Latest news with #MotorsExclusive
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
I drove updated Renault Austral… it's a decently priced, edgier version of old model that's a great choice for families
IT will never be a darling of the chic Renault set like the trending 4 and 5, but Austral has been given another season to try and reel in the punters, now with more contemporary looks and boosted refinement. Being one of arguably seven SUVs in Renault's line-up doesn't help the sensibly-sized Austral stand out from the crowd. Advertisement 3 Austral isn't as trendy as Renault's 4 or 5 – but it's back with sharper styling and slicker refinement to win over families 3 The front and rear ends have been substantially redesigned and successfully banish that uninspiring vibe the previous generation gave off 3 The mega comfy new seats are a revelation here. Love at first sit But Renault likes to call this 'choice', not overkill. Bosses swear blind their SUVs don't compete with each other but rather complement. Regardless of Gallic spin, we do agree that choice is a good thing. Austral is the last Renault to receive the brand's latest design language, and with that it is ultimately a facelift of the 2022 car rather than an all-new motor. Advertisement READ MORE ROAD TESTS The front and rear ends have been substantially redesigned and successfully banish that uninspiring vibe the previous generation gave off. Cleaner, edgier, more posh. As a full-hybrid – that's one without a plug – it's capable of taking you up to 683 miles on one tank of gas thanks to its frugal 1.2-litre turbo engine, pair of electric motors and diddy 2kWh battery, which combine to deliver out a brilliant 58mpg. It also does it with notably more comfort than before. The mega comfy new seats are a revelation here. Love at first sit. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Sound insulation has been significantly bolstered to deliver decently hushed progress. And the upgraded gearbox and suspension dial out the sub-premium edges of the older model's ride and handling – despite my test car rocking the big new 20in alloy rims option. The Sun's Motors Editor Rob Gill takes the new electric Renault 5 for a spin It also comes loaded with the full Google suite, including Google Maps navigation and Google Assistant voice control, with handy over-the-air software updates through the 12in portrait touchscreen so things can only get better yet. While there is only one automatic powertrain available there will be three trim levels from launch that starts with the £35k Techno. Advertisement The line-up tops out with the £39k Iconic Esprit Alpine. Austral Season 2 is out August and well worth putting on your watchlist That's pretty decent pricing for a decently efficient, decent looking, decently tech'd-up SUV that will take 527 litres of family junk in the trunk. Austral Season 2 is out August and well worth putting on your watchlist. KEY FACTS: RENAULT AUSTRAL E-TECH Price: £35,000 Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol hybrid Power: 200hp 0-62mph: 8.4 secs Top speed: 111mph Economy: 58mpg Co2: 109g/km
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Huge car brand revives iconic model as ‘complete package' EV two years after being discontinued
A HUGE car brand is reviving an iconic model as a 'complete package' EV - just two years after it was discontinued. Toyota's C-HR model first Advertisement 2 Toyota are reviving a former model - do you know which one? Credit: Toyota 2 The Toyota C-HR originally launched in 2016 Credit: Jayson Fong Meanwhile the previous C-HR model came The 2026 model, which is coming to the US, will be a fully electric crossover. Car buffs will know the C-HR initially arrived Stateside for the 2018 model season - only to be discontinued four years later. In contrast to the former gas iteration, this new C-HR brings a 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors. Advertisement Read more on Toyota This means the vehicle boasts a 388 horsepower - as well as a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds. Those familiar with the former C-HR will rediscover the familiar four-door coupe set up. Although this time around, the model features contemporary upgrades alongside a new face. Interior features include a 14-inch touchscreen, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive As of writing, Toyota has not yet unveiled cost details for the new 2026 Toyota C-HR. It is not the first time the car giants have brought back a former model with a new twist. Inside Toyota's UK production plant as it builds five MILLIONTH motor since first Carina E rolled off the line in 1992 Last year, Toyota These plans came ten years after the forgotten model had been discontinued. Advertisement The Japanese manufacturer's second electric, it was expected to rival the Volvo EX40, Peugeot e-3008 and Mini Aceman. The Urban Cruiser was created after Toyota and Suzuki teamed up, making it very similar to Suzuki's e-Vitara.
The Irish Sun
12-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Major road in popular British seaside town for holidaymakers CLOSED for six days
A MAIN road that runs through a popular seaside town will be shut for six days this week. The road closure in the picturesque Welsh town of Fishguard — ranked as one of the best UK seaside towns to move to in 2025 — may cause disruptions for locals and visitors. Advertisement 4 The High Street leading to The Square in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire Credit: Alamy 4 The old harbour in Fishguard Credit: Alamy Fishguard High Street will be closed in both directions due to road resurfacing work until Friday, 16 May. Some of the initial work involved laying new infrastructure for new flats being built next to one of the main shops in the town. However, some businesses along the road have stayed open, and pedestrian access is still available. Temporary traffic lights are operating 24/7, authorities have said. The one-way system has been temporarily converted into a two-way system while roadworks continue. Advertisement Traffic coming from the A487 in Lower Town will be redirected along West Street and can then continue via Ropewalk and Penbanc, or take the A40 bypass to reach the top of Fishguard High Street. The Pembrokeshire town is known for its scenic coastal trails, colorful buildings by the harbor, and rich history. Fishguard has two harbours, the oldest being Lower Town Harbour, which played an important role in the Irish ferry trade. There are many attractions to explore, such as the rugged Strumble Head, which marks the southern boundary of Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive The viewpoint is renowned for being a prime location to see seals, dolphins, seabirds, and porpoises. The restaurant scene in Fishguard is thriving, with around 25 restaurants for every 1,000 residents, so you'll never have trouble finding a place to eat. A study conducted by The study revealed that Fishguard enjoys 1,663.62 hours of sunshine annually, contributing to its popularity as a tourist destination. Advertisement The town has a long history and is famous for the Last Invasion of Britain in 1797, an event commemorated by the Fishguard Tapestry. Fishguard was the last place in Britain to be invaded by France, but a regiment of local Welsh women thwarted the invasion thanks to their traditional clothing. "The women stood on these clifftops in their scarlet bodices and tall black hats, which the French mistook for British Army uniform. Within 48 hours of landing, the French surrendered," a tour guide told The Sun . Construction of Fishguard Harbour started in 1894 and was finished in 1906 to serve the Irish ferry trade. Advertisement Fishguard is expected to host 30 cruise ship arrivals in 2025, with each ship bringing between 100 and 2,500 passengers. 4 Boats in the harbour in the seaside village of Lower Fishguard Credit: Alamy 4 Taj Mahal Restaurant and Bennetts Navy Tavern, on High Street Fishguard Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Best first car revealed by expert mechanics as compact hatchback with its own touchscreen – and costs less than £5,000
THE best first car has been revealed by experts as a compact hatchback with its own touchscreen - for under £5,000. Newly qualified drivers will likely be counting the pennies when it comes to their first car - in-part due to already high insurance costs. Advertisement 2 Experts have recommended the Peugeot 108 as the perfect first car Credit: Alamy 2 It can go from 0-62mph in 13.8 seconds and has a top speed of just under 100mph Credit: Alamy So the Peugeot 108 may well be the perfect option, according to YouTuber @MotorBodies. "This Peugeot 108 right here. That's the one." The Peugeot 108 is ideal for those prioritising price over power - with its 1-litre engine producing just 72bhp. Advertisement read more motors news It can go from 0-62mph in 13.8 seconds - with a top speed of just under 100mph. @MotorBodies also recommended the Toyota Aygo or Kia Picanto - similarly small-engined vehicles that are cheap to both buy and run. "These are all basically the same cars," the YouTuber added. "These cars here are only a 1.0 litre so they are cheap on insurance and on fuel. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive "And if you ever get in a ding then parts are really cheap to replace. Pick a car up like this for easily under £5k. "In my opinion , this is the best first car to get." The 10 cheap cars to buy and drive into London to beat the £21.50 a day T-Charge Last year, Matt Watson, the Chief Content Officer at , an online marketplace for new and used cars, Speaking to The Sun, he said: "Buying your Advertisement "It needs to be in the lowest insurance group to have a chance of returning an affordable quote, while also being easy to drive, practical enough for your needs and cheap to run. "Finding a car that's good value, safe, and not so desperately uncool that your friends insist on still taking the bus are also pretty important factors to consider. "The good news is that there are lots of cars that can fit the bill , with a little bit of online research. "There are great condition options for less than £5,000, making an affordable entry point to the world of car ownership." Advertisement Top of his list was the Vauxhall Corsa, which he said was "as unthreatening to a new driver as a kitten is to a mountain lion". Matt pointed to a 2015 1.4-litre example with 70,920 miles on the clock for smack bang on the £5,000 budget. Also among his recommendations were the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Kia Picanto.
