Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line
Jul04

Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line

The new, roomier Volkswagen Polo, with its dapper Digital Cockpit and super safety features, will appeal to fans — but will it convert new buyers asks Geraldine Herbert What is it? Anyone who regularly squeezes in and out of tiny car-park spaces could be forgiven for thinking the spaces have gotten smaller over time. The effort involved to avoid a dent or a scratch is enough to send your blood pressure soaring, while getting out of...

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Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech 130bhp Auto
Jul03

Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech 130bhp Auto

Peugeot hopes to tempt premium buyers with the new 308 hatchback  writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? At first glance, the new Peugeot 308 has much in common with the previous one, but look again and the sleek bonnet and the vertical grille catch the eye, while the new retro logo is a nod to Peugeot’s changing model line-up. It oozes Gallic flair. The 308 I drove came in ‘olivine green’, which only enhanced its appeal — and judging...

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Honda e
Nov12

Honda e

The Honda e oozes personality with its virtual fish but you will need to splash out writes Geraldine Herbert Why you will like it? Watch faces light up and heads turn when you tootle by in the new Honda e. Is it a looker? Honda’s first all-electric car has a distinctly retro yet futuristic vibe, but it’s the little details like the signature front and rear lights and flush door handles that catch attention. Even with Covid...

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SEAT Leon 1.5TSI 150hp Xcellence
Nov09

SEAT Leon 1.5TSI 150hp Xcellence

Practical and fun to drive, there is lots to like about the new SEAT Leon writes Suzanne Keane What is it? I was a huge fan of the first SEAT Leon but they certainly lost their way with its replacement in 2005. The 3rd generation was a huge improvement harking back to the good old days and while this new Leon is more spacious and practical it doesn’t seem to have lost its spark. Who is it aimed at? The Leon offers the benefits of a...

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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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Compact Hatchback Guide
May01

Compact Hatchback Guide

It’s fair to say that anyone looking for a compact hatchback  is somewhat spoilt for choice these days writes Geraldine Herbert Alfa Romeo Giulietta Oozing with Italian flair the Giulietta is one of the distinctive hatchbacks around. Inside it just as stylish but it is not as practical as many rivals you will struggle to find storage places within the cabin. On the road, the Giulietta  is fun to drive. For 2019 three new trim levels...

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