small car for five years in a row, will feature electrifying design details, with ‘thrilling, locally emissions-free performance on the road’. 

The new Opel Corsa GSE will be available to order during this year. Further information to follow shortly.

First authorised Farizon Ireland dealer appointments announced

The first authorised dealers appointed to represent the Farizon Ireland brand in the Irish market are Frank Keane Farizon in Ballymount, Dublin; and M50 Truck & Van Centre, located off Exit 5 on the M50 in Dublin, writes Trish Whelan. 

Frank Keane Farizon will offer customers a dedicated commercial sales and after sales environment backed by experienced teams supporting SME and larger fleet operators across Dublin and surrounding regions. 

M50 Truck & Van Centre is recognised for their strong focus on commercial vehicle servicing, fleet maintenance and customer support. 

The Farizon brand is the commercial vehicle division of Geely and has become China’s No. 1 commercial EV brand. Its first model for Ireland, the Farizon SV, is available in multiple body sizes and battery configurations, with up to 397km WLTP range, a maximum payload of up to 1,350kg, and cargo capacity of up to 13m3. 

Prices start from €44,500 (including taxes and applicable SEAI grant), with every vehicle supported by a five-year / 200,000km warranty, and an eight-year / 200,000km battery warranty. 

John Keane & Sons Roscommon joins Kia dealer network

Kia Ireland have announced John Keane & Sons Roscommon as their newest sales and after sales dealership, writes Trish Whelan. The dealership, operating as John Keane Kia, has now opened for business. 

Welcoming the appointment, Ronan Flood, Managing Director, Kia Ireland, said ‘before this appointment, Kia had no Roscommon dealer and we are excited to now showcase our product to their customers and look forward to working with all the team going forward’. 

John Keane & Sons Roscommon have been in business over 50 years. 

Pictured above (Left to Right) are: Stephen Fleming (Sales Manager at John Keane Kia), Adam Fogarty (Head of Network Development at Kia Ireland), Ronan Flood (Managing Director at Kia Ireland), John Keane (Dealer Principal at John Keane Kia), Micheál Keane (Aftersales Manager at John Keane Kia) and Jason Flanagan (Sales Executive at John Keane Kia.

Anna Daly is new brand ambassador for Honda Ireland

Multi award-winning TV broadcaster and entrepreneur, Anna Daly, has signed as a year-long brand ambassador with the Honda car brand, writes Trish Whelan. 

Through her work across media, events and campaigns, Anna has brought her engaging style and broad audience reach to conversations around motoring. She will be driving the new HR-V hybrid and will explore the full Honda passenger car range and highlight what each model has to offer during this partnership. 

The year ahead will see the launch of a new updated Civic and the return of the sporty Prelude to Irish roads. 

Pictured above are Ciaran Cusack (Communications and brand Manager, Honda Ireland), Anna Daly (Honda Brand Ambassador), and Orla Flynn (Senior Marketing Executive, Honda Ireland).

Continental produces road safety videos for Irish drivers

Continental Tyres Ireland has teamed up with content creator Erika Crawte to produce a series of short information videos aimed at boosting awareness of tyre safety and maintenance, particularly among younger motorists, writes Brian Byrne. The latest video in the campaign features Continental’s Tom Dennigan explaining the benefits of all-season tyres for Irish driving conditions.

Dennigan outlines how all-season tyres blend summer and winter tyre technology to deliver strong performance in moderate climates, providing reliable grip and safety in rain, summer heat and light winter conditions. He contrasts this with traditional summer tyres, which can lose effectiveness below 7°C, and winter tyres, which are primarily designed for the harsher, snowy winters typical of northern and eastern Europe.

All-season tyres, such as Continental’s AllSeasonContact 2 range, feature more tread blocks, edges and sipes, as well as an open shoulder and deeper, wider channels to improve grip and disperse water, snow and slush. The range is also EV-compatible, indicated by a dedicated EV logo, underlining Continental’s push to promote safer, climate-appropriate tyre choices for Irish motorists.