May 2025 brought encouraging signs for Ireland’s auto industry, as new car registrations rose by 1.6 percent, showcasing a market still leaning heavily on compact crossovers and hatchbacks. While petrol-powered cars remained the go-to for most buyers with 71,291 units sold, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales saw a notable 25.8 percent surge, capturing 21.8 percent of the overall market share.

Leading the charge in popularity is the Ford Puma, which claimed the title of Ireland’s best-selling car for May. Combining style, practicality, and affordability, the Puma’s frugal petrol options and clever boot storage (hello, ‘Gigabox’) make it a hit with both first-time buyers and growing families. The newly introduced Gen-E electric variant adds even more appeal for eco-conscious drivers.

Right behind it is the Kia Sportage, securing the second spot with its versatile blend of family-friendly space, smooth handling, and a strong equipment list. Kia’s hallmark seven-year warranty continues to offer peace of mind, while petrol and hybrid options cater to varying preferences.

The Nissan Qashqai rounds out the top three — no surprise considering it’s built in Britain and frequently praised for its comfortable ride, updated styling, and hybrid choices. Its generous boot space and family-focused features have made it a reliable choice on Irish roads.

Sliding into fourth is the Nissan Juke, the compact crossover that helped define its segment. Now refreshed with bold exterior tweaks and new paint options, the Juke’s quirky appeal lives on, especially for urban drivers.

In fifth place, the Vauxhall Corsa proves small hatchbacks are still in demand. Affordable and now available with petrol, hybrid, and electric drivetrains, the Corsa is perfect for drivers looking for efficient, no-nonsense commuting — with a recent styling update adding modern flair.

Coming in sixth is the MG ZS, a rising star from one of China’s most prominent automakers. With impressive standard features, roomy interiors, and hybrid options, the ZS is becoming an increasingly common sight in Irish driveways.

In seventh is the Volkswagen Polo, a refined supermini that feels more like a scaled-down Golf than an entry-level city car. It combines class-leading build quality with efficient turbocharged engines — and even has a sporty GTI variant for thrill-seekers.

The Hyundai Kona lands eighth, standing out with bold design, an upscale interior, and multiple drivetrain choices including electric. It’s particularly appealing for younger buyers who want tech, efficiency, and style in one smart package.

Ninth place goes to the Peugeot 2008, a compact SUV for drivers who like a dash of flair. Its quirky cabin, fuel efficiency, and electric options are helping it climb the sales ladder fast in Ireland’s style-conscious market.

Finally, the iconic Mini Cooper secures the tenth spot. Known for its go-kart-like handling and playful design, the new Mini also embraces sustainability with recycled materials in the cabin and a cutting-edge OLED touchscreen. Available in both 3- and 5-door versions, it’s still the most fun you can legally have on four wheels.

Bentley has officially unveiled the 2025 Flying Spur for the U.S. market, and it’s already being celebrated as a masterclass in opulence and engineering. For American luxury car buyers who crave both a stately presence and raw performance, the latest Flying Spur delivers an unmatched combination of craftsmanship, innovation, and brute power.

Long known as Bentley’s flagship sedan, the Flying Spur enters 2025 with subtle yet substantial upgrades that elevate its prestige even further. At first glance, its commanding stance, signature matrix grille, and sculpted hood immediately signal its elite pedigree. But the real story unfolds inside, where British hand-built luxury meets futuristic technology.

The cabin, meticulously crafted in Bentley’s famed Crewe facility, features sustainably sourced leather, open-pore wood veneers, and customizable ambient lighting that bathes the interior in soft, sophisticated tones. Rear-seat comfort has been elevated, offering executive-class features like power-adjustable massage seats, tablet controls, and deep pile carpets — making it as much a private lounge as it is a vehicle.

Sustainably Sourced Leather

Under the hood, U.S. buyers can opt for either a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 542 horsepower, or the commanding 6.0-liter W12 engine, which unleashes 626 horsepower and sprints the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Power is delivered through an advanced all-wheel-drive system and Bentley’s Dynamic Ride tech, ensuring both road dominance and a velvet-smooth experience.

6.0-liter W12 engine

What makes the 2025 model especially noteworthy is its embrace of technology without compromising tradition. The latest Flying Spur now features adaptive cruise with lane-centering, a 360-degree camera system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an advanced infotainment system embedded within a rotating center display that seamlessly flips between digital screens and analog elegance.

As Bentley transitions toward full electrification by 2030, the Flying Spur may very well be one of the last roaring luxury sedans of its kind — a final salute to combustion-powered craftsmanship done right.

With pricing expected to begin north of $225,000, the 2025 Bentley Flying Spur isn’t for the faint of heart — or wallet. But for those who understand the value of legacy, performance, and tailor-made prestige, this vehicle is not just a mode of transportation — it’s a moving statement.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has officially landed in the U.S., and it’s already being hailed as a benchmark for midsize luxury sedans. With its sleek redesign, groundbreaking technology, and German-engineered refinement, the latest E-Class is giving American car buyers more than a reason to ditch the SUV trend and return to the art of the premium sedan.

From first glance, the new E-Class exudes confidence. The exterior design blends classic Mercedes elegance with futuristic styling cues — a more sculpted front fascia, elongated profile, and a distinctive light strip that connects the taillamps, all wrapped in a sharper, more aerodynamic silhouette. It’s bold yet refined, exactly what you’d expect from a brand that has led the luxury car game for decades.

Inside, it’s a tech lover’s dream and a comfort-seeker’s sanctuary. The cabin showcases Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX Superscreen, featuring a high-resolution driver display and an optional front passenger screen. Powered by a next-gen operating system with AI-assisted voice control, the interface adapts to individual user preferences — making the E-Class one of the smartest cars on U.S. roads right now. For audiophiles, the optional Burmester 4D surround sound system delivers concert-quality audio in every seat.

Performance remains a highlight of the E-Class identity. The U.S. models currently include the E350 4MATIC with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and the more powerful E450 4MATIC featuring a 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup churning out 375 horsepower. Both variants come with Mercedes’ renowned 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and a 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers a seamless, confident ride whether cruising city streets or commanding the highway.

Where this model truly shines is its approach to luxury mobility in a modern world. With enhanced semi-autonomous driving features, active ambient lighting that reacts to driving dynamics, and even in-cabin selfie cameras for video calls or vlogs, the new E-Class doesn’t just keep up with innovation — it leads it.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been the go-to vehicle for professionals, executives, and enthusiasts alike. And this 2024 refresh feels like a love letter to that legacy — while embracing everything the future of driving demands.

In a market dominated by SUVs and electric hype, the E-Class reasserts the sedan’s reign in the luxury space. For U.S. buyers craving a sophisticated, feature-rich, and performance-balanced daily driver, the 2024 E-Class might just be the ultimate answer.