Top cars of the Year: A Look at the Best of the Best
It’s time to celebrate the best of the automotive world! We’ve put a variety of vehicles through their paces over the past year, experiencing everything from sleek superminis to spacious saloons. Hear’s a breakdown of our top picks.Best Small Car: The renault Clio
Renault has had a phenomenal year, and the Clio is a shining example of why. The recently facelifted model is a real head-turner, boasting both stylish looks and extraordinary engineering. A standout feature is the excellent hybrid engine option that combines power with remarkable fuel efficiency. Throw in a generous list of features and a truly enjoyable driving experience, and it’s no surprise the clio is at the top of its game. [Image: Renault Clio][1]Best Small SUV: Jeep Avenger Hybrid
Jeep’s Avenger initially went electric-only, but a change in market conditions led to the addition of petrol and hybrid options. this strategic move will undoubtedly boost sales of this 2024 European Car of the Year contender. The hybrid model we tested in November impressed with its affordability,fuel efficiency,and striking aesthetics. Its combination of practicality, value, and style has made it a winner. [Image: Jeep Avenger Hybrid][2]Best Saloon: Volkswagen ID.7
While SUVs continue to dominate the market, Volkswagen proves that saloons still have a place with the ID.7. This large, comfortable, and stylish saloon offers a range that puts many SUVs to shame. It’s undeniably a premium option, but the driving experience and overall refinement make it a standout choice. The ID.7 is a shining example of Volkswagen’s commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality vehicles. [Image: Volkswagen ID.7][3]Best Small/Medium SUV: Lexus LBX
The Lexus LBX carves its own niche in the crowded small to medium SUV market. It’s a standout for its complex styling and impressive fuel efficiency. The LBX combines luxury with practicality, making it a great option for drivers seeking a refined and efficient SUV experience.[Image: Lexus LBX][4] [1]:
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The Lexus LBX,the brand’s smallest SUV,has made quite an impression. As an entry-level model, it could have easily lacked the luxury Lexus is known for, but that wasn’t the case.”Sophistication” is the defining characteristic of the LBX,a car that exudes class and refinement.
Best Medium SUV: Renault Scenic
This year, the LBX is predicted to be a top seller, and deservedly so. Renault’s Scenic has undergone a transformation, evolving from an MPV to a stylish SUV. The EV version boasts impressive technology, including a battery with individually replaceable modules, and a level of sophistication that has earned it numerous Car of the year awards. It’s an outstanding EV, offering excellent range, impressive acceleration, and comfort levels typically found in much pricier vehicles. The Scenic represents a new wave of French cars that are turning heads, and its striking design is likely to ensure its longevity.
Renault hasn’t explicitly confirmed the shift, but the Scenic’s evolution from MPV to SUV is evident.
Best Estate: BMW i5 Touring
The BMW i5 Touring exemplifies quality. It’s not just visually stunning; it exudes class from every angle – its design, its EV technology, its practicality, and the remarkable quality of its build and comfort.
A welcome departure from the ubiquitous SUV, the i5 Touring is a head-turner with its breathtaking design and exceptional driving dynamics.While its range might not be groundbreaking, it’s an honest EV that delivers on its promises, consistently achieving a range of around 400km. It’s a premium vehicle, but the quality is undeniable.
Best Large SUV: Honda CR-V
Over the years,honda’s SUV lineup has expanded,and the latest CR-V has grown in size.Though, it remains one of the smoothest and most comfortable SUVs on the market. We had the prospect to test drive the PHEV version, and while it’s not necessarily a speed demon, it offered a satisfying driving experience and impressed with its fuel efficiency.
Best Cars of the Year: A Look at the Top Contenders
This year’s automotive landscape is brimming with innovation and style. From sleek coupes to spacious vans, car manufacturers have outdone themselves, delivering vehicles that are not only practical but also visually stunning. Here’s a glimpse at some of the standout models that have captured our attention:
Best Coupe: mercedes CLE
Mercedes-Benz consistently delivers luxurious and elegant vehicles, and the new CLE coupe is no exception. This head-turner might not be the most powerful coupe in Mercedes’ lineup,but its beauty is undeniable. Replacing both the C-Class and E-Class coupes, the CLE could be one of the last gasoline-powered cars from the Stuttgart giant, as Mercedes plans to transition to electric vehicles next year.
The CLE 220d diesel is the only diesel option in the lineup and is expected to be a popular choice in Ireland. While a coupe diesel might seem unconventional, this model packs a punch and delivers impressive fuel efficiency. “This is a beauty,” as we mentioned, and it’s worth repeating.
best SUV Coupe: renault Rafale
SUV coupes often draw mixed reactions, but the Renault Rafale surprised us. This sleek and spacious SUV coupe challenges the norms of its category. Renault has demonstrated its prowess in recent years with innovative designs and engineering, and the Rafale is a testament to that progress.
This large SUV coupe boasts elegant lines and thoughtful design touches, such as the 3D grille and LED lights. The four-wheel steering system adds an element of agility, while the hybrid propulsion system enhances efficiency. Despite its coupe-like appearance, the Rafale is surprisingly practical, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. Its cavernous boot further emphasizes its versatility. This unconventional SUV coupe is a welcome departure from the norm and a fresh take on a sometimes-maligned vehicle category.
Best Van: Volkswagen ID.Buzz
While volkswagen markets the ID.Buzz as a van, its charming design and retro vibes blur the lines between commercial vehicle and stylish transporter.Drawing inspiration from the iconic VW Type 2 camper van, the ID.Buzz is undeniably cute. This fully electric van offers practicality and a touch of nostalgia, making it a standout choice for both work and play.
back to Basics with a Twist: Dacia Unveils the New Duster
the automotive world is abuzz about the newly released Dacia Duster, a car that defies expectations and redefines value for money. While it has only recently arrived on Irish roads,its impact is already being felt,and we predict a seismic shift for Dacia in the coming year. Our first encounter with the new Duster was a revelation. In an era where vehicles are frequently enough judged by their price tag, the Duster offers a refreshing change. 
This isn’t Dacia’s first foray into creating practical and affordable vehicles.the Duster has long held a reputation for being both hardworking and budget-amiable, earning a place in many driveways. However, some perceived it as being built from leftover parts from its parent company, Renault.
this perception, though unfair, underscored the realities of an evolving market where status often trumps practicality.
Dacia has cleverly tapped into a consumer base that prioritizes value and substance.
The new Duster is not a mere refresh; it’s a complete transformation. It retains its signature affordability, but now boasts clever design elements, incorporates hybrid engine options, and comes loaded with impressive specifications.
Those familiar with Land Rover designs might spot some similarities, but this only enhances the Duster’s appeal, making it appear even more of a bargain.
On the road, the Duster shines.It offers a smooth drive and is remarkably free of any noticeable flaws.This critically important leap forward for Dacia is sure to translate into impressive sales figures.
“A bit of a gem,” is how we’d describe it. In fact,it’s considered a strong contender for next year’s European Car of the Year prize.
It seems we’re ahead of the curve on this one.
