Road Test: SEAT Leon Cupra R
What was once a Spanish manufacturer whose models you would traditionally see when on your Summer holidays, the SEAT brand has in recent years begun to take the Irish market by storm. Why is this? Well gone are the badge snobs who bought a brand for its name, and here are the value seekers who want a good car that will put a smile on their face.
The latest edition to the handsome mid-size Leon range which we test drove this month is the most powerful production car that SEAT has ever made. It’s Read more [...]
Road Test: Opel Astra GTC 2.0 165 CDTi
This is probably one of the most hotly anticipated coupes to hit Irish shores in recent months, and I’m sure at least one of you has driven or owned it’s predecessor. The previous model was a huge success here, mainly due to its sporty looks and general affordability. This new model should fair no different. It’s got even better looking, and spec for spec it marginally undercuts it’s main competitors in the price war. We tested the range topping 2.0 diesel, which was a hoot to drive and incredibly Read more [...]
Road Test: Skoda Superb 4×4 2.0 DSG
Possibly one of our favourite cars to date, Skodas second gen Superb really has set a standard for family saloons and estates in recent times.
Facts/Figures
The model we test drove was the 2.0 TDi 140 saloon, with the awesome DSG gearbox, in elegance spec. 0-60 supposidly takes 10.7 seconds but we're convinced this is a mix up as it feels much much pokier than that. Enormous levels of torque lead to that nice punchy feeling in the stomach upon hard acceleration, a feeling which could easily Read more [...]
Twin Test: Renault Megane Coupe V Hatch
If you're a regular reader you'll know that in recent weeks we have had the opportunity to test drive a spate of models from the French manufacturer Renault.
The first of these models was the base Clio Expression. The latter models were the latest Magane hatchback and Megane coupe. We spent a week in each and subsequently put these cars through their paces, except we didn't really, instead we just used them as we would any other car, to see how they'd fit our not-too-exciting lifestyle if we Read more [...]
Road Test: Renault Clio 1.2 Expression
In recent weeks we have had the opportunity to test drive a spate of models from the French manufacturer Renault.
The first of these models was the base Clio Expression. If you've ever driven a Clio you'll know there's just something about them that makes them so hard to dislike. Sure, the French do get some stick for their shabby build quality, but from my memory I have never witnessed nor heard of an issue with any given model first hand. So where this reputation ever came from I'm not Read more [...]
Opel Ampera to Make Irish Debut at the Energy Show
The Opel Ampera, the revolutionary new type of electric vehicle, is set to make its Irish debut this month at the Energy Show on Wednesday 28th and 29thMarch 2012. Marking not only a new chapter in the technological history of automobiles but a new era in terms of global mobility, the Opel Ampera promises not to disappoint visitors of the show.
Earlier this month the Opel Ampera was bestowed with the ultimate accolade of “Car of the Year” by a jury of 59 leading journalists from across Read more [...]
Road Test: Opel Corsa SC 1.3 CDTi
Last week, we drove 750 fun km in the 2012 Opel Corsa SC.
This wasn't just any SC though. This was a Chilli Orange variant, with optional stripes pack. I can only guess this wasn't specced by a more senior member at Opel.
Facts/Figures
As mentioned, we drove the SC with additional Linea stripes pack. This is your mid range Corsa, which comes in a range of vivid paint jobs, plus some cool additions including 17" white alloys & door mirrors, and 'go faster' stripes from bonnet to boot.
Beneath Read more [...]