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Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert. In late 2019 we were treated to a first drive of the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQC. This generously proportioned electric SUV ticked all the quality boxes but at nearly €100,000 including the grants, it was far from cheap and a difficult entry point into EV ownership for Mercedes buyers. Now things have changed and Mercedes-Benz has their sights on the next generation of eco-conscious motorists. The arrival of the new EQA 250, which is essentially the all-electric version of their popular compact A-Class range, opens up a new audience. With its GLA-styled SUV body, the EQA’s fully electric pedigree is evident in its distinctive Mercedes-EQ appearance and reminds us very much of the EQC we previously tested. At the front you get the striking black panel grille with the famous star, EQ blue headlamp strips and a distinctive fibre-optic strip running along front and rear to denote its Mercedes-EQ family membership. Opening the driver’s door you will see the electric character continue with backlit trim and rosé gold decorative elements on ventilation outlets, seats and the key. All this combines to leave you under no illusions that you are in a premium vehicle. Features True to Mercedes-Benz ambition to establish a strong market presence in Ireland for their electric-powered EQ model range, they have fitted a plethora of high-end features to the new EQA. Purchasers can look forward to high-performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, electrically operated tailgate, light 18-inch alloys, and 64-colour ambient lighting in the cabin. Specification can also include luxury seating with adjustable lumbar support, reversing camera and a leather sports steering wheel. Available also is the popular Night Package and two design/equipment lines Electric Art and the AMG Line which our test car was fitted with. Regardless of the specification you choose Mercedes-Benz have been very conscious that low wind resistance equates to high efficiency and better battery range so it has a 0.28 Cd value and aerodynamic features that include front and rear aprons, smooth underbody, closed cooling air system, and wind-optimised wheels with spoilers to make it as slippery through the air as possible. Battery & Range Our test car was the single motor EQA 250, which has a 140 kW power output and combined consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 km. This gives you a WLTP calculated range of 426 km although our mountainous test route was a little more demanding on the battery. People often worry about cold weather usage of electric vehicles also but with a heat pump that uses waste heat from the electric motor to warm passengers, increase range and reduce the draw on battery power, you can rest assure that the EQA is as thermally efficient as possible. Its motor is isolated from the chassis and body to improve comfort and reduce noise and vibration. Future variants to include the EQA300 and 350 will include all-wheel-drive with outputs of 200 kW and a WLTP calculated range in excess of 500 km. This in our opinion will be real world livable range. Safety Safety is naturally going to be a priority for Mercedes-Benz and by bringing in some of the technology found in the A-Class and GLA you will expect the EQA to do well in its upcoming NCAP test. Occupant protection includes driver and front passenger airbags, driver’s knee bag, and first and second row window bags. Front side airbags are also standard. Add to this Active Brake Assist, Active Speed limit Assist, a Lane Keeping Assist function and a blind spot warning system fitted to all Mercedes cars. All EQA models sold Ireland also include ‘Hey Mercedes’ driver assistance feature with all of their navigation and electric intelligence supports. We would expect a five star safety rating for the EQA. Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Prices This is where it gets interesting because the EQA 250 with Progressive line as standard has prices beginning from €51,125 inclusive of SEAI grant. The government have changed the SEAI grant rules now and the cut off point has been set at €60,000. This pushes our test vehicle which was the AMG line priced at almost €65,000 over the threshold and no longer qualifies for the grant. This means you have to be careful with your specification if you want to avail of the current €5000 grant. Summary Living with the Mercedes-Benz EQA for a brief period was a pleasure. It manages its battery well, pulls four people along with ease thanks to the 275Nm of torque on offer and feels so compliant, regardless of the surface you may find yourself on. Yes there are cheaper EV cars on the market here in Ireland and some are more practical when you consider the EQA has just 340 litres of boot space but few offer the driving characteristics of the Mercedes. In a way the EQA has become the first premium brand in this price point here in Ireland. Soon it will be joined by the new Audi Q4 e-tron and possibly the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3. For now if you can hit that sweet spot to avail of the SEAI grant, you could be enjoying some premium EV motoring before you know it! Be sure to take a test drive from your local Mercedes-Benz agent. Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Pros Styling Comfort Range Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Cons Boot size Spec price To see our full video review of the Mercedes-Benz EQA please visit the DoneDeal YouTube channel. DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here.

As the school holidays kick off, the thoughts of many families turn towards the precious annual holiday. For families that are planning a holiday with the car, either at home or abroad if you are lucky enough, it is advisable that some simple car checks before heading off, could save a lot of trouble. Here are five simple vehicle safety checks that any driver can do to their car to help keep families safe during the annual migration. Give the car’s interior a clean The majority of motorists are not particularly careful about keeping their cars very clean – inside or out. A survey of 2,000 motorists carried out by Continental Tyres showed that one in five claimed to tidy the inside of their car just once a year, generally when it is facing an NCT or garage visit. However, when you are embarking on a long journey such as heading off on holiday, it is important to have the cabin area of the car clear of the usual clutter that can accumulate. For example, an empty can, bottle or other piece of rubbish rolling under the brake pedal while driving could have very serious consequences. Check the car’s tyres Studies show that the highest number of tyre-related incidents occur during the summer months. Families heading off on holiday in cars more heavily laden than usual are especially vulnerable. A damaged tyre is more likely to fail when carrying a heavier load on a much longer trip than usual. A heavily laden car with people and baggage and an extra-long trip, this is exactly what happens when a family departs on holiday in their car, that is why it is crucially important to thoroughly check the tyres. The next time you fill up the car with fuel, check the air pressures in your tyres and inspect the tread depth of all four tyres, not forgetting the spare wheel, if you have one. If there are any bulges or cracks, take your car to a reputable tyre dealer to have them professionally checked. Tyres are your only point of contact with the road, so it is very important to regularly check on the condition of them. Check the car’s windscreen wipers On holiday, we are all hoping for good weather but sometimes it doesn’t always go according to plan, so be ready for some of those sudden, heavy summer downpours. So, make sure to check the condition of your car’s wiper blades. Lift the front and rear windscreen wipers away from the glass and check that their rubber blade isn’t worn down or peeling away from its base. If they are not totally clearing the water, see about replacing them before you set off. Check your vehicles lights Driving with defective lights is both illegal and dangerous for you and for other road users. So, take a couple of minutes to ask a family member or friend to walk around your car as you switch on the side lights, the headlights, operate the main beam and then check the indicators and brake lights. And don’t forget the fog lamps and reversing lights. If you are traveling to the continent, don’t forget to use headlamp converter stickers so that your headlights do not dazzle oncoming traffic. Check the car’s service schedule Occasionally checking the level of oil in the engine is not enough to keep your car in good health. It should be serviced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, which can be found in the car’s handbook. During its service, important items such as the tyres, brakes, suspension, engine, exhaust, and transmission will all be inspected. And simple items such as the filters will be changed, important when you are embarking on a long drive, perhaps (hopefully!) in warm weather, so you don’t want to circulate dirty air in the car or – even worse – risk a breakdown because an old fuel filter is clogged with debris. The number of road accidents actually increases during the summer months as many more people take to the roads for holidays and outdoor activities. So above all, make sure to drive in a careful and courteous manner paying particular attention to more vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. We hope these checks help you plan for your staycation this year and wish you many miles of happy motoring. Remember its never how fast you get there but making sure you get there that's important. Stay safe!

Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert. It’s not long since we had the new Golf Mk8 in the driveway and what a great car it was to spend time with. Picking up speed we have somehow jumped the regular GTI, GTE and GTD to find ourselves living with the new Golf GTI Clubsport. This vehicle marks the next chapter in the brand’s tradition of high-performance GTI’s and as always it comes with a certain amount of fanfare. When the first Golf GTI Clubsport was launched in 2016 on the 40th anniversary of the iconic hatch, car journalists salivated at the thought of a more focused GTI. This is car that sits above the regular GTI but naturally below the Golf R and is designed to give buyers that option to hit the track after a long weeks work. Volkswagen are confident that they are writing the next chapter of the successful Golf story with this new Clubsport. The reworked turbocharged engine, fully connected drivetrain, and the brand new Nürburgring driving profile is bound to raise eyebrows when you get behind the wheel. Designed for the legendary Nordschleife track in Germany, the Golf GTI Clubsport marks a new milestone for driving enthusiasts and is set to be one of the all time great front-wheel-drive hot hatch VW’s. Features First things first, just look at the stance of the new Golf GTI Clubsport. It would look very much at home on any racetrack thanks to that aggressive front end. The bumper looks almost open at the bottom with just the radiator grille trim and the larger aerodynamic wings guiding the head wind to keep the engine cool. At the rear, the two-part roof spoiler not only catches the eye but also works in tandem with the front spoiler to significantly increase the down force at speed. From the side you see a special diffuser, wider sills and a drop of 10 millimetres onto those purposeful 18-inch alloy wheels. Back to the rear and oval tailpipes replace the round versions previously found on the sports exhaust system. A genuine Clubsport will be denoted by the single tailpipe positioned on the left and right of the body. Inside it’s reminiscent of any modern GTI but heavily customised with supportive sport seats in ArtVelours, a sports steering wheel with perforated leather grip zones to make paddle shifting on the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox super easy. Sports pedals, and neat trim on the door cards and dash leave occupants under no illusion that you are in something special. Power Back to the business end now and the Golf GTI Clubsport turbocharged engine (EA888 evo4), has been reworked to push nearly 300hp with 400 Nm of torque. All this power is fed to the front wheels using a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager. This was launched in the new Golf GTI and closely integrates control of the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the lateral dynamic components of the optional adaptive chassis control DCC for a better drive. In the new Golf GTI Clubsport the standard electromechanical front-axle locking differential is now included in the Vehicle Dynamics Manager’s network for the first time meaning even more grip can be obtained from the front wheels on track! This wizardry we look forward to testing some day at a circuit but for now we just have to enjoy our mountainous back roads and boy does it feel good! Safety The eighth-generation Golf does not disappoint in the safety stakes having achieved a five star overall rating in the latest round of EuroNCAP tests. The independent crash testing authority lauded the Golf for its “excellent crashworthiness” and standard fitment of a number of assist systems that help prevent an accident in the first place. The Golf achieved a score of 95% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child protection, 76% for its protection of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and 78% for its safety assist systems. It has all the tech and airbags you need to keep you somewhat safe although do be careful on the Nürburgring! Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Prices Prices for the MK8 Volkswagen Golf GTI kick off at around €45,000 but you can expect to pay €52,000 up on the Clubsport. Various finance and PCP options are available through Volkswagens trusted dealer network nationwide. Summary If this is VW’s attempt to continue the tradition of high-performance GTI models with the new Golf GTI Clubsport then they have certainly succeeded. The Clubsport is a little more taught on the road and perhaps a little firm to live with as a family car but if you like you’re hot hatch that bit spicier, then this is the car for you. The last Clubsport at the hands of pro race driver Benjamin Leuchter set a new lap record for front-wheel-drive vehicles on the Nordschleife at Nürburgring in May 2016 with a time of 07:49:21 minutes and I have no doubt in the right hands, the new Clubsport could go one better! The larger brakes inspire confidence, the hint of negative camber in the wheel setup allows precise turn in with bags of grip and then the clever differential somehow manages to apply power to road with minimum traction loss. Clicking the paddles through the 7 gears available on a spirited drive is a joy as it instantaneously gives you the right gear and a suitable audible treat from the Akrapovič exhaust system, which is standard on the Clubsport. This is one of those cars that’s hard to give back and a welcome break from the world of hybrids and EV’s we find ourselves in right now. If you enjoy driving, it’s hard to look beyond the GTI Clubsport as the best all-round package on the road today. Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Pros Performance Handling Looks Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Cons Not a lot really! DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here. #Motors

Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert. It’s safe to say the Audi Q5 has been one of the bestselling SUV's in the premium mid-size segment on European markets for years. It seems to have the ability to combine the best of both worlds by offering you a vehicle that’s not to big, and yet not small enough to trouble a family of a decent size. Now the successful midsize SUV has been extensively updated inside and out to compete with the very best in this segment. Although the width and height of the Q5 remain as before at 1.89 metres and 1.66 metres respectively, it is now 19 millimetres longer at 4.8 metres, thanks to new larger bumpers. It is currently available here in the familiar Sport, S line and Vorsprung specification options but some lucky punters might also be able to bag an exclusive Edition 1 version for the first time. Next generation digital OLED exterior lighting for top-tier versions is also a first in the automotive sector. The upper sections of the LED headlamps now replace the Xenon units as part of the entry level Sport specification featuring a new signature style for their daytime running lights, while S line and Edition 1 models get cutting edge Matrix LED headlamps that were previously reserved for Vorsprung versions. Features Once you are done admiring the striking exterior it’s time to open the door and reveal the expansive sweep of the two-section dashboard and sculpted trim inlay. Sitting in reveals that Audi’s famous MMI powered monitor has grown to 10.1 inches compared to the outgoing model of 8.3 inches a feast of new technological gains await you from the comfort of front sport seats. As expected the trim is beautiful with two-tone leather in the Sport model, Alcantara and leather in the S line variant or diamond stitched fine Nappa leather in the Edition 1. Power Audi are never shy on engine offerings and the Q5 is no different with a range of TDI and TFSI engines ready to power this mid size SUV. Hybrid lovers are also catered for, as the Q5 TFSI e plug-in hybrid will also be reinstated with a choice of two outputs. Most Q5 owners will probably opt for the 35 TDI with 161 hp powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. If you can stretch to the 40 TDI you can experience a nice power increase from 190HP to 204HP, and peak torque of 400Nm. The mild hybrid system (MHEV) and the latest on-demand version of quattro all-wheel-drive use a belt-driven starter/generator (BSG) to recuperate energy generated under braking and stores it in a compact lithium-ion battery within the 12-volt electrical circuitry. It enables the Audi Q5 to coast with the engine off at speeds of up to 160kp/h. This naturally is a significant boost to fuel economy. Safety From appearance alone the Q5 looks strong, safe and robust. Aside from a plethora of airbags, expect virtually every driver assistance feature available including front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, cruise control, pre sense city collision avoidance and a mitigation system. Hill descent control is common to all versions, but upgraded adaptive cruise control and pre sense systems are also welcome assistants to take care of you and other occupants. Step up a little further in price and you can also avail of a parking space, blind spot and motorway lane assistants. It’s an extensive list that is guaranteed to have you in good hands. Audi Q5 35 TDI Prices Prices kick off at roughly €56,997 for the new Q5 stepping up incrementally depending on your engine choice and trim specification. Audi have a number of finance and PCP options across the range so it’s worth dropping in to see your local dealer and taking a test drive. Summary After spending a few days with the Audi Q5 I think its safe to say it’s a wonderful vehicle to spend time with. The advanced quattro system works in tandem with conventionally sprung and exceptionally lightweight multilink front and rear suspension. Flicking through the various driver profiles on your daily commute leaves you safe in the knowledge that regardless of the conditions ahead, you are going to get there! Our 7-speed automatic accelerated this Q5 35 TDI to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and it will pull until you reach 212 kph. Even though it has a kerb weight of 1740 kg, it can easily achieve 4.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometers or 60 mpg in old money. The 65 litre fuel tank is good for 1382 kilometres before you will need a refill and space is also plentiful with a luggage capacity of 520 litres, expandable to 1520 litres for larger loads. All this combined makes the Q5 a very easy vehicle to live with. It's practical, comfortable, brimming with technology and sitting at a local Audi dealership for you. Go take a look! To see our YouTube video review, please click here channel. Audi Q5 35 TDI Pros Space Quality Drive Audi Q5 35 TDI Cons Not sure about district green! To check out Audi stock on DoneDeal, click here. DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here. #Motors

DoneDeal Motor Price Index - Q4 2021 and Outlook 2022. The Game is changing. The Game is Changing DoneDeal Motor Report Authored by Dr. Tom Gillespie, Economist. Topline Highlights from the report: As of the end of December 2021, used car prices are now 56% higher on average since the onset of Covid-19 in early 2020. In the final quarter of 2021, prices rose by an average of 7.7%, the second-highest quarterly price rise observed since 2011, second only to Q3 of 2021’s quarterly price increase of 10.6%. So although the increase in prices is not as sharp as the previous quarter, it is still at record levels. Consumer Demand on DoneDeal for New and Used Cars is up 80% on January 2020, the last ‘normal’ January for comparative purposes. The deficit of used cars is in the region of 125,000 vs normal trading conditions. In previous years the supply of used cars in Ireland was aided by the glut of Celtic Tiger year cars. However, this aging cohort of cars are rapidly becoming obsolete, hitting the lower end of the market hardest, which go towards explaining the 83% rate of price inflation in cars below €3,000 observed since the pandemic. This contrasts with a more modest 30% rate of inflation in the upper end of the market (cars worth €13,000 or more) for the same period. Consumers looking to trade in their old cars have stronger bargaining chips as car dealers struggle to maintain their inventory. In Ireland, the deficit of UK used cars has led to a doubling of the number of imported used cars from Japan, from 3,243 in 2019 to 9,805 in 2021. In Ireland, the share of electric and hybrid new car registrations is rapidly increasing. In the first half of 2019, only 2.4% of new car registrations were fully electric. In the second half of 2021, that figure has quadrupled to 10.5%. 70% of people surveyed as part of a study accompanying the price index said they plan to buy Electric within the next five years. As the motor industry adapts to these fundamental changes, so too should government policy. Methodology Over 90% of dealer car stock is on DoneDeal. DoneDeal is the largest car marketplace in Ireland, listing 9 out of 10 cars advertised online from car dealerships in Ireland. Economist Tom Gillespie analyzed over 5m of DoneDeal’s vehicle listings from 2011-2021 using hedonic regression analysis to isolate pricing inflation associated with vehicles after controlling for mileage, age, and other vehicle attributes. Download the full report here. #Motors #ElectricVehicles

Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert. When we think of iconic all wheel drive vehicles there are standout machines from various different countries. England had the Land Rover Defender, Russia had the Lada Riva, the US had the Willys Jeep and Japan always had the Toyota Landcruiser or tiny Suzuki Jimny. It was small, tough and perfectly capable in a variety of challenging conditions. The Jimny was first introduced in 1970 and would go through four model changes over the following decades. Some versions were specific to one particular market or country but for us here in Ireland, we had the SJ410 for a short period followed by the SZ4, which sold for 20 odd years! Now we once again have a choice to buy a Jimny although it will be in limited numbers. Since its global launch in 2018, the latest Jimny has attracted both private users and professionals who seek an authentic off-road vehicle but emission laws mean it’s the light commercial variant only for us. Is this a bad thing? Not really because there wasn’t exactly huge space in the rear for passengers anyway. Suzuki Jimny Commercial Features So what do we see when we take a walk around the little Jimny? Well the design is simple but purposeful. Cutaway bumpers offer outstanding space at the wheels, ensuring better clearance on approach and departure angles. The entire vehicle is somewhat toy like up close but there is no mistaken its identity. People know it’s a Jimny and on the road the intriguing boxy styling draws attention. Inside it’s simple and refreshing. Having spent so much time in Hybrid and Electric vehicles recently it is like going back in time. The flat and square bonnet design, which lets you keep the front corners in view, offers excellent visibility when behind the wheel. It feels light on the road but it has been designed to offer an uncompromising off-roading experience. For this the key ingredients were a ladder frame, the three angles, 3-link rigid axle suspension and ALLGRIP PRO 4WD. Because it’s a light commercial vehicle you get a large 863-litre load area compartment with flat floor and safety cargo partition. The Jimny LCV is currently available in one specification grade, which includes air conditioning, ALLGRIP PRO selectable 4WD with low transfer gear, DAB radio, Dual Sensor Brake Support, 15-inch Black steel wheels and cruise control with speed limiter. It’s pretty basic but purposeful at the same time. Power Powered by a 101hp 1.5 litre engine, it’s enough power to take you wherever you want to go. Torque figures come in at 130Nm, which again is not to be sniffed at in a vehicle of this size. The little Jimny adapts to every situation using its part time 4WD system with low range transfer gear. Shift the lever to the 4L mode (4WD- low gear) when the going gets tough for maximum torque and better traction on steep slopes and rough terrain. You cannot help but want to go exploring in the Jimny! Safety For further peace of mind when driving both on and off-road, the LCV Jimny comes equipped with a high level of safety features including Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) which employs automatic brake to help avoid a collision, and hill hold and descent control that support driving on slopes. In addition, eCall, an emergency messaging function following a collision is also available as standard equipment. Naturally an appropriate amount of airbags are also present. Suzuki Jimny Commercial Prices As there is only one model available, pricing is €20,995 (including Commercial Vehicle VRT) as a Solid colour with optional Single-tone metallic paint available at €370 and Dual-tone metallic at €750. Finance options are available right now so there's never been a better time to buy the Jimny. Contact your local dealer to discuss the best finance option for you. Summary We had seven days with the Jimny and enjoyed our time driving in a variety of conditions. It cruises on the motorway comfortably at 120 km/h but where it really comes alive is off road. I’d imagine it would be the ultimate call out vehicle for a Vet or someone needing off road capabilities in a small package. The only disappointments for us were the level of refinements throughout the cabin. When launched the higher spec passenger versions had a multimedia system, leather steering wheel, heated seats and better lights but the commercial is the most basic variant. Another thing worth noting is the cargo partititon splitting the front and rear compartments is quiet close to the front seats meaning reclining is slightly compromised. The driving position was a touch upright for our liking. Aside from these somewhat small flaws it is a vehicle packed full of character. There are better commercial vehicles with more space but few offer the quirkiness and fun factor that the Jimny can deliver. They have a cult following here in Ireland and the UK and for this reason they are very much in demand. Some reports suggest that even second hand models are trading for list price in the UK! This is good for those considering a purchase because depreciation is incredibly low as demand continues to remain strong. The Suzuki Jimny is again proving its worth and we are just happy to see them back on Irish roads. Go take a test drive if you can get your hands on one! Suzuki Jimny Commercial Pros Styling Off Road Capabilities Suzuki Jimny Commercial Cons Cabin refinement To see a list of available Suzuki Jimny’s for sale in Ireland please click here. To see our YouTube video review please click here. DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here. #Motors

Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert. Here it is, the one so many of you have been waiting for. The Audi e-tron has been roaming our roads for some time now and we have been lucky enough to experience the 50 quattro variant for a weeklong test drive. The first thing we noticed when collecting the e-tron is just how normal it looks. Yes it is well designed and oozes German quality but what we like is the fact that it doesn’t shout, electric car! It’s a product of the carbon-neutral Audi Brussels plant that has been designed to combine a high level of efficiency with the style and quality you would expect from any Audi. To be honest, the untrained eye would probably struggle to even know it is powered by electricity. Features The model we had on test was the Sport version, which featured glorious 20-inch alloys and lovely valcona leather sports seats inside. The cabin is plenty big with all the creature comforts you would expect from an Audi and the build quality is second to none. You won’t find any mix and mash materials used other than leather, soft touch plastics and crystal clear screens. On startup you get a subtle chime to let you know the vehicle is started before you waft off in sheer silence. Power is plentiful like most electric cars with that wall of torque available from a standstill. Paddle shifters offer various levels of regenerative braking allowing you to enjoy single pedal motoring with sufficient braking experienced on lifting the accelerator pedal. This means that the energy from practically all-normal braking manoeuvres is recovered and fed back into the battery. This becomes very intuitive when driving and also helps battery life. Power Just like all Quattro Audi’s, the four-wheel drive system delivers power by utilising an electric motor mounted on each axle. This gives the e-tron 50 a combined total of 230 kW and 540 Nm of torque, which will see you complete the 100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds on your way to an electronically limited 188kph. In order to achieve the highest efficiency from the 71kWh battery the e-tron is smart enough to use only the rear electric motor in most driving situations. The front electric motor is activated predictively when needed or if the conditions suddenly change. The regulation of the electric all-wheel drive is extremely fast, highly connected and very precise. In other words you would rarely know what motors it is using to power which wheels. Combine this with air suspension and the e-tron’s low centre of gravity and it not only drives but corners excellent. Safety The Audi e-tron claimed a 5-star Euro NCAP rating by scoring 91% in Adult Occupant Protection, 88% in Child occupant protection, 71% in vulnerable road user protection and 78% on the safety assists. The e-tron comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Emergency calling, should you have an accident. It also features lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert with reversing collision avoidance. It has Adaptive Cruise control, automatic headlights and blind spot monitoring. Ultimately any car that achieves the top, 5 star rating is something to instill confidence when it comes to parting with your hard earned cash! Audi e-tron 2019 Price At the time of driving our Sport test car was priced at €79,320 (excluding grants). Entry for the Advance model starts at €74,990 and the S-Line was coming in at €85,110. With finance available from 3.9%, the Audi e-tron 50 offers Irish drivers’ considering an EV pretty good value with monthly repayments from €779* on PCP. There are other competitive financial options available to customers so be sure to speak with your local Audi dealer. Summary Ok so after a week what was it like to live with? Well we explained the drive was excellent as was the build quality but unless you are living in the city and doing very short trips we are not sure if the 50 is the best battery option for you. The 71-kWh battery with its two electric motors is supposed to provide a range of up to 330 kms according to the WLTP test cycle but realistically we got no where near that. In reality it was more like 250. Yes the e-tron also has a 120kW charging capability which facilitates recharging to 80 per cent capacity in approximately 30 minutes at fast-charging stations but if you live in Kildare and commute to Dublin you will be pulling in every second day for a charge. Our advice would be to step up into the e-tron 55, which has the bigger 95-kWh battery. This should see you good for a real world driving range of 365 km/h and that is something that you can live with. Audi, along with other car brands are working with Ionity to continue adding fast-charging sites to the six already in operation. If you can obtain a larger battery model and have access to one of these chargers then the e-tron will totally change your perception of electric vehicles. Finally you will have the range with the build quality to match from an electric vehicle. Audi E-tron Pros Build quality Great Looking Drive Audi E-tron Cons 71-kWh battery not enough To check out Audi stock on DoneDeal, click here. DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here. #Motors

Thanks to our friends in Connolly Motor Group for supplying the vehicle. To check out more of their range, check out their stock listings on DoneDeal here. About DoneDeal DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing a car. The result has been the development of products and services that empower the Irish consumer, e.g., free basic history check on verified cars, in-depth history checks, warranty, and finance options. Buy Premium cars confidently with DoneDeal. Check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships

This week we're reviewing the MINI JCW (John Cooper Works). Instead of reviewing the MINI in an ordinary fashion, we decided to take a trip down memory lane and look into the heritage of the MINI over the last 60 years; from where it started, to the Monte Carlo rally and all the other milestones along the way. Later in the video, we explore the JCW in a little more depth, talk about the power, the automatic gearbox and even the tyres used. It's a fantastic hot hatch that handles phenomenally, in fact, it arguably handles better than the king of hot hatches - the Volkswagen Golf R. It's got the right amount of power to suffice without it being un-drivable or a complete handful. We hope that you enjoy our review/ 'MINI' documentary. Many thanks to Daisy Stewart for supplying her lovely limited edition Paul Smith original Mini. Check out our latest range of MINI's here. About DoneDeal DoneDeal is for premium car deals to feel great about from Ireland’s local trusted Car Dealers. Employing people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell premium cars online. DoneDeal has onboarded Ireland's trusted car dealers to become the number one touchpoint for Irish consumers when buying premium cars. To put this in perspective, when scaled for Ireland, DoneDeal is comparable to AutoTrader in the UK. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing a car. The result has been the development of products and services that empower the Irish consumer, e.g., free basic history check on verified cars, in-depth history checks, warranty, and finance options. Buy Premium cars confidently with DoneDeal. #Motors

All hail the 7th generation BMW 3 series. Overall the car has a very premium feel to it, plenty of power, and is also quite economical, making it one of the best all-round cars on the market today. See for yourself. Check out the BM3 Series for yourself here. Note to Reader: The links in the article are filtered to show cars with a reg plate no older than 2020. Simply adjust the filters in our search panel if you would like to broaden your search for cars or research cars in a different year range. About DoneDeal DoneDeal is for premium car deals to feel great about from Ireland’s local trusted Car Dealers. Employing people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell premium cars online. DoneDeal has onboarded Ireland's trusted car dealers to become the number one touchpoint for Irish consumers when buying premium cars. To put this in perspective, when scaled for Ireland, DoneDeal is comparable to AutoTrader in the UK. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing a car. The result has been the development of products and services that empower the Irish consumer, e.g., free basic history check on verified cars, in-depth history checks, warranty, and finance options. Buy Premium cars confidently with DoneDeal. #Motors

Last week we got the opportunity to test drive the all-new Mazda MX-30. It's a significant car on the Mazda line up and also for EVs. Instead of going for a huge, expensive battery with an enormous range, Mazda have calculated that a 35.5kWh battery would more than suffice. It's got a range of 265km (in the city and 200km on motorways) and can charge from 20-80% in just 36 minutes (on a DC Fast Charger). It's a very comfortable, premium car with plenty of nods to Mazda's heritage. The cork in the center console, the backward opening doors (similar to the Rx-8) are all details that truly passionate drivers will all appreciate. "The lane keep assist will override if it believes there to be a car in your blind spot on a motorway. Impressive." Safety is key for Mazda and the MX-30 has plenty on offer. It has the usual accident avoidance systems, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control, however, it also offers a little more. For example, the lane keep assist will override if it believes there to be a car in your blind spot on a motorway. Impressive. Enjoy our review and remember, you can confidently decide for yourself by checking out the Mazda stock from Ireland's trusted dealers here About DoneDeal DoneDeal is for premium car deals to feel great about from Ireland’s local trusted Car Dealers. Employing people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell premium cars online. DoneDeal has onboarded Ireland's trusted car dealers to become the number one touchpoint for Irish consumers when buying premium cars. To put this in perspective, when scaled for Ireland, DoneDeal is comparable to AutoTrader in the UK. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing a car. The result has been the development of products and services that empower the Irish consumer, e.g., free basic history check on verified cars, in-depth history checks, warranty, and finance options. Buy Premium cars confidently with DoneDeal. #Motors

By Justin Delaney With Irish holiday makers being encouraged to holiday at home throughout 2020 under government guidelines, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has seen a 500% increase in demand for its popular California model. With this in mind we decided to touch base with the press department and take a test vehicle for a weeklong excursion. Based on the transporter or its closer sibling the Carvelle, the Volkswagen California T6.1 is the new face-lifted camper and ours was in Ocean specification. Features The California is finished to a similar high quality as the Caravelle. Up front you will find two swivel seats both with their own individual armrests while the rear bench seat will seat two also. That’s just as well because the California will only sleep four in total. Fold down your rear bench seat and hey presto, you have one of your double beds. Activate the aluminium electronic pop up roof from the new panel screen located on the front headlining and you will find another double bed discreetly tucked away. Our test model was also fitted with the optional extra of the black awning which provides cover if you decide to sit out on the supplied deck chairs and table. Kitchen sink, cooker hob, fridge and storage space are all located in the rear alongside the rear bed / seats. The Ocean gets three-zone climate control and a programmable parking heater as standard. This provides heating when the engine isn’t running for those colder than normal nights, which is quite often here in Ireland! The California is the type of campervan which will turns head in any campsite that you visit. Every enthusiast wants one, or at least wants to have a look and see what exactly it is you get for your money. In short, you get enough space to carry you along with three passengers and their luggage with somewhere rather comfortable to sleep to should the mood take you. Power Powered by a 2.0 litre TDi engine and further complimented by 4Motion, Volkswagens four-wheel drive system you will have ample power with 199bhp. The addition of the 4Motion four-wheel drive system means that even in the wettest campsites that the country should offer, you are always assured that the California will pull its way out. Mated to a silky smooth 7-speed DSG gearbox means climbing up or dropping back down the gearbox is effortless as preselected gears drop in without a judder to disrupt your cutlery. Safety Standard equipment on all California models include six airbags and electronic stability control, but the number of active driver aids has increased considerably during the vehicle’s lifetime. This latest T6.1 facelift model has gained electrically power-assisted steering (EPAS), which has made even more active safety items possible, including crosswind assist (now standard on all models), lane-keeping assist and automatic parking. Other safety items available include blindspot monitors, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. Costs Now there is a new entry-level version of the California called the California Beach. The Beach comes with a 2.0-litre 150hp Diesel engine, has 5-seats and a starting price of €55,905. It sleeps four people comforably and features a mini kitchen with a gas cooking plate, a second battery, swivel seats in front and a 230-V inlet with charging feature for vehicle batteries and a 230-V outlet in the interior. Inevitably our Ocean test vehicle did come in considerably more expensive at €85,831. For this amount you could have a larger camper, complete with a bathroom, the only thing missing from the California. However, one of the main advantages to the California is its size, it’s not daunting to drive and is easy to park in regular car parking spaces. The good news is that there are special offers available including 2.9% Hire Purchase and a deposit contribution of €2,750 at the time of writing. Summary We spent most of our time cruising along the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way. For all our routes we used Google maps through Apple Carplay, which works extremely well. The California is extremely comfortable and capable over long distances, we often took breaks in small villages where we could park easily and made fresh coffee and lunch within minutes. The onboard fridge is surprisingly cavernous swallowing up plenty of food and drinks. Once at your chosen campsite it doesn’t take long to setup for the night. The California Ocean is extremely well equipped, with clever storage compartments throughout. All the campsites provide an electrical power point to connect with a 230-volt socket at the rear of the California, saving the California’s two onboard batteries. There are two built-in water tanks, one for fresh water and one for wastewater when using the sink. There is a two-ring gas cooker, which is more than capable of cooking up a decent meal in the evening for when you don’t wish to venture into town. When it’s time to rest your head, the electrically operated roof rises at the push of a button to reveal the double bed. Getting up and down to this bed requires a bit of athleticism, but once up, it’s a tranquil place to sleep. There are power points and lights too. The interior of the side sliding door cleverly houses a table, with two deck chairs tucked inside the rear hatch. There’s a lot of thought gone into the layout and design of the California, there is even a shower at the rear for washing down outside after a swim at the beach. Taking a holiday in the Volkswagen California allows you the freedom to travel at your leisure and visit places you may not otherwise see. There’s also the benefit of having an abundance of luggage space for any holiday purchases. All you have to do is plan your destination! For Style Build quality Drive Against No toilet Decide for yourself across a range here on DoneDeal About DoneDeal DoneDeal is for premium car deals to feel great about from Ireland’s local trusted Car Dealers. Employing people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell premium cars online. DoneDeal has onboarded Ireland's trusted car dealers to become the number one touchpoint for Irish consumers when buying premium cars. To put this in perspective, when scaled for Ireland, DoneDeal is comparable to AutoTrader in the UK. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing a car. The result has been the development of products and services that empower the Irish consumer, e.g., free basic history check on verified cars, in-depth history checks, warranty, and finance options. Buy Premium cars confidently with DoneDeal. #Motors