Fiat offers chance to win an Apple iPad

The Flora Womens' Mini Marathon is only a few days away and while participation (and fund-raising for charity) is, of course, its own reward, Fiat Ireland thinks that the rewards shouldn't necessarily stop there.

That is why as well as giving a brand new Fiat 500 car away to one lucky participant on the day of the event, Fiat is also offering all mini-marathon runners the chance to win an Apple iPad.

The company is actually giving away six iPads between June and December this year and to enter the only thing mini-marathon participants have to do is stick an 'I DID IT!' sticker on the back of their car and check the Fiat Ireland Facebook page once a month to see if they've won.

Stickers are available at registration (June 3-5) and from the Fiat display on St Stephen's Green (June 6) while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

Renault launch childrens' design competition

Renault Ireland has launched a design competition for primary school children.

The competition called 'My Electric Revolution' in association with RTE, will help to promote an understanding and awareness of electric vehicles and how they will positively impact on our lives and environment.

All primary school children aged between 8 and 13 years can enter by designing a poster (no larger than A2 in size) on the subject of 'My Electric Revolution' describing what the 'electric future' might mean for our planet.

Renault is hoping for some highly creative designs from the competition.

The top prize is a trip to Delphi Mountain Resort in Connemara for the winner's class, including one night's accommodation, all means and activities. The winning entry will also feature as an A2 Colour Poster free in the RTE Guide on 12th September next.

Entry forms are available online on www.rte.ie/electriccars, and at all Renault dealerships around the country where free colouring kits are also available for budding designers. The closing date is 4th July.

Warning about agricultural vehicles

Road users have been asked to pay special attention to farm vehicles as their use increases in the coming months.

With farmers in the middle of the silage cutting season, there are more tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the roads.

The Road Safety Authority has also issued a reminder to operators of agricultural machinery that they are subject to the same regulation as cars and other vehicles when they are being used on the public road.

Lexus: eleven years at the top

For the 11th year running, Lexus has achieved the highest ranking in the annual J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction study.

The luxury brand was named highest ranked manufacturer in 2011.

The results show that Lexus continues to lead the field, a position it has held from the first year it was eligible for consideration.

The IS executive saloon achieved the highest overall score - the third time the model has achieved this. The RX luxury SUV was ranked third overall, having claimed the highest overall score in 2010.

This year's survey canvassed the opinions of 16,840 owners of vehicles that were on average two years old.

Saab to restart production today

Saab planned to restart its production line in Sweden today after six weeks of being idle due to cash flow problems.

Plans are to start off slowly, rolling out 100 cars on Friday instead of its usual 230 to 240 per day production.

Saab owner Spyker has been struggling to turn the Swedish carmaker around and ran out of cash to pay its suppliers, halting production and pushing it to the brink of collapse.

Meanwhile, Chinese car distributor Pangda is waiting for regulatory approval at home for its rescue of Saab in a deal worth up to €110 million.

Spyker recived an advance payment of €30 million from Pangda last week and had hoped to restart production by the end of this week.

New Golf Cabriolet will go on sale in August

Volkswagen's new generation of its open air bestseller, the Golf Cabriolet, is designed to cater for all four seasons that make up the Irish climate.

The four-seater soft-top is a year-round cabriolet. The top opens automatically in just 9.5 seconds, and you can pop it down while driving up to 30km/h. Or up, as the case may be.

When the roof is up, this Volkswagen is one of the quietest cars of its kind. It also offers one of the most spacious interiors in its class. Bootspace is 350 litres, even with the top down!

The windscreen frame is short, optimising the cabrio feeling.

Available in just one trimline, the Golf Cabriolet can be customised with various option packs.

Three engines are offered, one petrol and two diesels, from 1.2 TSI 105bhp, 1.6 TDI 105bhp and 2.0 TDI 140bhp

Standard on the entry level car is ESP, 16-inch alloys, hill hold control, cruise control, multifunction display, the fully automatic hydraulic soft top, electric windows front and rear, and climate air conditioning.

The car will go on sale here from August with pricing to be announced nearer to the launch date.

RSA Conference on human impact of road crashes

Up to 40 percent of road traffic injury victims haven't improved up to six years after the event, a road safety conference heard yesterday.

The Road Safety Authority's annual international road safety conference in Dublin Castle was addressed by Irish, UK and international speakers working in the area of road safety, with particular emphasis on support for survivors and families of victims of road collisions.

The event included presentations on the psychological effect of road collisions and the long-term impact they have on survivors' lives, as well as the experiences of front line staff, and the lasting impact of road collisions on victims' families.

Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, said the conference was 'about reminding everyone of the added dangers we face when using the roads'. "More importantly, it's also about those who have been affected by road tragedy. It's an important reminder that when we speak about road safety, we are not talking about faceless statistics, but real people".

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New fast charge point on N2

Drivers of electric cars now have a new fast charge point at the Topaz Monaghan Service Station in Coolshannagh on the N2 motorway to help them recharge the battery in their vehicle and help them on their way writes Trish Whelan.

This latest charge point is part of the roll out of a network of 30 fast charge points nationwide, and was officially launched by ESB ecars and Topaz yesterday. A standard charge point is also available on the site.

Fast charge point launches are planned for Topaz Cashel, followed by Topaz sites in Cork City, Athlone, and Cavan by the end of next month. Standard charge points will also be installed at these locations. Other planned fast charge point installations include Monasterevin in Co Kildare, and Navan in Co Meath.

The ESB ecars' Paul Mulvaney said "The increasing number of fast charge point locations will help to promote the wider adoption of electric cars in Ireland."

According to Andrew Graham, Topaz "As the largest fuels and convenience retailer in the country, Topaz is committed to diversifying its product offerings and giving customers as much choice as possible in order to fulfil their needs.

In addition to the roll out of fast charge points, ESB ecars is committed to installing a network of public charge points as well as installing charge points in the homes of people who buy electric cars. By the end of 2011 they hope to have installed 30 fast charge points; 1,500 public charge points across Ireland; and 2,000 home charge units (dependent of ecar sales).

Chrysler introduce all-new Ypsilon

Chrysler's first ever supermini has been unveiled to motoring journalists in Turin, writes Trish Whelan.

Based on the all-new Lancia Ypsilon, one of the stars of the Geneva Motor Show in March, this is the first time the new model has been seen with its distinctive Chrysler identity.

The car is aimed at those who want luxury, elegance, quality and prestige. It is also packed with technologies like next-generation Park Magic; Blue&Me-TomTom Live; LED tail-lamps and a full-length sunroof.

The car goes on sale here in October with prices expected to start at well below €13,000.

Three engines are offered for Ireland. Lining up alongside the 85hp, 2-cylinder TwinAir version is the entry-level 69hp 1.2-litre petrol engine and the 95hp 1.3 MultiJet II turbo diesel engine. Every Ypsilon sold here will be in Tax/VRT Band A.

Three trim levels are offered, Argento, Oro and Platino but exact equipment specifications for the Irish models have yet to be finalised. It is likely, however, (subject to confirmation) that all will have ESP, six airbags and Hill-Holder, electric windows, remote central locking and a height adjustable drivers' seat; with air conditioning, electric mirrors and leather steering wheel as standard in the mid-range model; and alloy wheels, fog lights and rear electric windows as standard in the top version.

A favourable rating is expected when the car is eventually tested by Euro NCAP.

Petrol prices rise again, diesel holds steady

The latest AA Monthly index of fuel prices show that petrol rose yet again, rising by 2.6 cent to reach another record high at an average of 153.3 cent per litre. Diesel fared better, even falling very slightly to 146.0 cent on average, down 0.3 cent.

Conor Faughnan of the AA says "The combination of oil prices, currency fluctuations and the price of wholesale product has played against us once again, pushing up our cost of living in a way that affects almost every family in the country.

"Seeing petrol rise in price faster than diesel seems a little strange but that is often the case at this time of year. Nevertheless, the price of both fuels remains stubbornly high."

The latest petrol price rise means that the cost of a month's fuel for a typical motorist is now €229.95 (based on 12,000 miles per year at a fuel economy rate of 30 mpg, typical for a mix of urban and rural driving).

Diesel is now the fuel of choice for new cars, with over 70 percent of new passenger car sales this year, but the majority of private cars (over 60 percent) still use petrol, and this gets higher for older vehicles.

For diesel users, the AA warns drivers to buy their fuel sensibly and to take care not to buy what looks like very cheap fuel as it may well be too good to be true.

Faughnan advises to go to reputable garages and buy sensibly. "If you buy fuel very cheaply from a farm gate or some other irregular outlet, it is entirely possible that you could be buying laundered fuel. Quite apart from the legal consequences - a fine of €5,000 is possible - you may damage your engine resulting in a costly repair.

New Ford Focus makes Euro NCAP history

With its new Focus, Ford has become the first non-premium automaker to win two Euro NCAP Advanced rewards writes Trish Whelan.

The Focus was recognised for Active City Stop, which monitors the road ahead and brakes automatically if a collision is imminent; and Lane Keeping Aid, which uses a camera at the top of the windscreen to monitor the road ahead, so as to detect if the car drifts out of its lane. If it detects an unintentional lane departure, it applies a small amount of steering input to alert the driver.

The Focus also earned a maximum 5-star crash safety rating, including the highest possible dynamic score for child protection in both frontal and side impact collision tests. Focus also did extremely well in the adult and pedestrian safety categories.

Bentley Continental GT at delivery of new Bond book

A special red Bentley Continental GT was at the core of the arrival of the new James Bond book, Carte Blanche, at St Pancras International in London today, writes Trish Whelan.

Copies of the book by American thriller writer Jeffery Deaver, and published in the UK, were delivered by Royal Marines Commandos in a display involving abseiling, a fast car (the Bentley!) and a beautiful leather clad Bond girl on a motorbike.

In a scene which could easily have been lifted from a James Bond novel, Jeffery Deaver pulled up at Europe's longest bar - The Champagne Bar at St Pancras International - in the special Bentley flanked by the Bond girl.

But the author received the first copy of his novel by air as a Royal Marine display team descended from the roof of the station with copies of the novel. 

The books were handed over to Deaver in front of members of Ian Fleming's family and invited guests before being put under lock and key until midnight tonight. We'll be able to buy one soon here too, presumably.

Volkswagen open $1 billion assembly plant in the U.S.

Volkswagen AG has opened a $1 billion U.S. assembly plant that will play a big part in the German automaker's plan to unseat Toyota Motor Corp as the world's largest carmaker writes Trish Whelan.

The plant opened yesterday in Tennessee and VW will build a Passat designed for the U.S. market at the factory.

Making cars in the United States allows the company to keep close track of changing tastes in the world's No. 2 auto market, where consumer trends often originate. It also allows Volkswagen to show its commitment to the U.S. market. The company aims to nearly triple its sales in the United States to 1 million vehicles in 2018 from about 360,000 in 2010.

Nissan's Leaf gets five stars for safety

Nissan's LEAF electric car has been awarded the highest level of car safety in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests.

The zero-emission car received the maximum five-star rating, the first electric vehicle ever to earn this distinction.

The reigning European and World Car of the Year earned an 89 percent rating for adult safety, an 83 percent rating for child protection and an 84 percent rating for its on-board safety assist systems which include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a speed limiter as standard.

This compact family hatchback also earned a higher-than-average 65 percent score for pedestrian safety.

The Leaf has a range between charges of up to 175km.

New Lexus CT 200h gets maximum score

The Lexus CT 200h, the smallest Lexus car, has received a maximum 5-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP safety tests, with an overall score of 83/100.

The car scored 94 percent for adult protection, 84 percent for child occupant, 55 percent for pedestrian protection, and 86 percent for safety assist.

This score ranks the new Lexus amongst the very safest cars in the premium compact segment.

Standard safety features include ESP and a speed limiter, eight airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control.

The CT200h is the only premium compact vehicle to offer driver and front passenger knee airbags fitted as standard.

Jo Wood to make her racing debut

Jo Wood has achieved a childhood ambition and become a fully fledged racing driver ... with a little help from 13 times Grand Prix winner David Coulthard (pictured above).

She will make her racing debut at the 2011 Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge which takes place on Saturday, 23 July at the world's biggest classic car racing festival. The Challenge will see an all-star line-up going head to head in 130mph Morgan V6 Roadster sports cars around the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, raising funds for the Cancer Research UK 'Bobby Moore Fund'.

So what was Coulthard's advice for the racing novice?

Driving in traffic is hazardous to your health

It's official: traffic puts drivers under huge physiological stress according to a new independent research commissioned by TomTom, and it seems that men suffer seven times more than women! writes Trish Whelan.

Tests that measured physiological stress markers in participants' saliva, showed that women suffered an 8.7 percent increase in stress from driving in traffic, while men suffered a staggering increase of 60 percent. Worringly, in the same tests 67 percent of women and 50 percent of men reported not feeling stressed 20 minutes after driving in traffic, when physiologically they were.

The research suggests that the effects of long-term exposure to stress chemicals include suppressed immune function, raised blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels.

2 for 1 to Alton Towers with Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries is offering two park tickets for the price of one for families travelling to see the adapted London West End Musical, The GO!GO!GO! SHOW at Alton Towers this Summer.

Valid for travel up to July 5th, and costing a total of €433, equating to a saving of €64, a family of two adults and two children can enjoy the show and all the Theme Park rides plus a two nights break at the 3-star Holiday Inn Express in Stafford with breakfast, return car ferry crossing and one full day at Alton Towers.

The Show is an all-new Pop musical for children packed with energetic song and dance routines and filled with laughs, adventure and audience interaction for all ages.

Book online at www.irishferries.com/altontowers or call 0818 300 400.

Road Test: A case of all fours

I love Minis, writes Trish Whelan. They're fun, and they're funky. But my, how the latest version of the iconic Mini has grown from a bulldog to a mastiff!

With the Countryman it's a case of All Fours. The car is four metres long (the largest Mini ever), has four doors (with a large tailgate), four separate seats, and ALL4 4WD for soft off-roading which allows you park in a field for a sporting event, or even drive on the beach because of its larger wheels and extra ground clearance. This is the first time for Mini, owned by BMW, to offer a 4WD car in its 51 year history.

The Countryman crossover is also the fourth member of the Mini family following the hatch, convertible and Clubman.

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Silver is the Irish green

Even though we Irish may be traditionally associated with green, it seems we prefer driving silver coloured cars.

But patriotism only goes so far and the Irish were the third least likely country to buy green.

France and Italy like cream-coloured cars while Czech Republic buyers favour blue. Germany like black and darker colours.

A big success, though, across Europe has been the Hot Magenta and Squeeze, bright red and green, offered on the Ford Fiesta as customers are also keen to have something more individual.

These are a few of the findings of a study by Ford looked at car colour preferences across Europe. It helps Ford stay in step with customers and stock the right vehicles in dealer showrooms.

This year sees the launch of the new Ford Focus, with colours like Candy Yellow, Candy Red and Mars Red, or Tangerine Scream.

It seems increasing numbers of car buyers across Europe are choosing brown, copper and earth tones reflecting the resurgence of brown tones in fashion and interior furniture.

New Zafira here in 2012

An addition to the Opel Zafira will arrive in Ireland in the spring of next year.

The Zafira Tourer due to debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in September is the first version of the third generation of the brand's compact MPV, offering more style, a more flexible seating system, and a number of driver assistance innovations.

The second row of seats can be reconfigured from three to two to provide a Lounge Seating format, previewed at recent motor shows in a concept.

Safety options include a radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Collision Mitigating Braking (CMB) constantly monitors the distance to the vehicles ahead. If the set safety distance is not observed, the system automatically reduces vehicle speed or, in extreme cases, triggers emergency braking to prevent a collision.

The current Opel Zafira will remain on offer next to the new Zafira Tourer, at a lower cost than the new model.

Specs mistake prompts US Juke offer

Nissan has sent 4,000 US buyers of its Juke small SUV cheques for $400 and an apology over mis-stating the size of the car's fuel tank.

And the US distributor has also offered to buy back the car if the affected customer is still not happy.

There's nothing wrong with the car, but some promotion materials for the AWD version said it had the same size fuel tank as the 2WD Juke. In fact, because of the 4WD mechanisms, it's actually about a UK gallon smaller.

Nissan has sold 13,449 Jukes in the United States so far. The car was chosen by the Irish Motoring Writers Association as the 2011 Continental Irish Car of the Year.