BYD Sealion 5 PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Chinese car brand BYD has certainly made its mark on the Irish car market, having launched eight new models since arriving here just three years ago. The company has sold 3,894 units so far this year, representing a massive increase of +99.69% over the whole of last year’s sales. BYD is now amongst the leading five EV and PHEV brands in Ireland. 

My latest test drive was the BYD Sealion 5 Super Hybrid, which sits below the larger Seal U hybrid in the brand’s hybrid line-up. It measures 4,738mm long, 1,860mm wide, 1,710mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,712mm. 

This is a 1.5 plug-in hybrid with a range of up to 1,016km when fully charged and with a full tank of petrol, dispelling any driver range anxiety as you could travel the length and breadth of the country without having to stop to ‘refuel’. To me, the model is not as stylish as some competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, or Toyota Corolla Cross. It looks quite fussy with too much going on, especially on the front and sides with the large textured grille, muscular shoulders that flare over the wheel arches, and all the indented lines. But the 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels look great and provide good grip, while the full-width LED light bar and contrast-colour D-pillar create a ‘floating’ roof effect. 

This is a proper five-seater with room for all adults to travel in comfort, with very good levels of headroom and legroom front and rear. Front seats feature durable vegan faux leather upholstery, have integrated see-through head restraints, and can be heated. The driver’s seat has six-way power adjustment, while the co-driver’s seat has four-way power adjustments. Both provide very good back support. The centre dash is the fixed 12.8-inch landscape touchscreen, which I changed from a dark background to a lighter one. The touchscreen is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; built-in shortcuts let you change the temperature and fan speed. Dual zone climate control, fan, air direction settings are permanent controls along the base of the central screen. 

The colourful 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster stands out from the dash and provides all the relevant information, including your current speed shown large top centre. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel includes voice control - say ‘Hi BYD’ to grab her attention. You can ask ‘herself’ to turn on the air conditioning, change the temperature, or radio station. There’s also an excellent reversing camera. The automatic transmission selector is on the flat of the central console, with the start-stop button and buttons for sensors, audio, fan, windscreen heater, and controls for EV or HEV driving. 

Rear seats can split 40:60. Wide-opening doors help install a child seat, and there are three ISOFIX anchor points provided. A completely flat floor improves foot room for the middle passenger. 

The power tailgate opens up 463 litres of boot space that can expand up to 1,410 litres with rear seats folded. PHEVs can be charged by both regenerative braking and by plugging into an external charger, either a home charger or public charging station. 

Hybrid cars are ideal for long-distance driving as when the electric range runs out, you can just carry on your journey powered by petrol in this case. The Dual Mode hybrid system pairs a 1.5 petrol engine with an electric motor to provide a combined 212hp. In EV or HEV modes, wheels are driven solely by the electric motor and back-up charge supplied with power from the 1.5 petrol engine. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the car becomes pure-electric with up to 86kms of electric range with its dual Blade Batteries, manufactured in-house by BYD. When the battery charge runs out, it changes over to the petrol engine. This DM-i technology improves efficiency during hybrid driving, with a combined fuel consumption of just 2.1 L/100km. 

Trims are Comfort and Design. The Comfort model, with its 12.96 kWh battery, delivers up to 62kms of all-electric range and a range of 992kms. With its larger 18.3 kWh battery, the Design trim has an electric range of 85kms and a combined range of 1,016kms, with acceleration from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds. Comfort trim includes metallic paint, LED headlights and tail-lights, power folding/heated exterior mirrors, aluminium roof rails, V2L, 6 speakers, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Design adds an electric tailgate, heated front seats, a wireless phone charging pad, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and Dynamic welcome lights. 

On the road, I liked how this car drove like an electric vehicle, mostly using the Normal drive mode (also Eco and Sport modes), and was able to get a great driving position, and I appreciated the comfort provided. The car comes with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, but I turned off all the annoying lane keeping/departure ‘alerts’ and stuck masking tape over the driver monitor on the A-pillar, which annoyed me with a big yellow ‘eye’ image on my driver’s screen warning me to keep my eye on the road should I glance sideways. 

The Sealion 5 Super Hybrid has a basic warranty of 6 years or 150,000km; the power battery 8 years or 250,000km. Road tax is €140. Prices are from €36,990-€40,990. 

Škoda Peaq sets new range record

The Škoda Peaq has set a new range record for seven-seater electric SUVs by travelling 936km on a single charge of its 91 kWh battery, writes Brian Byrne. The record attempt, led by Škoda employees Marek Jež and Jakub Krs, was supervised by TÜV SÜD and began in Mladá Boleslav, ending in Zandvoort, Netherlands. 

The car was a production model, rear-wheel drive, and with  low-rolling-resistance tyres. It achieved an average energy consumption of 9.2 kWh/100 km. The journey, which took place from 25 to 26 August 2026, included driver changes and breaks.

The Peaq goes on sale in Ireland in November at a starting price of €54,995. 

NISSAN MICRA REVIEW: BRIAN BYRNE, IRISH CAR

If there was only one thing I would like to have on every car resulting from the advent of EVs, it's the 'one-pedal' system which uses the braking effect of the electric motor to regenerate energy and slow the car at the same time, writes Brian Byrne. With that technology, on pretty well most of any journey I rarely have to use the brakes, as I can usually calibrate my regeneration action to bring the car to a full halt at standard junctions or roundabouts. It gets so intuitive that when I switch back to an ordinary ICE car, it can take some time to get used to the fact that it's not there. Meaning some hurried pedal shifting for the first couple of brakes-needed occasions. 

I was thinking about that when recently spending time with the current Nissan Micra. Which has the feature, though the company wasn't the first to introduce it. When the second generation Leaf came with the facility, cars like BMW's first i3 (not to be confused with the current EV version of the 3 Series) had already made it popular. That said, the Micra is in many respects a masterclass in making a small electric car. It looks good, with a perky but not OTT style. It's sized properly as a small B-segment hatchback with no pretensions to be an SUV. The interior styling and fittings are modern, with enough traditional shapes to keep older owners happy. Most of all, the pair of screens integrated in an angled housing are clear, with big colourful graphics for both information and the virtual buttons that manage a selection of functions. Key functions are operated by toggle switches under the central unit. 

Once settled in the driver’s seat, it's a standout that a lot of thought was put into the ergonomics. My driving position was excellent. Nothing was out of my sightline when I needed to see it. The white symbols on the steering wheel controls stood out strongly. A quirk, though, is that the steering column-mounted transmission selector doesn't have a Park function, and it can be fiddly slipping it into N when stopped and then operating the electronic parking brake. The seats in my review car, which was the top Evolve grade, were especially supportive. The external details in that grade included two-tone paint and more distinctive alloys.

On size, the Micra is a tad longer and wider than its close cousin, the Renault 5 E-Tech, and will give away height and length to the coming Cupra Raval and VW ID Polo competitors when they get here. As with all these, the Micra is essentially a four-seater in comfort, though rear legroom behind a long driver might be challenging. Boot capacity at 326L is average for the segment.

This generation of the Micra only comes with electric drive. There are two battery options, 40kWh and 52kWh, only the bigger one in the Evolve grade, and it is rated at a maximum 416km range — real world is likely closer to 330km. The version with the smaller battery is really only designed for urban use, with a rated maximum 317km (c.260km). It comes as no surprise that the larger battery is the most popular buy.

The motor is powerful enough to provide an 8s acceleration to 100km/h if needed. Like all EVs, the powertrain is quiet, which may be partly why there was some road noise evident, depending on the surfaces.

Some cars take a little time to get used to, others less so. When I got into the Micra, I felt immediately at home. That reflects overall good design thinking. 

PRICE: From €29,995; review car €32,995. WHAT I LIKED: A car well thought through. 

New Opel Corsa GSE revives hot hatch tradition

Last year marked the resurrection of the Opel GSE badge, including the all-electric Opel Mokka GSE Rally competition vehicle, the Opel Mokka GSE road car and the high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car, writes Trish Whelan. 

Opel will expand its electrified portfolio with the new Corsa GSE. This new, everyday performance car, will celebrate its world exhibition premier at the Paris Motor Show in October, before arriving in Ireland later this year.  

The new Corsa GSE is pictured above 'with a nod to the Corsa GSi of the late 80s and early 90s. 

Corsa GSE, Opel returns to the market of real hot hatches with all-electric vehicles: GSE stands for Grand Sport Electric! With 281hp and 345Nm of torque, it will offer just as much electric power as the Opel Mokka GSE. The new model stores its energy in a 54kWh lithium-ion battery. 

Drivers can choose from three driving modes. In Sport mode, the electric car is tuned for pure performance and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. In normal mode, it delivers 231hp and has a top speed of up to 180km/h. In Eco, all settings are trimmed for best possible efficiency. 

Inside, front passengers sit on performance seats adorned in a black, grey and yellow chequered pattern, with bright yellow seatbelts. Features include a 10-inch colour touchscreen, heated seats and steering wheel, 180-degree reversing camera, and V2L charging for external devices. 

More information will follow ahead of the Paris Motor Show 2026 reveal. 

New ferry passport requirements between ROI and Britain

From Monday, 28 September 2026, all passengers travelling with Irish Ferries between the Republic of Ireland and Britain will be required to carry a valid passport, writes Trish Whelan. 

This is a change to the current ID accepted and means that from that date, no other forms of photo ID will be accepted by Irish Ferries for any passengers, including Irish and UK citizens. This is to ensure compliance with UK Border Force requirements relating to the accuracy and integrity of passenger date before boarding and aligns ferry travel requirements with the document checks already carried out by many airlines. 

Irish Ferries is encouraging Irish and UK citizens travelling or planning to travel after 28 September 2026 to check their passport is valid, and in-date (or Irish passport card) before arriving at the port to avoid delays or disruption to their journey. 

Customers with existing bookings are being notified of the new requirement by Irish Ferries’ Customer Service Team.

CITROEN E-C5 AIRCROSS REVIEW: BRIAN BYRNE, IRISH CAR

A recent piece from my colleague Derek Reilly, of the NEVO Irish electric vehicle platform, pulled together several studies that show electric vehicles reduce driver stress, writes Brian Byrne. They're quieter, with less vibration than combustion-powered vehicles, and easier to handle in traffic because there's no gear-shifting. The science-based research by York University in the UK on London taxi drivers, DS Automobiles on EV customers also in the UK, and Fiat Professional on delivery van drivers, showed that operators of EVs have lower heart rates, increased driver focus, and appreciate simpler driving, leading to a more relaxed and stress-free experience.

I'm not surprised. I've driven a lot of electric cars over the last couple of years, and know from my own experience that all of the above have applied in my own case. It's nice to know that the science backs it up. A recent time spent with the ë-C5 Aircross was a case in point. Temperatures were up, as were, it seemed, driver tempers — several indicators included more impatience and use of horns, and a visible step up of the already poor driving habits of many drivers, which have generally deteriorated during the last decade. Driving the ë-C5 Aircross, nothing ruffled me.

The car is the second generation of the nameplate, and built on the same Stellantis platform that underpins the Jeep Compass, Opel Grandland, and the current Peugeot 3008 and 5008. The Citroën has its own unique style. The front is imposing, with lean-looking (but very effective) matrix LED lights. The profile shows off an almost slab-side of sheetmetal below the window line, cleverly leavened by a styled drop at the end that is mirrored with a sharp, almost coupe, lowering of the rear roofline. Though there are several potentially clashing elements at the back end, the designers have done a really good job of making the whole coherent.

Inside, a straight-top dashboard provides a sense of width, and there's an immediate perception of good quality in the materials. (Oddball information: some of the plastics are made from recycled grapevine shoots, an unusual first in the automotive industry.) The central infotainment screen hangs under the dash line and is well designed to give intuitive access to navigation, radio, and main climate controls — a mix of virtual and physical. The driver's information pod is equally well sorted for quick assimilation of what's going on. The 'flying' console has the familiar Stellantis transmission selector easy to had, and underneath is storage enough to keep a handbag out of the way. Citroën as a brand is concentrating very much on comfort, and the key areas of seating, ergonomics, and suspension are all tweaked to make that happen. 

In size, the ë-C5 Aircross sits between the Kia EV5 and Volvo's XC60, and is significantly longer than its first generation. So it's a quite roomy car, and the rear passengers are blessed with good legs and headroom — there's no 7-seat variant coming. The 565L of boot space is big, and there's underfloor hidden capacity there too.

The C5 Aircross is available with petrol, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and the electric powertrain of my review car. It's a 210hp motor that offers quite a brisk acceleration, smoothly and without noise. The battery range is rated at 520km, in real life I reckoned closer to 400km was manageable, and to me that's OK (another reveal from those researches was that range anxiety has slipped well down the list, and most buyers forget about it after a couple of days of ownership and settle into a charging routine).

For those interested in car-derived vans, there's a commercial version available. I haven't driven it yet, but from the comments of colleagues, it seems to be very well received. Meantime, the review car left my temporary ownership with no bad feelings.

PRICE: From €39,939. WHAT I LIKED: Comfort and electric serenity. 

Kia Ireland return as sponsors of Big Beach Clean 2026

Kia Ireland will return as the official sponsor of the Big Beach Clean 2026 which takes place from 18-20 September across Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. Last year, over 60 tons of litter were removed from Irish beaches and waterways by almost 11,000 volunteers from more than 500 organised clean-ups. 

The Big Beach Clean is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) and invites volunteers from across ireland to remove litter from coastal areas and inland waterways at the end of the bathing season. The data collected from this campaign is part of a worldwide citizen science project that aims to heighten awareness about the issue of marine litter and help to shape future policies in this area. Registrations are now open for this year’s event and Kia are encouraging as many people as possible to sign up for their local beach clean at cleancoasts.org. 

On a global level, Kia continues to support the Ocean Cleanup, an organisation with a long-term aim of removing 90% of floating ocean plastic worldwide by 2040. In addition to using recycled materials in vehicle production, Kia also explores ways for collected plastic waste to be recycled and reused and have recently launched a boot liner accessory which contains 40% recycled ocean plastic. 

Looking forward to another big turnout this year for the annual Big Beach Clean, Bronagh Moore, An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Manager, commented: “Every piece of litter collected and recorded during the cleanup is vital for raising awareness and driving meaningful policy changes to protect our oceans. Small actions, when multiplied by many, can have a huge impact. We encourage everyone, no matter your location, to get involved and record your findings. By working together, we will create a tangible and lasting impact on ocean health.” 

Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts Programme Manager; and Cathal Kealey, Head of Marketing and PR at Kia Ireland, are pictured at Big Beach Clean launch in Rosslare recently.

Lynn Motors is official Leapmotor dealer in Louth

Leapmotor Ireland has appointed Lynn Motors, Newry Road, Dundalk, Co Lough as its latest official franchise dealer partner, writes Trish Whelan. It is the brand’s tenth retail location in Ireland, and extends Leapmotor’s nationwide footprint into an eight county while introducing the brand to motorists across Louth and the north-east. 

Commenting on the appointment, Stephen McGrath, Brand Manager of Leapmotor Ireland said: “Lynn Motors has been looking after motorists in Dundalk for many years, and that kind of standing in a community is exactly what Leapmotor needs alongside it. We need partners who know their local market and who put the customer first.” 

A fixture on the Newry Road since 1993, Lynn Motors is a family-run, multi-franchise dealership, and is long established as a Gowan Auto dealer in New Car Sales, Quality Used Vehicles, and Aftersales. 

The full Leapmotor range is now available to order through Lynn Motors, comprising of the T03 compact city car (265km WLTP BEV from €18,950), the new B05 C-Hatchback (482km WLTP BEV from €28,998), the B10 compact SUV (434km WLTP BEV, from €32,984; 900km Hybrid EV from €36,995) and the C10 large family SUV (420km WLTP BEV from €38,995; 975km Hybrid EV from €45,420), all prices inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT rebate. First deliveries have now landed on the forecourt of Lynn Motors.

Pictured (above) at the announcement are: Stephen McGrath and Yvonne Sweeney of Leapmotor Ireland; and Don Lynn, Dealer Principal Lynn Motors. 

Alan Bateson to lead Volkswagen Group Ireland

Volkswagen Group Ireland have appointed Alan Bateson as Chief Executive Officer, writes Trish Whelan and Brian Byrne. His appointment marks the VW Group's first Irish full-time chief executive. He succeeds Pierre Boutin in the position. 

A highly regarded industry leader with more than 17 years of service within Volkswagen Group Ireland, including some years as Managing Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Alan brings extensive market experience and a strong track record of commercial success to the role. Most recently, he served as Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, where he played a key role in delivering sustained market share growth and establishing Volkswagen as Ireland’s leading Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brand. As CEO, Bateson will retail responsibility for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in Ireland. 

Commenting on his new appointment, Bateson said: “It is a great privilege to take on the role of CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland. Having built my career within the Irish motor industry, I know what an honour it is to lead a business with such strong brands, talented people and trusted retail partners. My focus is clear: to continue to grow, to lead in mobility, and to deliver an outstanding and seamless experience for every customer.” 

Volkswagen Group Ireland represents six globally recognised brands - Volkswagen Audi, Skoda, CUPRA, SEAT and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The Group’s portfolio accounts for over 28 per cent of new car sales in this country and over 16 per cent of the van market. 

On a personal note, we wish Alan every success in his appointment.

Siamsa Glas returns to Boyne Valley

Siamsa Glas, a cultural festival celebrating heritage, music, wellbeing, community, and outdoor experiences, returns for its third year from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th of September 2026. It offers over 30 events along the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, inviting visitors to explore County Meath’s distinctive tourism route.

The festival unites communities across Navan, Baile Ghib (Gibstown), Wilkinstown, Castletown, Nobber, and Kilmainhamwood. It encourages people to discover the Greenway, experience local culture, and enjoy the unique offerings of County Meath.

Supported by Meath County Council and Boyne Valley Tourism, Siamsa Glas highlights the communities along the route and the Irish language and cultural heritage of Baile Ghib.  

The Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, a 30km off-road trail opened in 2023, connects many participating areas. It follows the former railway line between Navan and Kingscourt and is popular for exploring the area’s heritage, landscapes, and villages.

This year’s programme includes the Wilkinstown Community Market, Cuairt Rothar ar Ghaeltacht BhaileGhib, Craobh na bPrátaí, and Save the Last Dance. Highlights also feature the Fiáin Green Run, biodiversity walks, heritage talks, Meath Made workshops, traditional music sessions, a cultural concert at Nobber Heritage Centre, wellness experiences, and activities for all ages.

Many events are free, offering local communities and visitors an accessible chance to explore the Greenway and enjoy a varied programme.

Full programme details and booking information are available at: http://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/siamsa-glas-festival

Follow @discoverboynevalley on social media for festival updates. 

Škoda announces Irish pricing for Peaq flagship EV

Škoda Ireland has announced the pricing and specifications for the new Škoda Peaq, its seven-seat electric flagship, writes Brian Byrne. Starting at €54,995, the Peaq offers three electric powertrains with ranges up to 637 kilometres. 

It is the largest SUV in Škoda’s range, and will be available in Selection and Sportline trims. The Peaq 60 Selection includes features like 19-inch alloy wheels, a 13.6-inch infotainment display, and three-zone climate control. The Peaq 90 Selection, expected to be popular, offers up to 637 km of range and starts at €58,150. Sportline models begin at €61,550, and the Peaq 90X starts at €59,650. 

A nationwide roadshow will start in November 2026, with the first models arriving in January 2027.

 

Two new Mercedes-Benz models launched

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the latest GLB and GLC models to the Irish market, writes Brian Byrne. The GLB is available in electric and hybrid versions, and The GLC in all-electric and other fuel variants. 

The GLB offers a seven-seat layout with a luggage capacity of up to 1,715 litres and an electric range of up to 624km. It features faster interior heating, advanced driver assistance, and vegan trim, with prices starting from €59,355.  

The GLC is the first model to showcase Mercedes-Benz’s new design language, and has a rated range of up to 664km, a fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, and a panoramic glass roof, with prices starting from €72,085.  

Electric CX-6e coming from Mazda

The all-new Mazda CX-6e, a fully electric SUV, is set to debut in European showrooms shortly, writes Brian Byrne. Developed in collaboration between Mazda’s European and Japanese design teams, the CX-6e will be powered by a 258hp motor and there's an estimated rated range of up to 484km.

The silhouette and integrated design elements aim to emphasise craftsmanship, aerodynamics, and a progressive ethos, and details include digital side mirrors. 

The CX-6e aims to offer a fresh, engaging experience and maintain Mazda’s design heritage. 

LEXUS RZ 350e REVIEW: BRIAN BYRNE, IRISH CAR

What a difference a steering wheel makes, writes Brian Byrne. When I recently reviewed a Lexus RZ 500e, it was fitted with the butterfly-shaped yoke (‘yoke’ in this instance being what they call it rather than the more generic Irish use of the word to describe something odd). If you read it, you’ll recall that I was less than entranced.

I recently spent time with the RZ 350e, the lower-power version. It had a normal steering wheel, properly round, unlike the variety of flattened, hexagonal and other variations of round that are current in the car design industry. I so appreciated it, especially in the lock-to-lock workouts we do when parking or the manoeuvring necessary in multi-storey car parks and similar. It made such a difference to my overall experience with the car that I was much more inclined to take it out just for the fun of it.

The RZ is the first Lexus built on the e-TNGA dedicated electric car platform, with Toyota and Subaru relatives. It's mid-sized, crossover in format, and aimed directly at Tesla's Model Y but with a lot more premium attitude. The styling at first view is perhaps a little jarring, with some angles awry, then one quickly gets to like it. I had the odd thought that if, in 30 years' time, somebody wanted to remake the Back to the Future movie franchise, they might use the RZ as the vehicle star. I should say, though, that the driving experience between the Lexus and the DeLorean is not comparable — I have driven the latter, and it was brutal.

Inside, the sensory coherence from the quality of the trim is high. The operator space looks and feels driver-designed with real rotary and switch controls where they should be, including a proper start-stop button, and instruments with simple and readable graphics (though I would have liked the driver display to be somewhat brighter; it could get lost in bright outside conditions). The heft of the wheel was Goldilocks-right for my mitts, and the transmission selector on the centre console was exactly where it should be for backing-and-forthing in tight spaces. It's a big car, a bit shy of five metres long, so anything making things somewhat more nimble for the driver is good. 

There's plenty of occupant accommodation front and rear, in seats that I found to be generous and which proved as comfortable as something with the Lexus badge and pricing ought to be. The 522L of cargo capacity aft suggests the car with four adult occupants would do the Irish Grand Tour quite well. And my time with the car left me in no doubt that the designers had engineered the suspension to make such trips comfortable regardless of the quality and type of roads used.

I have mentioned this to be lower power than the 380hp of the 500e, which also was AWD. This FWD version tops out at 224hp, which for me was plenty, and adequately pokey with a 7.5s sprint to 100km/h possible. Does anyone need their passenger car to have the 4.6s capability of the 500e? Not least for what the cost would be in premature replacement of tyres.

When Toyota set out to create a premium brand, way back in the day, there were many car industry types, especially those already producing 'luxury' motors, who didn't believe they could. But the Japanese are nothing if not dogged and meticulous, and patient, and the Lexus brand eventually achieved a deserved elevated space in the automotive hierarchy. The RZ 350e represents that achievement well, and at a reasonable cost point.

PRICE: €66,280; WHAT I LIKED: Feeling that bit more up in the world. 

SEAT Arona FR review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

SEAT’s Arona, first launched here in late 2017, is regarded as being a small city crossover or compact SUV. The latest upgrade of the model was unveiled here in October 2025 along with a refreshed Ibiza, both with a refreshed youthful look, upgraded interior, and choice of TSI petrol engines. There are no hybrid or fully-electric versions. Well over 750,000 units have been sold globally to drivers seeking ‘the perfect urban SUV' for energy, versatility and the styling for which the brand is renowned. The 413 Arona buyers in Ireland so far this year show many Irish customers agree with those sentiments. 

Arona is named after a town on the southern coast of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. SEAT cars are built at the company’s production plant at Martorell, outside Barcelona, where Arona is built on the same platform as the Ibiza hatchback. 

The exterior of my car was in Oniric Grey, more like a soft mint shade which looked really well with the contrasting black roof. Features are a new hexagonal grille design, new front and rear bumpers emphasising the car’s sportiness, roof rails, 18-inch ‘Performance’ Alloy wheels, painted door handles and mirrors, front fog lights with cornering function, rear fog lights, DLRs, and dark-tinted windows. 

As this was the FR grade, it had a laser-etched FR logo on the B-pillar for another sporty edge. The FR logo stands for Formula Racing, which, as well as styling, improves the car’s driving experience by firming up the suspension, steering, and engine options. 

The spacious interior had dark headlining, attractive two-tone textile bucket seats – with integrated see-through head restraints – that were both comfy and supportive. Seats have manual adjustments and can be heated (with the optional Winter Pack). You sit higher than you would do in a normal hatchback. The forward slope of the windscreen, the narrow A-pillars, and long side windows provided excellent forward and side visibility, especially at roundabouts. 

The upper dash includes nice soft-touch material (repeated on seats and doors) and a wide silver bar for added interest. Selection for the DSG automatic transmission is on the flat of the central console beside the Drive Mode selector for Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual choices. I liked the traditional pull-up handbrake for quick reassurance that it was engaged when parked. The 9.2-inch central display screen navigation system seemed just right for the Arona. Graphics are colourful and clear. The system features Full Link smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are rotary knobs for adjusting the dual-zone temperature while on the move. A 10.25-inch driver’s information cluster consists of two dials with speed shown in small figures on the bottom right. It would be more visible if located high up between the dials. However, you can customise the screen to suit your preference, including having a map of the area shown between both dials. The leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel includes remote audio, voice and volume controls, and paddles mounted behind the steering wheel for manually changing gears. 

Other features are a bucket-type glovebox, good-sized door bins, two cupholders, a small area below the front armrest, two small USBs, and a wireless phone charger. Rear passengers have good head- and leg space, albeit with a high transmission tunnel, and pockets on front seat backs; the middle seat is fixed in place, so there is no centre armrest with cupholders. Boot capacity of 400 litres can expand to 823 litres with rear seats folded down. 

Trims are SE, SE Plus, FR, Arona, and Black Edition. Even the entry-level Arona is well specced with numerous standard features. Petrol engines are a 1.0 TSI 95hp 3-cylinder with a 5-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.0 TSI 115hp paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which was my review car. Maximum torque is 200Nm, top speed 195km/h, and acceleration from 0-100km/h is 10.00 seconds. Average fuel consumption is circa 5.7 L/100kms but I achieved 4.6 L/100kms over an 80km journey. Road tax is €200. The car can start looking for a suitable parking space when you press the Park Assist button. It will turn the steering wheel to guide you into parallel or bay spaces. 

Other useful features include front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, Hill hold, Drowsiness monitoring system, Lane assist, Front assist with autonomous Emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist protection. 

Arona received the maximum 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2022. I was able to get a good driving position behind the wheel; there was nice pick-up from the punchy engine and good response from the direct steering; I felt every bump in the road with the sporty-tuned suspension. Arona is a good small SUV for scooting around town, for school runs, or on drives down the country, but the engine could get quite noisy at high revs, and there was also some noise on certain road surfaces. Arona has a 3-year (90,000km) manufacturer’s warranty as standard. 

The range entry level is priced at €28,146; my FR car as tested €36,146.

SEAT ARONA REVIEW: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

It's less than three years since the Volkswagen Group announced that it would stop producing SEAT passenger cars, in favour of concentrating on the Cupra performance brand, writes Brian Byrne. But last October the group changed its mind. Officially, the Spain-based subsidiary is now the affordable entry brand to Volkswagen's overall portfolio. Possibly because of that first short-term decision, the SEAT market share in Ireland slipped downwards over the last few years, but that slippage appears to be slowing and for three of the first six months of 2026, sales have shown a healthy uptick compared to the same months last year.

The Arona has consistently been the brand's best seller since it was first launched in 2017. Partly because of the overall strength of the B-segment crossover-SUV category in the overall car market. When a small family buyer needs something larger than a hatchback but doesn't want to go up a segment size, in this case from the Ibiza hatch, the crossover offers a bit more space without increasing the footprint much, and retaining the ease of use. 

There's been no generational change in the Arona since it first arrived, but there have been two refreshes, the most recent for the 2026 model year. None have involved changing the shape or interior size, though the latest one is lower and a tad longer than the previous version. Put one beside the other and you'll see a larger grille with a diamond-mesh pattern, a different front bumper design with integrated front foglight, and new alloys. More important is the brightness of the new LED headlights. The overall shape of the car is remarkably fresh still, reflecting the fact that SEAT within the Volkswagen Group often had more style chops than the parent company's own-brand equivalent cars. In this instance, the review car also had a sleek presence thanks to the contrasting black roof and roof rails.

There have been improvements inside, mainly in materials, which now include soft-touch dashboard surfaces, some texture to the door trim panels, and fresh design to the air vents. My review car was in FR grade, which also provides more supportive seats, the integrated headrests of which were perfectly comfortable for me — regular readers will know I've had difficulties with such in other brands.

There was a certain old-world feeling, perhaps for budgetary reasons, with the traditional handbrake and an actual fit-in key for the ignition. The traditional part of the car that I very much appreciated was the retention of physical switches for climate control. In cars where these have disappeared in favour of screen menus, they will also be coming back in future years because of new regulations designed to cut driver distraction. I was far from alone amongst my colleagues globally when I criticised the screen systems at first introduction, but it has taken a long time for the industry to catch up.

I've been driving a fair number of large cars recently, yet I didn't feel cramped in any way in the Arona. Particularly, the door opening leaves room for me to get in and out without bumping my head. Also, the design of the inside door handle means that one doesn't have to lean back out to reach it — this is something of an issue in some, indeed more than some, cars.

Given that the car is on one of VW's rather older small car platforms, there's actually a reasonable knee-room for those in the back, while the crossover-style takes the sting out of headroom for all but quite tall people — it's still a more comfortable space for two rather than three, though. The 400L cargo volume is par for the segment.

The Arona is aimed at basic motoring needs. There's no high-tech electrified engine, simply a 1.0 petrol 3-pot, in my review car with the more powerful 115hp output. Also, thankfully, with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that works well with the little engine. The motor's 3-cylinder buzz is audible, but it's not really intrusive. The powertrain package, over a variety of roads and terrain, came back with an average of around 5L/100km, which I figure to be quite usefully frugal.

The ride and handling are well capable of dealing with what the car can do, making it pretty safe for family use.

Overall, I left it back with the thought that, for many, it's not all about the tech. It's that the car does what it says on the tin. In this case, fulfilling its newly committed place as an affordable entry to an automotive emporium of many prices.

PRICE: From €28,175; review car €36,146. WHAT I LIKED: A car for its place. 

Škoda reveals Epiq in Ireland

Škoda Ireland has unveiled the Epiq, a fully electric small SUV, priced from €24,559, writes Brian Byrne. It joins the Enyaq and Elroq in Škoda’s electric lineup and is the brand's most affordable EV. 

The Epiq features Škoda's Modern Solid Design, a 475-litre boot, and is the company's first front-wheel-drive electric model. It offers a range of around 435 kilometres, fast DC charging in 24 minutes, and features which include V2L, V2H, and one-pedal driving. 

Available in four trim levels, customers can choose between a 38.5 kWh battery (275 km range) or a 55 kWh battery (435 km range). Orders have been open since May, and there will be preview events in October and November. First deliveries are expected in January 2027. 

Motorcycle safety campaign

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a campaign urging drivers to “Look Right, Look Left, Look Right Again” at junctions to enhance motorcycle safety, writes Brian Byrne. Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable, with 954 seriously injured in Ireland from 2021 to 2025, and 16 fatalities this year. 

The campaign highlights that failure to observe is a common cause of collisions, especially at junctions. Developed through data analysis and expert consultation, the initiative aims to prevent accidents by encouraging drivers to take an extra glance for motorcyclists, who are smaller and harder to spot. 

As summer progresses, the RSA calls on all road users to slow down and be vigilant to improve safety. 

Fiat switches Team Ireland to Grande Pandas

Fiat Ireland has updated the Team Ireland fleet with the all-new Grande Panda, replacing Fiat 600s, as part of its partnership with the Olympic Federation of Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. The handover was at the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown, Dublin, where athletes Sarah Lavin, Philip Doyle, and Thomas Barr attended the event. 

The partnership provides athletes with a dedicated fleet for training and events, including two Fiat Professional vans for equipment transport. John Saunders, Fiat Ireland’s Managing Director, said the company was proud to support athletes on their journey to Los Angeles 2028. Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, highlighted the practical benefits of reliable transport. 

The Grande Panda, available in electric and mild hybrid variants, starts at €22,995 and has won several awards, including the Red Dot Award 2025. The Fiat range will expand with the Grizzly SUV and Fastback later this year. 

Kia PV5 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

I've long been intrigued by the discrepancy about van-derived cars between us in these islands and our continental cousins, writes Brian Byrne. What seems to be a level of snobbery versus practicality, shared by the Irish with the UK, means we very rarely choose what is technically termed a Leisure Activity Vehicle (LAV) as a family car. In comparison, such cars are very popular in France, and enjoy a slightly smaller but still high buyer cohort in Spain. Somewhat less so in Germany, Europe's largest car market, but still significant among budget-conscious family buyers. 

Over my decades in this business, I have driven most of them, and I have always felt their advantages — toughness and durability, height and space, and the fact that vans are designed for drivers who work in them all day — very much outweighed their utilitarian style.

It's a busy space, rather dominated by Stellantis conversions of their Peugeot, Citroën, Opel and Fiat compact vans. Also Renault with their Kangoo and Mercedes Citan derivative versions, along with Volkswagen's Caddy and ID Buzz passenger vehicles and Ford's Transit Custom iteration. This year there's a Korean contender, the PV5, which has been garnering some very favourable commentary, and, here, a surprising level of registrations — especially since it is only available in EV form. (It's worth noting that the Stellantis group last year flirted with making its LAVs available only in EV form, but since then has quietly reversed course and is now offering petrol and diesel powertrains again.)

Against the competition, the PV5 has a much more clean-cut look than most others, notably a cab-forward styling sloping steeply to a bonnetless front. Deep side front windows also help it stand out, as does, in some colour choices, nice two-toning which my car didn't have. It is bigger than the standard LAV alternatives, but smaller in most dimensions than the more directly competing longer ones, including VW's Buzz, Citroën’s Berlingo XL, Peugeot's Rifter Long, and Fiat's Doblo Maxi. At the back, there's a high lift-up tailgate that can make a very useful shelter from showers while parked at the picnic spots.

The efficient style is repeated inside, with a flat dashboard and neat screens for infotainment and driving information. Storage options reflect the needs of the commercial driver in terms of size and capacity, and that's no bad thing for a family's requirements too. The two front seats — there will be a 3-seat option if there's demand — are comfortable in artificial leather, supportive, and incorporate individual armrests. It's an easy cab to get in and out of. For three in the rear, there's lots of space, and more legroom than might be expected. The rear seatbacks recline, too, and with a brace of USB ports on the front seatbacks, the teens' devices will be kept going for the long trips. The boot capacity of up to 1,300 litres should take all their leisure gear, with room to spare.

The PBV5 comes with a 71kWh long-range battery, and a rated range of 412 km in the passenger version. A heat pump climate system is standard and is estimated to improve the range by up to 10 per cent.

Since launch, I have had several opportunities to drive the PV5 over a wide range of activities and types of road, including some mountain driving on narrow and twisting journeys. Whether in the hills or on main roads, the driving experience is very pleasant and untiring, and the high seating, along with the extensive glass area up front, offers really good visibility and a sense of being above the traffic and the hedges. The EV powertrain means there's also a level of serenity not achievable with ICE motors, especially a diesel.

Since February, almost a hundred passenger versions of the PV5 have been registered in Ireland. That's out of about 430 LAVs altogether. Given that a third of those are EVs, it's clear that the Kia PV5 is getting the lion's share (sorry, Peugeot!) there. Something about the car has struck a chord with family users. It will be interesting to see how far this goes.

PRICE: €42,550. WHAT I LIKED: The different style and competent drive.