1. PLUS! BEST CITROEN BUYS FOR 2016
chic
motor
SPECIAL 12-PAGE CAR GUIDE
SATURDAY,
JANUARY23,2016
RACHEL
LANDS
A BIG ONE
Chef’s dishy family SUV
● IAN’S IN THE
DRIVING SEAT

3. 3
For terms and conditions see our ad on page 2
DADDYVERYCOOL
Citroen DS5 from €36,045
The new DS5 makes a bold
statement with its intriguing
mix of high-roofed hatchback,
coupé and sports estate style.
It certainly has the looks to
make an impact as it sits in a
unique market position
between core ‘D’ segment
models such as VW Passat and
premium executive models
including Audi A4.
All cars come with 17-inch
alloy wheels, cruise control,
touchscreen sat-nav and
dual-zone climate control, as
well as Bluetooth, DAB and rear
parking sensors. Beautifully
styled, comfortable and refined,
these are the key elements that
deliver the distinctive character
of the new DS5.
DS5 unique feature: Blind
spot monitoring, a state-of-the-
art safety feature providing
increased visibility for the driver.
A symbol lights up in either
door mirror to warn the driver
that a car or motorcycle is
present in the blind spot.
Citroen DS4 hatchback
from €26,995
The new DS4 hatch benefits
from six different engine
choices, while the Crossback is
restricted to just one petrol and
one diesel option.
There are three diesel options
on offer too, with an entry-level
Blue HDI 120 engine.
Further boosting the car’s
appeal it comes in three
different specs — DSign, DStyle
and DSport — and all models
get LED daytime running lights,
alloy wheels, air-con, a
multifunction steering wheel
and cruise control.
DS4 unique feature: With
the hands-free access and
start-up system, the new DS4
recognises drivers as they
approach the car. Drivers place
their hands behind one of the
handles to open their vehicle
and simply press the Start
button to turn the engine on.
Pretty impressive.
Citroen DS4 Crossback
from €30,495
You can tell the DS4 Crossback
apart from the regular
hatchback by the grey roof bars,
front end and rear spoiler
finished in black, and the
30mm height advantage.
As with the standard car, the
Crossback is also part-hatchback
and part-coupé, but puts a
greater emphasis on being a
crossover. The rear windows
don’t open at all, which might
be a worry for the backseat
passengers.
DS4 Crossback unique
feature: For more economical
driving, your DS4 Crossback is
available with a gear change
indicator that analyses your
driving style and suggests the
best moment to shift up to a
higher gear.
Visit www.citroen.ie
Citroen’s in the driving
seat for 2016
CAR-AZY FOR
THEM: Citroen’s new
line-up, the DS5
(main), DS4 Cross-
back (left) and the
DS4 (bottom right)
CHICmotoring

4. 4
● SKODA SUPERB STYLE
Price: From €35,895
PCP Finance over three years: €360* per
month (based on 10 per cent deposit)
● WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Engine: 2.0 TDI diesel 150bhp
● WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Body type: 5-door saloon
Tax: €190 per year
The Superb is Skoda’s flagship model
and has always been a firm favourite
with Irish buyers — in the last 12
months of it being on sale, they sold
over 1,150. The new model is expected
to exceed those numbers, and it’s easy
to see why.
Boasting a fresh look, the new
generation Superb has a longer
wheelbase, offers more boot capacity and
is 30kg lighter.
It’s easy to manoeuvre thanks to the
new parking assistant, the park distance
control and a new rear camera.
That’s not all.
The all-four-cylinder petrol and diesel
engine line-up is focused on low-running
costs, and can be fitted with a manual or
DSG auto gearbox and front or four-wheel
drive.
As impressive as all that sounds, it’s the
overall look of the Skoda Superb interior
and exterior that blew me away.
For starters it’s packed with clever ideas
everywhere. From umbrellas built into the
doors to ice scrapers hidden in the petrol
filler flap — any self-respecting car should
have this, the umbrellas that is.
The rear of the flagship model has wider
LED rear lights and a clear and articulate
layout. While the front view is
characterised by a wide radiator grille and
centrally positioned logo, a dynamically
contoured bonnet, and razor-sharp wide
headlights and front fog lights.
It’s not only bigger and more spacious
than ever before, but it also offers new
comfort features. A vehicle that allows all
passengers, including those sitting in the
back, to travel in a relaxed manner even
over longer distances.
What makes it all the bigger is the fact
that the engineers have managed to
integrate numerous stowage spaces and
practical storage compartments into the
interior.
Other useful features include a parcel
shelf that can be slid behind the rear seats
when you need it out of the way, a
removable LED torch in the boot and a
grippy cupholder in the front so you can
unscrew bottle tops with one hand.
The Style interior comes in black/beige
or black/black for the fabric upholstery
and dashboard. The doors and dashboard
are lined with the Alu-look dark brushed
trim. You can opt for leather or leather/
Alcantara upholstery in either black or
beige. If you have set your sights on
ventilated seats, you need to pick either
black or beige perforated leather.
The screen comes with Skoda’s top-spec
Columbus infotainment system and is clear
and easy to read, with numerous features
enabling you to make safe telephone calls
even when you are driving. You can
connect external devices via a USB even
from the back seats, and control the
infotainment system via a mobile
application from anywhere in the car.
Standard equipment includes seven
airbags, stop/start technology, electric
handbrake, hill hold, touch screen,
Bluetooth and multi-function steering
wheel, front assist and dual zone air
conditioning.
The new Superb is the first Skoda to
offer an optional virtual pedal for
contactless opening of the boot lid — great
for when you have just popped out for a
pair of shoes and arrive back to the car
laden down with bags.
This feature works using a sensor on the
lower part of the rear bumper.
As for safety, the Superb is second to
none. It includes a lane assist option; the
feature can tell when a driver strays from
a lane unintentionally. So whether you’re
heading into town or going on a long
motorway journey, the Skoda is a
competent cruiser and a very relaxing car
to drive around in.
● BEST POINTS: A whole lot of luxury
for a fraction of the price.
*Prices vary check out www.skoda.ie
Superb selection
for 2016Sit back and enjoy the
ride as Chic road-tester
Audrey Kane takes you for
a spin with great cars...
SIMPLY SUPERB
— The Skoda Superb
looks amazing
CHICmotoring
Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI SE

5. 5
● JAGUAR XE SE
Price: From €37,995
PCP Finance over three years: €399* per
month (based on 10 per cent deposit)
● WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Engine: 2.0 i4 diesel 163PS
● WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Body type: 5-door saloon
Tax: €180 per year
Jaguar XE is the first compact car from
the brand to be designed from the
ground up. It’s the most advanced,
efficient and refined sport saloon car
that Jaguar has ever produced — full of
futuristic tech, starting with its
aluminum structure to help
reduce weight and aid fuel
economy.
Before you even sit inside
the Jaguar it looks
amazing. The ‘J-Blade’
daytime running LEDs in
the headlights accentuate
the car’s width at the front,
and give the car a suitably
feline look, while the rear LEDs
do the same job at the back. The
chromed profile of the side windows, the
low roofline giving the car a coupe-like
stance and the discreet spoiler on the
short boot-lid give this Jaguar a great
design.
While the exterior is breathtaking, once
you slide into the form-hugging seats with
its low driving position, and the raised
centre console — you know you’re in for a
great drive.
It’s simple yet stylish inside, with a
wraparound fascia similar to the XJ’s,
which makes the car feel welcoming.
The drive in normal mode makes it a
very comfortable car for long journeys,
there’s barely any wind noise on the
motorway and even the tyres produce
nothing but a low-level hum. Switching to
sport mode tightens things up, but you still
feel the steering is sharp and precise.
There are five XE models, each with
their own unique personality and
characteristics. You can create your
perfect XE interior with a choice
of three colour themes.
While it’s marketed as a
compact saloon, it certainly
feels bigger than you might
expect, especially when you’re trying to
park it — seeing out of the back isn’t so
easy, but all models come with rear
parking sensors to help when reversing.
The XE’s boot is fairly narrow although
split-folding rear seats are an option on all
versions for when you need to carry long
items. The middle area can accommodate
a generous fold out armrest with cup
holders.
One area where the XE really excels, is
in its infotainment technology. The
instruments are clear and the car was
launched with an eight-inch touchscreen
interface, complete with ‘InControl apps’
that can be downloaded to a smartphone.
They allow the car to be located in a car
park — very handy for when you’ve
forgotten where it’s parked (we’ve all
done it!) and it can be locked remotely
and all from the phone.
All XE models come with touch screen
navigation, cruise control, climate control,
17-inch alloys, rear parking sensors,
Bluetooth and DAB radio as standard.
XE’s electric parking brake seamlessly
integrates into the cabin architecture. By
activating an electric motor to operate the
rear calipers, the system not only reduces
weight but can deliver greater braking
power than conventional parking brakes.
JaguarDrive control allows you to select
standard, eco, dynamic or winter modes,
each subtly changing the steering and
throttle mapping.
XE’s next generation electric powered
assisted steering (EPAS) offers outstanding
feedback and control, as well as power
assistance the moment you need it.
While it’s a premium car and normally
aimed at the business class sector, with
the low entry level price, Jaguar is much
more affordable for private owners, I’ll
take one please!
● BEST POINTS: Great fun to drive, it
handles and steers brilliantly and emits
less CO2 than many rivals.
*Prices vary check out www.jaguar.ie
Jaguar XE SE 2.0 Diesel
aluminum structure to help
reduce weight and aid fuelreduce weight and aid fuel
Before you even sit inside
feline look, while the rear LEDsfeline look, while the rear LEDsfeline look, while the rear LEDs
do the same job at the back. Thedo the same job at the back. Thedo the same job at the back. The
chromed profile of the side windows, thechromed profile of the side windows, thechromed profile of the side windows, thechromed profile of the side windows, the
characteristics. You can create your
perfect XE interior with a choice
of three colour themes.
compact saloon, it certainly
feels bigger than you might
2016 DEAL
All new XE models
come with Jaguar
care package. This
includes: three years’
servicing; three years’
roadside assistance; and
three years’
unlimited mileage
warranty
RED HOT — The Jaguar XE is a dream
to drive (left) form-hugging seats

6. 6
CHICmotoring
As one of Ireland’s most recognisable rugby
players, DS 5 driver Ian Madigan gets his
fair share of being scoped out while behind
the wheel but he won’t be investing in
tinted windows any time soon. “It’s usually
small kids in the back seat staring and
pointing. I usually stick my tongue
out until the parents turn
around!” he laughs.
“I’m a pretty relaxed driver” says
the Leinster and Ireland star, “but
other drivers not indicating really
annoys me.” Driving wasn’t always
a breeze for him.
“My worst memory was learning to
drive and practicing in my mother’s car
one day without my parents’ permission. My
family home is on a steep hill and I remember I
had parked the car and was upstairs, brushing
my teeth and heard a loud crash. I hadn’t put
the handbrake on and the car had cleared the
wall of the house. That scared me off driving
— but only for a week!”
It wasn’t long until he was back in the saddle
and Ian has fond memories of his first set of
wheels. “My first car was my granny’s old
Honda Civic. It was an automatic so it was a fun
car to drive. I had that car for about two years
and have good memories of learning to drive
with friends in fields near our homes. They were
good times!”
A standout on the road as well as the rugby
pitch, Ian currently drives a DS 5 which not only
looks good but has a couple of slick features.
“Cameras help you park so the Park Assist
feature is brilliant and even though it’s
not a jeep you’re in a high driving
position which is good for my back.
It’s very economical, too — you only
have to fill up once a month. And it
looks really well on the
road.”
Away from the rugby field,
Ian loves nothing more than a
road trip to a weekend away
golfing. “There was one golfing
road trip to Killarney in 2012 that
really stood out. Driving through
the Kerry countryside was just
amazing.” As for his dream driving
companion? “It would have to be
Conor McGregor because it would
definitely be an entertaining car
journey!”
Now that’s one trip we wouldn’t
mind joining.
Citroen and DS Ireland marketing
manager Louise Murphy says she loves
working in such a fascinating industry.
“Purchasing a car is a very big decision for
anyone. The full customer journey starts
well before the day the keys are handed
over, and in the digital age more and more
research is now carried out online.
“This change in consumer behaviour has
greatly impacted our approach to market-
ing, we want to offer a convenient service
without losing the personal touch that is still
so important in the sales process, especially
for the Irish customer.”
She adds: “The other element of the car
industry I love is the endless improvements
in technology. It’s exciting to be at the
forefront of every launch process including
motor shows, customer events etc.”
Louise reckons women and men are
“different and yet the same” when it comes
to buying a car. “They say women are more
practical in their priorities, for instance
rating safety and space highly, whereas
men are more likely to be impressed by the
latest technology or gadgets.
“But stereotypes can be misleading.
“What we do know is that all consumers are
highly informed now, more than ever.
“They arrive at a dealership and expect
sales personnel to expertly guide and advise
them through the purchasing process.
“What I would love to see is more women
taking up sales roles in dealerships. Things
have improved but could improve more.”
Louise reveals some of the best deals going
right now. “Across our top selling vehicles in
the C4 Range, including the Hatchback,
Cactus and Picasso, we are offering
exceptional value with a choice between
0% PCP finance or €4,000 scrappage
allowance.
“With PCP, lower monthly
repayments make a new car
more affordable. I would
suggest to anyone reading
this to visit your local dealer
and check out 0% finance, it
might surprise you how much
you can get for your money.
You might even consider
upgrading to one of the new
premium DS Automobiles
range.”
She admits it’s a “very
exciting” time to be working
with Citroen and DS.
WhatdrivesIan? Citroen and DS Ireland marketingCitroen and DS Ireland marketing
‘It’s a very exciting industry’
Rugby star Ian Madigan reveals
his driving history to Lisa Hughes
pointing. I usually stick my tongue
“My worst memory was learning to
drive and practicing in my mother’s car
“Cameras help you park so the Park Assist
feature is brilliant and even though it’s
not a jeep you’re in a high driving
position which is good for my back.
It’s very economical, too — you only
have to fill up once a month. And it
looks really well on the
road.”
Away from the rugby field,
Ian loves nothing more than a
The
car is really
economical,
you only have
to fill up once
a month!
ON THE BALL —
Ian Madigan
alongside the DS5
MARKETING
— Louise Murphy

7. 7
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My car is a
style statementstyle statement
Shirley Lane says that her motor
gives her a lift Writes Lisa Hughes
You won’t catch personal stylist Shirley
Lane on the bus any time soon. A
committed car enthusiast, chic Shirley
has been addicted to four wheels since
she bought her first car.
“Two weeks after my 17th birthday I got
my first car after nagging my parents about
it.” Shirley explains. “I worked in Topshop
and in promotions so I really worked to get
that car and stuck to my guns to get it. I was
the only one in my school with a car so I
spent a lot of time giving everyone a lift!”
From an early age driving played a big part
in her life.
“I grew up in Cork and my parents were all
about the Sunday spin. Dad always loved
cars and we’d all get into the car for a drive.
It was lovely!” Shirley says. “Every chance I
get I visit West Cork. We have a holiday
home there and the scenery is just gorgeous,
especially looking across the cliffs. It’s a
four-and-a-half hour trek from Dublin so it
pays to have a comfy car!”
As the resident stylist at Blanchardstown
Shopping Centre, Dublin, it comes as no
surprise that style is a major factor in
Shirley’s choice of motor.
“Style is a big influence for me. As a stylist,
you always need to look your best and your
car is an extension of that. I see three clients
a day and sometimes that goes up to six. I
have one client who buys a whole wardrobe
so I need a car that can hold wedding
dresses and a whole closet full of clothes.”
After a few years driving Mini Coopers and
then a sporty DS3, the Citroen Cactus caught
Shirley’s eye and she’s been driving this
scene-stealer for two years now. Like a true
fashionista, her favourite thing about the car
is how it never fails to attract attention
wherever she goes.
“I first had a canary yellow Cactus and
people stared everywhere I went. There was
no way you could miss it. I didn’t realise how
eye-catching it was until once I was at a
petrol station in a storm and a man came out
of nowhere just to ask me about the car.”
Shirley continues “It doesn’t just look good
though, the Cactus is easy to park and there’s
room for everything. But my favourite
feature is the full glass roof, which is
fabulous on a sunny day.”
Working in fashion is non-stop and Shirley
spends a lot of time behind the wheel. “I’m
on the road a lot, and, even though most of
my work is in Dublin, I commute on the M50
and attend a lot of corporate events around
the country so I clock up more mileage than
your average person.”
With such a busy schedule, Shirley has a
few essentials she can’t hit the road without.
“Everything I do is appointment-only so I
can’t get into the car and go without my
diary — my whole life revolves around it,”
she says. “My other two car essentials are
my phone and my pink lipstick. I’m due a
baby in five weeks so I’ll definitely need that
extra room in my car then!”
I like to
look my best
and my car is
an extension
of that
For terms and conditions see our ad on page 2
BRIGHT FUTURE
— Shirley loves
her Citroen Cactus

8. 8
● TOYOTA AURIS SOL
Price: From €26,950
Toyota Flex finance 37 months from €484*
per month (based on 10 per cent deposit)
● WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Engine: 1.6D-4D 112
● WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Body type: Hatchback 5-door
Tax: €190 per year
When your motto states, “The best
built cars in the world”, it’s a big
reputation to live up to, but Toyota do
just that with their latest Auris range.
Combining hatchback and touring sports
(estate) body styles with a choice of
diesel, petrol and hybrid, the new Auris
has been giving a facelift inside and out in
order to keep it competitive.
So what’s new about this addition? For a
start, the front and rear of the Auris have
been comprehensively redesigned to give
the vehicle a visually broader stance and a
more prestigious, sophisticated road
presence. It sees changes to the headlamp
shape and also the upper grille, coupled
with a new lower grille, which now runs
the full width of the vehicle giving the
Auris a lower and broader look.
To the rear the Auris has new design
rear lights with new LED light guide. The
lower bumper has been redesigned and
the reflector lamps are situated
horizontally rather than vertically as in the
outgoing model. This gives the Auris a
visually lower road hugging stance.
There have been big improvements in
the interior too, including the re-designed
instrument panel, air conditioning switches
and air vents. The newly integrated touch
screen has now increased to a 7-inch size
with a piano black finish.
There’s plenty of room to
get in and out of the back,
which will be a big attraction for parents
lugging kids in and out — especially the
smaller ones still in car seats. There’s more
rear legroom than before too, it can carry
four adults in comfort and five at a
squeeze.
Auris also has a huge number of
cubbyholes — including a large glovebox,
door pockets, big cup-holders and a
useful additional storage area in the
centre console. The Toyota Auris
features a decent 350-litre boot,
so plenty of storage room for
family trips .
While it may not be the most
interesting car the company has
ever made, this durable hatchback
with proven reliability won’t let you
down as it’s one of the more economical
family hatches on-sale.
The Auris comes with rain sensor,
automatic power retractable mirrors and
my personal favourite, driver and front
passenger heated seats.
The Auris is lovely to drive and does
everything it should, the diesel engine is
quiet on the motorway but can a bit
louder on journeys about the city.
● BEST POINTS: Cheap to run and
reliable, the Auris will definitely stand the
test of time well and has the added
reassurance of three years’ free servicing.
*Prices vary check out www.opel.ie
screen has now increased to a 7-inch size
There’s plenty of room to
cubbyholes — including a large glovebox,
door pockets, big cup-holders and a
useful additional storage area in the
centre console. The Toyota Auris
features a decent 350-litre boot,
so plenty of storage room for
family trips .
interesting car the company hasinteresting car the company hasinteresting car the company has
ever made, this durable hatchbackever made, this durable hatchbackever made, this durable hatchback
with proven reliability won’t let youwith proven reliability won’t let youwith proven reliability won’t let you
down as it’s one of the more economicaldown as it’s one of the more economicaldown as it’s one of the more economical
2016 DEAL
Receive a free
technology pack
worth €1,250* plus up
to €3,000 trade-in
trade-up allowance or
three years’ free
servicing.
CHICmotoring
Toyota Auris Sol 1.6D-4D
VROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
— The Toyota Auris Sol has made
lots of changes inside but there’s still
room for more and (below) the
exterior looks pretty impressive

9. 9
● OPEL ASTRA ELITE
Price: From €25,995
Opel PCP finance 37 months from €399*
per month (based on 10 per cent deposit)
● WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Engine: 1.4 Turbo 150PS
● WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Transmission: 6-speed manual.
Body type: Hatchback 5-door
Tax: €270 per year
The Opel Astra holds a special place in
my heart — I passed my driving test
many moons ago in my old Astra, and I
never stopped loving it, even when I
eventually had to trade up.
So when I was offered a test-drive in
the new Astra I was quite excited,
and with good reason. Almost
everything has been redesigned
and re-engineered, it’s lighter,
smaller (although not on the
inside) and looks amazing. Its
premium interior brings a
new exciting feel to the
mid-size sector.
This 1.4-litre engine has
plenty of poke and is as refined
as you’d expect from a four-
cylinder petrol. It glides up the
motorway and makes for a very pleasant
long-distance driving experience as it feels
completely at ease building up speed.
The Astra’s cabin style and materials are
comfortably above-class average, and
there’s even a massage option on the
driver’s seat — bliss!
The control panel is much sleeker and
easier to use than its predecessor, which
was a mass of buttons. The default gearbox
is a six-speed manual. It’s light and precise
and the gearstick itself is comfortably
shaped to your hand.
The Astra’s on-board tech has taken a
leap forward, with the availability of new
features such as LED headlights, forward
collision alert with autonomous braking.
But the biggest talking point of the Astra
has to be the standard kit such as satnav
with Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Opel’s
OnStar concierge system with 4G WiFi
hotspot.
I admit I sneered a little at first — I
thought OnStar was a bit of a gimmick.
That was until I needed to refuel on the
way back from a long trip, and
embarrassingly I didn’t have the specs of
the car with me, so I couldn’t remember if
it was diesel or petrol. Some motoring
expert, eh!
Well, my boyfriend suggested pressing
OnStar, which I did, and they kindly told
me petrol. Obviously, it does much more
impressive things including stolen vehicle
assistance, destination download,
automatic crash response and vehicle
diagnostics. Although it also covers the
smaller things in life. How far can I go
before I need to stop for fuel? Are the tyre
pressures okay? And where exactly did I
leave my car? You can simply find out with
the cutting-edge smartphone app for
OnStar.
● BEST POINTS: OnStar and massage
option on the driver seat, not a bad way to
travel now, is it? Also the push-button
controlled parking brake system releases
automatically when you drive away.
*Prices vary check out www.toyota.ie
with Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Opel’swith Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Opel’s
HOT STUFF — The
Opel Astra is a beast
of a car and (right and
below) the driver seat
is comfy and warm
while the interior
is sleek
So when I was offered a test-drive inSo when I was offered a test-drive in
the new Astra I was quite excited,the new Astra I was quite excited,the new Astra I was quite excited,the new Astra I was quite excited,
everything has been redesignedeverything has been redesigned
plenty of poke and is as refined
motorway and makes for a very pleasantmotorway and makes for a very pleasant
2016 DEAL
With 50:50 finance
from Opel, you pay half
now, and half in July 2017.
If you order before
January 31, you can also avail
of up to €3,000 plus
scrappage allowance and
three years’ free servicing
on your new Astra.
Opel Astra Elite 1.4 Turbo

10. 10
CHICmotoring
● SEAR IBIZA SC FR
Price: From €18,195
PCP Finance over three years:
€277* per month (based on
10 per cent deposit)
● WHAT’S UNDER THE
BONNET?
Engine: 1.2 TSI 90HP
● WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO
KNOW? Transmission:
5-speed manual, front-wheel
drive
Body type: 3-door hatch
Tax: €160 per year
SEAT’s Ibiza has been a
hugely important model for
the brand for more than 30
years, and for 2016 the
revised model has been
launched. The new addition
comes packed with
innovative technologies.
There are new engines,
individual equipment options,
additional safety systems and
a fresh line-up of connectivity
and infotainment features.
The latest Ibiza comes with a
choice of new generation
petrol and diesel engines. The
entry-level starts at just
€13,595. The 1.0-litre petrol
engine is a 3-cylinder 75hp
1.0-litre, which jumps to
110hp as a turbocharged unit.
Also in the petrol range is a
four-cylinder 90bhp 1.2 TSI in
the ‘FR’ model (my test drive)
and at the top of the petrol
range is the 1.4-litre TSI in the
new ‘Cupra’ which now boasts
192hp. There is also a new
3-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI with
75hp or 90hp. There are three
body styles on offer. The
5-door model, the option of a
3-door hatch called the SC and
a versatile 5-door estate, the
ST, which has a generous
430-litres of luggage capacity.
My model — the sporty FR
— was a head-turner and I’m
not sure it was in a good way.
When I stopped at traffic lights
young men looked in awe of
the car and then mildly
dissappointed to see a 40-
something and her dog in it.
I put it down to the new SEAT
Ibiza SC allowing you to stamp
your personality on it, and
make it unmistakably yours by
adding personal touches of
colour to the exterior details.
These include the wheels,
mirrors and front grille of your
new car. Mine had distinctive
red alloys and trim.
Inside, there’s added colour to
the dashboard, air vents,
upholstery, steering wheel, gear
stick and even the door handles.
The FR grade includes front
and rear ‘FR’ logos, a storage
pack (compartment under the
front seat, boot stowage box
and storage in the front
armrest), 17-inch alloy wheels
and Bi-Xenon headlights.
It’s a really fun car to drive,
although it did make me feel
slightly old as it has quite a
young feel to it.
The five-speed manual
gearbox is short and snappy,
while the engine power builds
progressively on the motorway.
● BEST POINTS: It has to be
the price for such a quality car,
plus it’s easy to park.
*Prices vary check out seat.ie
FUN CAR — The Seat
Ibiza’s trim is an acquired
taste but has a great
infotainment system
● LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
SPORT
Price: From €41,565
PCP Finance over three years:
€489* per month (based on 10
per cent deposit)
● WHAT’S UNDER THE
BONNET?
Engine: 2.0 TD4 diesel 150PS
● WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO
KNOW? Transmission: Manual,
6-speed 4WD
Body type: 5-door SUV
Tax: €280 per year
A classy family SUV, the Land
Rover Discovery Sport is the
stylish and luxurious
replacement for its
predecessor, the Freelander.
Based on the Evoque model,
the inside is sleek and has
plenty of top-notch materials,
with classy touches such as
brushed-metal trim and the
slim-rimmed steering wheel.
A high level of equipment is
also standard, including heated
seats, part-leather upholstery,
climate control, alloy wheels,
Bluetooth and a DAB radio.
There is plenty of useful
storage, with
numerous cup
holders and it
the option of
USB charging
ports to you
and all your
passengers,
even those in
the third row,
so no more
fighting when
the gadgets run out of juice.
The Discovery Sport’s optional
seven seat configuration is quite
amazing. You get plenty of
head and legroom in the front
and sliding middle-row seats,
although the two rear-most
ones are best for children — still
impressive as it’s a shorter car
than many rivals.
The wide driver’s seat is very
comfy with adjustable lumbar
support, which makes finding
the ideal driving position easier.
For such a big machine, the
Discovery is quiet on the
motorway, and you don’t feel
any bumps or potholes as it
glides over them effortlessly.
The ride quality both on and
off-road is excellent, it feels
capable and fun with plenty of
grip in the corners.
Just recently Rachel Allen was
announced as Land Rovers’
Ambassador in Ireland; popular
TV chef is pictured above
collecting her new Land Rover
Discovery. I’ll be waiting by the
door for mine — anyone?
*Prices vary check out www.
spiritlandrover.ie
DISCOVERY— The Land Rover
Discovery Sport is cool machine
DRIVING
SEAT— Land
Rover ambassador
Rachel Allen
For terms and conditions see our ad on page 11
Landrover Discovery Sport 2.0
Seat Ibiza SE 1.6CDTi
*ALL PCP prices may vary, check your dealer.
email audreykanegraphics@gmail.com