The Irish Times best new car picks for summer 2026
1. Dacia BigsterNow it’s true that only one Dacia Bigster sneaks in under the €30,000 barrier, and that’s the most basic Essential model, with the 140hp mild-hybrid petrol engine and a manual gearbox, for €29,995 (and then there’s delivery on top of that, so we’re fudging this a bit). Even so, the Bigster represents remarkable value for money at this level. Any comparable, competitive family SUV from another brand will cost €10,000 more than this, and the Bigster doesn’t just cost on its monetary merits. It’s genuinely a good car to drive, with a well-balanced chassis and steering, and its cabin is massive and comfortable for a full-sized family. Add to that the huge boot, and Dacia’s solid reputation for reliability, and you’ve got arguably the best single car currently on sale in Ireland. True, you get a better Bigster (hybrids, especially) if you spend a bit extra, but going strictly by list price, this is our pick. READ MOREDublin-based family murder trial hears daughter may have tried to escape noose‘Biggest national security blunder in decades’: Trump’s Iran deal met with anger, relief and incredulity ‘Going from strength to strength’: Six Irish universities move up global rankingsBrand it like Beckham: how football’s most shameless shill is cashing in on the World Cup2. Cupra RavalCupra Raval You’ll indeed have to spend more than €30,000 – around €36,000, actually – to get the best version of the Raval, which is the 226hp VZ hot hatch variant, with its adaptive suspension and general all-round sportiness. But that’s okay, because the Raval, in its more basic forms, is inherently good. There’s plenty of space in the cabin and boot, and even without the VZ’s performance add-ons, there should still be plenty of driver enjoyment to be had, plus the unusual looks (not to all tastes, admittedly) will be a talking point with the neighbours. A long-range 450km 52kWh battery version will cost comfortably less than €30,000 (Cupra Ireland is still finalising prices in advance of a September launch) and, honestly, this is a bit of a landmark electric car. Frugal, but fun.Wild card: Kia EV2Kia EV2 Once again, the EV2 is a car that only sneaks under the €30,000 barrier in its most basic form, but even so, you’re getting quite a bit of car for the cash. Even the cheapest “Air” spec EV2 is well-equipped, and while the smallest battery gives you only a 317km range, the good news is that Kias generally get closer to their stated range in real-world driving than most (and if you want a longer range version, you only have to spend a little more than our budget allows). The EV2 looks cheerful inside and out, and is wonderfully smooth and eager to drive.The Irish Times best new car picks for the summer of 2026 – under €25,000Best second-hand first cars for learners and young drivers
