Motoring

Two into four's an easy fit

It was a timely case of "four wheels good, two wheels better". As the country opened up even more and the traffic outside our front door started to return to pre-Covid levels, I faced tricky journeys on the Luas or buses after dropping off test cars. But no more.

Intriguing addition: BMW’s new 2-series Gran Coupé

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BMW diesel lifts the spirits but its design is stretching it

I can't quite put my finger on it, but getting into a diesel car after several weeks' absence gave me a huge lift. Maybe I have been brainwashed down the years to enjoy the special hum and powerful pull of a sweet diesel. Sorry Green Party, but I don't care. There remains something exceptional about the genre. Even more so if it happens to be a 2-litre from BMW. I wish I was as fond of everything in this car as that.

Dealers have been gearing up with special offers and financial packages

It's car sales crunch time: What impact will coronavirus have on the motor industry?

Wednesday marks the beginning of the new-reg 202 car-buying season. Normally, the number of people buying a brand new motor at a time like this would be regarded as a barometer of wider public sentiment.

Small price hike for lots more in new Seat Leon

As revealed here some weeks back the new Seat Leon has just gone on sale from €23,910 for petrol and €26,040 for diesel. That's around €500 more for a lot of additional equipment - and it is a new car.

Volkswagen Tiguan gets dynamic R model and plug-in

THE new Volkswagen Tiguan SUV, pictured, has been updated and gets a plug-in eHybrid1 variant (245PS). The best-seller arrives in November. They say the hybrid will cover commuters' average daily trips with electric power alone.

Motoring shortcuts with Eddie: This clever tyre system can help save lives and Opel's new Mokka crossover looks the business

Tyre maker Bridgestone and software giant Microsoft have combined to develop an ingenious device that detects tyre damage early.

New generation: The latest updates of the Citroen C4 are due to arrive early in 2021

Citroen's new C4: electric, petrol, diesel models on way

Citroen here has just announced details of the new C4 - and its ë-C4 electric hatchback

Served up on a new plate

BMW M5 COMPETITION

Full of confidence: the new Volkswagen Golf

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Rock-solid Golf appeals more to head than heart

Doing the simple things really well can pose the most difficult of tasks. Anyone can make an ordinary cup of tea, slap paint on to a wall or make a sandwich, but it's how well they're prepared that differentiates between the excellent and the ordinary.

Rise in used import cars starting to accelerate while new car registrations slow significantly

The level of used imports being registered has bounced back significantly this month. While still down 55pc on June 2019, around 2,650 have been bought so far.

Driving tests to resume on phased basis - and face coverings 'must be worn'

Some driving tests may resume on Monday and candidates must wear a face covering, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has confirmed.

Pandemic will lead to further gridlock as people stop car-sharing

We've never needed a joined-up transport system more acutely than we do now - can the anticipated new 'green' government bring about that change?

I'm always amazed at how many single-occupant drivers there are on our roads.

Price war of words likely as VW's new electric car goes on sale here

Volkswagen here claims its new ID.3 electric car has a €5,000 advantage over key rivals ( it starts at €33,625). No doubt named competitors (including Hyundai, Tesla and Nissan) will vehemently dispute that as the new ID.3 1st Edition goes on sale and the motor giant highlights price, range, equipment, finance and charging deals as key reasons to buy its car.

VW roll out new Arteon 'shooting brake'

These are first pictures and details of Volkswagen's new Arteon shooting brake which is being launched in conjunction with a heavy revision of the existing car.

'Car for the millions' to arrive soon

UP TO 600 new Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition electric cars will hit the Irish market from September.

Homing in on the range

I wanted to love the electric Mini that I had recently. I have doted on the brand for most of my life, ever since a friend's father had one of the first in the late 1950s. On the emotional side, my real first love (and consequent betrayal) was based around one a decade later.

Balancing act: Toyota’s new 2-litre hybrid C-HR SUV

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Toyota shows its pulling power with attractive hybrid SUV

We usually associate hybrids with the practical concept of saving fuel. In the main, that is the case. But it need not be the only benefit of the term 'self-charging hybrid' as is widely used by Toyota (much to the annoyance of several competitors).

Double points: Toyota will reward drivers that use the safety app

Motoring shortcuts with Eddie Cunningham: Toyota users can double up on smartphone safety app

Toyota is offering double 'Face It Down' points for all essential journeys between June 15 and July 10.

Why we need a proper detailed map on the road to Electric 2030

It is early days and it would be unfair to foist criticism or cynicism on the latest 'government' plans for cars but the least we can expect is that the route to Electric 2030 is better signposted than heretofore.

Powerhouse: The latest BMW M5 pumps 625bhp

Taking to the road or track? New BMW M5 turns on the power

BMW has just unveiled its new M5 (and M5 Competition Pack) performance saloon - the car it claims can mix vibrant driving with everyday practicality.

The survey found that 28pc of people are planning to buy a car in the next 12 to 18 months

Confidence boost for motor industry as 28pc of drivers intend to buy a new car over the next 12-18 months

Despite the impact of the coronavirus, more than one-quarter of those surveyed in recent national research said they intended buying a "new" car within the next year to 18 months.

ENTERING THE DIGITAL AGE: The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf looks sharper and more desirable, and the lighting system is first class

Pleasure joining Golf club

For much of my career at this newspaper, there were two constant Johns in my professional life. First was the brilliant and witty chief sub-editor John Chambers and the second was the link to the advertising department, the all-knowing and effervescent John Hudson.

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More power to the Zoe for easing range anxiety

A few years ago, I lost what felt like 10kg in one afternoon from sweat and worry about having enough charge in the electric car I was testing. I'll never forget the sense of dread and lower-abdomen tightening when the remaining charge dial dipped like an arrow falling to ground far from its target.

Fair range: the new electric Corsa from Opel

Motoring shortcuts with Eddie Cunningham: Opel's free mileage and buying a car to avoid public transport

Opel here has announced a special link-up with independent energy provider Energia to try to simplify the transition to electric vehicles for consumers.

SEAT's new Leon roars in for the July 202 reg, starting at €24,000

SEAT's new Leon has just arrived and costs from €23,910 for petrol and €26,040 for diesel models. The fourth generation also comes with a new mild hybrid electric petrol.

Why asking one question could get you a better deal when buying a car

Some substantial incentives are being waved under our noses to tempt us to buy a new car next month rather than wait until January.

HELP: VW T-Cross R comes with Europe-wide roadside assistance package

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A question of spare capacity

Last Wednesday, I was stuck in a traffic jam for the first time for months as the commuters going home jammed Dublin's Navan Road. This doesn't bode well for the coming months and the easing of measures tomorrow.

TRANSPORT OPTION: Caitlin McBride with the Ugo electric moped. Photo: Garrett White

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Geraldine Herbert Opinion Electric scooters and mopeds should have a place on our roads

News that tomorrow marks the beginning of Phase 2 of Ireland's roadmap to recovery means more of us will be returning to our pre-Covid working lives.

Rewards: If you drive PHEVs like the Škoda Superb iV smoothly and at reasonable speed, you will get vastly better returns

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On the road to an electric era, taxing car safety is a scandal

I'd normally cover 700km to 1,000km in my review test drives. The figure fell considerably under lockdown as I tuned into the mindset that only half the amount was necessary. That made me ask myself if we really need to drive as much as we do. Side by side with that was the sense of loss in missing calling to see people down the country, or going to nice places on Saturdays, stopping for a coffee and chocolate muffin. I'm certain there is a happy medium that accommodates keeping in touch and using our cars more sparingly. I've recalibrated on a number of fronts and come to a different way of thinking.

Upgrade: The latest BMW 4-series comes with new looks and suspension

BMW rolls up numbers as 4 and 5-series get a facelift

BMW's latest 4-series coupé will cost from around €54,000 when it goes on sale here in October.

July 2020

Two into four's an easy fit

BMW diesel lifts the spirits but its design is stretching it

It's car sales crunch time: What impact will coronavirus have on the motor industry?

Small price hike for lots more in new Seat Leon

Volkswagen Tiguan gets dynamic R model and plug-in

Motoring shortcuts with Eddie: This clever tyre system can help save lives and Opel's new Mokka crossover looks the business

Citroen's new C4: electric, petrol, diesel models on way

June 2020

Served up on a new plate

Rock-solid Golf appeals more to head than heart

Rise in used import cars starting to accelerate while new car registrations slow significantly

Driving tests to resume on phased basis - and face coverings 'must be worn'

We've never needed a joined-up transport system more acutely than we do now - can the anticipated new 'green' government bring about that change?

Price war of words likely as VW's new electric car goes on sale here

VW roll out new Arteon 'shooting brake'

'Car for the millions' to arrive soon

Homing in on the range

Toyota shows its pulling power with attractive hybrid SUV

Motoring shortcuts with Eddie Cunningham: Toyota users can double up on smartphone safety app

Why we need a proper detailed map on the road to Electric 2030

Taking to the road or track? New BMW M5 turns on the power

Confidence boost for motor industry as 28pc of drivers intend to buy a new car over the next 12-18 months

Pleasure joining Golf club

More power to the Zoe for easing range anxiety

Motoring shortcuts with Eddie Cunningham: Opel's free mileage and buying a car to avoid public transport

SEAT's new Leon roars in for the July 202 reg, starting at €24,000

Why asking one question could get you a better deal when buying a car

A question of spare capacity

Geraldine Herbert Opinion Electric scooters and mopeds should have a place on our roads

On the road to an electric era, taxing car safety is a scandal

BMW rolls up numbers as 4 and 5-series get a facelift

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