CompleteCar
First Drives

Access all our first drives in new cars here. The test drives usually take place at international launches abroad months before the cars go on sale in Ireland. Sometimes the cars won't be to Irish specification and pricing may not be available at the time of writing.

Renault Rafale E-Tech 300 PHEV (2025) review

We’ve now sampled the Rafale in plug-in hybrid form, but will it prove itself as a worthy rival to the premium elite?

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Alpine A290 GTS (2025) review

The ‘hot’ version of the Renault 5 adds Alpine’s motorsport know-how to an already impressive electric hatchback.

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Leapmotor C10 (2025) review

Can the help of Stellantis ensure China’s answer to the Audi Q6 e-tron and BMW iX3 will compete on more than just price?

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BMW M5 Touring (2025) review

The new BMW M5 is proving controversial with its weight and hybrid power. Does a Touring version soothe the ruffled feathers of M-fans?

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Opel Grandland Hybrid (2025) review

Opel’s Grandland SUV comes with petrol power as well as electric, so which to choose?

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Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition (2024) review

A revised Volkswagen Golf R (Mk8.5) is here with more power and a fancy diff.

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