Volkswagen Passat (2026): Price for Ireland, Engines & Specs
Volkswagen Ireland has announced the reintroduction of the Volkswagen Passat. Available as an estate only, the new Passat comes in Business and R-Line trim levels.
The latest Passat gives buyers two different engine options for the Irish market. Kicking off the range is a 1.5-litre 'eHybrid' plug-in hybrid with 204hp. There's also Volkswagen's well-proven, 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 150hp. Both power options come with a DSG gearbox.
The Passat eHybrid has a 19.7kWh battery and electric range of 120-134 kilometres, offering flexibility to buyers with access to charging.
The diesel version offers up to 690 litres of boot space, while the plug-in hybrid provides 510 litres due to battery packaging. Both figures are in line with key rivals such as the Skoda Superb Combi, making the Passat a strong option for families and business users alike.
There are three Isofix points for family buyers.
2026 Volkswagen Passat Pricing for Ireland
The Passat Estate Business comes with 17-inch alloys, 12.9-inch infotainment display, LED matrix headlamps, adaptive cruise control and powered tailgate.
The Passat R-Line adds sportier styling, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 15-inch infotainment display, head-up display, panoramic sunroof and heated front/rear seats.
All plug-in hybrid versions of the new Passat come with Dynamic Chassis Control for better ride quality.
The 2026 Volkswagen Passat Estate is available to order now in Ireland. Pricing starts from €47,995 for the 1.5 eHybrid Business and €53,995 for the R-Line.
The diesel range starts from €50,995 for the Business and €55,995 for the R-Line.
Alan Bateson, Director of Volkswagen Ireland, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the return of the Passat Estate to the Irish market. The Passat has long been one of Volkswagen’s most trusted and respected nameplates, and the Estate version offers the perfect combination of style, comfort and practicality that Irish customers truly value.
We are confident that the new Passat Estate will once again become a strong favourite among Irish customers who require refinement, reliability and generous space without compromising on performance or design. We look forward to seeing the iconic Passat take to Irish roads once again”.
Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen ID.3 GTX review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's electric hatchback in Ireland.
The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is the most performance-focused version of VW’s electric hatchback yet, bringing up to 326hp through the rear wheels and a series of upgrades to help it manage that extra power.
Priced from €38,695 on the road for the GTX, or from €40,440 for the GTX Performance Plus tested here, it lines up against rivals such as the Cupra Born VZ, Alpine A290 and Smart #1 Brabus.
But the big question remains - is this a true hot hatch or simply a faster ID.3?
Design
The ID.3 is a smart, compact design that was quite a departure for the brand when it first appeared in 2019. It looks particularly sharp with all the sporty trimmings of the GTX and finished in King's Red Metallic, though other colours are available too.
The GTX has a pleasant low, sporty stance. You can spot the GTX thanks to sportier bumpers front and rear, GTX badges and 20-inch alloy wheels, optionally available in black. At the front, the GTX has matrix LED headlights as standard and distinctive new LED arrowhead daytime running lights. There is also a special diamond design in the front air intake, finished in gloss black.
Wing mirror caps are painted black, plus aggressive new side sills that will please most boy racers and a sporty diffuser effect in the rear bumper.
Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Interior
The ID.3’s minimalist cabin was initially a shock compared to previous VW models, but it has matured and in GTX trim, it feels both sportier and higher quality.
Highlights include sports seats with power adjustment and even plusher upholstery for the Performance Plus model I tested. There's also a unique GTX steering wheel and dashboard trim with red stitching.
Like all new versions of the ID.3, the GTX gets the new 12.9-inch touchscreen that appears in other Volkswagen models too. It's far better than earlier models, with new graphics and menus, clearer layout and shortcuts, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Ventilation controls are in the screen as before, while the sliders underneath for the temperature are now backlit at night.
Battery pre-conditioning is also included and can be set manually or automatically through the navigation system.
The GTX has a high spec including heated front seats, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, Harman Kardon sound system and a parking camera.
Practicality
Volkswagen has improved practicality too with larger battery versions of the ID.3 like the GTX now coming with five seats (they used to be four seat only). There's a good amount of legroom for rear seat passengers though headroom could feel tight for very tall adults. There are handy features like USB-C points and Isofix on the two outer seats and front passenger seat.
The boot comes in at 385 litres, which is good for a hatchback though there is no adjustable boot floor or place to store charging cables separately.
Driving the ID.3 GTX
The standard ID.3 offers 170–204hp, but the GTX ramps things up significantly. The standard GTX has 286hp, while the GTX Performance Plus tested here produces 326hp and 560Nm of torque, hitting 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
Performance upgrades include progressive steering, retuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, and Dynamic Chassis Control comes as standard on the Performance Plus.
On the road, the GTX offers sharp and responsive handling, and can turn into a corner with some real talent, and exit it with even more speed thanks to the rear mounted electric motor. It's possible to get into a nice rhythm with the car on a twisty, mountain road. It’s fast and capable, but it doesn’t yet deliver the noise and engagement of a true Golf GTI, and that’s likely why VW uses the GTX badge.
The GTX rides a tad firm so you do feel the road underneath you but it's never noisy or jarring. The DCC helps a lot to fine tune the firmness.
Battery and efficiency
The GTX uses the largest battery available in the ID.3 range, which is now a 79kWh (net) lithium-ion pack. Range figures are impressive: up to 605 kilometres (WLTP) in the standard GTX and 595 kilometres in the Performance Plus. While consumption can creep up when you're pushing on or in high speed motorway driving, it's quite respectable otherwise. And because the range is so good, there's no such thing as range anxiety in the ID.3 GTX. This gives it a distinct edge over electric hot hatches like the A290 and the Smart #1 Brabus.
Charging
Charging speeds are respectable too: up to 185kW DC for a 10–80% charge in about 30 minutes, while 11kW AC is also included.
Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is the most exciting version of VW’s electric hatchback to date. With sporty styling, lavish interior, generous equipment and up to 326hp through the rear wheels, it brings genuine pace and polish to the ID.3 line-up.
It’s not quite a full-on hot hatch in the mould of a Golf GTI, but the GTX is a lot cheaper to buy and run, while still being fast and fun in its own way.
If you’re looking for an electric hatchback that feels a bit more special than most, the ID.3 GTX is definitely worth a look.
Volkswagen ID.3 GTX video review
_______________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo Review | Charisma and cargo space
Read Caroline's Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's electric van in Ireland.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo made waves in Ireland alongside the ID Buzz passenger version when it arrived in late 2022.
With its quirky looks and electric powertrain, it was an ambitious vehicle for the German car brand. But the combination of charisma and cargo space was enough to quickly secure it both the title of Irish Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year 2023. Iconic!
Now in 2024, the ID Buzz Cargo gets a price cut so there's never been a better time to take a closer look at VW's van reworking of the classic T1.
Design
The ID Buzz Cargo is easily the most charming van on sale. Just like the passenger version, its friendly styling attracts lots of attention. Even finished in Deep Black like my test vehicle. There are even more eye-catching shades available like Pomelo Yellow, Bay Leaf Green and Energetic Orange. Candy White is the standard colour.
The Buzz Cargo's large headlamps look ever so inviting and iconic. Matrix LEDs are available on the higher trim levels, connected by a thin LED light strip. In the centre, a very large VW badge.
There are a range of trim levels available including Comfort, Business, Executive and Tech - with varying levels of bling. But the 20-inch alloy wheels fitted to the top of the range Max version on test make the Buzz Cargo the coolest van in town.
Dimensions
The ID Buzz van's dimensions give it a cool, compact stance just like the original T1. It has an overall length of 4,712 mm, width of 1,985 mm (excluding mirrors), height of 1,899 mm and a wheelbase of 2,988 mm.
Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo Interior
Inside the Buzz Cargo has a more tamed down cab than the Volkswagen ID Buzz passenger version. There are no wild colour schemes just a van-standard grey interior that won't distract from the work that needs to be done.
Otherwise, it's the same minimalist design that makes it surprisingly relaxing to drive and spend time in. There's a slim digital driver display, touchscreen and very few buttons, which can make adjusting the ventilation for instance a bit more fiddly. But the cab is well-made and doesn't look cheap. The seats are comfortable and finished in fabric. A double passenger seat comes as standard though there is the option of a single seat.
Wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto come as standard and there are a number of USB-C ports dotted around the cab. There's also loads of clever storage spaces and cupholders. As you go up the trim levels, there are more features added like dual zone climate control, heated steering wheel, heated driver's seat, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.
Power tools can be charged by a 230-volt socket in the frame of the front passenger seat.
How much cargo space does the ID Buzz have?
A fixed partition separates you from the 3.9 m3 cargo space. It's optionally available with a window and hatch through which items can be loaded.
The gross vehicle weight of the ID. Buzz Cargo is 3,000 kg and the maximum load is 650 kg, while it can tow up to 1 tonne. Two euro pallets can fit in the back but overall the cargo space is modest for the van world, with quite a high floor too. Loads can be secured via lashing rings in the floor and lashing rails on the side walls.
The ID Buzz Cargo is fitted with twin sliding doors and rear wing doors that can open to 180-degrees for reversing into load bays. The Max version on test comes with twin powered sliding doors for extra convenience.
It's worth noting Volkswagen's new Transporter van trumps the Buzz Cargo for cargo space, payload and towing capacity.
What is the range of the ID Buzz van?
All versions use a 77kWh lithium-ion battery (net capacity) that is good for an official range of up to 400-420 kilometres (WLTP) depending on model. The battery warranty is eight years or 160,000 kilometres.
Charging the ID Buzz Cargo
AC charging is up to 11kW, while DC fast charging is up to 135kW for a 5-80% in about 30 minutes. It will take 12 hours to charge the battery from a standard 7.4kW wallbox.
There's a handy underfloor storage compartment for the charging cables, which you can access from the side doors.
Driving the ID Buzz Cargo Max
Built in Hannover, Germany, the ID Buzz Cargo uses Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, which also underpins the passenger version and even the brand's passenger cars and SUVs like the ID 3 and ID 4. This gives the Buzz a layer of comfort, ease and refinement that makes it a very relaxed daily driver.
The drive mode selection is done from the stalk on the right hand side of the steering wheel, just like in other ID models. It's smooth and comfy on the motorway with just some road noise, while it's agile enough for rural roads or town and city driving. Parking is not too tricky either thanks to its square shape and short bonnet. Some versions also get a handy reversing camera.
A 204hp motor sends power to the rear wheels with 0-100kmh in 10.2 seconds. There's nothing slow about the Buzz Cargo and it's surprisingly nippy, whether that's taking off from traffic lights or joining a motorway. Altogether, an entirely pleasant driving experience.
Pricing
The Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo is available from €52,295 after grants and from €43,713 excluding VAT. The ID Buzz Cargo version on test is available from €58,245 after grants and from €48,687 excluding VAT.
Verdict
While diesel remains king of the commercials in Ireland, the Volkswagen ID Buzz offers a quirky and characterful alternative for buyers looking for an electric van. The EV powertrain makes it wonderfully quiet and refined to drive, so it is a relaxing partner for a day's work. The amount of cargo space and payload is modest for a medium-sized van like this but for the right business, the Buzz is a cheerful option with a great image.
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen Amarok Review (2024) | Rugged and refined
Read Caroline's Volkswagen Amarok review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's pick-up truck in Ireland.
The new Volkswagen Amarok went on sale in Ireland in 2023 and marks a significant step forward in design, equipment and off-road capability.
Volkswagen teamed up with Ford to create the new Amarok so it shares a lot with the new Ranger - but there is enough distinction to make the Amarok a worthy contender for your shortlist of new pick-up trucks.
It's a segment dominated by the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux - but the new Amarok is up for the fight.
Let's take a closer look.
Styling
The new Amarok shares its engine, gearboxes and underpinnings with the Ranger but they certainly don't look like a carbon copy of each other. At the front, Volkswagen has given the Amarok a more refined face with a new X motif slashing across the front bumper. It's not quite as beefy looking as the Ranger with a more classic Volkswagen look. It's more of an evolution of the previous version of the Amarok, which launched all the way back in 2010.
There are a few different trim levels, which add a little more bling as you go up through them. The Aventura model we tested is no longer listed but is a high spec vehicle with matrix LED headlights, chrome trim and 21-inch wheels.
Interior
The new cabin is a big step up from the previous version with upgraded digital technology, equipment and plenty of plush materials. There's a lovely leather wrapped Volkswagen steering wheel and soft leather on top of the dashboard and doors to make it feel a little more posh. There's a full digital driver display just like the Ford but with bespoke graphics, and the same large portrait-style touchscreen. It comes with all the latest functionality like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unlike the Ranger however, there's more reliance on the touchscreen for things like adjusting the climate control.
The Aventura model has luxury features like heated front seats with power adjustment, heated steering wheel and a Harman Kardon sound system. All versions come with air conditioning and adaptive cruise control.
Practicality
The Amarok comes as double cab only so it offers space for a few rear seat passengers. It's bigger than before and fairly accommodating on legroom and headroom.
Towing capacity is up to 3.5 tonnes. A new feature is roof capacity of up to 350kg when stationary. The bed can take a payload of around 1 tonne, though the Aventura model tested here can only carry about 573kg. Volkswagen says a Euro pallet can fit sideways between the wheel arches.
It's also better off-road these days because of increased overall length but reduced overhangs front and rear to improve approach and departure angles. Wading depth has increased from 50 to 80 centimetres. You can get accessories like a hard top or powered roll cover to keep tools and equipment safe and dry.
Engine
At launch the Amarok was available with a choice of 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre V6 diesel, though Volkswagen has since withdrawn the V6 from sale in Ireland. Luckily I was able to experience it in the Aventura model I tested and it doesn't disappoint. It offers 240hp and 600Nm of torque and feels strong and robust on the road. It's refined to drive, matched well to the 10-speed automatic, and delivers a nice V6 burble at low speeds. Overall consumption averaged around 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres during my time with the truck.
The 2.0-litre diesel is offered with 168hp or 202hp. Gearbox options are a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.
Driving
The Amarok is very capable in its on road driving manners, settling down well to a cruise on the motorway. It's big but still easy to steer down twisty rural roads. It's also remarkably comfortable for a pick-up truck though the ride can be a bit bumpy at times.
All versions come with 4Motion selectable four wheel drive as standard. The Amarok also features a number of different pre-configured driving modes to help you out off-road. Other tools include a hill descent control and rear locking differential.
Pricing
The Amarok starts from €48,890 in its most basic guise rising to €66,790 for the top of the range Style model.
Verdict
The new Volkswagen Amarok is a brilliant companion with improved on and off-road driving capabilities. It has impeccable road manners for a pick-up, offering a good degree of control and comfort from behind the wheel. It's come on a lot in terms of technology and equipment with more high-tech features than ever. The classy finish to the styling and interior give it a bit of distinction to the Ranger, though it may not be enough to truly tempt buyers away from the bestseller. Still, if you're looking for an alternative to a Ranger or Hilux, it's definitely worth a look.
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen ID.3 Review (2024)
Watch a video review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen ID.3 review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's popular electric hatchback in Ireland.
The Volkswagen ID.3 has been a big success in Ireland since it first went on sale back in 2020. Along with the bestselling ID.4, it's really helped put Volkswagen on the map as one of the leading producers of electric vehicles.
The compact, five-door hatchback is available in 2024 with the choice of two battery sizes and it's also had a price cut making it a more attractive prospect than ever before.
Let's take a closer look.
Styling
In 2023, the ID.3 received a facelift that lightly tweaks the styling and adds some new colours like Dark Olivine Green - all for a more sophisticated presence. There's a new bonnet and the black strip under the windscreen has been removed. Volkswagen has also added a new front bumper with larger air intakes that have an aerodynamic benefit too. There are also new rear light clusters. Alloy wheel sizes vary from 18- to 20-inch depending on trim level. It's a handsome but not drastically different ID.3.
Interior
The cabin of the ID.3 is very minimalist compared to traditional fuel-powered Volkswagens like the Polo and the Golf. It's very modern but a little austere at the same time. For the facelifted model, Volkswagen has included some more soft touch materials in the dashboard and doors, but a Renault Megane E-Tech still has a nicer cabin overall.
There is a small digital instrument cluster as before for the driver behind the steering wheel. There's also a 10-inch touchscreen that's running the latest Volkswagen software for improved system performance and can receive over-the-air updates. It's responsive to use now, though the smartphone generation will likely find the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interface far more interesting.
The navigation system includes a route planner to help plan charging stops. The ventilation controls are placed in the screen as before, which can be a little awkward to adjust while driving. There are a few shortcut buttons underneath and touch sliders to adjust the volume of the stereo and the level of heating of the interior.
Practicality
The ID.3 was the first Volkswagen to be built on the brand's modular electric drive (MEB) platform. This allowed for an efficient design and spacious interior for a compact hatchback. The ID.3 feels roomy in the back seat with large footwells. The boot can accommodate 385 litres, which is competitive for a compact electric hatchback. The rear seats split fold 60:40 and there's Isofix child seat fixtures on the two outer seats and the front passenger seat.
Battery
The ID.3 is available with two different battery sizes: 58 kWh or 77 kWh. The 58 kWh offers up to 428 km (WLTP) of electric driving, while the 77 kWh offers up to 557 km (WLTP).
During my test drive of the ID.3 77kWh in a cold January, my average consumption was 18-19 kWh per 100 kilometres, which indicates a range of 405-428 kilometres in real world driving.
Driving
The ID.3 is rear-wheel drive - just like the original Beetle - with a single electric motor producing an ample 204hp and 310Nm of torque. That's good for a 0-100km/h time of 7.4-7.9 seconds, depending on which model you go for. The ID.3 77kWh feels sprightly from behind the wheel, with plenty of nippy acceleration on offer. It's smooth and agile to drive, with a solid feel and cohesiveness to the controls - all the things that made the Golf famous! It's devoid of much character but it can't be accused of being anything other than capable, which will please most buyers. Comfort and refinement levels are generally good though it can feel a little bumpy over imperfections in the road surface.
Charging
11 kW charging comes as standard. DC fast charging is possible up to 120kW for an 80% charge in 30-35 minutes.
Pricing
The ID.3 58kWh is available on the road from €37,112 in Pro trim or from €37,928 in Pro Plus. The ID.3 77kWh is available from €42,440 for the Pro S and from €44,865 for the Pro S Plus.
Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a hugely significant car for Volkswagen and has been a big seller for the brand. However it's come under ever more scrutiny in a new car market that's become increasingly competitive with the arrival of some other brilliant electric hatchbacks like the Cupra Born, MG 4 and the Renault Megane E-Tech.
The facelift certainly goes some way to make the ID.3 more appealing but in truth, updates are minor and it's the price cut that really makes it worth a look. Buyers will find a competent electric hatchback that ticks the practicality box while offering a solid and predictable drive, with competitive range - particularly if you can stretch to the 77kWh.
The ID.3 is still lacking some character but it does have a classic Volkswagen quality feel so naturally it will continue to be a sound buy from one of Ireland's bestselling car brands.
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen e-Up Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen e-Up review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's electric city car in Ireland.
Volkswagen's ID range of electric cars has been grabbing all the headlines with the success of the Volkswagen ID.4 in Ireland and the high profile launch of the ID.Buzz, Irish Car of the Year 2023.
With strong momentum in the market and increased consumer appetite for EVs, the brand has finally brought the e-Up to Ireland, which is definitely cause for celebration!
The Volkswagen Up was on sale in Ireland for many years as a small petrol city car. Now Volkswagen has made the decision to replace it with the electric version - the cutely named 'e-Up' - which has been on sale in Europe for a few years now.
Priced at €29,313 on the road including delivery charges, the e-Up is now one of the cheapest electric cars on sale.
What's so special about the Volkswagen e-Up?
Launched back in 2013, the e-Up was Volkswagen’s first mass-produced electric vehicle. Since then, over 80,000 e-Ups have been sold around the world. At the end of 2020, such was demand for the e-Up that Volkswagen had to halt taking orders for a while to catch up with production and deliver cars to customers.
Hidden beneath those compact dimensions is a 32 kWh battery, which gives the e-Up a range of up to 253 kilometres (WLTP). That's plenty for a small car that is designed primarily for town and city driving. Being light (1,160 kg) means it's an efficient way to travel too.
In Ireland the e-Up is available in just one trim level called Style. It's a smart looking car, despite the Up being an ageing design now. It also comes with the practicality of five doors, which gives it an advantage over its closest rival, the Fiat 500e.
There's some elegant blue trim as well to highlight its EV status and Volkswagen's C-shaped LED daytime running lights, used to highlight the brands electrified models like the Golf GTE.
15-inch alloy wheels come as standard, with the option to upgrade to a sportier 16-inch design for €375. There are six colours to choose from and a black roof comes as standard on the Style trim.
There's also a quality and solid feel to the e-Up that can be hard to find in small cars.
Inside the e-Up
The e-Up has an older generation Volkswagen cabin with a clear and logical layout. You use a key to start the car and there's also a mechanical handbrake.
Compared to the cabin of the Fiat 500e, it is quite old-fashioned, lacking glossy touchscreens and digital tech. But the e-Up makes up for it in quality. This car feels solidly built with no squeaks or rattles.
There's a leather wrapped steering wheel as standard and a lovely gearshift lever in leather too. The grey cloth seats with integrated headrests look and feel good too. Both front seats get height adjustment. The steering wheel only adjusts for rake (up and down).
There's no touchscreen but there is a Bluetooth connection as standard and a smartphone cradle. You can download a 'Maps + More' app to use your phone as a sort of entertainment and navigation screen. Other standard equipment features include automatic lights and wipers, heated front seats, laminated heated windscreen, automatic climate control, small parking camera and cruise control.
There's more room in the back than in a 500e and the five doors make access easier too. Still, it's a city car so a Polo is far roomier in the back.
The boot is also small at 251 litres, though it has some depth so there's enough room for a few bags and a hidden place to store the charging cables. Quite clever really.
Driving the e-Up
On the road, the e-Up's solid feel pervades.
Moving to electric certainly benefits the driving experience. The e-Up feels more mature and powerful on the road than how I remember the Up petrol. Joining motorways is less frantic, with smooth delivery of power to the front wheels from an 82hp motor and 210Nm of torque. 0 to 100km/h is still a leisurely - 11.9 seconds - but the e-Up feels faster than what numbers might suggest on paper.
A single gear automatic transmission is great for town use. There is a B mode to enhance regenerative braking and a few different driving modes like Eco and Eco+. Eco mode limits the motor’s power and torque, reduces the top speed and switches off the air conditioning. The stricter Eco+ mode reduces these figures even more to maximise the battery range.
The electric Up is nimble and agile to drive, though not quite as fun to drive as the old petrol Up. It feels heavier for a start and the acceleration a little less fizzy. But the extra weight does make it feel more stable in cornering so there are benefits after all. There are no modifications to the suspension but it does feel comfortable for a small electric car.
The range may seem quite mediocre at 253 kilometres but with consumption as low as 14.7kWh per 100 kilometres, you might be surprised how far this Up can go per battery charge. Particularly when you stick to its natural habitat of town and city.
When it comes to charging, it takes 5.5 hours to charge the battery to full from a 7kW wallbox at home. There is a CCS port for fast charging, but DC charging is only possible up to 40 kW. So it will take roughly one hour to charge an empty battery to 80%.
Did you like it?
The Up was always a great city car. The electric version is no different. It feels more mature than ever, with a nice solid feel from behind the wheel.
Like its rivals, it's expensive for a small car, especially compared to the petrol Up that used to be on sale. The cabin is not the most modern in terms of the in-car tech, but it really does make up for it in quality and comfort.
The e-Up is also very practical for its size, with the boon of five doors and decent enough space for two rear passengers from time to time.
It's a car that is at home in town and city driving. So if you're willing to pay for something small, stylish and electric for mostly that sort of driving, the e-Up is a great buy!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Volkswagen e-Up
Price: €29,313 OTR
Battery: 32kWh
Power: 82hp
0-100km/h: 11.9 seconds
Top speed: 130 km/h
Motor tax: €120 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen ID Buzz Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen ID Buzz review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's new electric people carrier in Ireland.
The long-awaited Volkswagen ID Buzz arrived in Ireland last year, a modern take on the classic Volkswagen Microbus and winner of Irish Car of the Year 2023.
With a 77kWh battery and up to 425 kilometres (WLTP) of electric driving, the new ID Buzz marks the start of a new electric era for Volkswagen people carriers and MPVs.
It is now Volkswagen's largest electric model within the ID range of electric vehicles. Priced from €68,470, it is a high-end vehicle with van-loads of charm.
What's so special about the Volkswagen ID Buzz?
Just look at it! The new ID Buzz takes the iconic style of the original Microbus and brings it right up to date. All the classic design cues are there, like the square silhouette and wheels pushed out to the corners. There are four trim levels for Ireland and wheel sizes vary from 19- to 20-inch. They really add to the smart, futuristic and 'electrified' look of the 21st century Buzz.
Let's not forget this is a big 'bus', measuring about 4.7 metres in length. Though despite this, it's remarkably easy to handle and manoeuvre on the road. The ID Buzz is five seat only for now,, but seven seat versions will arrive later.
With a range of bright colour options and the choice of a two-tone paint finish inspired by the original, this is a car that makes people smile wherever it goes.
There are loads of practical features including sliding doors and a huge boot of over 1000 litres.
For space and practicality, it doesn't get much better than the ID Buzz.
Inside the ID Buzz
The cabin of the ID Buzz is as cheerful as the outside of this car. It's a bright and colourful space with an open, lounge-like feel. You sit high in the driver's seat, 'van-like'. But the ID Buzz is far better furnished than most vans I know!
There are coloured interiors to match the exterior paint of the car. The two-tone look adds fun to the cabin of the Buzz. It feels solid and well-made, with lots of modern features like a full digital driver display and large touchscreen (10- or 12-inch) with Apple Car Play/Android Auto. There are touchscreen controls for the ventilation but a short cut button at least brings up the menu quicker.
A wireless smartphone charger comes as standard, as well as lots of USB-C ports dotted around the cabin. There's also dual zone climate control, heated front seats, parking sensors, and cruise control.
There's loads of storage space, ideal for families on the go, including the 'Buzzbox' removal storage compartment between the two front seats.
Some versions get a powered tailgate, which is useful as there is quite a large, heavy bootlid. The boxy shape of the Buzz makes for a very practical, square-shaped boot that's easy to load and unload.
There's loads of headroom and legroom in row two with a bright, airy feel. Though it's worth noting the rear windows don't open and there's no ventilation vents in the centre console for rear passengers either.
Driving it
The new ID Buzz is built on the same platform as other electric vehicles from VW like the ID.4. So it may look like a van from the outside, but it's surprisingly car-like in the way it feels and behaves on the road.
The controls are all nicely-weighted and the electric powertrain adds a level of smoothness to the drive that many van drivers may be unfamiliar with. It's quiet enough on the motorway at high speeds and comfortable too - though it can be a bit bumpier on country roads.
The 77kWh battery realistically will deliver over 300 kilometres of electric range, which is good but longer trips will still require a few stops for a fast charge at up to 135kW. AC charging possible up to 11kW.
The Buzz is easy to drive and can hustle along nicely. Though it is best enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. There's a 204hp motor powering the back wheels, with 0 to 100km/h completed in 10.2 seconds.
Did you like it?
It's hard not to like the ID Buzz. It's such a cheerful car to behold and a bit of a marvel technology wise - a battery-powered version of an icon with decent range that's good to drive too.
The Buzz scores very high for practicality and is an ideal vehicle for families. It is expensive however for a family car, priced in the region of upmarket electric SUVs like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB. But this is a charming alternative that really is in a class of its own.
Model tested: Volkswagen ID Buzz Max
Price: €78,515
Battery: 77kWh
Range: 425 km (WLTP)
Power: 204hp
Torque: 310Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen Polo Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen Polo review for everything you need to know about buying the small hatchback from Volkswagen in Ireland.
The Volkswagen Polo is one of Ireland’s favourite small cars and has been for many years. Sales of small hatchbacks like the Polo have been in decline as customers switched to more fashionable SUVs and crossovers. But the humble hatch still has a lot to offer buyers.
Now Volkswagen has streamlined the Polo line-up in Ireland, which coincides with an update for the classic small hatchback that sees even more sophisticated style and high-tech equipment as standard than ever before.
The latest Volkswagen Polo goes on sale priced from €23,840 and is powered by a simple 1.0-litre petrol engine.
So is the Polo still up to the job? Let's take a closer look to find out.
What's so special about the Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo is one of the classiest small cars you can buy with handsome but understated style, and the theme continues inside.
Over the years it has grown in size, to a point where it's roomy enough inside now to function as a small family car.
In Ireland, the Polo range is very simple. There's the Polo Life priced from €23,840, the Polo Style from €26,995 and the Polo R-Line from €25,840. All cars come with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 95hp. Automatic versions are available for about €2,000 more.
The styling updates have been very successful, with now a more mature-looking front end. LED headlights are standard across the range and some versions get more advanced matrix LED units.
At the back, there's a new set of lights with a horizontal design that adds width and elegance to the Polo's road presence. Wheel sizes vary from 15- to 16-inch, with the option of a 17-inch set.
The R-Line model on test is the sportiest of the bunch with standard kit including 16-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels, sportier bumpers, and exterior trim and roof spoiler finish in gloss black.
Inside the Volkswagen Polo
The Polo has one of the best cabins you will find in a small car. It's solidly built and reassuringly simple in its design. Yet all the modern features are here - a full digital instrument panel and touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard. Entry level Life models make do with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, but Style and R-line versions get a more impressive 8-inch unit.
Some small car interiors like the Renault Clio and Peugeot 208 feel a little more glamourous, but the Polo interior is a sound and comfortable place to spend time in.
Other standard features include air conditioning, leather wrapped steering wheel, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Style trim adds a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control. R-line versions have a slightly sportier ambience with sports seats, black roof liner, and stainless steel pedals.
It feels really roomy inside too, with one of the largest cabins in the segment. It's comfortable in the back for passengers with plenty of headroom and large footwells. It definitely feels more spacious than a Peugeot 208 or a Toyota Yaris. The rear doors open wide and there are Isofix child seat fixtures on the two outer seats and the front passenger seat.
The Polo also has one of the largest boots in the class at 351 litres, with practical features like a two-position floor and a spare wheel.
Driving the Polo
On the road, the Polo drives pretty much the same as it looks. It's a solid and steady drive, offering plenty of comfort for those on board and impressive refinement on the move - even on the motorway.
It's not the most fun to drive small car with the steering being a little on the light side for that. But it's perfectly agreeable with a robust quality that sees it move effortlessly from town to motorway and rural roads.
When it comes to power, there's no choice other than the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 95hp. But it's actually an ideal engine for the Polo and feels lively enough whether in town or on the motorway. A five-speed manual gearbox comes as standard but there is the option of a 7-speed automatic.
The five-speed manual gearbox has to be worked at times to keep the engine in its sweet spot, but it settles down well to a cruise on the motorway, so you won't actually miss a sixth gear. It’s also efficient by class standards.
Did you like it?
In recent years, many buyers have switched to small crossovers and SUVs like the Volkswagen Taigo and T-Cross for example, but there is still a lot to be said for a hatchback like the Polo.
The Volkswagen Polo is an easy car to recommend. These days it's never looked better, with smart styling that looks good just about everywhere.
The Polo is easily one of the most upmarket small cars on the market in Ireland, with a classy cabin that's comfortable and well-equipped.
What's most impressive is the space and practicality the Polo offers inside, making it very good value indeed. On the road, it's comfortable and refined.
Overall, the Polo is a great all-rounder and a smart choice of small car.
Model tested: Volkswagen Polo R-Line
Price: €25,840
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol
Power: 95hp
Torque: 175Nm
Top speed: 187 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.8 seconds
Motor Tax: €190 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen Taigo Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen Taigo review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's new compact crossover in Ireland.
Volkswagen has expanded their compact car line-up with the arrival of the new Taigo. It joins the likes of the Polo and the T-Cross, but offers something a little different to each.
While the Polo can be praised as one of the best small hatchbacks on the market today, the T-Cross and Taigo are Volkswagen's response to market demand for compact crossovers and small SUVs.
But while the T-Cross carries some more traditional 'square' SUV styling (and I mean 'square' in the best possible way!), the Taigo sits a bit higher in the Volkswagen range and offers a stylish SUV-coupé design.
The new Volkswagen Taigo goes on sale priced from €28,995 and is available in three trim levels: Life, Style and R-Line.
What's so special about the Volkswagen Taigo?
The Taigo looks good. All the charismatic design cues of a modern crossover are here, like the cladding around the wheel arches. It also sits higher off the ground than a hatchback.
The elegant sloping coupé-inspired roof line towards the rear of the car is also unique among small crossovers. Inside, there's a higher driving position behind the wheel that's popular with buyers at the moment.
Taigo Style (from €32,035) and R-Line (from €33,345) models look the best with silver roof rails and more stylish 17-inch alloy wheel designs, as well as the option of 18-inch. The Taigo R-Line on test is the sportiest looking of them all with 17-inch 'Valencia' alloy wheels as standard, as well as sportier bumpers and rear privacy glass.
LED headlights come as standard for a modern appearance on the road, with Style and R-Line models getting more advanced Matrix LED units.
Power comes from Volkswagen's well-proven 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, which is available with 95hp (Life only) or 110hp. There's the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG automatic.
Inside the Taigo
The Taigo has a straightforward interior for a small crossover. All the controls are logically laid out and the cabin is solidly built, if a little dull in design. Some compact crossovers like the Renault Captur and the Peugeot 2008 have more stylish cabins.
Still it features a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, as well as a full digital driver display, which keeps the cabin feeling modern.
Standard features include a leather wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, multifunction steering wheel, lane assist and front assist. Though the Taigo Style adds more salubrious features like front sports comfort seats with lumbar support, front and rear parking sensors, parking camera, ambient lighting, adaptive cruise control and a glossy 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The top of the range R-Line model has a sportier ambience with special R-Line seat covers, stainless steel pedals and a black headliner.
The Taigo will seat five and despite being a compact vehicle does offer a reasonable amount of legroom and headroom for rear seat passengers. The 440-litre boot is also an excellent size, while the rear seats split fold 60:40 and there's also a two-position boot floor as standard.
Driving the Volkswagen Taigo
The Taigo is built on Volkswagen's MQB platform and is powered by a simple petrol engine, no matter which version you go for. With 110hp it feels lively enough, with plenty of power for driving on larger roads like motorways.
On test was the 1.0 TSI with Volkswagen's 7-speed automatic gearbox, however it's not the smoothest combination in the Taigo. Still the Taigo is competitive when it comes to fuel consumption for a small petrol crossover.
It's easy to handle on the road with light steering and a well-judged suspension making it comfortable on longer journeys too. It's not the most fun to drive small crossover but its mature road manners give it broad appeal.
Did you like it?
In recent years, Volkswagen has transformed their line-up with a plethora of new SUV models like the T-Cross and the T-Roc. Now the Taigo falls somewhere in between. It is very stylish to look at, though inside it does feel a little more old-fashioned than more modern competitors.
More expensive to buy than the T-Cross, and not far off the slightly larger T-Roc, the Taigo does occupy a bit of a middle ground without adding much to the Volkswagen range other than a slightly sleeker 'SUV coupé' appearance.
Still it's a well-built compact crossover with a simple line-up and practical cabin, and that is enough to keep it in the running.
Model tested: Volkswagen Taigo 1.0 TSI R-Line
Price: €37,140
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 110hp
Torque: 200Nm
Top speed: 191 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.9 seconds
Motor Tax: €210 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Volkswagen ID.4 Price In Ireland
Just as the first Volkswagen ID.4 reviews for Ireland begin to roll in, we can confirm the Volkswagen ID.4 is on sale in Ireland priced from €41,248, including grants and VRT relief.
The ID.4 is the German brand's all new electric SUV and the follow-up to last year's ID.3 hatchback.
The customer deliveries will arrive here later in the spring and will be high specification ID.4 1st Edition and 1st Edition Max models. These models are powered by a 77 kWh battery with a system power output of 204 hp and an electric range up to 500 km (WLTP).
There is 310 Nm of torque, the top speed is 160 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h is reached in 8.5 seconds.
VW ID.4 Price in Ireland
The Volkswagen ID.4 1st is available from €41,248 with equipment highlights including heated front seats and steering wheel, "Discover Pro" navigation system, 20" “Drammen” alloy wheels, reversing camera, LED headlights/taillights and Lane Assist.
The Volkswagen ID.4 1st Max is available from €54,580 and adds massage feature to the front seats, 21" “Narvik” alloy wheels, Area View, LED matrix headlights, 3D LED tail light clusters, Travel Assist, augmented reality head-up display and panoramic sunroof.
From May, the Volkswagen ID.4 52 kWh will launch here with an expected lower entry price of €35,000 after grants. It has a range of around 340 km.
The ID.4 is classed as a compact SUV and uses Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) architecture. Volkswagen says the space available in the vehicle interior is at the level of conventional SUVs in the next category up. Depending on the rear seat backrest’s position, the luggage compartment will have a capacity from 543 to 1,575 litres.
Inside the ID.4
The new electric Volkswagen SUV's operating concept will be based on two displays. One diagonally measures up to 12 inches and features touch functionality – as well as “Hello ID.” natural voice control. The new ID.Light – a narrow light strip under the windscreen – also features.
The ID.4 can avail of DC quick-charging at 125 kW adding 325 km in as little as 30 minutes.
It is available in four colours at launch: Manganese Grey Metallic, Glacier White Metallic, Blue Dusk Metallic, and Honey Yellow Metallic.
“The ID.4 is an emotional all-rounder which will impress many customers with its efficient electric drive, generous amount of space, modern assist systems and powerful design,” says Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen brand.
“As the first global electric car, this model will roll out our modular electric drive matrix platform that has been developed specifically for electric mobility the world over. Volkswagen is thus once again demonstrating its leading role in innovation, technology and quality on the high-volume market.”
A source in Volkswagen Ireland has said that the brand expects to sell 1700 ID.4s here in a year. The ID.3 has already posted strong sales in the Irish market since its launch in the latter half of 2020.
