Thankfully, January is finally over, we've all been paid and it's time to get on with 2016. But not everyone was willing the month to end. The car industry here in Ireland is positively ecstatic, having registered nigh on 40,000 new cars within the month. That's some 33 per cent higher than January 2015, which itself leapt up from 2014. Even those that are not in the enviable position to buy a new car should take comfort from all this, as it's a clear signifier of a booming economy.
The top 10 sellers in January may surprise some, as Hyundai has topped the tables. Here we enlist the help of our partners - and car review experts - at CompleteCar.ie to give each of the best-sellers a star rating - and a piece of our minds.
1 - Hyundai Tucson
Star rating: 4/5
Priced from: €25,245
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 2,479
Rivals: Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Renault Kadjar
The Tucson replaces the Hyundai ix35, which actually took over from the first Tucson, just to confuse you. This new one is a world away from that rugged original, though, more like a junior Santa Fe. It's good-looking in a conservative way, of good quality inside and it's noticeably spacious. Hyundai Ireland has also been generous on the equipment count, so it's great value for money too. Almost all sold here will have the 1.7-litre diesel engine, powering the front wheels. On the road, it's refined and smooth, if not particularly quick or exciting to drive. Still, as the sales figures show, that's not the most important thing in a crossover.
Full review:
2 - Ford Focus
Star rating: 4/5
Priced from: €20,295
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 1,606
Rivals: Opel Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Renault Mégane
Ah, the Focus. Everyone has either owned one or had a family member that has one - it's been hugely popular since the name took over from the Escort. It's now in its third generation, though technically it's version 3.5, as it came in for some pretty comprehensive revisions last year, making it far more appealing looking inside and out. We reckon it's one of the best cars in its class to drive too, with a supple chassis that's still fun to hustle. Our favourite engine is the nippy 1.0-litre EcoBoost unit, though many will go for the 1.5-litre diesel too.
Full review:
3 - Toyota Corolla
Star rating: 3/5
Priced from: €20,995
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 1,359
Rivals: Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Renault Fluence
Some have likened the Toyota Corolla to automotive white goods, but take a look at our
Corolla infographic and tell us that Toyota got it wrong. It has been a monumentally successful car around the world - and continues to be, even if petrolheads find it hard to get excited about. The current one looks better than ever and is very spacious (some might say there's no need for the Avensis it's so large inside), though it's let down a little on the performance side. Still, should be bomb-proof.
Full review:
4 - Ford Fiesta
Star rating: 4/5
Priced from: €14,550
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 1,281
Rivals: Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa
This generation of the Fiesta has been on sale for a long time now and though the 2013 facelift brought with it a sharp new nose, more technology and a cracking 1.0-litre petrol engine, the cracks are beginning to show in the armoury. The interior design and size are its biggest problems, but obviously there are enough buyers out there that think otherwise to maintain its strong showing in the sales charts. We would admit that the Fiesta is the best-to-drive car in the sector.
Full review:
5 - Volkswagen Golf
Star rating: 5/5
Priced from: €20,225
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 1,253
Rivals: Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Audi A3
The Golf has been the top seller in Ireland since 2013 so this is quite a fall from grace for the classy C-segment hatchback that needs no introduction. Some have put it down to the emissions scandal Volkswagen is still dealing with, but we say don't give up on the Golf just yet - this is just one month of sales. Regardless, the Golf remains one of the few hatchbacks of its size that straddle the mass-market and premium sectors, competing with budget brands on one side and the likes of BMW and Audi on the other. While certain models are better than it at specific things, it's a brilliant and refined all-rounder.
Full review:
6 - Skoda Octavia
Star rating: 4/5
Priced from: €18,995
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 1,135
Rivals: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Kia cee'd
Badge snobbery is alive and well in Ireland. That's the only reason we can think of to explain the fact that more people buy Golfs than Octavias here. The latter is a little cheaper, built on the same platform, uses the same engines, transmissions and technology, has more equipment as standard and is a lot more spacious inside and, especially, in the boot. The current version even looks good. It's also of decent quality, if a little loud at motorway speeds.
Full review:
7 - Toyota Yaris
Star rating: 4/5
Priced from: €14,995
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 1,053
Rivals: Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra, Renault Clio
The Yaris has a large loyal following in Ireland. That's probably because of its reputation for unshakeable reliability - it's remarkable how many of the first generation model you still see on the daily commute, putting in solid service. The current one is a lot swisher of course, featuring swanky things like a touchscreen and a reversing camera, but it retains the qualities of before, such as good interior space and low running costs. The 1.0-litre engine could do with a little more poke though.
Full review:
8 - Nissan Qashqai
Star rating: 4/5
Priced from: €25,245
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 1,025
Rivals: Hyundai Tucson, Renault Kadjar, Kia Sportage
In fairness, the Qashqai has had a good innings. Nissan reinvented the automotive landscape when it launched the original Qashqai crossover in 2007, offering buyers in the market for a C-segment hatch something with similar running costs, but more aligned to an SUV in terms of seating position and social status. The concept has been a roaring success, which is why there are so many strong rivals on the market now. The Qashqai isn't out of the game as yet though and it's a solid place to put your money.
Full review:
9 - Toyota Auris
Star rating: 4/5
Priced from: €20,750
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 954
Rivals: Kia cee'd, Hyundai i30, Mazda3
Given the massive following and love in this country for the Corolla nameplate, Toyota Ireland must have been livid when its overlords in Japan decided that the five-door replacement back in 2006 would be renamed Auris. Although the car continued along the sensible, reliable, spacious route, it effectively had to start again in buyers' minds, as the name was completely new. It has steadily been clawing back up the sales charts though and a series of revisions in 2015 brought it closer than ever to the best-sellers in the class.
Full review:
10 - Renault Clio
Star rating: 4/5
Priced from: €15,190
EuroNCAP safety rating: five stars
Number sold in Ireland in January 2016: 798
Rivals: Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20, Citroen C3
The Clio has always been one of Renault's best cars, and though the current one has been on sale since 2013, it still looks fresh, with bold, expressive styling on the outside and a cabin that is more spacious than most within. There are plenty of trim and engine options and it's a very likeable small hatchback. It drives well, is quite economical in most guises and, well, is more interesting than most cars in the sector. And there's the fire-breathing Renaultsport model to consider too.
Full review:
_b77733.jpg "?What we think of Ireland's top 10 selling cars")
