The latest new cars being tested by the CompleteCar.ie team.
Dave is putting the electric Volvo EX60 through its paces. It goes up against a host of new, premium electric SUVs, including the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. This is the mid-range P10 AWD version, with 510hp and a 660-kilometre WLTP range. We reckon it looks great.
Amongst other things this week, Neil is driving the Ford Mustang 5.0 in ‘Orange Fury.’ It’s just delightfully silly, even with the ten-speed auto instead of the six-speed manual. Look how happy he looks. Haven’t seen him smile like that in weeks...
Neil’s also testing the updated Toyota bZ (Toyota Ireland no longer calls it the bZ4X) this week. Not the most thrilling of cars to drive, and the boot is a bit small, but it has a good range and efficiency and it kind of worms its way into your affections despite the dull styling.
This week Neil is driving the updated Peugeot 308 hatchback in GT spec, with the 145hp 1.2 hybrid engine. It’s sleek looking, sweet driving, frugal and spacious enough (although if you need more space just upgrade to the handsome SW estate). More people should give up compact crossovers for cars like this.
Dave is spending some time putting the Skoda Superb iV through its paces this week. The hatchback is now available as a plug-in hybrid with a useful range, and Dave has done the vast majority of his driving in the car using only electric power. Should more people be considering PHEVs as an alternative to conventional hybrids or EVs?
Shane has the hybrid version of the new Jeep Compass on test and despite the dull brown paintwork it's getting a lot of attention. It looks decent and has a way better interior than before, but are all these Stellantis group SUVs a bit too similar for their own good?
Neil is driving the updated Alfa Romeo Tonale this week. In Neil’s words, it’s such a “prettttttyyyy car”, but you can really feel the age of its underpinnings, which is a shame. It is a lot more affordable now though than it used to be, with a starting price of €43,995.
Neil’s other test car this week also has stickers, but they’re less naff than those on the Opel Mokka GSE, and the Jeep Avenger 4xe remains one of his favourite cars. It’s small, but eager, pugnacious, and actually pretty good fun. Also, it really can go off-road and do all the proper rugged Jeep stuff. The downside? It’s pricey, and very small in the back. (This is not the facelifted one)
