The Yanks are rolling in

For the first time, US heavyweight GM brands Cadillac and Corvette are to be sold in Ireland through selected dealerships.

The OHM group, which already distributes Jaguar, Saab, SEAT, Daihatsu and Chrysler-Jeep brands here is in the process of appointing dealers for its new franchises.

The first model to be introduced will be the CTS rear wheel drive saloon with 2.8 and 3.6 V6 petrol engines. This will be followed next year by the BLS, a front wheel drive mid-sized premium saloon built on the same Epsilon platform as the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3.

It will be the first Cadillac in history to be powered by a diesel option -- the 1.9-litre 150hp unit already familiar in Vectra and Saab 9-3. Brian Byrne.

Kia launches Rio here

Kia has launched its Rio on the Irish market at a starting price of €14,299.

The car comes in hatchback and sedan form and there are two specification levels initially as well as the option of an automatic transmission.

There's just a 1.4-litre petrol engine at the moment.

Key specifications include central door locking, ABS with EBD, driver and front passenger airbags, front electric windows, CD with MP3, body colour door mirrors, bumpers and door handles. Trish Whelan

Fiat fluffs up Stilo

Fiat Auto Ireland is adding an extra €1,500 of equipment at no extra charge to buyers of the Stilo Active Coupé, with a sticker price of €18,395.

The extras include a MP3 radio with subwoofer, a CD remote control system located on the leather-finish steering wheel, sideskirts and the alloy rims have been super-sized to 17”.

The €1,500 of extra equipment added to the Stilo 5-door includes air bags in both front doors, fog lights for improved visibility, leather steering wheel and superior interiors.

There's also metallic paint, a rear spoiler and the 15” wheel rims which are now alloys. The recommended retail price of the car is €18,395. Trish Whelan.

Twintop Astra leads the opentops

With the growing interest in all-weather cars, the open tops, mostly coupe-cabriolets, included new would-be stars like the Astra Twintop, VW's Eos, a revised A4 Cabrio, and a sweet little Micra CC that should get some interest.



The new 'Grande' Punto was attracting a lot of attention, much as it might because it is now the largest of the new superminis in almost every respect. It is going to challenge Renault's new Clio, and won't find it easy, we feel.



Mitsubishi's Concept Sportback provided us with a glimpse of the future styling direction of the brand, and it will be an interestingly aggressive one, it seems.

Trish Whelan and Brian Byrne at Frankfurt.

MINI and others at Frankfurt

The Mini 'Traveller' concept offering is nothing like the 'woodie' Travellers of original Mini and Morris Minor fame, but an extraordinary concoction in white that we suspect is much closer to the next generation Mini than might be expected from a concept.



In the SUV stakes, a growth segment in Ireland where there is tough competition, the showing of the new Toyota RAV4 and the new Suzuki Grand Vitara put two of those competing nameplates head to head. Both are smartly upgraded in their latest guises.





We were also caught by the tidy looks of the Chevrolet Aveo, a booted version of the Kalos which doesn't look like it had a rear end added. There's still a strong place for sedans in Ireland. Trish Whelan and Brian Byrne at Frankfurt.

China's 'first sports car'

This is the Geely China Dragon, or for Europe the CD, and it is billed as 'China's first sports car'.



Geely has only been making cars for eight years, but last year broke the one million figure and claims credit for providing cars to Chinese people at 'realistic' prices. Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne.

Terios replacement shown

Daihatsu's D-Compact 4x4 concept is believed to be as close to the production replacement for the Terios II as is possible.



It is strongly styled and rather larger than the current compact SUV and has a longer wheelbase.

Power comes from a new 1.5-litre engine and the D-Compact is designed to achieve a high 3-star rating in pedestrian protection tests. Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne.

New Kia concept is a CUV

Kia's Multi S concept 'crossover utility vehicle' is a 7-seater which features a two-panel glass roof to 'allow the outside space to come inside'.



The show car was powered by a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine, but the vehicle could also have the option of a 2-litre diesel.

However, there are 'no production plans' for the moment. Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne.

New XK goes topless

Jaguar debuted its all-new XK at Frankfurt and then dropped in the unexpected news of a convertible version.



The convertible will use the same advanced aluminium body structure technology as the coupe, and two hidden aluminium hoops deploy in the event of a rollover incident.

Meanwhile Gerard O'Farrell of Jaguar Ireland told Irish Car at the show that there's already very strong interest in the new generation XK from among the brand's customer base in Ireland.

It will be available from the spring of 2006. Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne.

New Galaxy in summer

Ford's new Galaxy will come to Ireland next summer and will help to keep the Ford brand at the top of the model's part of the MPV segment, according to Ford of Ireland MD Eddie Murphy.



At the Frankfurt Motor Show, he told Irish Car that the all-new Ford family vehicle was designed to emphasise comfort and luxury while providing spacious accommodation for up to seven people.



The new Galaxy incorporates a distinctive new Ford headlamp shape, to provide a fresh new Ford face. An optional fixed glass roof extends to just above the backrest of the second row seat

There will be three powertrains -- the 2.0-litre Duratec HE petrol engine, Duratorq TDCi 1.8-litre diesel engine, and a Duratorq DW 10 2.0-litre diesel engine. Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne.

C6 is 'understated elegance'

Citroen's new C1 will be launched in Ireland on November 1 to give it some visibility before the January 2006 buying season.



And, according to Citroen Ireland's Ruth Baily, the new flagship C6 big car will arrive in Ireland in February.

"We hope we'll sell between 60 and 100 in a year, and from Citroen's point of view it is important to have such a stylish car in the range. It is very elegant in a nice understated way."

Speaking at the Frankfurt Motor Show, she said she expects the C1 -- jointly produced with Peugeot and Toyota -- to be especially popular as a second car. Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne.

Peugeot Coupe will have three engine choice

The Peugeot 407 Coupe will arrive in Ireland in January with a choice of two engines -- the 2.7-litre HDi V6 and a 3-litre V6 petrol.



"These will be followed soon after by a 2.2-litre petrol," says Emma Toner of Peugeot Ireland. "The price we expect to be in or around 44,000 at entry level."

Meanwhile, with the 107 due in Ireland in January, she is confident of strong sales because of the existing customer base in the 106.

"There's a big interest in the car already from people in 106s," she told Irish Car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne.

New IS for January

The new IS Lexus range arrives in Ireland in time for the January car sales time with a 2.5 V6 petrol engine.



A 2.2-litre diesel will follow, and the car will be available with the choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

"Lexus is going to grow very strongly across Europe now," Mark Teevan, MD of Lexus Ireland, said at the Frankfurt Motor Show. "The company is very focussed in its direction, and the range of cars available is now very much suited to European needs."

In Ireland, the Lexus dealer network is being revamped, and the current eight dealers will expanded to nine in the new year.

Pictured at the show are Stephen Jackson, Mark Teevan, and Aidan Connolly, who has recently joined the company as Retail Development Manager. Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne.

New Yaris in November

The second generation Yaris will be launched in Ireland before the end of November, and Ireland will be among the first markets to get the new car.



The car was revealed to a meeting of journalists last night in advance of the first main press day of the Frankfurt Show.



According to Toyota Ireland's Ian Corbett, the new car will officially begin its Irish launch rollout from 21 November.

Yaris in its first generation represents a quarter of all Toyota sales in Europe and is its best-selling European model.

The new generation is longer, wider and higher, and has the leading boot space in its class. Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan, in Frankfurt.

GM showcases Antara concept

A new Opel concept at the Frankfurt Show, the Antara GTC, looks something like an Astra Sport Hatch that has been working out at Muscle Beach.



Sitting on 20-inch alloy wheels, the car also has the modular glass roof inspired by the Panorama roof first seen on the New Zafira.

Its looks convey more of an ‘on road’ than ‘rough terrain’ image, but nonetheless it is a car that has been created to cope with unconventional conditions. Short front and rear overhangs and a lofty ride height suggest that this is a car capable of coping with the rough, while still looking smooth.

Like the Insignia concept car previewed at the 2003 Frankfurt Show, the Antara uses a ‘pantograph’ style hatchback door, which is counterbalanced rather than based on space-consuming hydraulics.

Antara GTC is fully operational and is powered by the latest development of GM’s 1.9-litre CDTi turbodiesel unit beneath its bonnet, developing 212hp and 400Nm of torque with the help of two turbochargers. The engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, powering all four wheels. Trish Whelan and Brian Byrne at Frankfurt.

Fiat plans a score

Fiat Auto is planning 20 new cars over the next three years, 11 of them replacements of existing models.

New Fiats include its version of the new Suzuki compact SUV, a production version of the 3+1 concept 500 minicar, and a passenger version of an LCV being developed with Turkey carmaker Tofas.

A new Alfa crossover is in train to top the line of that Fiat marque, and is probably to be developed with Maserati.

Three Lancias are planned, including a version of the Suzuki SUV, a car based on the next-generation Stilo, and a revised version of the Fulvia.

Fiat is also developing a series of new and improved engines, including a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit which in various forms will replace the brand's existing 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol units. Trish Whelan.

A little nacht vision

'Night vision' is making its European debut in the continent's two top luxury brands at the Frankfurt show.

Both Mercedes-Benz and BMW will showcase systems that provide drivers with warning of obstacles far ahead of the range of ordinary headlights.

Mercedes is using an infra-red module set in the headlamps cluster and connected to a camera inside the car. BMW is using thermal imaging sensors. Trish Whelan.

China comes to Frankfurt

The growing strength of the Chinese car industry is represented by the fact that no less that three carmakers from that country are exhibiting at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

They are Landwind, which already sells an SUV and plans an MPV in Europe; Geely Motors, with an old Citroen-based model amongst its five models, and Brilliance Jinbei, which has an alliance with BMW.

And there is a growing suspicion that, as high-tech western economy cars raise the price bar significantly, China is ready to make a significant impact in the growing 'value brand' market segment currently being developed by Korean- and east Europe-based manufacturing facilities, in many cases by global owners.

China could upset their current market expansion plans. Brian Byrne.

Suzuki will do Fiat SUVs

Fiat will provide a 120hp turbodiesel for Suzuki which will provide three new compact SUVs to the European market.

The vehicle is totally Suzuki-developed, but Fiat will get its own-badged versions for itself and for its Lancia division as part of the deal.

The other engines -- 1.5- and 1.6-litre petrol units -- will be Suzuki's own.

The new SUV is based on a stretched version of the Ignis platform, and a third of the 90,000 a year production will be badged Fiat or Lancia.

Fiat's last SUV, the Campagnola, was discontinued in 1987. Brian Byrne.

Two new Toyotas

Toyota's new small car, the Aygo, will be on sale in all dealerships in the network before the end of the month.

The car will come in three specification levels and in 3- and 5-door forms.

The prices range from €11,550-€14,345 and in addition to the standard 5-speed gearbox, an automated manual is available.

In Ireland, Toyota will only sell the car with the 1-litre petrol engine, which delivers in excess of 60mpg.

Toyota Ireland has also introduced the new generation Hilux pickup in a price range from €24,875-€33,555.



Brian Byrne.

Peugeot prices for 1007 and 307

Peugeot in Ireland have announced prices for the all-new 1007 and 307 ranges, due on sale in dealerships nationwide this September.

The new 1007 will retail at €18,995, plus dealer delivery related charges, for the S 1.4 version. Prices for the new range rise to €23,195, plus dealer delivery related charges, for the Sport 1.6 2-tronic version.

The new 307 with a restyled front bonnet, new rear lights and improved choice of trims will be available from launch in mid-September in hatchback, estate and SW 7-seater guises.

The hatchback will retail from €19,695, plus dealer delivery related charges, for the SR 1.4 16v 3-door. The top of the range 5-door SX 1.6 110bhp HDi diesel will retail at €26,095, plus dealer delivery related charges. Brian Byrne.

McHale and Nagle's perfect finish

Having led the event from start to finish, Gareth MacHale took victory on the recent Wastewater Solutions Killarney Forestry Rally in their Toyota Corolla WRC.  

MacHale, from Dublin, and his Killarney-based co-driver, Paul Nagle, had already clinched the McCauley Trailers 2005 National Forest Rally Championship title in advance of this, the final round of the series, and their victory on the Castleisland-based event capped a near-perfect year. Brian Byrne.

Bringing IKEA closer to Ireland

Ahead of their arrival into Ireland, Irish Ferries have brought the giant IKEA stores at Warrington and Cardiff that bit closer with a new €99 return one day fare for car plus four on their Dublin/Holyhead and Rosslare/Pembroke routes. A van plus four fare of €129 return is also offered.

Other centres to be explored include the picturesque city of Chester, Cheshire Oaks designer outlet village, Europe’s largest, and the Trafford Centre in Manchester, all within a two hours drive from Holyhead. Close to IKEA in Cardiff, and within two hours drive from Pembroke, is Bridgend designer outlet village in which over 80 famous name designer stores are located.

Fares can be booked by telephone at 0818-300-400. Brian Byrne.

Fiat rise hopes for Punto

Fiat's Grande Punto, which has just made its European press debut in Turin, will according to Fiat be a contender in the C segment even though its theoretical position is rooted in the supermini B segment.

Developed by Italdesign-Giugiaro together with the Fiat Style Centre, the Grande Punto is 403 cm long, 168 cm wide, 149 cm high and has a wheelbase of 2.51 metres.

There are two petrol engines, the 65 bhp 1.2 8v and the new 77 bhp 1.4 8v, and four turbodiesels — the 120 and 130 bhp 1.9 Multijet, the 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet 16v and the new 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet 16v with a variable geometry turbo. Brian Byrne.

Bid for WRC round to Ireland

Rally Ireland -- a joint initiative of Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Events Company (NIEC) -- has launched a bid to host a round of the prestigious World Rally Championship in Ireland from 2007.  

The event will be the biggest cross-border sporting event in Ireland.
 
A three-day pilot event, Rally Ireland 2005, will take place in the North West from 14th to 16th October as part of Ireland’s bid.

The 235km route of Rally Ireland 2005 will cross the North/South border on a number of occasions. For the first time in this country, the event will take place on a mixed surface (tarmac and gravel) to demonstrate Ireland’s capacity to run an event on either surface. Brian Byrne.

RAC says 'back off'

A survey carried out by the RAC School of Motoring has found that on average more than 26 percent of motorists are an accident waiting to happen as they drive too close to the vehicle in front.

In Cork recently, they found at one point on the South Ring, more than one in three cars were tailgating. A similar tailgating survey in Dublin last year showed that over a quarter of drivers were driving too close to the vehicle in front.

Tailgating is also a major cause of road rage on motorways. Brian Byrne.