• 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.

    Citroën Grand C4 Picasso perfect for families

    by  • October 8, 2014 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2014 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso exterior front right static

    Imagine it, three small children in baby seats lulled to sleep in the back of the car, your other half balmed out on a heated recliner massage seat beside you, and you, the driver, also getting the benefit of a heated back massage. You don’t need to imagine it – Citroën has made it...

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    SsangYong puts manners on Rexton W

    by  • October 1, 2014 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2014 SsangYong Rexton W exterior front right static

    If you ever had designs on being a member of the Secret Service (well, driving one of their cars anyway), then the SsangYong Rexton W is for you. With its blacked out rear windows, high and imposing structure, the Rexton W is an attractive, American-looking SUV and really cuts a dash. Inside, the cabin...

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    Volkswagen e-Golf arrives in Ireland

    by  • September 29, 2014 • Motoring News

    2014 Volkswagen e-Golf exterior front right dynamic

    The all-electric Volkswagen e-Golf is now available to order, with prices starting from €32,660. Based on the standard Volkswagen Golf, the EV has a range of 190km, depending on driving, and a top speed of 140kph. It can accelerate from 0-100kph in 10.4 seconds. Its standard full charge from a standard domestic three-pin socket...

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    Nissan hopes to set pulses racing with new Pulsar hatch

    by  • September 19, 2014 • Motoring News

    2014 Nissan Pulsar exterior front right dynamic

    The new Nissan Pulsar will arrive in Irish showrooms in October. A replacement for the Nissan Almera, the new model will be available in three trims – the XE, SV and SVE. Air conditioning, electric windows, Start and Stop, tyre pressure monitoring and a five-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display are standard. Nissan says the family...

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    Seat scores again with fab Leon Cupra

    by  • September 17, 2014 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 exterior left front static

    When I got my hands on the Seat Cupra 280, the test car was just eight weeks old – and already had nearly 6,500km on the clock – I knew it must be good. The Cupra was the first hot hatch I had ever driven and so holds a special place in my heart....

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    October date for open top Opel Adam Rocks

    by  • September 12, 2014 • Motoring News

    2014 Opel Adam Rocks exterior front right static

    Opel is adding a cabrio version to its Opel Adam city car range. The ‘adventure-loving open-air car’, the Adam Rocks arrives in Ireland next month. It differs from the original Adam through increased height and ‘distinctive body cladding’, as well as an electrically folding swing top canvas roof. The Adam Rocks will be available...

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    Two more to desire from Citroën DS3 range

    by  • September 10, 2014 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

    2014 Citroen DS3 Faubourg Addict exterior right front static

    The Citroën DS3 is one of the snazziest looking compact hatchbacks on the market at the moment and is a personal favourite. So, when not one but two eye-catching variants landed on my desk lately (not literally, obviously), I was delighted. The DS3 in its basic embodiment is a trendy looking three-door, four-seat city...

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    All-new Ford Mondeo available to order

    by  • September 9, 2014 • Motoring News

    2015 Ford Mondeo exterior front right static

    The all new Ford Mondeo is expected in Ford dealerships across the country in late November. Prices for the new mid- and high-series models start from €28,995 and the cars are now available to order. The new model will initially be available in two trims – Zetec and Titanium – in both five-door and...

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