The Iconic Renault 5 Returns as a Stylish and Affordable Electric Vehicle
The iconic Renault 5 is back — reimagined as a fun, retro-inspired electric car for a new generation, writes Suzanne Keane. With bold styling and modern tech, it’s set to make a big impact in a small package. What is it? The iconic Renault 5 has been reimagined for a new generation and is making a very welcome comeback as a funky and affordable EV. First impressions of the new Renault 5? The character of the original Renault 5 has...
First Drive: MINI Cooper SE
Smart, green and perfectly formed, the all new MINI Electric has arrived writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? Born out of the fuel shortages of the 1950s and the onslaught of super-economical Bubble cars the first MINI rolled off the production line in 1959. Now 61 years later and in response to a crisis of a different sort MINI’s first-ever all-electric offering has been launched. Is it a looker? Based on the 3-Door Hatch, the...
First Drive: Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X
Can Mazda offer a new future for petrol and diesel engines asks Geraldine Herbert What’s new? At a time when most carmakers are ditching the development of new internal combustion engines (ICE), Mazda are saying yes to investing in petrol and diesel engines and are launching a new take on the lean concept with their revolutionary Skyactiv-X engine. So could this new technology help prolong petrol and even the much-maligned...
First Drive: Mercedes EQC
Looking for an eco-SUV option to ferry the family around asks Geraldine Herbert What is it? Based on the current GLC model the new EQC is the first of a host of electric vehicles (EVs) coming from Mercedes over the next few years that will be launched under its EQ sub-brand. And if you are wondering what EQ stands for it is “Electric Intelligence”. Is it a looker? It’s not the most stylish EV on the market and even as an SUV...
First Drive: Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen’s fresh-faced Passat is a very polished and sophisticated car, writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? The Volkswagen Passat has been the default saloon choice for years and more than 30m have found homes since it first launched in 1973. Evolving through eight generations, for 2019 it has been given a mild facelift and new technology. First impressions? Although at first glance it may look just like the departing one, on...
First Drive: Skoda Scala
New Skoda Scala Skoda is thinking big with the new Scala writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? As the long school year comes to an end the Skoda Rapid’s end of term report would probably say “a hard-working student, capable but not exceptional”. The Rapid was Skoda’s simple no compromise budget hatchback that was neither rapid nor stylish and found few homes in Ireland. Now in a bid for success in the family...