Opel Astra 1.0 Turbo 105PS
Jan06

Opel Astra 1.0 Turbo 105PS

Sharper, stylish, smarter, rivals will now have to watch out for the Opel Astra in their rear-view mirror, writes Geraldine Herbert What is it?  The new-generation Astra is a key model for Opel, but despite the company’s best efforts through the three-decade lifespan of this car, the Astra has always been a contender but never quite class-leading. Who is it aimed at? Designed to steal sales away from the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf...

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Why petrol hatchbacks are making a comeback
Dec09

Why petrol hatchbacks are making a comeback

There are compelling reasons these days to consider a petrol hatchback writes Geraldine Herbert  Despite our love affair with saloons, hatchbacks still make up to 42% of Irish Car sales and the most widely bought car this year is the Volkswagen Golf.  Petrol sales may only account for 27% of all new cars bought but as diesels continue to grab the headlines for all the wrong reasons there are many compelling reasons to buy petrol...

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2015 Skoda Octavia 4×4 Elegance
Nov26

2015 Skoda Octavia 4×4 Elegance

As the proud owner of an original 4×4 Octy Suzanne Keane couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of the new Octavia 4×4. What is it? The Octavia 4×4 is Skoda’s family saloon with the addition of 4 wheel drive – ideal for snow, ice and those who lead an active lifestyle. Who is it aimed at? While most people think don’t think hatchback when they hear 4 wheel drive experience has shown that the weight distribution in a...

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Kia cee’d GT Line 5 Dr 1.0 GDi
Nov11

Kia cee’d GT Line 5 Dr 1.0 GDi

The refreshed Kia cee’d promises better quality and efficient engines, writes Geraldine Herbert What is it?  Since it launched in 2006 the Kia cee’d marked a turning point for the Korean car maker and was the first of a new generation of cars designed with European buyers in mind. Compared to previous Kia offerings, the cee’d was a huge step forward – and they went on to sell more than one million of them. Who...

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Peugeot 308 GT Line Blue HDi 120
Aug06

Peugeot 308 GT Line Blue HDi 120

Does the  new Peugeot 308 GT Line drive as  sporty as it looks, Hannah Gordon finds out What is it? The Peugeot 308 GT Line is a sporty looking hatchback wrapped around a very economic engine, it would seem like its the best of both worlds in a competitive hatchback market. Who is it aimed at? This GT line is a step below the full GT range and offers a greater choice of engines, the 308 is aimed at the portion of public who want an...

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Ford Focus Zetec 1.6TDCi
Jul10

Ford Focus Zetec 1.6TDCi

Ford’s Focus is still a fine balance of ride and handling writes Suzanne Keane What is it? The new Ford Focus has been given a fresh new interior and sleek exterior look with a new bold front end. Who is it aimed at? The Focus will appeal to a wide range of consumers from lovers of sporty hatchbacks to those looking for a practical and economical family car. Styling? Our test car was a Cobalt Blue Zetec with sports suspension,...

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