• 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.

    May launch for new Kia cee’d

    by  • April 16, 2012 • Motoring News

    2012 Kia Cee'd exterior - left front

    The all new Kia cee’d will reach Irish showrooms next month, with the five-door model the first to be unveiled. The SW version will follow in September, with the three-door scheduled for January 2013. Three trims will be available in Ireland – the entry level TX, mid-level EX and top of the range Platinum....

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    Sporty Peugeot 208 set for June launch

    by  • April 11, 2012 • Motoring News

    2012 Peugeot 208 exterior - right view

    Sporty and athletic is the look Peugeot is going for with the launch later this year of its newest super-mini, the 208. Adopting the new Peugeot style lines of the 508 and facelift 308, the Peugeot 208 features a floating grille, newly sculpted lights and boomerang rear lamps. The new 208 also manages to...

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    Alfa Romeo Giulietta – Racing’s in its DNA

    by  • April 11, 2012 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta exterior

    There is really no excuse for Giulietta drivers filling up with the wrong fuel – not only does it tell you on the refueling cap, it also tells you on the instrument panel inside the car. The 5-door Giulietta is a beautiful looking small family car that has the heart of a racer. Integral...

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    Opel and its magic mirrors

    by  • April 4, 2012 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2011 Opel Insignia exterior - right side

    If I could only use one word to recommend the Opel Insignia it would be mirrors – wing mirrors to be exact. It may seem an odd feature to hang a car review on, but these are magic wing mirrors – they adjust their view when you put the car in reverse and return...

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    Chrysler’s stylish little city car

    by  • March 28, 2012 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2012 Chrysler Ypsilon exterior

    If you’re in the market for a city car that will really stand out in the looks department and is a fun little drive then you should check out the Chrysler Ypsilon. The baby of the Chrysler family is a really distinctive looking car, especially the front grille, and the model I was driving...

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    Eco friendly urban driving with the Auris HSD

    by  • March 21, 2012 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2011 Toyota Auris HSD exterior

    If you’re in the market for a small family car, your main driving is in city traffic and you’re looking to be more environmentally friendly this year then the Toyota Auris HSD may be the car for you. The Auris hybrid is a beautifully styled, neat looking little car with a distinct futuristic feel...

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    First Drive: Skoda Citigo

    by  • March 7, 2012 • Car Reviews, First Drives

    2012 Skoda Citigo exterior - green

    If a photo holder is high on your check list of what matters and you’re in the market for a new city car you might want to hold on until July, when Skoda’s new Citigo hits our shores. This dinky little car is expected to retail in Ireland around the €10,000 mark for the...

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    Ampera takes Car of the Year award

    by  • March 7, 2012 • Motoring News

    2012 Opel Ampera exterior

    The Opel Ampera has come up tops after being named European Car of the Year by motoring journalists from 23 countries. The Ampera, which is branded as the Chevrolet Volt in the United States and which premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009, is an electric car. It beat Volkswagen’s up! into second...

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