First Drive: MINI Cooper SE
Mar03

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...

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First Drive: Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X
Oct03

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...

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First Drive: Mercedes EQC
Aug30

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...

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First Drive: Volkswagen Passat
Jul16

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...

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First Drive: Skoda Scala
Jul09

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...

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First Drive: Mercedes CLA Coupe
May10

First Drive: Mercedes CLA Coupe

With hints of the larger CLS the new Mercedes CLA demands attention, but can it deliver on those good looks asks Geraldine Herbert What is it? It is over 6 years ago since the first Mercedes-Benz’s CLA 4-door coupé arrived in Ireland and now an all-new version has just been launched and aims to turn the heads of younger buyers. Is it a looker? This car is a good hair day on wheels with a diamond patterned grille and swooping...

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