Tuesday, 16 August 2022 | 15.2°C Dublin

Subscribe
- My Account
- Log Out

News [1]
Opinion [2]
Business [3]
Sport [4]
Life [5]
Style [7]
Entertainment [8]
Travel [9]

Menu Sections

Independentie

News [1]
Opinion [2]
Business [3]
Sport [4]
Life [5]
Style [7]
Entertainment [8]
Travel [9]

Menu Sections

Motoring

August 2022

The Toyota C-HR is tops for passing the NCT

Premium

Explainer: Why some cars pass the NCT and others don’t – and what you can do to stop your motor failing the test

It is a simple question: how come some car models pass their NCT test in greater numbers than others?

"There are a few things you can do in those first few critical moments." Stock image

Auto advice: Tips from our motoring expert on what to do if you’re first at the scene of a road collision

What should I do if I arrive on the scene of a road collision first?

Premium

Review: The all-new Opel Astra is certainly a beauty, but is there more to it than a pretty face?

Studies show that life is better when you’re good-looking: in our beauty-obsessed world people deemed attractive have an easier time job hunting, get promoted quicker and are offered higher salaries. But does this bias toward beauty inform our car buying decisions? This week’s test car is the stunning Opel Astra, so do good looking cars have the edge?

The Jeep Compass PHEV is an understated family crossover that has many plus points but was a bit off the pace in critical areas

Compass gives a steer on what Jeep plug-in could do

It is amazing what we hold on to – for none other than a whimsical reason.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the ways and means to get to work or school without having to always use a car. Photo: Dmitry Pistrov

For a moment I had a glimpse of what the future could hold for us all

It’s August and silly season so let me avail of the pause in the mad rush to comment on something obvious that is, maybe, hiding in plain sight.

Take to the track in a fast car and beat the gym for feel-good factor

TAKE to the fast track and not the gym if you want to lift your mood.

Make sure younger passengers are properly seated and not too hot. Photo: Andrey Popov

Keeping everyone in the car safe on those long drives in the sunshine

Hot weather brings its own demands for drivers, occupants and the vehicles themselves.

The Skoda ENYAQ electric SUV will have improved battery management to boost driving range

Check now on the spec levels you’re getting with your new car

WATCH OUT . . . . car companies are taking orders for new cars for next year now and some are already revealing updates to their specification for the future models.

Avoid the risk of accident by checking brake lights are working. Photo: Andy Nowack

Are you sure your brake lights work? Now is a good time to check

I know we are in high summer and checking lights is far from our minds.

The new Mercedes EQE has earned all sorts of plaudits and is nicer to drive than the EQS

Not giving you a bum steer with Merc’s bright new EQE

This car-reviewing is a job that can leap up and bite you in the bum if you are not extremely careful. I recently reviewed the Mercedes EQS large electric saloon. I praised it to high heaven for the way it drove. I said I didn’t think there was much else out there quite like it overall.

Auto advice: Confused over Personal Contract Plans (PCPs)? Our motoring expert answers your questions

What is a Personal Contract Plan or PCP?

Premium

Review: The Dacia Jogger offers superb value for money but there is a catch

It’s one of life’s great ironies that as our families became smaller, our cars grew larger. Today behemoth SUVs are the family cars of choice but, despite their large footprint, many offer seating for just five and if you are in the market for a seven-seat option, the choices narrow and prices rise. But fear not. New to the market is Dacia’s Jogger, a seven-seat bargain and our test car this week.

The new Volkswagen T-Roc crossover has impressive size and depth in the boot but it means there isn’t as much seat room for passengers

Smart T-Roc works hard to put boot into its competitors

I think I will have you wondering why I’m starting this review with a comment on the boot. I don’t usually begin straight away about the merits or otherwise of the deep recesses of the rear. Indeed I don’t think I ever have.

Newer cars are substantially lower emitters of harmful gases

Why scarcity and confusion are storing up trouble for so many motorists

Fewer people buying a new car this year means older cars are being kept on the road at a time when the Government wants them replaced by modern, greener versions.

Porsche plans luxury new electric vehicle to compete with BMW iX

Performance brand Porsche is developing an electric flagship SUV that will be a competitor for BMW’s iX SAV – among others.

Key factors to consider before you buy a car now – or wait until next year

Judging by the big fall-off in new-car buying last month (down 17.3pc), a lot of people are going to wait until the new year to splash out.

The JLR site can test if electrical equipment and systems work correctly under electromagnetic interference

JLR builds special test centre to help reduce trouble with gadgets

Cars are complicated items theses days and with increased complexity comes the higher risk of something going wrong.

New car sales plunge in July but 13pc were fully electric

NEW-car buying plunged last month – despite July heralding the start of the new 222-vehicle registration period.

Women display faster reaction times, more control over the wheel and are better at taking back control of the vehicle when needed, the study found. Photo: Depositphotos

Hands down – Women ‘better at operating driverless vehicles’ than men, study finds

Women are better at operating driverless cars than men, according to a new study.

July 2022

"Breaking down on a motorway is particularly frightening due to the speed at which traffic is travelling. Ideally as soon as your car starts to give trouble you should try to leave the motorway at the nearest exit." Picture by Nejron

Auto advice: What to do if you break down on a motorway. Our expert tells you how to get help and stay safe

If my car breaks down on the motorway what is the first thing I need to do?

"At 5216mm long, the EQS is one of the largest in the Mercedes-Benz range."

Premium

Review: The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is exquisitely sumptuous — and eyewateringly expensive

Something unusual happens when you drive the new Mercedes Benz EQS: complete strangers want to peer inside it, passers-by swarm you with mobile phones and the curiosity around it is unmatched by anything I have tested lately.

Prices at the petrol pumps have fallen for the first time in months

Relief for motorists as fuel prices stabilise and petrol prices drop to €2 per litre

There is rare relief for motorists as industry experts say the price of fuel has stabilised after dropping to its lowest level in months.

Happy at the wheel: after double checking you got what you want

Key must-have items I would order for a new car before it’s too late

July has nearly gone for many who hoped to be able to pick up a new car this summer. There is now a realistic (or should that be unrealistic?) prospect of having to wait until next year.

The Aceman cometh: new concept from Mini to set tone for design

MINI unveils a radical new concept car this week.

Make sure children are in correctly fitting child restraints and explain to older ones about the risk of not being properly strapped in

What to do to keep your children safe when you are on the move

Families are on the move more at this time of year and that can bring its own set of risks, especially where there are younger children involved.

Travelling with pets can be made easier if you prepare before you go. Stock picture

Auto advice: Taking your pets on a road trip? Follow these expert tips to make sure you are properly prepared

Are pets allowed to roam free in a car?

The Active Tourer is designed to appeal to young families who want a little more space. Picture by Fabian Kirchbauer

Premium

Review: The BMW 218d M Sport Active Tourer five-seater combines practicality with premium appeal for families

After nine years, for me, at the primary school gates, my last child has left and now he is just a month away from “big school” where he joins his older brother in September. I will miss the hugs at the gate and the friendships formed but not so much the last-minute text requests to send my child dressed in something yellow and the endless projects that seemed to be given only to parents.

Motoring

August 2022

Explainer: Why some cars pass the NCT and others don’t – and what you can do to stop your motor failing the test

Auto advice: Tips from our motoring expert on what to do if you’re first at the scene of a road collision

Review: The all-new Opel Astra is certainly a beauty, but is there more to it than a pretty face?

Compass gives a steer on what Jeep plug-in could do

For a moment I had a glimpse of what the future could hold for us all

Take to the track in a fast car and beat the gym for feel-good factor

Keeping everyone in the car safe on those long drives in the sunshine

Check now on the spec levels you’re getting with your new car

Are you sure your brake lights work? Now is a good time to check

Not giving you a bum steer with Merc’s bright new EQE

Auto advice: Confused over Personal Contract Plans (PCPs)? Our motoring expert answers your questions

Review: The Dacia Jogger offers superb value for money but there is a catch

Smart T-Roc works hard to put boot into its competitors

Why scarcity and confusion are storing up trouble for so many motorists

Porsche plans luxury new electric vehicle to compete with BMW iX

Key factors to consider before you buy a car now – or wait until next year

JLR builds special test centre to help reduce trouble with gadgets

New car sales plunge in July but 13pc were fully electric

Hands down – Women ‘better at operating driverless vehicles’ than men, study finds

July 2022

Auto advice: What to do if you break down on a motorway. Our expert tells you how to get help and stay safe

Review: The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is exquisitely sumptuous — and eyewateringly expensive

Relief for motorists as fuel prices stabilise and petrol prices drop to €2 per litre

Key must-have items I would order for a new car before it’s too late

The Aceman cometh: new concept from Mini to set tone for design

What to do to keep your children safe when you are on the move

Auto advice: Taking your pets on a road trip? Follow these expert tips to make sure you are properly prepared

Review: The BMW 218d M Sport Active Tourer five-seater combines practicality with premium appeal for families

Kia announces prices and spec for Niro PHEV and EV, due next month

No ifs or Butts as Opel turns a corner with updated Astra

Independent Advice Desk: Unsure about the ins and outs of your next car purchase? Here’s what the experts say

Latest Motoring

Most Read