A full AWD version of the Jeep Avenger is coming to Ireland later this year, following its reveal today at an event in Frankfurt, writes Brian Byrne. The Avenger 4xe is powered by a 48-volt petrol-hybrid engine, and features a unique Jeep all-wheel-drive system and an automatic transmission, as well as a special rear suspension that provides greater articulation in off-road conditions. The powertrain comprises a 136hp thermal engine and two 21kW electric motors. The car also has a selectable terrain function that allows specific powertrain settings for snow, mud, and icy conditions. The Aven ..read more

Budget brand Dacia are offering 0pc APR finance with no deposit on all new orders for their Sandero and Sandero Stepway models up to the end of July, writes Brian Byrne. The offer apples to purchases financed through Mobilize Finance Services (MFS) with claimed savings for customers of over €2,000 versus high street banks. With the brand’s flagship model Duster and the 7-seater Jogger there is also 0pc APR HP with claimed savings for customers of over €1,250 versus the high street banks, when financing through MFS.  The Jogger 140 Hybrid is now available in Ireland, powered by a 1.6-lit ..read more

Toyota Ireland is offering up to €1,750 on trade-in boosters across several models, writes Brian Byrne. These are available with the new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid . The best selling car brand in Ireland for the last four years, Toyota is also offering 3.0pc APR on PCP finance. Orders are open on the carmaker's 242 range from local Toyota dealers across the country for July delivery . Offer examples include C-HR Hybrid starting from €40,520 and Plug-in Hybrid €46,530 both with a trade in booster of €1,750. Other offers include trade in bo ..read more

MG Ireland has announced 242 special offers across its vehicle lineup, including the MG4, MG ZS, and MG5, writes Brian Byrne. They include 0% Finance or €4,000 Off RRP on the MG4 EV Standard Range giving a starting price of €25,995, and making the MG ZS EV Standard Range available from €31,495. The MG5 EV Long Range Excite is now available from €29,995 and the 242 special offers are available for a limited time only, with limited stocks. All prices quoted exclude dealer delivery and related charges.  ..read more

The fourth generation Skoda Octavia has been give a refresh that includes changes to the grille and updated LED Matrix lights system, writes Brian Byrne. The car is the company's best-seller and is available in hatchback and estate versions. Other small detail changes have enhanced the Octavia's looks in a subtle way. The car's interior has also been tweaked, with an increase in the use of sustainable materials, and a new optional 13" infotainment display. Driver assist systems now assess more precisely the driver's attention and potential drowsiness. An AI-powered ChatGPT will be integrated ..read more

Certa has launched HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) pumps at three more of its forecourts bringing the total of HVO-ready Certa outlets to six, writes Trish Whelan. These are located in Maynooth in Kildare, Dundrum in Dublin, and Ballyhaunis in Mayo. They join the existing three in Liffey Valley in Dublin, Lee Tunnel in Cork, and Trim in Meath.  HVO is a new second generation, low-carbon biofuel that serves as a direct replacement for regular diesel for fleet, plant and machinery equipment in addition to passenger cars. It can also be mixed with diesel in any ratio. Certa say the perfo ..read more

SEAT’s Open Event runs from today 10 May to 18 May at its dealership nationwide, writes Trish Whelan.   Potential customers of SEAT cars can avail of low rate PCP finance from 0pc APR, plus a free 3-year service plan during this week.  The SEAT Ibiza celebrates its 40th anniversary with a limited edition FR trim. Those eyeing up a compact SUV, can check out the Arona FR Limited Edition option. The brand’s Ibiza and Arona are offered from €179,00 per month with 9pc APR; Ateca from €269.00 p/m, Leon from €239.00 p/m with 1.9pc APR, and Tarraco from €419.00 p/m with 4.9pc APR ..read more

Renault’s cute Clio hatchback has been one of the most stylish small cars on our roads since it was introduced in 1990. It has consistently been one of Europe’s top-selling cars with almost 60m sold worldwide. Some 60,000 have found homes here in Ireland.  The fifth generation Clio has been given a substantial mid-life makeover that brings it up-to-date with its B-segment competition. My Clio was the self-charging E-Tech full hybrid version in the top sporty esprit Alpine trim which is a mix of the Alpine brand’s sporting hallmarks and Renault’s more adventurous new style. The exterior ..read more

Many of us still remember the original Mini-Minor launched in 1959, writes Brian Byrne. Even though the current Mini, produced by BMW for nearly a quarter of a century, bears only a style-cues relationship to that car, recent experience with the electric version of the Cooper S certainly brought back memories. A Rough & Ready Production for Irish Car.  ..read more

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its new V-Class MPV people carrier to the Irish marketplace with a choice of three trims and three seat configurations, writes Trish Whelan. It is mostly aimed at the corporate sector, international embassies, chauffeur services and hotels.  V-Class is only offered with an extra-long wheelbase. Three grades are Avantgarde (from €132,460), Avantgarde with the AMG Line spec (from €139,015), and the top Exclusive pack (from €156,475). Customers will be able to choose from 6-, 7-, or 8-seat configurations to suit their needs.  This comprehensive faceli ..read more