Galaxy prices and specs announced

Ford's new 7-seater Galaxy MPV becomes available in July with an entry level model price less than €500 above that of the outgoing Galaxy.

There are a total of 14 models in the range, covering 2.0 petrol, 1.8 TDCi diesel and 2.0 TDCi diesel powertrains, and three trim levels.

The full-size MPV starts from €35,345 for the 2.0 petrol (145PS) LX, with the 1.8 TDCi diesel starting at €36,095. The previous entry-level diesel model retailed from €36,225.

The top-end price for the Galaxy 2.0 TDCi Ghia 140PS 6-speed is €44,345.

Brian Byrne.

Esoteric Maserati

The just-announced Maserati MC12 Corsa will cost E1 million plus taxes. And only 12 of them will be built.

The car has been developed from the MC12 GT1 type which won the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup.

It features a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, Brembo steel and carbon (but no ABS), and is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 with 755hp.

Brian Byrne.

Lexus GS hybrid

Lexus has introduced its latest hybrid car, the GS 450h, which is the world’s first rear-wheel drive full hybrid power saloon.

The car's power system combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a high-output electric motor and Lexus says it gives performance that matches conventional V8 petrol competitors, but with significantly lower fuel consumption.

A 35.8mpg consumption on the combined cycle is achievable from the hybrid system which has a maximum output 345 hp and allows a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.9 seconds.

Brian Byrne.

EOS here

Volkswagen Ireland has introduced the new EOS coupe/cabriolet to this market.

The four-seater EOS has a fully-retractable steel folding roof fitted with a sliding sun roof which can be used when roof is in the fully closed position.

The car is powered by engines and running gear derived from the new Passat. Six versions will be available, powered by four petrol and two turbo diesels.

The first version to arrive into dealer showrooms is a 1.6-litre FSI, 115 bhp model with 6-speed manual transmission at E36,880 ex works. Joining it is a 2.0-litre FSI, 150 bhp version, also with 6-speed manual transmission, at E41,845 and a 6-speed 2.0-litre FSI 200 bhp turbo version at E46,400.

The first diesel to arrive is a 6-speed 2.0-litre TDI, 140 bhp model at E44,560.

Brian Byrne.

Reduce VRT to improve road safety - call

Reducing the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) on new cars could improve road safety, according to David Baddeley, MD of Volvo Cars Ireland.

He was speaking at a recent Road Safety Seminar at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, organised by the Swedish Embassy in association with the Department of Transport.

David Baddeley said a person in a 30-year old car was 10 times more likely to die in an accident than if they were protected by a modern car in that same accident and the risk was on a sliding scale related to the age of the car and the engineering solutions built in.

"A major impact on fatalities and serious injuries in Ireland could be achieved by helping people update the vehicles in use on our roads, however that requires a change in attitude and behaviour towards safety."

He said a financial incentive would be one of the quickest ways to kick-start a change in behaviour, and highlighted the 50% reduction in VRT for Bio-Fuel powered vehicles from the last budget. "With VRT accounting for up to 30% of the final price of a car, the impact could be considerable."

He said independent safety testing people like Euro NCAP could be used to assess vehicles.

Trish Whelan.

New Corsa for July debut

Opel's funky new Corsa goes on sale here later this year. It will have its world premier at the London Motor Show in July.

Five engines will be available at first. Petrol choices will be 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-litres; there will also be a common-rail diesel using GM's 1.3- CDTi unit. The flagship oil burner will be an all-new 125PS 1.7-litre CDTi.

The new car is a bit longer and wider than the current one and the three-door has a coupe-like roofline.

Trish Whelan.

XJ picks up award

Jaguar's XJ has picked up the award for Best Luxury car in the 2006 Fleet World Awards for a third consecutive year in the UK.

A panel of experts representing the leasing industry, fleet managers, motoring journalists, residual value guides and Fleet World's own editorial team decided the award. Factors like residual values, maintenance costs, reliability, driver appeal and manufacturer back-up were taken into account.

The XJ 2.7 TDVi costs from €89,220 here, petrol engines are also available.

Trish Whelan.

Honda F1 in Schools

Universal Honda invited students from Rathcoole to get a feel for the Formula 1 Car on display at their new Headquarters in Citywest Business Campus on the Naas Road.

The students are among the 20 second level schools in Ireland taking part in the Challenge which has been brough to Ireland by the Irish Computer Society.

The Honda-powered F1 in Schools competition is part of an international competition which now attracts more than 45,000 across the world in a frenzied dash to design, build and ultimately race C)2 powered model Formula 1 cars.

Trish Whelan.

Prius' hat trick

For the third year in a row, the 1.5- petrol engine of the Hybrid Synergy Drive has won best 1.4 - 1.8=litre engine in the awards and has also been named 'Best Fuel Economy' for its application in the Toyota Prius.

This means the Hybrid Synergy Drive has won both categories every year since it was launched in the second generation Prius in 2004.

Dave Shannon, MD of Toyota Ireland said: "This encourages us in our belief that the Toyota Prius is a real world solution for customers who want better fuel economy and low CO2 together with driving pleasure."

The results of the International Engine of the Year Awards 2006 were decided by a panel of 61 automotive journalists from 20 countries.

Trish Whelan.

Golf GT in July

Volkswagen are set to offer Irish motorists the triple benefits of big engine power output linked to greater fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and a VRT tax saving when their new TSI-powered 1.4-litre, 170bhp Golf GT is launched here in July.

The new Golf GT increases the peak power output of its 1.4-litre engine to 170bhp - a performance like what you would expect from a conventional 2.3-litre petrol unit - while delivering 20 percent lower fuel consumption and a 38.2 mpg return on the combined cycle.

An additional saving comes from the lower VRT rating that applies to the 1.4-litre engine.

Prices to be announced.

Trish Whelan.

VW Fox breaks cover

First versions of the Volkswagen Fox have now arrived on the Irish market.

This successor to the Lupo, is available in a choice of two 1.2-litre, 3-door versions of 55bhp and 65 bhp power output. Soon, a 1.4- 75bhp petrol and a 1.4-litre 80bhp TDi versions will be added to the range.

The Fox is built in Brazil and benefits from substantially lower production costs, making prices here competitive even when compared to the model it replaces.

Standard features include electro-hydraulic power steering, remote controlled central locking, electric front windows, ABS, electric mirrors, 260-litres of boot space, radio/CD player, height-adjustable driver's seat, adjustable steering wheel, full-size spare wheel and four airbags.

Trish Whelan.

New Peugeot 207 now on sale

The new Peugeot 207 goes on sale at dealerships nationwide from Friday, 26 May with a starting price of €15,595, plus dealer delivery pack.

It joins the 107, 206 and 1007 in the Peugeot small car line-up.

The entry level 207 S, 1.4 75bhp petrol model has as standard driver/passenger/side airbags, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brake assist, central locking, deadlocks, trip computer, electric front windows, stereo/in-dash CD player and 15-inch wheel trims.

Top of the range 207 GT 1.6 HDi 110bhp model comes with an emissions air filter, and will sell at €26,395. Standard spec on the Gt model includes ESP, tyre pressure sensors, static directional headlights, rear parking aid, sports front bonnet, rear electric windows, leather steering wheel, front fogs, dual climate control, athermal windscreen, alarm, alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof.

The 207 1.4- 75bhp 8 valve engine will be available here in November this year.

Transit paves new ground

The all-new version of Ireland's most popular commercial vehicle, the Ford Transit, will arrive here this summer.

Transit has been the country's best-selling van for 40 years. The new model includes a host of improvements which Ford say are designed to keep it ahead of the competition.

The addition of a medium wheelbase low roof model, standardisation of disc brakes all-round and novel firsts like configurable locking and a rechargeable key fob are among the many stand-out features of the new Transit.

Suspension improvements mean better handling with more 'car-like' responses.

Some 60 bodystyles mean there's a Transit to fit every job.

Safety-wise, new Transit has disc brakes all round, aBS with EBD, and optional Traction Control and ESP, making it the safest commercial ever from Ford. The passenger airbag has b een increased to 120 litres and optional side airbags are now available for the first time.

Prices are yet to be announced but Ford Ireland boss Eddie Murphy said they would be around 2-3 percent on the current prices.

Trish Whelan.

New Terios is launched

Daihatsu have launched their new Terios 'Tough and Casual New Compact SUV'. It is designed for young people 'who value their individuality as well as young families with active lifestyles'.

New Terios is a new SUV style combining SUV strength with a refined urban look. Full-time four-wheel drive and superior drivability are options.

The latest version is longer and wider than the previous model. Most of the increased length has gone into the wheelbase allowing for a much larger and more comfy interior for five adults. The luggage compartment length also also increased to 380 litres that can hold four suitcases.

Prices are €22,495 for the 2WD manual transmission; €23,495 for the 4WD manual, and €24,495 for the 4WD Automatic transmission. Delivery and related charges are not included.

Trish Whelan.

S-MAX prices announced

Ford of Ireland have announced prices for their new S-Max 5+2 sports activity vehicle, the latest addition to the Ford car line-up.

The range, which goes on sale at the end of the month, starts from €31,795, placing it between the Mondeo and the Galaxy in the large family segment. Top price is €40,115 for the Titanium 2.0 TDCI 143ps M6 version.

The S-MAX range for Ireland includes 15 models across three equipment levels and three engines.

All models are powered by a 2.0 litre Duratec 145 PS petrol or a choice of 1.8 TDCI and 2.0TDCi common rail diesel powertrains, with 5- and 6-speed transmissions.

All models features the FordFlatSystem which allows the second and third row seats to be folded flat to the floor without having to take them out. Up to 32 seating configurations are available in all.

S-MAX prices are based on 5-seater models. Ford anticipates a majority of buyers opting for the S-MAX in 7-seater form, at a premium of around €700.

Trish Whelan.

2006 New Car Sales up 6.6%

Sales of new cars during April 2006 (17,413) were on a par with April 2005 (17,401). Year on year sales of new cars are, however, up 6.6 percent in 2006 (111,989) on 2005 sales (105,036).

The high increase in Heavy Commercial Vehicle and Bus/Coach registrations in April is probably explained by the introduction of Digital Tachgraphs on all new vehicles from the 1st May 2006.

Light Commercial Vehicles were down 7 percent in April 2006 (3,631) compared with April 2005 (3,907), while year to date figures for these vehicles are up 11.4 percent in 2006 (22,043) compared with the same period in 2005 (19,784). Heavy Commercial Vehicle Registrations were up 180 percent in April 2006 (1,509) compared to April 2005 (539). Bus/Coach registrations were up 279 percent in April 2006 (110) compared to April 2005 (29).

Trish Whelan.

Caliber here soon

Dodge are returning to Ireland. First to arrive will be the Dodge Caliber which comes in mid summer 06.

Engines will be a petrol 1.80 150bhp World Engine and a 2.0 156 bhp CVT World Engine; and a 2.0 140 bhp CRD diesel.

Two specification levels will be on offer, SE and SXT.

Prices have yet to be confirmed but will be around €22,000 for the 1.8- SE petrol and €26,000 for the 2.0 SE CRD diesel. Premium for SXT specification is approx €2,000.

The Dodge Caliber will be on sale in the 15 Chrysler Jeep dealerships who will also handle the Dodge brand.

Other Dodge vehicles to come include the Nitro mid-size SUV to arrive early 2007, and the Caliber SRT4 300bhp sport model due next year. A D-segment vehicle is also planned.

Between 250-300 Dodge Calibers are expected to be sold next year with the 1.8- the volume seller.

Trish Whelan.

New L200 launched

Mitsubishi have launched their all-new L200, which has been designed to appeal to the traditional SUV driver who wants the practicalities of a pick-up with the comfort, drivability and imag eof a more mainstream 4x4.

There are four L200 derivatives, from the practical single cab workhorse, to the Club Cab and the range topping Double Cab, which will account for over 90 percent of all new L200 sales.

Exterior styling is based on Mitsubishi's Pajero Evolution.

Prices start at E22,995 for the Single Cab INVITE, up to E35,230 for the Double Cab INTENSE Automatic.

Trish Whelan.

New Volvo XC90 has more style

Three years after its launch, a new enhanced 2007 model Volvo XC90 will make its debut.

It comes with seven-seat interior and car-like driving characteristics.

Improvements include new grille, bumpers, rear lights, door mirrors (with side indicators), colour-coded side trim mouldings and door handles.

The interior gets new materials and trim.

New engines include a 315PS V8 and six-cylinder 3.2-litre 238 PS.

Prices and specifications are to be announced in early summer.

Trish Whelan.

Drugs a factor on accidents here

A recent 'drug driving' survey in the UK shows that one in five (20 percent) of young motorists take to the road every day while high on illegal drugs.

The survey was by the RAC Foundation and Max Power magazine.

The RAC School of Motoring in Ireland said the results have serious implications for road safety here as the effects of illegal drugs are increasingly a factor in accidents on our roads.

In the UK, 18 percent of drivers who died on UK roads between 1996-2000 had been driving with illegal drugs in their system.

The RAC is calling on young Irish motorists to face up to the dangers of drug driving. At best, they risk penalty points, a heavy fine, driving ban or six months in prison. At worst - a death sentence for the driver or their friends.

Trish Whelan.

Focus is tops ... again

Ford's Focus was again the country's top-selling car in the opening months of 2006 with 5,487 units sold.

Next comes the Toyota Corolla with 4,451 and Avensis with 4,367. The VW Passat is fourth with 3,652 following by the VW Golf at 3,464. Nissan's Almera sold 2,907 units, Opel's Astra 2,835, Ford's Fiesta 2,553, Toyota Yaris 2,535 and Skoda's Octavia 2,002.

Trish Whelan.

New Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

Just a few weeks after its international launch, the new Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon range has arrived in Ireland with prices starting at €38,250 for the 1.9 JTS 160bhp Turismo model. Top of the range 3.2 V6 Q4 260bhp Sportivo is €51,000.

The Irish line-up comprises a 1.9 JTD 120bhp (Turismo and Sportivo trim level), 1.9- JTD 150bhp (Turismo and Sportivo trim levels) and 2.4 JTD 200bhp (Sportivo).

Trish Whelan.

Audi add to their A4 range

Audi have added to their A4 range with the arrival of the new SE and Sport versions.

Available for a limited period only on saloon and avant estate models across the full engine range, the SE package consists of additional items - 16-inch/7-arm alloy wheels, 4-spoke leather steering wheel, wood or aluminium inlay, front centre arm rest, high-gloss package and cruise control. Priced at €1,950 extra, Audi people say this represents a 40 percent saving on the cost of buying each item separately.

In Sport versions, Audi S-line specifications and badging give the model a distinctive sporty design.

Sport versions carry a premium of €1,950 over standard lines, in this case a 50 percent saving on the cost of buying items separately.

Trish Whelan.

Civic Hybrid wins major Award

The all-new 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, to be launched here yet, has won the 'World Car of the Year Award' for Greenest Car. A jury of 46 international motoring journalists made the award.

The Hybrid is the most economical and environmentally responsible petrol-powered Civic ever, and achieves a combined fuel economy of 4.6 litres per 100km (61.4 mpg). It is powered by IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology. Petrol and battery power combine to deliver this performance, maximum fuel efficiency and very low CO2 emissions.

Trish Whelan.