Car4

Honda has just launched the hybrid version of their CR-V SUV in Ireland, and my early experience with it got me enough interested to give a first view account while waiting for the chance to properly review it in coming weeks, writes Brian Byrne . The big thing about the latest generation CR-V is that there isn't, and won't be, a diesel version. That has been flagged for some time, before even the VW diesel scandal which has been significant in turning the tide against that particular powertrain. As a nameplate the CR-V is the best selling SUV across the globe. But relatively small in Ireland, in no small part due to availability, or relative lack of. That said, the 80 petrol-powered versions which have sold since launch last November were almost all snapped up by existing CR-V owners, which shows a very high loyalty factor. The hybrid has been just as eagerly awaited, and the initial allocation of 100 vehicles is already sold, as no doubt will be the other 200 or so w...

Maybe there are better ways to start a year of car reviews, but I'm certainly happy to do so with a 191 Mercedes-Benz, writes Brian Byrne . In this case, the C-Class estate, possibly quite the nicest Merc currently available and decently achievable. It's a facelifted version of the model that is one of the traditional cars from the brand. When it came out first in 1993 it was the 'baby' Benz, but since then has grown through its teens to adulthood and is very much a full car in size and accommodation. The 'baby' space has for some years now been occupied by the A and B classes which opened up the premium brand to a much younger demographic. The style revisions are relatively minor, mostly bumpers and lights, and some chrome highlighting. Minor is a good thing, because the sleek and smart style of the current C-Class is already close in aesthetics to the equivalent of the golden mean in art. And to my personal view is at its best in the estate. There...

The new SEAT Tarraco mid-sized SUV has launched on the Irish market at a starting price of €34,700, writes Brian Byrne . The car is available in 5- and 7-seat formats, though SEAT Ireland expects that 95pc of sales will be on the 7-seat version. There are two grades, SE and Xcellence, and powertrain options are 150hp/190hp petrol and diesels of similar outputs. DSG automatic and AWD versions are available. The company expects that 65pc of buyers will opt for diesel. Standard features include LED lights front and rear, and a 'digital cockpit' instruments and information system. The key competitors outside the Tarraco's related VW Group vehicles are Hyundai's Santa Fe, Nissan's X-Trail, and the Peugeot 5008. SEAT Ireland is offering finance PCP packages with APR as low as 1.9pc, which provides a competitive edge against those competitors, according Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland. Brand Director Niall Phillips said at the la...

A redesigned Mitsubishi ASX will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne . A substantial reshaping of the front end and new LED lights at the rear will mark the main external changes, while the interior improvements include a larger central display and enhanced connectivity. The ASX was launched in 2009 and some 1.3m units have been sold globally.

Subaru is to unveil two electrified models at the Geneva Motor Show next month, writes Brian Byrne . The powertrains will be defined by the name e-Boxer. The company will also reveal a mildly restyled Levorg with a new 2.0 boxer engine.

It is one of the most epic car chases in movie history, writes Trish Whelan . Almost 10 minutes long, the iconic sequence in the Warner Bros film ‘Bullitt’ follows actor Steve McQueen at the wheel of a 1968 Mustang GT fastback as he chases two hitmen through the streets of San Francisco. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary film, the new special edition Ford Mustang Bullitt is now available in Ireland, powered by an enhanced version of Ford’s 5.0 V8 engine delivering a thumping 460hp and 529 Nm of torque. This powerful and thirsty engine gulps 12.4 L/100km of fuel (that’s 22.78 mpg) and is matched to a six-speed manual transmission with seamless gear changes. The cute gear shifter features a white cue ball knob. We got to drive a few laps in this very special car on the tight Mondello race track this past week, with a Mondello instructor, and experienced the enormous speed and torque it offers. Too much in fact for this tight track which was better suite...

Mercedes-Benz is giving added emphasis to its goal of attracting a younger generation of motorists with the arrival of its new B-Class, writes Trish Whelan . A number of models within the mix that will be promoted here will launch at prices lower than those of the models they replace. The five engine variants offered are all compliant with new Euro 6d-TEMP regulations mandatory from next year. They include two petrol and three diesel variants. The premium German carmaker is continuing to offer increased levels of standard specification while keeping or reducing their new model pricing. Mercedes-Benz sales manager Ciaran Allen said that ‘consistent with our on-going product offensive, we are fully focused on delivering best value with the first model to benefit from this being a B180 petrol which comes on the market at €32,745 (ex works), which is a four-digit reduction on the previous model’. Down the line, a B160 version will launch at similarly reduced prices. On models ...