X6 for summer sale

The production version of BMW's X6 Concept, revealed at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, will be on sale next summer.

The coupe-like 4-door will be roughly the same size as the X5 SUV and will have similar AWD capability but is aimed at those who don't find the SUV concept attractive.

The X6 will be built in BMW's US facility in South Carolina and the American subsidiary is hoping it will appeal to city owners who have to deal with potholed streets.

Initially the X6 will be available with standard BMW powertrains, but a hybrid version is slated for 2009 with a suggested 20 percent imporvement in fuel consumption. BB.

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Sat-Nav distraction worry

Spanish traffic authorities are considering a ban on the use of sat-nav systems in a moving car.

The oddball idea is underpinned by a claim that driver distraction causes half of all traffic accidents in Spain.

The national traffic agency wants legislation that will make the devices unuseable while the car is moving, and fining drivers caught looking at the screens while on the move.

Makers of sat-nav systems counter with research that cars with the technology provide less frazzled drivers and reduced journey times, as well as damage claims down by 12 percent.

The logic followed by the idea suggests banning pretty senoritas from Spain's sidewalks as well? BB.

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Irish Clubman door won't change

The new rear side door on the Mini Clubman soon to be launched in Ireland will not be switched to the left side for RHD cars.



That's because to do so would require moving the fuel tank filler, which would in turn force BMW to submit the car to new crashtest and certification procedures.

The door, an afterthought in the design process of the Clubman, permits easier access to the rear and is back hinged. It can only be opened when the front door on its side is open.

The Clubman has a longer wheelbase and body than the 3-door hatch Mini, but is claimed to retain the drive feel of the smaller vehicle. BB

GM mulls small SUV

A new small SUV from GM may by 2010 be challenging the segment currently led across Europe by Suzuki's SX4 and its engineering sibling Fiat Sedici.

GM Europe is actively studying the option, which is likely to be based on the new small car platform currently being developed by GM in Korea.

The Chevrolet Traxx concept car revealed in 2006 at New York and subsequently shown off in European events.

Sales of small SUVs grew by more than 60 percent last year, and are continuing strong growth this year. The GM model would be marketed under both Chevrolet and Opel brands and estimated sales could be 120,000 units a year. BB

Three from Peugeot

Peugeot are looking for a bigger share of the Irish car market following the launch last week of three new models -- the new Peugeot 308, new 207 SW estate and the new 4007 SUV.



The new 308 heralds the arrival of the first '8' generation Peugeot replacing the existing 307; the new 207 SW replaces the 206 SW estate; while the 4007 is the marque's first entry into the SUV market.

The new 308 is a medium-sized family car, available from launch in 3- and 5-door hatchback models with a choice of six trim levels, matched to six engine options. It retails from 20,395 euros plus dealer delivery and related charges.

The new 207 SW follows in the footsteps of the popular 206 SW estate but is a vast improvement on that model.

It will be available from launch with a 1.4 75bhp petrol engine and in three trim levels, S, SE and ST. An SX version will be available by special order.

Prices start from 17,475 euros plus dealer delivery related charges.

The first ever SUV to be launched by the Peugeot brand is the result of a co-operation between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and the PSA Peugeot Citroen group.

The 4007 comes with electronic on-demand 4WD system which allows the driver to select three modes of drive while on the move.

On sale from 40,000 euros, Peugeot expect to sell around 200 4007s in 2008. Competitors include Toyota RAV 4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Tuscon, Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, Kia Sportage, Land Rover Freelander and Mitsubishi Outlander. TW

Maps defunct in digital age?

This is an American piece, but I can relate to it in terms of navigating on this side of the Atlantic too. I also use online and sat-nav resources to find the way somewhere.

That said, I still like to have a local map in the car if I'm in a strange place. Something to spread out on the car's bonnet if I'm lost is very reassuring. BB.

New X-Type detailed

Jaguar has revealed details of its new generation X-Type, which takes the car first launched in 2001 to a new level.



There are nearly 500 new components as well as significant refreshing of the exterior and interior.



Possibly the most significant improvement is the long-needed option of an automatic gearbox for the 2.2 diesel engine added to the powertrains last year.

Other engines in the X-Type include 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 petrol units and a 2.0 diesel.



Available in saloon and estate variants, the new X-Type goes on sale in the spring. BB.

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Nissan's Round Box

This is one of Nissan's concept cars scheduled for display at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.



The 'Round Box' is described as a 'youth-oriented compact convertible'.

Nissan's pre-show blurb says Round Box provides exhilaration for all passengers 'through its uniquely shared experience of fresh air stimulation' and sensation of speed.

This last will be achieved using 'road surface windows', small glass panels placed close to the ground on both sides of the car, providing passengers with a view of the rapidly passing road surface. BB

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Mitsubishi appointment

Peppard Wicklow have now been appointed as a Main Mitsubishi Motors Dealer. The appointment reintroduces the Mitsubishi brand to the Wicklow region after a 3-year absence.



This brings to 34 the number of Main Mitsubishi Dealers in Ireland. Pictured at the announcement of the appointment are Shane Peppard, Jim Peppard and Robert Guy of Mitsubishi Motors Ireland. BB

Flying over traffic jams?

Having a car that flies has always been one of the science fiction fantasies.

That hasn't stopped people trying to build them, and here's a description of the latest serious attempt in this direction.

Seems like just the job to finally avoid the M50, if they'd open up Baldonnell for private takeoffs, and set up a proper terminal for private flying at Dublin Airport. BB

Airport of the future?

We were bemused, even amused, at this piece about how new technology could be making the airport and flying experience better.

Can't see our much-loved budget airlines, or airports in these islands, getting into it anytime soon. Pie in the sky? BB

New M3 Saloon announced

BMW has announced details of its new M3 Saloon, 13 years after the launch of the original M3 Saloon.



The car is powered by a 420hp 4.0 litre V8 mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and variable M differential which transfers up to 100 percent of available power to the wheel with most grip.

The M3 Saloon does the sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is 12.4 l/100km. BB

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Car biggest school transport

Forty percent of school pupils driven to school in the Greater Dublin Area live within 2km of their school.

That's a result of a survey of 150,000 pupils carried out by the Dublin Transportation Authority.

The figure represents a 6 percent increase in five years.

Four out of ten pupils travel to school by car while only 18 percent of pupils use a bus, compared to 23 percent five years ago.

Just 5 percent of secondary students cycle to school. BB

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Kia launches SW cee'd here

Kia Ireland has launched the wagon version of its cee'd hatcback, and plans to have the 3-door Pro-cee'd variant on sale in December.



The cee'd SW is available in just one specification level, EX, at 21,995 euros for the 1.4 petrol and 24,395 for the 1.6 diesel.

The 1.4 petrol has a power output of 104hp while the European-developed diesel pops 113hp and significantly more torque than the petrol.

The car features an extended load bay with a specially-hinged tailgate that allows easier access for loading and unloading.

Other standard items over and above the hatchback include roof rails, a 55 litre underfloor storage bin, cargo security screen and luggage net hooks, and a 12 volt power outlet in the boot area.

The SW is designed to achieve the same level of safety as the hatchback, which was recently awarded a 5 star ENCAP rating.

Built on the same wheelbase as the hatchback, the SW body is 235mm longer and 10mm taller.

Since Kia set up its own sales operation in Ireland in 2002 it has boosted sales figures from under 1,000 units in that year to an expected outcome of 4,400 units last year.



Kia Ireland MD James Brooks (right above with PR Manager Aidan Doyle) says the company anticipates a 2008 sales performance of 5,000 units, depending on market conditions. He also noted that since its launch a year ago, the cee'd has become the brand's best selling model. TW

Round and round Pivo2

This is Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car from Nissan that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.



The car is powered by advanced compact lithium-ion batteries and features a unique rotating cabin – meaning no reverse gear is required

Each of the four wheels are powered by Nissan’s electric in-wheel 3D motor and can turn through 90deg to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward. BB

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Transit SportVan coming

A new version of Ireland's best selling van goes on sale later this month.



The Transit SportVan in a limited edition based on the 260 SWB FWD low-roof Transit. It is powered by a new 2.2 140hp TDCi engine.

Cosmetics include 18" alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, front fogs, side skirts and spoilers along with metallic paint options and the optional Le Mans–style white bonnet stripes.

Among the interior appointments are air conditioning, six CD-player with remote steering column controls and cruise control. There are also rain-sensing wipers and a passenger airbag.

In common with the entire Transit range, it features Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme standard.

The Transit SportVan costs 30,420 euros. BB

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Irish men help distressed damsels

The Irish male is much less likely to let a woman driver change a tyre than his British counterpart, according to a new survey by Continental Tyres. He is also less prone to using excuses to get out of changing a tyre.

The same survey showed that female drivers in Ireland are more willing to tackle a flat tyre themselves, rather than rely on men to help them out.

The study of several hundred drivers in both Ireland and Britain revealed that nearly half of men in Britain would allow a female travelling companion change a flat tyre. This contrasts with 30 percent of men in Ireland.

One in three British males confessed to using any excuse to get out of the task, compared with just one in 7 Irish men.

On both sides of the water, women no longer see changing a wheel as a man’s job, but this is especially the case in Ireland (62 percent). TW

Self-drive Discovery

Scientists at the Massachussetts Institite of Technology (MIT) have developed a Land Rover Discovery that drives itself.



Talos II is MIT's entry into the upcoming Urban Challenge hosted by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The car will be competing with 35 other robotic cars in a race which will take place on November 3 in California.

The cars will have to obey traffic regulations and drive safely in an urban environment without human assistance. On the way to a set destination the contestant vehicles will have to avoid other cars and deal with normal problems such as potholes.

DARPA held similar challenges in 2004 and 2005, but they took place on a desert road.

Talos II is equipped with numerous laser range finders, radar units, Global Positioning Systems, and video cameras. BB

Renault changeover next month

Renault Ireland will become a subsidiary of the Renault Group from November 1, 2007. The company takes over the Glencullen Group headed by Bill Cullen on that date.

Renault hopes to develop its sales in Ireland to 9% market share by 2010.

After 21 years of importing Renault cars to Ireland, Bill Cullen intends to continue in the Irish Motor Industry selling the Renault range in the six Renault dealerships of the CityGate Motor Group.

Renault will use the existing network here, which includes 34 dealerships and six Parts & Services Centers.

Renault has been present in Ireland since 1956, when the first Renault 4 CV was imported. TW

September car sales down

New cars sold in September 2007 (5,769) were 6.12 percent down on September 2006 (6,145), while sales for the first nine months of the year (180,837) were 5.1 percent up on the same period in 2006 (172,052).

Light Commercial Vehicle sales for the first nine months of 2007 (40,597) are up 10.40 percent on the same period last year (36,773) while Heavy Vehicle sales are down 4.66 percent (5,036) up to end of September 2007. BB

Fiat gets new Fiorino

Fiat Professional is unveiling its new Fiorino on 4 October at the Transpotec show in Milan.



Developed jointly by Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroën and built in collaboration with Tofas, the Fiorino is 3,86 metres long and has 2,5 cu m cargo volume and 1,5 m of inner length to 2,5 mby folding the rear seats.

Sales will commence in Italy by December.

Citroen will call its version the Nemo, while Peugeot will use the Bipper name. BB

New entry engine for big Volvos

Volvo is introducing a new four-cylinder engine to the Volvo S80 executive saloon and all-new Volvo V70 estate ranges.



A 2-litre naturally-aspirated flexifuel engine will offer Volvo S80 and V70 customers new entry level engine choice and a combination of improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Production begins later this year and first customer deliveries are expected in January 2008.

The option to use E85 Bio-ethanol in the Flexifuel engine is increasingly popular in Ireland. The 2-litre petrol unit outputs 145hp and preliminary combined fuel consumption figures show a return of 8.3l/100km in the Volvo V70 and 8.1l/100km in the Volvo S80.

Irish prices will be announced later this year. BB

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Evo X launched in Japan

Mitsubishi has launched its latest Evolution version of its Lancer saloon, in Japan.



The Evolution X is a high performance 4WD sedan on a new platform with a totally redesigned 2.0 engine. A Twin Clutch SST transmission option will become available towards the end of November.

The standard version of the new Lancer goes on sale in Ireland soon. The Irish distributors sell around 25 Evo versions every year. BB

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