Shows
Driver's Republic PodcastIrish car launches, new Mazda CX-5 driven, SIMI awards & car chats!A busy one for car launches this week with MG S6, BYD Seal, Polestar 5 and the dynamic drive in Spain of the new Mazda CX-5 which Mark travelled to.Just who is behind the "Mind The Gap" voice on trains in Ireland?Paddy caught up with Zac Hollis from Polestar at their new showroom in Dublin.How was the steak at the annual SIMI dinner in Dublin and who won what?And on a week where DoneDeal Cars launched an integrated Chat GPT app, Paddy caught up...
2026-02-2852 minDriver's Republic PodcastHow to navigate the financial aspect of buying a car!We talk about the new Kia PV5, Tesla have made the Model Y go even further for less and VW's ID.Promise initiative is explained.Financial advisor Paddy Delaney from the incredibly successful podcast 'Informed Decisions'joins us for an extensive chat about the true cost of financing both new and used carsand why you might be better off spending that hard earned cash on something else...Brought to you by DoneDeal Cars Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2026-02-141h 17Driver's Republic PodcastGolf GTI Edition 50 & the coolest Suzuki Jimnys in Ireland! Lots of new cars on the pods this week, Skoda Fabia 130, Golf GTI Edition 50, Volvo ES and the XPeng G6 facelift. Matthew Caffrey from the long established Gerry Caffrey Motors in Terenure in Dublin joins us to chat about the key to their family being in business for so long and explains how he is bringing the well known dealership into new territory with The Jimny Motor Co.Volkswagen Ireland have hosted their annual 'Drive' event in Dublin with key staff members on hand to chat to the Irish media as they unveil...
2026-02-011h 06Driver's Republic PodcastNew Kia EV2 launch, Tesla Model Y 'standard' and CEO of Fuels For Ireland chatsKevin McPartlan, CEO of Fuels For Ireland is our guest this week. He talks about how much fuel Ireland has before we run out, why prices work the way they do and if there's anything we can do about it.Mark has been to the launch of Kia's EV2 in Belgium and tells us what he thoughtPaddy tells us about the search history of Ireland's car buyers as we look back on another positive year of EV growth Kieran Campbell from Tesla Ireland talks us through the most affordable...
2026-01-161h 22Driver's Republic PodcastChristmas 2025 extended episode!Kia have launched the EV5 and their Irish MD Ronan Flood brings us through a record year for Kia in Ireland. Paddy wants to ask Mark a few things about Christmas FM, including why a particular song is high up on the playlist!!The lads chat to Dr. Becky Spelman, an esteemed HCPC-registered psychologist, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate with over two decades of experience about how music, our mood and many other factors that can determine how safely we can operate a car.What are some of the new...
2025-12-281h 31Driver's Republic PodcastChinese EVs surge in Ireland, BMW iX3 expert chats and Nobby buys a classic!Nils Hesse, BMW's Vice President for Product Sustainability chats to us at the K-Club for the recent Irish launch of the BMW iX3. Paddy has lots of interesting stats when it comes to new EV sales in Ireland, in particular how most of the fastest growing sales are coming from Chinese brands in 2025.Nobby has finally sourced a classic car for himself and reveals the story behind his latest motoring purchase. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-12-121h 24
Driver's Republic PodcastKia's Irish EV4 launch, Skoda's surprise & Salou sunshine!Paddy has been range testing the Leapmotor T03 and isn't sure if the tyres are up to the job! Skoda Ireland get a little hot and bothered with a limited Fabia model.Mark has been tyre kicking some Audi Quattros, Clio V6s and Peugeot 205 GTIs in sunny Spain.And we discuss the problem of blocking EV charging spaces.That and lots more on the last episode in the current series! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-10-271h 09Driver's Republic PodcastNew LEAF driven, Toyota launch 4 new Irish cars & VW Group boss chatsIt's a busy one this week!Paddy has been shoving his mic into faces again, chatting to Aidan Timmons from Toyota Ireland about 4 new models for Ireland and he also sits down with the gaffer at VW Group Ireland, Pierre Boutin who is responsible for all of the VW brands in the country from Audi to Cupra.Mark has been to Copenhagen to try the Carlsberg (and drive the new Nissan LEAF)!We chat about the new Leapmotor C10 and T03 Irish launch at Mount Juliet.And...
2025-10-171h 23Driver's Republic PodcastPaddy's eUp woes, Budget '26 for motorists & lukewarm Honda S2000?This week, Paddy's loveable eUp has caused him some issues - find out more inside. With Budget '26 announced, we look at what is in it for motorists and just how much money do the Irish government take on every litre of fuel that you put into your vehicle.Mark has said goodbye to his Porsche 911 but a look at what might have been his next car didn't quite live up to his expectations. We also announce the Irish prices for the new Nissan Micra with fresh reaction from the lads.
2025-10-101h 10Driver's Republic PodcastRIP Ford Focus ST, used EV prices solid and goodbye 911?DoneDeal Cars have released their latest Price Index which gives good insight into the current state of used car prices in Ireland with an emphasis on used EV prices. Could they finally be stabilising? Another hot hatch bites the dust this week, the final Ford Focus ST has rolled off the production line in Germany, the lads discuss the legacy of the famous Ford and wonder which version was best!Paddy has been testing the new Opel Grandland and Mark has been putting the new Tesla Model Y Performance to the test.And w...
2025-10-031h 07Driver's Republic PodcastRIP Mr MX-5, used EV battery checks made easy and more 911 money woes!Sad news this week as the man behind the Mazda MX-5, Tom Matano passes away. Paddy has had a good experience with the Ford Puma Gen-E this week doing his usual Dublin-Cork-Dublin road trip. Should a dealer ever be bringing your car home at night when it's in for work?And Mark has another expensive week keeping a near 20 year old Porsche 911 on the road! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-2657 min
Driver's Republic PodcastRIP Mr. MX-5, 911 repair bills & Ford Puma Gen-E testedIn the latest episode, we chat about the sad passing of Tsutomu Matano, creator of the Mazda MX-5. Paddy has been doing his weekly Dublin Cork Dublin trip in the new Ford Puma Gen-E - find out how he got on.In Mark's latest 911 drama, he's dropped some more savings on keeping his Porsche on the road.And should your local mechanic or car dealer even be bringing your car home at night for an overnight road test?1
2025-09-2655 minDriver's Republic PodcastVolvo's EX90 tested & Paddy's LONG 300km EV journey!In DRP this week, Mark has been driving the new Volvo EX90, what did he think of it?Paddy can't help his commute from Dublin to Cork but he attempts it in a Citroen eC3 - how many times did he have to stop to charge?!Can you make enough money being a YouTube car reviewer in Ireland and should you get started at it? Paddy picks Mark's brain on this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-171h 07Driver's Republic PodcastLive from IAA Munich with VW's Head Of Design Andy MindtPaddy and Mark have been to IAA in Munich where they discuss an array of cars from Volkswagen, Hyundai, XPeng, Leapmotor, BMW, BYD and many, many more. We have a number of guests from the event too but most notably VW's Head Of Design, Andreas Mindt who sits down with the lads for an extended chat about his life, career and his early years cutting his teeth in car design with a family background in the field.Thanks for listening and don't forget to leave us a review!Brought to you by DoneDeal M...
2025-09-091h 03Driver's Republic PodcastNew VW T-Roc, Citroen Ireland MD interview and a must watch TV doc!We discuss the newly unveiled Volkswagen T-Roc and explore the futuristic new Hyundai Ioniq 9. Ever wondered what it’s really like to camp with a Tesla? Mark has been testing out the Model Y Long Range and the useful camp mode.We reflect on the sobering reality of road safety with RTE’s Anatomy of a Car Crash, examining the devastating aftermath of fatal collisions and what it means for drivers today. To round things off, we’re joined by Colin Sheridan, MD of Citroën Ireland for an exclusive chat about the new affordable eC3 elect...
2025-08-281h 17Driver's Republic PodcastIs paying car journalists the new norm?With Jaguar and Nissan announcing job cuts and factory closures this week, the lads discuss the worrying trend of OEMs facing headwinds.California Dreamin' - we both spent some time living it up in the new Volkswagen camper van, find out how Mark got on in Wicklow and hear how Paddy rolled into Galway - the pros and cons of forking out on a camper van.And we speak to Natisha Chattan, leading UK YouTube motoring journalist who is dealing with a seemingly growing trend of new motoring brands seeking to pay for editorial in...
2025-07-181h 14Driver's Republic PodcastNadia Adan from Ashford Motors - interviewNadia has become a familiar face in motoring in Ireland. Whether it's her TikTok clips, her huge Instagram following or her regular appearances on both Irish TV & radio in relation to all things car news. She has also attracted some criticism for refusing to accept trade ins or retailing any electric cars despite 2025 being one of the better years for Irish EV sales. In this episode, Paddy and Mark visit Nadia in her new showroom in Ashford, Co. Wicklow and ask her all the questions people want to ask! Hosted on Acast. See ac...
2025-07-1153 min
Driver's Republic PodcastWe speak to Leapmotor Ireland exclusively!Of course, Paddy and Mark chat about the news this week including the latest SIMI sales figures, what they're both driving and all the other things two lads chat about BUT we also jump inside a new Leapmotor C10 EV ahead of its official launch in September in Ireland and we chat extensively to one of the key members of the team behind the launch of yet another Chinese manufactured car in Ireland, Stephen McGrath. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-0359 min
Driver's Republic PodcastBYD slow down, Mazda's plans for '26 & new Bigster V used KodiaqBig shifts and bold plans in the motoring world.Renault’s CEO makes a surprise exit, while BYD slows EV production in China. We put the all-new Dacia Bigster head-to-head with a four-year-old Skoda Kodiaq at a similar price point—what offers better value? Plus, exclusive insights into Mazda Ireland’s roadmap, including three brand-new models set to arrive in 2026.We also dive into whether buying a used car from a dealer franchise really gives you better warranty protection—and of course, we couldn’t ignore that week Elon Musk and Tesla have had, as RoboTaxi p...
2025-06-261h 00
Driver's Republic PodcastNissan Leaf boss interview, Iceland with Ford Ranger & we get gatecrashed!This week on Driver’s Republic: We’re recording from the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser! Paddy’s back from a UK classic car auction, Mark just returned from Iceland testing the Ford Ranger PHEV, and a surprise listener gatecrashes the show.Plus, we chat with Giovanny Arroba, VP of Nissan Design Europe, about the bold new 2025 Nissan Leaf and how it’s ready to compete with the best in the EV world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-191h 02
Driver's Republic PodcastHow Irish car brands negotiate with the factories that build them!In this week's episode, we dive into the big reveal of the all-new Alpine A290, launched at Mondello – and yes, it’s as exciting as it sounds.🚗 Paddy shares his first impressions after getting behind the wheel of the VW ID.3 GTX – does it live up to the GTX badge?🚙 Mark is driving the 2025 facelifted Suzuki Vitara and has been jet-setting between Prague and London to check out two major launches: the new Skoda Elroq RS, and a very hush-hush look at the next-gen Nissan Leaf (spoilers strictly embargoed until next week!).🎧 Our special gue...
2025-06-131h 21
Driver's Republic PodcastCrisis at Tesla? MG's S5 Irish Launch & The Reality of Car JournalismThis week on the Driver's Republic Podcast:We dive into the headlines as Trump and Musk stir controversy with their latest online antics, and a ship carrying EVs goes up in flames. Natasha Maher from MG Ireland joins us to share the brand’s journey so far, while we unpack big news on the rollout of new public fast chargers across Ireland.In the drives of the week, Paddy gets to grips with the hot new Cupra Born VZ, and Mark takes a spin in the all-new €80,000 BMW X3.Finally, ever wondered what life...
2025-06-061h 34
Driver's Republic PodcastFord MD Lisa Brankin speaks to us, new Nissan Micra first look & Gowan Motors go Chinese!Season 2 kicks off with a bang!Mark heads to sunny Spain to get behind the wheel of the all-new Nissan Micra EV and sits down with one of its designers for an exclusive chat. Meanwhile, Paddy is head-over-heels for the reborn Renault 5 — a car we partly record the episode in (yes, really).We’re also joined by Lisa Brankin, Chair and MD of Ford UK & Ireland, who reflects on her career at the Blue Oval and dives into the Ford Power Promise — a bold initiative to win over EV skeptics as it launches in Irelan...
2025-05-281h 13
Driver's Republic PodcastAffordable EV Wars, Puma Gen-E Road Test & Cupra Ireland Boss SpeaksThis Week: Budget EV Battles, Irish Road Trips & Cupra Conversations 🇮🇪⚡️On this episode, Nobby takes the reborn Ford Capri for some driving around Dublin while Paddy clocks serious mileage on two electric road trips in the plucky Dacia Spring.We pit the Hyundai Inster against the Spring in a cheeky twin test — who comes out on top in the battle of the budget EVs? Plus, Nobby jets to Barcelona to get behind the wheel of the new Ford Puma Gen-E. What’s it like to drive? He’s got all the answers.And in our inte...
2025-04-1250 min
Driver's Republic PodcastMG's sporty Cyberster, Kia Ireland's Ronan Flood & EV sales are up again!Episode 7: MG Cyberster, VW ID. Buzz, & Kia Ireland’s Ronan FloodIn this episode, Paddy takes the sleek, single-motor MG Cyberster for a spin, while Nobby revisits the now 7-seater Volkswagen ID. Buzz to see how it stacks up. Plus, we’re joined by Kia Ireland’s Managing Director, Ronan Flood, who gives us an insider’s look at running one of Ireland’s top car brands. And with Q1 2025 sales figures just in, we break down the biggest trends shaping the Irish car market. Buckle up for another packed episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
2025-04-031h 22
Driver's Republic PodcastInside the Volvo XC90, Toyota's Irish Love Story & Renault 5's Big Reveal!This week, Paddy & Mark dive into the latest car news, including a unique recording session inside the ultra-quiet cabin of the new Volvo XC90. Zoe Bradley from Toyota Ireland joins us to explore why the Irish public has such a strong connection with the brand. Plus, we head to Dundrum Town Centre for the launch of the all-new Renault 5 and catch up with Renault product expert Jeremy Warnock for all the details! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-271h 14
Driver's Republic PodcastWhich Car Should You Buy in 2025? Paddy & Nobby's Top Picks!If you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of new cars hitting the market in 2025, you're not alone! In this episode, Paddy and Nobby break it all down, segment by segment, and reveal which models they’d actually spend their own hard-earned cash on. With their expert motoring opinions, they’ll help you cut through the noise and make the right choice for your next ride. Whether you’re after an EV, SUV, or a budget-friendly daily driver, this is the episode you don’t want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-201h 25Driver's Republic PodcastAudi A6 etron & Skoda Elroq test drives, VW Ireland's Alan Bateson & more!Paddy takes the wheel of the A6 e-tron, while Nobby tests the Skoda Elroq, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 270bhp, and the XPeng G6. The lads also dive into an important discussion on road safety messaging in Ireland—what’s working, what isn’t, and what we can do to make a real impact.Plus, we’re joined by Alan Bateson, Brand Director of Passenger Cars at Volkswagen Ireland. Alan opens up about his career journey, life at VW Ireland, the value of his dealer network, and shares some insightful leadership wisdom that drives his success.Tune in...
2025-03-131h 20Driver's Republic PodcastVW's ID.1, FIAT boss Olivier Francois interview & a car salesperson!Nobby has been travelling again, this time to Dusseldorf to catch the new Volkswagen ID.1.FIAT CEO Olivier Francois chats to us at the launch of FIAT Grande Panda.Dubliner Lee Fitzpatrick who is sales manager at Spirit Skoda in Sandyford gives an insight into the world of car sales! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-071h 24Driver's Republic PodcastKia's 4 new EVs, VW Tayron & EV repair expert hits us with the facts!This week, Nobby travels around Europe to look at new Kia models including EV4 and looks at the 7 seater Volkswagen Tayron. Paddy visits mechanic and EV repair specialist David Corbally at his Service Stop Limited workshop to set the facts straight about EV battery repair, failure and the true cost of battery or module replacement! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-02-271h 32Driver's Republic PodcastHyundai Inster, Ray Leddy Head of Marketing at Skoda Ireland & used EV bargains!In this first episode, the lads chat about some of the latest models in Ireland including the Hyundai Inster and the Peugeot 5008.Ray Leddy, Head of Marketing at Skoda Ireland talks about the extraordinary growth of the Skoda brand in Ireland and Paddy proves that there's actually some true used EV bargains out there.Hosted by Mark Noble and Paddy Comyn.Brought to you in association with DoneDeal Motors.www.youtube.com/NobbyOnCarsPaddy can be found @cartalkirlPod music by www.hawkjupiter.com Hosted...
2025-02-211h 20