First Tiguan pictures

Volkswagen has revealed the first images of its Tiguan, the new compact 4x4 which will go on sale in early 2008, following its world public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.



Slightly larger than the Volkswagen Touran compact MPV, the Tiguan is 4.4 m long, 1.8 m wide and 1.6 m in height.

It will initially be available with a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI diesel which is likely to be the most popular model, and a 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI petrol unit. Later in 2008 a 170 PS TDI and two further petrol engines will become available to order.

S, SE and Sport models will be offered at launch, all with 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

No details of Irish pricing or specification available yet. BB.

BMW 6-Series revised

BMW has announced the launch of a new engine to the BMW 6 Series range at the same time as the model line-up has been revised, the BMW 635d.



The engine comes with an output of 286hp and 580Nm of torque and makes a zero to 100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds achievable.

For the first time in the 6 Series, the range comes with Brake Energy Regeneration and the implementation of various needs-only operations of ancillary units.

The BMW 635d is joined in the range by the 630i and 650i, offered in both Coupé and Convertible bodystyles. The six-cylinder magnesium and aluminium engine in the 272hp 630i now features new lean burn technology

The exterior of the car features a revised headlight arrangement featuring LED technology and clear lenses. At the rear, the lower reflectors have been optically enhanced as part of a redesigned rear bumper.

Active Headrests appear on the 6 Series for the first time.

RHD versions go on sale in October. BB.

Schumacher for Race of Champions

Michael Schumacher will take part in the 20th Race of Champions, a charity race that this year is being held in Wembley Stadium.

The December 16 tarmac event will also have many other racing stars performing on a custom-built race track competing against one another.

Schumacher took part in the 2004 event at Paris’ Stade de France, where he beat World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb in a one-off challenge in front of over 62,000 fans, but missed out on the overall title to Renault’s F1-driver Heikki Kovalainen.

the race is run to raise funds for and awareness of the Institute for Cerebral and Medullary Disorders

Already announced for 2007 are Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard and Honda F1’s Jenson Button, as well as double FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx and 1995 World Rally Champion, Colin McRae. BB.

New V70 prices released

Volvo Ireland has released the prices and specifications for the all-new Volvo V70, which will be available in Ireland from October.

Prices start at 52,500 euros for the 2.5T, and there ate three specification levels –- S, SE, and SE Lux.

The car is initially offered with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel engine. This initial engine line up will be complemented by further engines in early 2008 along with an AWD version of the D5 engine.

The Volvo XC70 off-road capable versions will be available in Irish dealerships from late January 2008. Priced from 58,500 euros for the 185PS Diesel D5 engine. BB.

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C-Crosser from Citroen

This is Citroën’s first ever SUV, the C-Crosser, due to arrive in RHD markets during the summer.



The vehicle comes with 5+2 seating and a HDi diesel engine with particulate filter.

When exiting the third row seats, or when reconfiguring the boot lay-out, the second row seats can be electronically folded forwards. A split two-piece tailgate includes a lower section which drops the sill by 64mm allowing heavy goods to be easily loaded, while doubling as a bench, capable of supporting up to 200kg.

The 2.2HDi diesel engine emits 191g/km and can also run on 30 percent bio-diesel without modification to the system. BB.

Twingo here in September

Renault will be bringing its new Twingo small car to Ireland in September.



Renault will offer the 1.2 65bhp and the top of the range sporting version GT 1.2 turbo 100bhp to Irish buyers.

Two trims levels are available, Authentique and Dynamique.

A 1.5 diesel will not come to Ireland as it is not available in right hand drive models. TW/

'Just one' can lead to another

Drink driving in the summer is a particular problem, although many drivers still associate it with Christmas with the high profile crackdowns by the Gardai.

If you're going to drink, don't drive, and if you are going to drive, don't drink, is the advice from the Irish Advanced Motorists.

The IAM believe there is a hardcore who still deliberately ignore the dangers when it comes to drinking and driving and 'just one' can lead to another, especially if you are thirsty.

Alcohol was a factor in 36.5percent of fatal crashes and even a modest amount can impair your ability at the wheel.

Remember, 'day after' driving could mean you still have alcohol in your system, so you need a good day or so between 'bottle' and 'throttle'. BB.

Safe van drivers programme

A British programme aimed at making van drivers safer has already involved over 7,500 drivers.

The Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SaFED) for Vans initiative was launched in January 2006 with support from the UK Department for Transport.

Drivers trained in the SaFED techniques averaged an improvement in MPG of over 24% on the day, up to 60 percent reduction in driver faults, 34 percent reduction of the number of gear changes and a 1.5 percent reduction of journey time. These benefits could equate to a £500 fuel savings per vehicle, depending on mileage.

Fleet managers and van drivers interested in finding out how SaFED for Vans could benefit their business should visit www.safed.org.uk and navigate to the ‘find a trainer’ page. BB.

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Peugeot Service Club deal

Peugeot has announced details of its Service Club, open to all makes and models, which entitles drivers to every fourth service free of charge.

To join the Peugeot Service Club, drivers can simply call into their local Peugeot Dealership or logon to www.peugeot.ie to request a Service Club Tag. Each time their vehicle is serviced, the Service Club Tag is punched. When three punches are made, the driver is entitled to the fourth service, worth a minimum of 99 euros, absolutely free.

Should the driver change their car before availing of the free service, the card entitles them to extra discount off the sale of any new or used car instead. BB.

Car buying guide launched

The National Consumer Agency has launched ‘A Guide to Buying a Car’ for consumers purchasing new and second hand cars.



The Guide aims to increase consumer awareness of their rights and issues that may arise when buying cars.

It gives tips on checking the condition of the car, performing background checks, payment options and legal rights when purchasing a car. It also includes a comprehensive checklist for consumers to use when buying a vehicle.

It is an offence to mislead consumers regarding a car’s usage or prior history but few people are aware that private sales are generally not covered by consumer legislation. The guide offers tips on dealing with a private seller and, as there is no obligation on a private seller to offer any information freely, the types of questions one should ask.

Copies of the booklet are available through the NCA website or by contacting their helpline 1890 432 432. BB.

Summer issue of Irish Van & Truck

The summer issue of our quarterly companion magazine, Irish Van & Truck, is now on sale, with a wide range of news and feature articles.

These include interviews with Fergus Conheady of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and Stephen Kearney of Fiat Auto Ireland's LCV division.

We review the Ford Tourneo Connect minibus and take a first look at Land Rover's new Defender Pickup. In addition, the launch of the new generation Iveco Daily series is covered.

A historical look at the 80 years of Volvo Truck business details the road from a 28hp 1.5-tonner to today's massive 660hp flagship model capable of hauling 200 tonnes.

We also have a full report in words and pictures from the recent Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. Meanwhile back home, Trish Whelan reports on the progress of the Pure Plant Oil alternative fuel programme being piloted under the auspices of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce. BB.

More Irish travel out

More people travelled abroad from Ireland in the first quarter of the year than came in here as visitors.

According to the Central Statistics Office, this is a first since such records were begun in 1990.

Irish residents took more than 1.57m trips, spending 1.14 billion euros. Incoming visitors for the period amounted to 1.48m, and they spend 819 million euros here.

The outward trips represented a 17 percent increase on those made in the first quarter of 2006, while incoming trips were up by 6 percent. BB.

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Suzuki leads class in Irish Tarmac

Following a gruelling rally at the Shell Donegal International Rally, Suzuki Cars (Ireland) are now leading their class in the Global Group Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.



Huge crowds saw Lorna Smith finish top of the tarmac championship points ladder in Donegal after a particularity eventful rally on Saturday. A collision with another vehicle resulted in her going off the road at Knockalla and another collision with some straw bales sent the Suzuki team into overdrive.

Lorna went on to set some impressive times and currently leads the class on 45 points, ahead of Enda Hallinan from the Honda Civic team on 35 points.

Suzuki team mate James Wozencroft continuously set fast times despite gearbox problems and was leading the class when he retired on stage 9.

The Suzuki team’s next event is the Isle of Man, a round of the British Rally Championship and the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. SD.

Mini exceeds record sales

At 1,012 units, Mini sales in Ireland to 13 June have overtaken sales for the total record sales of 2005.



In May 2007, the millionth Mini since the market launch was delivered. The hatch model is available in four variants: Mini One, Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper D and Mini Cooper S, which are being sold in 13 dealers across the country. Prices start from 21,950 euros on the road. BB.

Euro Camp Jeep winners

Five lucky Irish winners will join the hundreds of Jeep enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond at the Euro Camp Jeep to be held in Ardeche, France, from 4 July. The Irish winners will be taking along a friend.



The Irish winners were picked from Jeep 07 buyers by Trish Whelan of Irish Car+Travel magazine (pictured above with Ian Bloomer, general manager of Jeep Ireland). They are Tanya Donnelly, Greystones, Co Dublin; Stephen Duffy, Athenry, Co Galway; Elizabeth Rea, Carlow; Jean Foley, Cloyne, Co Cork; and Barry O’Flynn, Dundrum, Dublin 14. TW.

New efficiency from Toyota

Toyota has developed a new generation valve managment mechanism which can improve fuel efficiency up to 10 percent and boosts power output by a similar amount.

Branded as Valvematic, the system also reduces CO2 emissions and will be introduced soon on a new vehicle model featuring a 2.0 litre engine.

Toyota plans to completely revamp its petrol engine and transmission lineup by 2010 as part of its effort to make its overall cars lineup more efficient and environmentally friendly. BB.

More from Alfa

A new Limited Edition Alfa 159 Sportivo is being marketed here with extra equipment at no extra cost.



It comprises both leather seats and Microsoft’s Blue&Me hands-free voice recognition phone system with multi media player. The cost of these items would normally be 2,280 euros but with the 159 Limited Edition they are free, for a limited period only.

Engine options include 1.8 140 bhp, 1.9 160 bhp, 2.2 185 bhp and 3.2 V6 260 bhp petrol, 1.9 120 bhp, 1.9 150 bhp and 2.4 200 bhp Turbodiesel.

Sportivo versions of 159 have recommended retail prices starting from 35,700 euros. BB.

Peugeot gets silver at Le Mans

Peugeot’s return to the gruelling Le Mans 24-Hours Race at the weekend resulted in the new Peugeot 908 V12 700bhp HDi FAP taking second place on the podium, behind Audi.



The car was driven by team Sebastien Bourdais/Pedro Lamy/Stephane Sarrazin and the result came about a two years after the initial announcement from Peugeot Sport of its plans to re-enter the race, fourteen years after its legendary one-two-three finish in 1993. The car was powered by a V12 HDi diesel engine, equipped with a diesel particulate filter system.

A second 908 had to retire while running third three hours before the end. The powerplant of the other car also showed signs of weakness in the dying laps but Sébastien Bourdais succeeded in holding on to cross the finish line. BB.

Prius makes its million

Toyota has sold more than a million hybrid cars according to figures up to the end of May.

Toyota launched the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, in Japan in 1997 and began selling it in North America, Europe and elsewhere in 2000.

The company has calculated that worldwide sales of its hybrid vehicles since 1997 have greatly contributed to reductions in CO2 emissions by producing approximately 3.5 million fewer tonnes of CO2 compared with the same class petrol-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance. BB.

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Loeb takes clear victory

World Rally Champion Sebastian Loeb showed his class on Sunday to take a clear victory in the Donegal International Rally.

His visit to this Irish Tarmac Championship event was billed as a major test session for the Citroen team ahead of November’s Rally Ireland World Championship event. However Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena soon mastered the tough, rough Donegal stages and his engineers tuned the chassis on the Citroen C4 WRC car to enable Sebastian to get the best out of his BF Goodrich tyres. He finished the three-day event more than two minutes ahead of the Subaru of Mark Higgins.

Reigning Champion Eugene Donnelly had to work hard throughout the weekend to overcome some mechanical delays but took a valuable third overall in the end to gain another batch of all-important Tarmac Championship points. After losing time on the first day, the Reid Motorsport team had to re-plan their strategy for the rest of the rally to get Donnelly back to a points scoring position. By Sunday the reigning Tarmac Champion was flying, matching Loeb’s time on the Atlantic Drive test. Third overall but second registered Tarmac driver earned valuable Championship points.

“The varied weather conditions here meant that it was neither really wet nor totally dry which does not suit us at all and we had a number of small but time consuming problems,” commented Eugene at the end of the rally. “However once again the Reid Motorsport team showed its true fighting spirit, even changing a turbo pipe before the last stage and we got the result we hoped for after losing time on the first day. We will have time now to give the car a thorough check and go testing before the next round on the Isle of Man”.

Donnelly’s record on the Manx rally is impressive. He took victory last year and has finished second twice and third once. The Manx Rally takes place on the Isle of Man, July 19-21 and Eugene will again be relying on his BFGoodrich tyres and aiming for victory and maximum points. SMcC.

Hybrid 308 coming

Peugeot will offer a diesel hybrid version of its new 308, but it won't appear until about two years following the arrival of the 307's replacement in the autumn.



Peugeot says its diesel hybrid will have fuel economy of around 4 L/100 km and have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any car other than a pure electric.

The first pictures of the 308 were revealed last week. BB.

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New CX-7 detailed

Mazda Motor Ireland has announced prices and specification details of the new Mazda CX-7 Sports Crossover, with a starting price of 49,995 euros.



It will be powered by the 2.3 litre DISI turbo engine, as featured in the Mazda Performance Series (MPS) range, and features the Active Torque Split 4WD System as utilised in the Mazda6 MPS.

The engine delivers 258 hp and 380 Nm of torque.

No diesel is mentioned, which will severely limit its sales potential in the Irish market.

The CX-7 will be available from Mazda dealers here from September onwards. BB.

207 SW completes lineup

Peugeot has revealed details of a wagon variant of the 207 supermini, the 207 SW. It will be launched in Ireland in September 2007.



The SW will complete the 207 range, just 15 months after the appearance of the hatchback

It has an overall length of 4.156 m, i.e. 119 mm longer than the hatchback (in the rear overhang), providing additional interior space.

The design includes a panoramic glass roof with an electrically operated sun blind limits the brightness as required.

Luggage capacity is 428 litres, 188 litres than the 207 hatchback.

There's more space in the back (both headroom and leg room) enabling greater use of the rear seats. The raised height of the rear seats also creates an “amphitheatre” effect, improving the occupants’ forward vision. BB.

EU to make ESP mandatory

The European Union is to mirror an American plan that electronic stability control systems will be mandatory on all cars from 2012.

Currently only 42 percent of new cars in the EU come with ESC as standard, and then only at the upper end of the market.

The systems can reduce the risk of accidents by as much as 20 percent, especially in wet or icy conditions.

Though carmakers blame a lack of consumer awareness for the low penetration of the systems, the largest provider of ESC says it is because the practice of bundling it with other options and specifications makes it inaccessible to many motorists.

Bosch Chassis Systems Control says the 300 euros systems should be available on every car and on every version.

Both the European Commission and the US National Highways and Transportation Safety Authority now plan to make ESC mandatory by 2012. But by 2010 the US market is expected to lead Europe in penetration of the systems at 82 percent compared to 61 percent. BB.

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More powerful Fiat engine

An enhanced Fiat Powertrain diesel engine will get its first outing in the revised Saab 9-3 later this summer.

The 1.9 litre unit develops 180 hp compared to the 150 hp which it currently produces. Fiat Powertrain have increased the output by using dual turbochargers, a smaller one to provide peak power at lower revs and a larger one which takes over above 3,000 rpm.

A 190 hp version will be used only in Fiat Group cars, and is expected to debut in a Lancia next year. BB.

Browsing in Barcelona

The Barcelona Motor Show got under way at the weekend. Though it isn't a major one in the general scheme of such shows, the recent trend of some manufacturers launching at smaller shows gave us a few new cars to see.



The Kia Picanto upgrade is a case in point. With new front and rear body tweaks, and a significant interior upgrade, the Picanto will become an even more useful element in the Korean carmaker's European growth push.



Citroen added yet another arrow to the C4 series quiver, with a reveal of its sedan variant of the hatchback we've been used to. Coming along behind the very successful compact MPV C4 Picasso, this one should also increase the double chevron's penetration in some key markets where sedans are popular.



The Freetrack from SEAT is a variant on the Leon theme, kitted out with body adornments to make a statement in the so-called 'urban jungle'. Certainly it looks the part.



Peugeot is in on a similar act with a tricked-up version of the 207 SW called the Outdoor. It's a concept version of a supermini wagon going on sale in July.



Not new to us is Nissan's Qashquai, which was circuiting a novelty track that included going into the jaws of a cavern; kids over the weekend must have really enjoyed the spin.



Important to Renault is its new Twingo, due for launch very shortly; the Barcelona show was used to hype up a 'connected' version with Bluetooth and other iPod generation stuff.



The Chrysler 200C sedan shown above is bringing the American company into a market segment which is declining but still very important. The fact that it has a 2.0 litre diesel option will certainly make it a contender of interest.



Finally, we can't help but fall for this latest variant in the Citroen 'Crosser' series of concepts. As a pickup it has more than most; if they put it into production as is, it will clean up with the 'look at me' brigade. BB & TW.

Upper-medium slide

Sales of upper medium cars are being cannibalised across Europe’s largest new car markets by the emerging niche family car segments.

The upper-medium car market is down 17.7 percent for the year-to-date but the MPV and SUV sectors, including their related sub sectors, continue to grow.

Research by Jato Dynamics found that consumer demand is continuing to shift from established market sectors to newer segments such as the small SUV and mid-sized MPV.

Despite the pending launch of new generation products in the upper-medium car market, including the Ford Mondeo and Renault Laguna (right), the analysts said there was no indication that the downward sales trend would change in the medium to long term. BT.

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NI gets tough on mobiles

People using their mobile phones while driving or not wearing seatbelts are among those being targeted by tougher penalties in Northern Ireland.

From June 27, car drivers using a hand-held mobile will be liable for three penalty points and a maximum fine of £1,000, lorry, bus and coach drivers a £2,500 fine. The current fixed penalty of £30 will increase to £60 in July.

Drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt or ensure that child passengers use them will also receive penalty points. The fine on conviction for carrying a child unbelted in the back of a car will increase to a maximum £500. BB.

Irish juror for World COTY

Padraic Deane has been appointed to represent Ireland on the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) jury. The role also includes being the Irish juror for the 'World Green Car', the 'World Performance Car', and the 'World Design of the Year'.

Having represented Ireland on the International Engine of the Year awards for the past eight years, he retains this role.

Padraic served as Chairman of the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) from 2004 to 2006, and he still votes on the Irish Car of the Year, Irish Van of the Year and associate awards.

He is publisher and managing editor of Automotive Publications, whose publications and websites include 'Auto Trade Journal' (+ www.autotrade.ie) and the 'Motorshow Car Buyers’ Guide' annual.

He writes weekly motoring columns in several provincial papers and has been a regular contributor to national newspapers, magazines and radio for over 15 years.

The 2008 World Car of the Year will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in April.

WCOTY has no affiliation with, nor is it in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise. It is administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of distinguished automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. TW.

Mountain rescuers go Mitsubishi

Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue have taken delivery of a new Mitsubishi L200 DoubleCab, which will be a key resource in the team’s front-line mountain rescue operations in the East of Ireland.

Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue provides an immediate response to incidents on Wicklow’s Mountains and support to the Dublin and South East Mountain Rescue teams.

The L200 is fitted with emergency lighting, VHF radio, and tow bar as well as displaying Glen of Imaal’s distinctive livery. BB.

More on new Laguna

Renault has revealed further details of its new Laguna, which is expected to market in mid-October.



The new car is 36mm wider, 10mm longer and 12mm taller than current model, yet an average 15kg lighter.

Engines include three new units – 1.5 dCi 110hp and 2.0 dCi 130 - plus a 2.0 140hp petrol. Six-speed gearboxes as standard on every model.

New Laguna Hatch and Sport Tourer will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. BB.

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New car sales up again

The number of new cars sold in May 2007 (20,689) was 17.55 percent up on May 2006 (17,599), while sales for the first five months of the year (138,212) were 7.0 percent up on the same period in 2006 (138,212).

According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry it is now likely that new car sales this year will reach 190,000, making it the second best year for new car sales after 2000 when over 230,000 cars were sold.

Light Commercial Vehicle sales for the first five months of 2007 (28,821) are up 13 percent on the same period last year (25,508) while Heavy Vehicle sales are down 25 percent (3,153). BB.

New C-Class launched here

Mercedes-Benz Ireland has launched the fourth generation of its C-Class car.



Twenty-five years after the first C-Class 'Baby Benz', some 65,000 orders have already been received by Mercedes-Benz globally for this new model.

The new car will be available in three model variants, Avantgarde, Elegance and Classic lines. All variants will feature the company's 'Pre-Safe' anticipatory occupant protection system, an agility control package which uses selective damping and a direct steering system, adaptive brakes, crash responsive head restraints and seven Airbags. ESP is also standard.

The Avantgarde model will have a more youthful and agile image with a large Mercedes-Benz star incorporated in the front grill -- a design usually associated with Sporty Mercedes-Benz models. It is directly targeted at buyers of BMW's 3 series.

Eight models will make up the new C-Class range available in Ireland, five petrol models and three diesel models. Prices range between at 43,240-67,190 euros. BB.

Spain introducing API

Passengers flying to Spain will have to provide extra information from June 13, with the Spanish government introducing US-style entry procedures to countries not signed up to the Shengen Agreement.

Such visitors entering Spain will have to submit Advance Passenger Information (API), which includes full names, nationality, passport number

Spain is the first European country to require the collection of API for visitors, but the policy will be introduced in other EU member countries during the next year.

There are warnings of delays as the airlines collect the information; it is the carrier's responsibility to provide it. BB.

Penalty points swappers

Almost half a million motorists in Britain have swapped penalty points with family and friends in order to avoid losing their licences or being penalised by their insurers.

According to the survey by Churchill Insurance, 9.5 million of the nation's 33 million drivers said they would accept their loved ones' points if they were on the verge of losing their licence.

The practice is illegal and can lead to prosecution.

One in ten motorists surveyed were willing to ask their partners to take the blame for other driving offences such as crashing red lights, driving using a mobile phone and driving without insurance. BB.