• About Joanne Ahern

    Joanne is a Dublin-based journalist whose interest in new cars stems from a childhood of being let down by bangers. When not road testing motors she gets around in a Peugeot 307cc called Ben. Joanne loves chocolate and coffee and is not a fan of electric parking brakes.

    Turning heads in stunning Audi TT

    by  • February 18, 2015 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2015 Audi TT exterior front left static

    Thought you’d never get to drive a brand new Audi TT? Well, think again. After nearly a decade, Audi has brought a brand new TT to a new generation of drivers – and it’s a beauty. With its curvy coupe body and rear spoiler, there’s no doubt our red TT test car turned heads...

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    Kia Sportspace concept for Geneva debut

    by  • February 18, 2015 • Motoring News

    2015 Kia Sportspace concept exterior front right static

    The Kia Sportspace concept will be unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show next month. Created for long distance driving, the Sportspace has been ‘designed for fast and efficient travel with maximum comfort and minimal stress, in the best grand touring tradition of the weekend getaway’. Kia describes the shape of the Sportspace as...

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    New DS 5 to be unveiled at Geneva

    by  • February 17, 2015 • Motoring News

    2015 Citroen DS 5 exterior front left static

    Details have been released of the facelifted DS 5, ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The new DS 5 is the first model in the brand’s stand-alone identity. Previously, the DS range also carried the Citroen badge. The French car manufacturer said the facelifted DS 5 continues with its...

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    First Drive: Ford Focus

    by  • February 17, 2015 • Car Reviews, First Drives

    2015 Ford Focus exterior front right dynamic

    The wait is over for the new Ford Focus. The latest generation model is now available at Ford dealerships across the country – and we got a chance to take it for a spin at its Irish launch in Dublin. The new Ford Focus is being offered in a choice of petrol and diesel...

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    BMW has young families in its sights with 2 Series Gran Tourer

    by  • February 13, 2015 • Motoring News

    2015 BMW 2 Series gran tourer exterior front left dynamic

    The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is due in Ireland on June 6. BMW is describing it as the ‘first premium compact model to offer up to seven seats and fully meet the mobility requirements of young families’. Passenger and luggage priority is also flexible, with a sliding second row of seats and...

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    Stylish family motoring in Opel Astra saloon

    by  • February 11, 2015 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    Opel Astra saloon exterior front right static

    Up until recently I’ve had very scant regard for the electric parking brake, far preferring the traditional physical handbrake. However, the new Opel Astra saloon has opened my eyes to the spatial benefit of the switch. The Astra saloon, a beautiful car, is clearly designed for the newcomer. There’s nothing wrong with the handbrake,...

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    Beautiful cabin award for Citroen C4 Cactus

    by  • February 10, 2015 • Motoring News

    2014 Citroen C4 Cactus interior cockpit

    The quirky cabin in the new Citroen C4 Cactus has been acknowledged with the Most Beautiful Interior of the Year award at the 30th International Automobile Festival in Paris. The prize is awarded to the production model with ‘the most relevant design approach in terms of the harmony of shapes, materials and colours’. Jury...

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    Mazda2 goes on sale in Ireland

    by  • February 5, 2015 • Motoring News

    2015 Mazda Mazda2 exterior front left dynamic

    Mazda has announced details of the all-new Mazda2, saying it ‘brings new levels of technological sophistication, driving pleasure and active safety’ to its segment. The supermini is now available to order in Ireland, for March delivery. The new model is offered in a choice to two petrol and one diesel engine – SKYACTIV-G 1.5...

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