Review: Toyota's RAV4 hybrid impresses by Trish Whelan

Toyota’s RAV4 family crossover is now offered only with hybrid technology, writes Trish Whelan.

The car was one of a number of new self-charging hybrid cars (with Corolla and Camry), which have landed on our shores from last January. 

The RAV4 has been a big success since then with a huge demand from both retail and fleet customers. Drivers looking to make the switch from diesel to the more environmentally and economically friendly hybrid are finding it quite affordable to do so as buyers enjoy a lower monthly payment for a hybrid over a petrol. 

Review: New Corolla hybrid hatchback by Trish Whelan

The world’s best-selling car nameplate has extended its family in Europe to include the Corolla Hatchback, Saloon, and Touring Sports, writes Trish Whelan. 

This marks a return of the Corolla name to the hatchback which had been sold as Auris in European markets since 2007.

As a by the way, Corolla was the best selling car in Ireland in May.

Review: Kia ProCeed by Trish Whelan

Kia’s mid-sized ProCeed widens the appeal of the Ceed model range and is expected to play a big role in the Korean car maker's ongoing growth in Europe, writes Trish Whelan.

Like its siblings, this car was designed, developed and engineered by Kia’s European teams in Frankfurt and is manufactured at the brand’s factory in Slovakia.

It now has five doors, a nod to Europe’s shrinking market for three-door hatches. It is beautifully proportioned, curvy, low, lean and lithe, a little longer and lower than the Sportswagon and Ceed five-door hatch. The suspension is 10mm lower than its companions, and tall people should mind their heads when getting in and out, or even when reaching in to collect belongings.

Review: Honda CR-V by Trish Whelan

Honda's CR-V has become the world’s best-selling SUV since it was first introduced in 1995, writes Trish Whelan. With the third generation Honda has focused on petrol engines and there is no diesel alternative. There are 2WD and 4WD versions, and the new car is offered for the first time with a hybrid petrol electric powertrain.

The new CR-V is higher and wider while keeping the same length. An increased wheelbase allows a larger and more comfortable cabin and the option of seven seats.

A new grille echoes that in the Civic. A-pillars have been moved forward and reduced. The bonnet length has also been shortened and overall there's better front quarter visibility especially when approaching a roundabout. Full marks to Honda for this.