Driver's Republic Podcast

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.

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 guest is Martin Cardiff, Head of Sales at VW Passenger Cars. Martin brings a wealth of experience from his days in Skoda's factory to shaping VW’s product and planning strategy today. From trim and spec decisions, to price points, to what car colours Irish buyers really want, Martin lifts the curtain on how carmakers tailor their offerings for specific markets. It’s a fascinating listen for anyone curious about what really goes on inside the automotive “chocolate factory.”

Don’t miss this one – it’s packed with insight, first drives, and a look into how the cars we see on the road come to life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 is really like for a motoring journalist? In part three, Paddy puts Mark under the spotlight—covering everything from glamorous European launches to the grind behind the Instagram stories.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Ireland.

Plus, we break down the latest industry headlines, including the big news: Gowan Motors becomes the official Irish importer for Leapmotor starting September 2025.

And finally, another listener sends in a classic car-buying dilemma — you know we had to get involved.

Driver's Republic is back. Let’s drive.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 interview segment, we’re joined by Gaspar Alcaide, Brand Director of Cupra Ireland. From sunny Spain to the Emerald Isle, we talk about his journey, Cupra’s bold vision, and how the brand is striking a chord with both new and seasoned drivers.

Buckle up — it’s a good one.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7: MG Cyberster, VW ID. Buzz, & Kia Ireland’s Ronan Flood

In 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/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 for the latest automotive insights, fascinating interviews, and discussions that matter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.