1. Skoda OctaviaThe Skoda Octavia is roomy, comfortable and reliable. Little wonder that the Octavia has been one of the best-selling cars in Ireland for the past few years. As the car world seemingly accelerates headlong into the electric and AI era, the Octavia remains a beacon of good old common sense: a solidly built, roomy, comfortable car with reliability on its side and without a sky-high price tag. You can get one cheaper, but our notional €40,000 budget should buy you a nicely specced 1.5 TSI mild-hybrid with 150 hp and the desirable seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The Octavia is smooth and reassuring to drive, massively roomy and has styling that seems to get better by the day. A masterclass in the conventional state of the art.2. Nissan LeafThe third-generation Nissan Leaf addresses shortcomings in battery tech and range while adding some stylish elements. The original Leaf went from being a true EV pioneer to an also-ran surprisingly quickly. At about the time Nissan launched the second-generation Leaf, everyone else leapt ahead with new battery tech and much longer ranges. This third-generation Leaf fixes all of that and does so with smooth, slightly crossover styling, plus a gorgeous cabin with a good combo of Google-based touchscreen tech and physical buttons. Right now, you can only buy the shorter-range model (440km, which isn’t bad) but there is a 600km version on the way. Smooth and easy-going to drive and good value for money, starting at €34,995. Wild card: Mazda 3With its large engine, the Mazda 3 is a lot of fun to drive. Photograph: Dominic Fraser Irish buyers tend to be shocked by large engines (all those years of punitive VRT and road tax…) so the current Mazda 3’s choice of either a 2.0 litre or 2.5 litre engine is a definite eyebrow-raiser. And the 2.5 is the entry-level engine? Lord save us… The thing is, it’s brilliant. Our budget gets you a high-spec High-Line model with the 186hp 2.0 litre SkyActiv-X engine, which is super frugal and fun to drive when you get the six-speed manual gearbox. Well built, if not the most spacious inside, and with a peachy steering system, this is the closest you’ll get to a five-door MX-5. The best new cars in Ireland for under €60,000 right nowBring your pet everywhere? Here are the best cars for drivers with dogsThe Irish Times guide to the best affordable seven-seat family carsThe Irish Times best new car picks for summer 2026 – under €30,000The Irish Times best new car picks for the summer of 2026 – under €25,000Best second-hand first cars for learners and young drivers