CompleteCar

Testers' notes

The latest new cars being tested by the CompleteCar.ie team.

Dublin to Schull and back in a hybrid Jeep Compass View gallery (7)

Dublin to Schull and back in a hybrid Jeep Compass

Last week Shane took the hybrid-powered Jeep Compass to Schull in West Cork and back - from Dublin. It proved comfortable for the trip, though the driver-assistance bongs and beeps can be a little tiresome even when you are sticking rigidly to the speed limit. Still, it managed the trip with fuel to spare from a full tank, averaging 6.1 litres/100km over nearly 850km of driving. However, the Compass doesn't quite do enough to distance itself from all the other Stellantis SUVs of the same size, despite the myriad Jeep 'Easter eggs' scattered around the car.

Skoda Enyaq as good as ever but we're not sure about the RS model... View gallery (6)

Skoda Enyaq as good as ever but we're not sure about the RS model...

Shane has the Skoda Enyaq EV on test in RS specification. It's of high quality, has great seats and isn't slow, but it really is not an engaging RS in the way Skoda RS models used to be. Call us old-fashioned, but this is hardly any more appealing than a Sportline and less efficient than every other variant in the range. We'd rather see a luxurious Laurin & Klement model topping the lineup instead and leave the RS badge for properly sporty cars. Lovely green paint colour though...

We're driving the Volkswagen ID. Polo this week View gallery (3)

We're driving the Volkswagen ID. Polo this week

Dave is attending the international launch of the Volkswagen ID. Polo in Austria. The long-awaited electric car is set to arrive in Ireland in mid-October with an on-the-road starting price of €21,410. The full review of the ID. Polo goes live on September 9.

Dave has the 510hp Volvo EX60 SUV on test

Dave has the 510hp Volvo EX60 SUV on test

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.

But of course a Ford Mustang 5.0 should be bright orange

But of course a Ford Mustang 5.0 should be bright orange

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...

Revised Toyota bZ EV on test View gallery (4)

Revised Toyota bZ EV on test

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.

Stylishly updated Peugeot 308 GT on test View gallery (5)

Stylishly updated Peugeot 308 GT on test

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.

Plug-in-hybrid version of the Skoda Superb hatch on test

Plug-in-hybrid version of the Skoda Superb hatch on test

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?