As part of the sponsorship, Luke recently took delivery of a new Mitsubishi Outlander.
volkswagen.ie
29 May 2008
Luke goes Outlander
Mitsubishi Motors Ireland has confirmed their sponsorship of Leinster and Ireland winger Luke Fitzgerald, one of the rising stars of professional Rugby.
As part of the sponsorship, Luke recently took delivery of a new Mitsubishi Outlander.
volkswagen.ie
As part of the sponsorship, Luke recently took delivery of a new Mitsubishi Outlander.
volkswagen.ie
28 May 2008
Kuga prices revealed
Ford's entry to the compact SUV segment, the Kuga, will sell from 32,565 euros from July 1, becoming one of the company's products to benefit from the new CO2 taxation regime.
The price, for the entry level FWD version, is 2,700 euros less expensive than its launch price this week.
The Kuga has also received a best-in-class Euro NCAP crash test rating of five stars for occupant safety, four stars for child safety and three stars for pedestrian safety.
With CO2 emissions of 169 g/km, the Kuga also achieves the lowest emissions in its class.
The top level version costs 38,995 euros.
The price, for the entry level FWD version, is 2,700 euros less expensive than its launch price this week.
The Kuga has also received a best-in-class Euro NCAP crash test rating of five stars for occupant safety, four stars for child safety and three stars for pedestrian safety.
With CO2 emissions of 169 g/km, the Kuga also achieves the lowest emissions in its class.
The top level version costs 38,995 euros.
27 May 2008
Kia keeps Soul name
Kia is to retain the concept name for its new Soul cars which make their World Premier debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October. The concept was first shown earlier this year in Geneva.
The new car will be called the 'Kia Soul'.
These cars reveal the 'fun' side of Kia; poised to defy conventions offering buyers an opportunity to express their personalities.
Three concept cars - Soul Burner, Soul Diva and Soul Searcher - were created by Kia's European design team.
The Kia Soul is not a replacement for an existing vehicle but a totally new car.
The Kia Soul goes on sale here in early 2009.
The new car will be called the 'Kia Soul'.
These cars reveal the 'fun' side of Kia; poised to defy conventions offering buyers an opportunity to express their personalities.
Three concept cars - Soul Burner, Soul Diva and Soul Searcher - were created by Kia's European design team.
The Kia Soul is not a replacement for an existing vehicle but a totally new car.
The Kia Soul goes on sale here in early 2009.
26 May 2008
Nine in ten Fiats to drop in price
Fiat are slashing prices from July 1st with 90 percent of cars coming down in price.
In January 08 Fiat passed on the VRT reductions early on the Grande Punto and then for the Fiat 500.
Four of its models slot into Band A, benefitting from the lowest VRT rates. These are the Panda, 500, the family sized 1.6 diesel Bravo, and the Grande Punto.
The Panda 1.1 Active reduces from 11,995 to 10,995 euros; the New Bravo 1.6 MJ 105hp from 19,995 euros; the Doblo from 17,995 euros and the Fiat 500 from 13,995 euros.
The Fiat 500 and Fiat Bravo have already introduced Euro 5 Ready power units in petrol and diesel and by the end of 2009, say most engines in the entire Fiat range will be Euro 5 friendly.
In January 08 Fiat passed on the VRT reductions early on the Grande Punto and then for the Fiat 500.
Four of its models slot into Band A, benefitting from the lowest VRT rates. These are the Panda, 500, the family sized 1.6 diesel Bravo, and the Grande Punto.
The Panda 1.1 Active reduces from 11,995 to 10,995 euros; the New Bravo 1.6 MJ 105hp from 19,995 euros; the Doblo from 17,995 euros and the Fiat 500 from 13,995 euros.
The Fiat 500 and Fiat Bravo have already introduced Euro 5 Ready power units in petrol and diesel and by the end of 2009, say most engines in the entire Fiat range will be Euro 5 friendly.
New smaller diesel for C70
Volvo is extending the engine range in the Volvo C70 with a 2.0 turbodiesel - making this the first four-cylinder engine in the convertible.
With the change in road tax and VRT from 1 July, Volvo will be able to offer an automatic 2.0 diesel C70 in Band D, meaning 24 percent VRT and 430 euros per year for road tax.
The new engine has a power output of 136 hp and 320 Nm of torque and returns a fuel consumption of 6.1 l/100 km.
yaris.ie
The CO2 emissions are 161g/km for the manual and 167g/km for the Powershift automatic.
With the change in road tax and VRT from 1 July, Volvo will be able to offer an automatic 2.0 diesel C70 in Band D, meaning 24 percent VRT and 430 euros per year for road tax.
The new engine has a power output of 136 hp and 320 Nm of torque and returns a fuel consumption of 6.1 l/100 km.
yaris.ie
The CO2 emissions are 161g/km for the manual and 167g/km for the Powershift automatic.
23 May 2008
More Ups from VW
The Up minicar concept shown by Volkswagen will spawn a range of variants from an upmarket city car to a cheap car for the developing world.
It will also come in VW, Seat and Skoda variants, with plans for at least 500,000 units annually.
The Up concept has a rear engine and an innovative interior.
volkswagen.ie
It will also come in VW, Seat and Skoda variants, with plans for at least 500,000 units annually.
The Up concept has a rear engine and an innovative interior.
volkswagen.ie
ENCAP tests to get tougher
Changes mooted to the Euro NCAP crash test programme will make it harder for cars to achieve the top five-star rating.
The programme is backed by the European Commission and in recent years the numbers of cars achieving the top standard has increased dramatically.
Carmakers, particularly Renault, have used the top results as prized marketing tools.
But the ENCAP organisation plans to include active safety technologies such as anti-whiplash headrests and electronic stability control systems in future testing.
Current test results are based only on passive safety.
yaris.ie
The programme is backed by the European Commission and in recent years the numbers of cars achieving the top standard has increased dramatically.
Carmakers, particularly Renault, have used the top results as prized marketing tools.
But the ENCAP organisation plans to include active safety technologies such as anti-whiplash headrests and electronic stability control systems in future testing.
Current test results are based only on passive safety.
yaris.ie
22 May 2008
Hydrogen 7s not yet the answer
BMW's fleet of hydrogen powered 7 Series cars are attracting big celebrity gigs, such as the one driven by Cameron Diaz to this year's Oscars, but they have a long way to go before they save the earth.
Apart from the expensive technical challenges of keeping hydrogen fuel at -253deg, the big 7s are also sluggish, their 6.0 V12s having been detuned to just 260hp, almost halving the normal 7's acceleration.
The experimental cars are also more expensive to run. They are bi-fuel, with their 64-euros tank of hydrogen driving the car just 200 kms, while the 100 euros of petrol in the other tank will drive it 500 kms.
On hydrogen the cars' engines are also noisier to the point of being rattly.
But the move to the holy grail of the hydrogen economy has to start somewhere.
Apart from the expensive technical challenges of keeping hydrogen fuel at -253deg, the big 7s are also sluggish, their 6.0 V12s having been detuned to just 260hp, almost halving the normal 7's acceleration.
The experimental cars are also more expensive to run. They are bi-fuel, with their 64-euros tank of hydrogen driving the car just 200 kms, while the 100 euros of petrol in the other tank will drive it 500 kms.
On hydrogen the cars' engines are also noisier to the point of being rattly.
But the move to the holy grail of the hydrogen economy has to start somewhere.
21 May 2008
Prius tops the million
Worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota Prius -- the world’s first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle -- have passed the one million mark, with approximately 1,028,000 units sold as of the end of April this year.
Based on sales figures collected up to April 30, 2008, TMC believes that Prius vehicles worldwide have contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions by producing approximately 4.5 million tons less CO2 when compared with petrol-powered vehicles in the same class and of similar size and driving performance.
The Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 and began selling in Europe, North America and other markets in 2000.
Toyota aims to sell 1 million or more hybrid vehicles annually as early as possible in the 2010s.
Based on sales figures collected up to April 30, 2008, TMC believes that Prius vehicles worldwide have contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions by producing approximately 4.5 million tons less CO2 when compared with petrol-powered vehicles in the same class and of similar size and driving performance.
The Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 and began selling in Europe, North America and other markets in 2000.
Toyota aims to sell 1 million or more hybrid vehicles annually as early as possible in the 2010s.
New PSA engines
PSA Peugeot Citroën is to develop a new family of 1.0 3-cylinder petrol engines with power ranging from 70-100hp.
The aim is to bring to market vehicles with CO2 emissions below 100g/km without additional technology. Two manufacturing sites will be established, one in France, the other in Eastern Europe.
The first facility, with an annual capacity of 600,000 engines, will be operational as of 2011. It will be located in France on the PSA Peugeot Citroën site at Trémery
A second facility will be established in Eastern Europe by 2012. In order to find the best location for this additional engine-making plant, PSA Peugeot Citroën has begun looking at several countries in this region. The choice will be made in mid-2008.
yaris.ie
The aim is to bring to market vehicles with CO2 emissions below 100g/km without additional technology. Two manufacturing sites will be established, one in France, the other in Eastern Europe.
The first facility, with an annual capacity of 600,000 engines, will be operational as of 2011. It will be located in France on the PSA Peugeot Citroën site at Trémery
A second facility will be established in Eastern Europe by 2012. In order to find the best location for this additional engine-making plant, PSA Peugeot Citroën has begun looking at several countries in this region. The choice will be made in mid-2008.
yaris.ie
India to be world carmaker?
It's not just the Chinese carmakers that are looking to export car models of their own to western markets. India is looking, too. And more, testing the waters.
As we hear that Ratan Tata may follow up his purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover by exporting a version of his upcoming Nano minicar to Europe, another maker from the sub-continent, San, is launching its two seat Storm convertible in Britain in mid-summer.
The Storm is built in Goa in southern India, and will sell in Britain for the equivalent of 12,700 euros.
The franchisees, Dream Machines, say they'll look to selling in continental Europe if the Storm succeeds in Britain.
As we hear that Ratan Tata may follow up his purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover by exporting a version of his upcoming Nano minicar to Europe, another maker from the sub-continent, San, is launching its two seat Storm convertible in Britain in mid-summer.
The Storm is built in Goa in southern India, and will sell in Britain for the equivalent of 12,700 euros.
The franchisees, Dream Machines, say they'll look to selling in continental Europe if the Storm succeeds in Britain.
One in five young drug drive
One in ten Irish motorists and a fifth of young motorists surveyed by Hibernian Insurance admitted to driving while under the influence of drugs.
In its 2008 Motoring Report, the company also says that Dublin shows the highest incidence of driving under the influence of recreational drugs at 16 percent of total respondents. The rest of Leinster (excluding Dublin) and Munster recorded a 9 percent incidence and Connaught/Ulster recorded a 5 percent incidence.
In other details, almost 70 percent of responents said they believe that the introduction of speed cameras has had a positive impact on road safety and 63 percent say that the use of speed cameras should be increased to enforce speed limits.
But there were anomalies. When asked if they see themselves as law abiding 93 percent said yes. Yet half of drivers aged under 35 and one third of drivers aged over 35 admitted to speeding most days.
Many motorists questioned were unaware of what exactly the drink driving limits are. Only 21 percent of respondents could correctly identify the number of milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood (80mgs/100ml) that is allowed. One third of respondents nominate a figure that is higher than the correct amount and 22 percent identify a figure that is lower than the correct amount.
audi.ie
In its 2008 Motoring Report, the company also says that Dublin shows the highest incidence of driving under the influence of recreational drugs at 16 percent of total respondents. The rest of Leinster (excluding Dublin) and Munster recorded a 9 percent incidence and Connaught/Ulster recorded a 5 percent incidence.
In other details, almost 70 percent of responents said they believe that the introduction of speed cameras has had a positive impact on road safety and 63 percent say that the use of speed cameras should be increased to enforce speed limits.
But there were anomalies. When asked if they see themselves as law abiding 93 percent said yes. Yet half of drivers aged under 35 and one third of drivers aged over 35 admitted to speeding most days.
Many motorists questioned were unaware of what exactly the drink driving limits are. Only 21 percent of respondents could correctly identify the number of milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood (80mgs/100ml) that is allowed. One third of respondents nominate a figure that is higher than the correct amount and 22 percent identify a figure that is lower than the correct amount.
audi.ie
20 May 2008
X6 arrives
BMW's new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, dubbed by the company as a new niche, goes on sale at the end of this month with prices starting at 85,318 euros.
The car, which is a large coupe on a platform that utilises the company's xDrive AWD system, is powered by 3.0 diesels and 3.0 and and 5.0 petrol engines.
BMW Ireland MD Sean Green says sales are 'hard to call' in this particular year, but the company has 100 units in its plan for the rest of 2008, and up to 300 next year.
The diesel engines are familiar from the X5, while the petrol units are not available in the X5, the company's top line AWD vehicle.
yaris.ie
The car, which is a large coupe on a platform that utilises the company's xDrive AWD system, is powered by 3.0 diesels and 3.0 and and 5.0 petrol engines.
BMW Ireland MD Sean Green says sales are 'hard to call' in this particular year, but the company has 100 units in its plan for the rest of 2008, and up to 300 next year.
The diesel engines are familiar from the X5, while the petrol units are not available in the X5, the company's top line AWD vehicle.
yaris.ie
19 May 2008
Giving motorists the hump
Continental Tyres in Ireland wants a more stringent enforcement of the guidelines that govern speed bumps here. The company has also highlighted ten of the worst speed bumps in Ireland.
The list followed reports from tyre dealers of an increasing number of cars presenting with tyres damaged by speed bumps.
Some of the worst offenders include (in no particular order), Woodhaven estate, Castletroy, Co Limerick; Church Hill, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow; Bishopstown, Co Cork (near the Church); Industrial estate by the Marina, Cork City; and in Dublin - Upper Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown; The Rise, Mount Merrion; Patrick Doyle Road, Milltown; St Mary’s Road, Crumlin; and Rathcoole village, Co Dublin.
volkswagen.ie
The list followed reports from tyre dealers of an increasing number of cars presenting with tyres damaged by speed bumps.
Some of the worst offenders include (in no particular order), Woodhaven estate, Castletroy, Co Limerick; Church Hill, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow; Bishopstown, Co Cork (near the Church); Industrial estate by the Marina, Cork City; and in Dublin - Upper Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown; The Rise, Mount Merrion; Patrick Doyle Road, Milltown; St Mary’s Road, Crumlin; and Rathcoole village, Co Dublin.
volkswagen.ie
An Astra for the mature time
by Brian Byrne
With a third of all car sales in the first quarter of the year, the compact family segment has both maintained numbers and gained market share in an overall market that has dipped by some 9 percent.
That is why Opel has decided to bring its 4-door Astra saloon to the Irish scene. More
With a third of all car sales in the first quarter of the year, the compact family segment has both maintained numbers and gained market share in an overall market that has dipped by some 9 percent.
That is why Opel has decided to bring its 4-door Astra saloon to the Irish scene. More
16 May 2008
Volvo system gets award
Volvo’s new City Safety system which helps avoid or reduce the severity of low-speed collisions has won the Technology category at the Fleet World Honours’ Awards 2008 in London.
The system will be introduced as a world-first standard feature in the new Volvo SC60 which arrives here in October.
At speeds of under 30km/h, City Safety uses laser sensor technology to detect vehicles up to 10 metres in front of the car’s front bumper and reacts to vehicles in front that are either at a standstill or are moving slowly in the same direction as the car itself.
If the gap between the cars contrinues to close, and the driver remains inactive, the car applies the brakes automatically.
yaris.ie
The system will be introduced as a world-first standard feature in the new Volvo SC60 which arrives here in October.
At speeds of under 30km/h, City Safety uses laser sensor technology to detect vehicles up to 10 metres in front of the car’s front bumper and reacts to vehicles in front that are either at a standstill or are moving slowly in the same direction as the car itself.
If the gap between the cars contrinues to close, and the driver remains inactive, the car applies the brakes automatically.
yaris.ie
15 May 2008
Ibiza in July
The new SEAT Ibiza arrives here in July and will be available only with the three cylinder 1.2 petrol engine.
A 1.4 petrol will be added in September, and in early 2009 a pair of diesels are expected, of 1.4 and 1.9 capacity.
The initial specification levels will be the familiar R and S designations from SEAT. All cars will come on the Irish market with features such as Bluetooth, MP3 capability, six airbags and electric front windows as standard.
No prices have been made available yet for the cars, which compete with the Peugeot 207, Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, Mazda2 and Fiat Punto.
volkswagen.ie
A 1.4 petrol will be added in September, and in early 2009 a pair of diesels are expected, of 1.4 and 1.9 capacity.
The initial specification levels will be the familiar R and S designations from SEAT. All cars will come on the Irish market with features such as Bluetooth, MP3 capability, six airbags and electric front windows as standard.
No prices have been made available yet for the cars, which compete with the Peugeot 207, Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, Mazda2 and Fiat Punto.
volkswagen.ie
14 May 2008
C5 arrives in Ireland
Citroen's new C5 is on sale now in two forms, a Saloon and Tourer estate. Three trims are offered, Ambiance, Dynamique and Exclusive.
The range includes a 1.8i 127bhp petrol, 1.6 HDI 110 bhp diesel, 2.9HDi 138bhp, 2.2 HDi 173bh and 2.7 HDi V6 208bhp. All diesels are fitted with a Diesel particulate Filter system that virtually eliminates particle emissions.
Prices start at 26,700 euros for the 1.8i Ambiance which comes into the C02 band of E at 188g/km emissions. The entry level Tourer comes in at 31,700 euros, and is in the C band with 150g/km.
As a special launch initiative, Citroen are making the July VRT price of 29,850 euros available now for the 1.6HDi 110hp Dynamique trim in the saloon model, and this will hold until June 30th. It represents a saving of 2,045 euros.
audi.ie
The range includes a 1.8i 127bhp petrol, 1.6 HDI 110 bhp diesel, 2.9HDi 138bhp, 2.2 HDi 173bh and 2.7 HDi V6 208bhp. All diesels are fitted with a Diesel particulate Filter system that virtually eliminates particle emissions.
Prices start at 26,700 euros for the 1.8i Ambiance which comes into the C02 band of E at 188g/km emissions. The entry level Tourer comes in at 31,700 euros, and is in the C band with 150g/km.
As a special launch initiative, Citroen are making the July VRT price of 29,850 euros available now for the 1.6HDi 110hp Dynamique trim in the saloon model, and this will hold until June 30th. It represents a saving of 2,045 euros.
audi.ie
13 May 2008
Koleos here in July
Renault Ireland will launch its first foray into the SUV/Crossover business with the arrival of the Koleos in July.
The Koleos is based on the platform and transmission systems of the X-Trail produced by its partner Nissan, but is a completely different vehicle in style and positioning.
It is built in Korea by Renault-Samsung, and will be sold in Ireland only with the 2.0 diesel engine, in 150hp and 175hp forms.
The car will offer 6-speed transmissions in manual and automatic forms, and there will be a 2WD entry level version.
CO2 emissions are rated from 191-221 g/km, a perceived disadvantage in the Irish market under the upcoming carbob-based VRT regime, but Nissan has ruled out offering the vehicle with a high end variant of its 1.5 dCi because of the car's weight.
Koleos is entering an increasingly crowded segment, which includes established compact SUVs like Toyota's RAV 4, Hyundai's Santa Fe and Kia's Sorento, and newcomers such as the upcoming Ford Kuga and VW's Tiguan.
Although the car has shown itself to be an effective off-roader in the so-called 'soft-road' sub-segment, it has been designed as an alternative to both the traditional SUV and the MPV vehicles for which Renault has established a strong reputation.
Now that the company has dipped its wheels in the 4x4 mud and ruts, it says it is actively planning to expand in the sector with a direct competitor to Nissan's Qashqai and a vehicle in the large SUV group.
The Koleos is based on the platform and transmission systems of the X-Trail produced by its partner Nissan, but is a completely different vehicle in style and positioning.
It is built in Korea by Renault-Samsung, and will be sold in Ireland only with the 2.0 diesel engine, in 150hp and 175hp forms.
The car will offer 6-speed transmissions in manual and automatic forms, and there will be a 2WD entry level version.
CO2 emissions are rated from 191-221 g/km, a perceived disadvantage in the Irish market under the upcoming carbob-based VRT regime, but Nissan has ruled out offering the vehicle with a high end variant of its 1.5 dCi because of the car's weight.
Koleos is entering an increasingly crowded segment, which includes established compact SUVs like Toyota's RAV 4, Hyundai's Santa Fe and Kia's Sorento, and newcomers such as the upcoming Ford Kuga and VW's Tiguan.
Although the car has shown itself to be an effective off-roader in the so-called 'soft-road' sub-segment, it has been designed as an alternative to both the traditional SUV and the MPV vehicles for which Renault has established a strong reputation.
Now that the company has dipped its wheels in the 4x4 mud and ruts, it says it is actively planning to expand in the sector with a direct competitor to Nissan's Qashqai and a vehicle in the large SUV group.
12 May 2008
Easy on the Gas!
You can improve fuel consumption and gain the environmental benefits of advanced driving by lifting off the accelerator earlier on your approach to traffic lights, according to IAM, the Institute of Advanced Motorists. This reduces your braking at the end, because you have already lost speed.
Acceleration sense is about how you vary your foot pressure on the accelerator pedal so you don’t have to brake as often or as hard.
One of the pillars of fuel efficient driving is accelerating briskly to a safe cruising speed and then taking the highest gear.
The longer you can avoid braking, the more you are using the momentum you’ve built up. It means thinking a bit further ahead of where you are. Most drivers tend to go straight from accelerator to brake – and that is when fuel consumption suffers.
Plan your arrival at roundabouts so that you decelerate for a longer period in a higher gear. That way you may not have to stop by allowing other traffic to clear before you get there.
And lastly, think long and hard about that overtake. Not only do you have to be entirely sure you can get past safely (important, to put it mildly) there is also the possibility that you are not gaining much in journey time. Advanced driving is all about thinking ahead, sometimes further than you can see.
Acceleration sense is about how you vary your foot pressure on the accelerator pedal so you don’t have to brake as often or as hard.
One of the pillars of fuel efficient driving is accelerating briskly to a safe cruising speed and then taking the highest gear.
The longer you can avoid braking, the more you are using the momentum you’ve built up. It means thinking a bit further ahead of where you are. Most drivers tend to go straight from accelerator to brake – and that is when fuel consumption suffers.
Plan your arrival at roundabouts so that you decelerate for a longer period in a higher gear. That way you may not have to stop by allowing other traffic to clear before you get there.
And lastly, think long and hard about that overtake. Not only do you have to be entirely sure you can get past safely (important, to put it mildly) there is also the possibility that you are not gaining much in journey time. Advanced driving is all about thinking ahead, sometimes further than you can see.
Dodge Journey in November
When the new Dodge Journey arrives in Ireland around the end of October it will come in just one specification and will have a choice between a six speed manual and a six speed dual clutch automated manual tranmissions.
The seven seat Journey will be powered by a VW sourced 2.0 turbodiesel here. The importers are not considering the 2.3 and 2.7 petrol options.
The Journey arrives on the scene at the same time as Chrysler-Jeep drops the iconic Voyager from its lineup in favour of the larger and recently revamped Grand Voyager.
The SXT specification includes electric driver seat adjustment, dual-zone climate, traction control and ESP as standard and 17-inch alloys.
The manual version just stays in the 24 percent VRT band with CO2 of 170 g/km, while the DCT's emissions pushes the car into the 28 percent band.
Prices have not yet been decided, but the Journey will be competing with Ford's S-MAX.
The seven seat Journey will be powered by a VW sourced 2.0 turbodiesel here. The importers are not considering the 2.3 and 2.7 petrol options.
The Journey arrives on the scene at the same time as Chrysler-Jeep drops the iconic Voyager from its lineup in favour of the larger and recently revamped Grand Voyager.
The SXT specification includes electric driver seat adjustment, dual-zone climate, traction control and ESP as standard and 17-inch alloys.
The manual version just stays in the 24 percent VRT band with CO2 of 170 g/km, while the DCT's emissions pushes the car into the 28 percent band.
Prices have not yet been decided, but the Journey will be competing with Ford's S-MAX.
Ford's Claire birdies for Barretstown
Professional golfer Claire Coughlan can count on some added support this season as she embarks on the European Tour – from the staff at the Kildare-based Barretstown holiday facility for children living with cancer or other serious illness.
Ford Ireland, who sponsors Claire, will be donating 100 euros to the charity for every birdie the young Cork golfer shoots in a tour event this year.
Claire amassed a total of 99 birdies on tour last season, and will be hoping to better that tally as the 2008 season tees off.
Barretstown is a specially designed camp, providing a programme of adventure, activities and fun -- backed by the medical world -- which helps children with serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem.
Ford is also providing Tourneo Connect to Barretstown to help with the transport of the hundreds of children which they entertain at their 500-acre facility, which also features “Henry’s Place”, an on-site restaurant named in honour of Ford’s founder and donated by Ford many years ago!
Ford Ireland, who sponsors Claire, will be donating 100 euros to the charity for every birdie the young Cork golfer shoots in a tour event this year.
Claire amassed a total of 99 birdies on tour last season, and will be hoping to better that tally as the 2008 season tees off.
Barretstown is a specially designed camp, providing a programme of adventure, activities and fun -- backed by the medical world -- which helps children with serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem.
Ford is also providing Tourneo Connect to Barretstown to help with the transport of the hundreds of children which they entertain at their 500-acre facility, which also features “Henry’s Place”, an on-site restaurant named in honour of Ford’s founder and donated by Ford many years ago!
9 May 2008
Cartell.ie offers UK imports check
Cartell.ie is now offering buyers a car history check on vehicles imported from the UK and Northern Ireland.
In 2007 Irish buyers imported 80,000 vehicles with some 60,000 originating from the UK. Cartell.ie has been offering an Irish service since 2006 but has now gone into partnership with HPI, the UK’s leading Car History Checking company. If the vehicle is imported Cartell.ie will obtain GB or NI vehicle history using the previous UK registration number, even if it is currently on an Irish registration plate.
According to HPI, one in three vehicles has a hidden history which can catch out the unsuspecting buyer.
A recent study of 4350 vehicles imported from the UK showed that in 2001 almost one in 10 was a write off.
In 2007 Irish buyers imported 80,000 vehicles with some 60,000 originating from the UK. Cartell.ie has been offering an Irish service since 2006 but has now gone into partnership with HPI, the UK’s leading Car History Checking company. If the vehicle is imported Cartell.ie will obtain GB or NI vehicle history using the previous UK registration number, even if it is currently on an Irish registration plate.
According to HPI, one in three vehicles has a hidden history which can catch out the unsuspecting buyer.
A recent study of 4350 vehicles imported from the UK showed that in 2001 almost one in 10 was a write off.
8 May 2008
Prius tops satisfaction index
Toyota’s hybrid car, the Prius, is the highest-ranking model in the JD Power and Associates/What Car? 2008 UK Car Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Study.
The Prius earns a score of 901 on a 1,000-point scale, with owners reporting particularly high satisfaction with the model’s quality and reliability.
In the nameplate rankings, Toyota-owned luxury brand Lexus ranks highest for an eighth consecutive year, receiving a customer satisfaction score of 866. Rounding out the top five manufacturers are Škoda (846), Honda (844), Toyota (836) and Jaguar (833).
Honda receives three model segment awards for the Jazz (small car), FR-V (MPV) and CR-V (SUV). Toyota's Aygo topped the basic car segment. Other models receiving awards are the Škoda Octavia (lower medium car) and Jaguar S-Type (executive/luxury car).
The study is based on the evaluations of more than 16,000 UK car owners after an average of two years of ownership.
yaris.ie
The Prius earns a score of 901 on a 1,000-point scale, with owners reporting particularly high satisfaction with the model’s quality and reliability.
In the nameplate rankings, Toyota-owned luxury brand Lexus ranks highest for an eighth consecutive year, receiving a customer satisfaction score of 866. Rounding out the top five manufacturers are Škoda (846), Honda (844), Toyota (836) and Jaguar (833).
Honda receives three model segment awards for the Jazz (small car), FR-V (MPV) and CR-V (SUV). Toyota's Aygo topped the basic car segment. Other models receiving awards are the Škoda Octavia (lower medium car) and Jaguar S-Type (executive/luxury car).
The study is based on the evaluations of more than 16,000 UK car owners after an average of two years of ownership.
yaris.ie
7 May 2008
BMW dominate engine awards
BMW has once again put on a dominant display at the International Engine of the Year Awards, securing no less than six category wins, including the overall title of ‘International Engine of the Year 2008’ for its 3.0 twin-turbo petrol engine.
The BMW unit was one of seven engines to triumph in the 2008 Awards that use turbocharging to achieve high power output from smaller displacement engines which use less fuel and produce less CO2.
Another BMW class-winner was its 2.0 Diesel Twin-Turbo unit, which rates a fuel consumption of 5.2l/100km and outputs 204bhp. It scooped the ‘Best New Engine of the Year’. And the co-engineered BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo engine with a strong 175bhp also won the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category.
Ad: Ford Mondeo
The BMW unit was one of seven engines to triumph in the 2008 Awards that use turbocharging to achieve high power output from smaller displacement engines which use less fuel and produce less CO2.
Another BMW class-winner was its 2.0 Diesel Twin-Turbo unit, which rates a fuel consumption of 5.2l/100km and outputs 204bhp. It scooped the ‘Best New Engine of the Year’. And the co-engineered BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo engine with a strong 175bhp also won the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category.
Ad: Ford Mondeo
6 May 2008
Not my kind of Club, man
I'll be clear from the start. I like the new generation Mini, BMW's take on the car that was one of the enduring icons of the swinging sixties.
The Clubman version was launched towards the end of last year and for various reasons of my own I wasn't able to take a run in one until recently.
And I'll be clear from the start. I don't like it. Read More?
The Clubman version was launched towards the end of last year and for various reasons of my own I wasn't able to take a run in one until recently.
And I'll be clear from the start. I don't like it. Read More?
5 May 2008
Kuga coming soon
Ford is launching its new Kuga AWD crossover in Ireland towards the end of this month.
We've already had a drive in it, and as you can hear, we like it.
We've already had a drive in it, and as you can hear, we like it.
4 May 2008
2 May 2008
Trapattoni is 'Mondeo Man'
New Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will have the use of a top-of-the-range new Ford Mondeo, the 2008 Semperit Irish Car of the Year, when he is in Ireland. He is pictured here being greeted by John Delaney, Chief Executive of the FAI.
The new manager’s assistants, Liam Brady and Marco Tardelli, will also each have the use of new Mondeos as part of Ford’s ongoing sponsorship agreement with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
Ford Ireland has been the official vehicle supplier to the FAI since 2006 and provides support to the association at national, club and grassroots level.
yaris.ie
The new manager’s assistants, Liam Brady and Marco Tardelli, will also each have the use of new Mondeos as part of Ford’s ongoing sponsorship agreement with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
Ford Ireland has been the official vehicle supplier to the FAI since 2006 and provides support to the association at national, club and grassroots level.
yaris.ie
Another Volvo Flexifuel engine
Volvo Car Ireland have announced a new 2.5-litre turbocharged Flexifuel engine with a power output of 200 hp will be shortly introduced in the Volvo V70 and S80.
This is in addition to the 2-litre Flexifuel engine currently available on both cars in Ireland. The new larger capacity flexifuel engine is available to order now with first deliveries from July.
All in all, five models - the Volvo C30, S40, V50, V70 and S80 - are available with one or two Flexifuel engines.
Ad: Ford Mondeo
This is in addition to the 2-litre Flexifuel engine currently available on both cars in Ireland. The new larger capacity flexifuel engine is available to order now with first deliveries from July.
All in all, five models - the Volvo C30, S40, V50, V70 and S80 - are available with one or two Flexifuel engines.
Ad: Ford Mondeo
Looking at Koleos
We'll be driving Renault's new crossover, Koleos, in coming weeks.
In the meantime, here's a promotional video to whet our appetites.
yaris.ie
In the meantime, here's a promotional video to whet our appetites.
yaris.ie
Lexus to take on Nurburgring
Lexus will participate in the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race later this month as part of its programme for development of the LF-A sports car.
The 24-hour endurance challenge at the renowned Nürburgring circuit in Germany will run from May 22-25, 2008.
yaris.ie
The fully race prepared LF-A participating in the race will be powered by a 4.8 V10 petrol engine with an output of over 500bhp and will be capable of over 320km/h.
Currently Lexus is testing the LF-A at various circuits, particularly at Fuji Speed Way, the home ground of the Lexus 'F' variants.
volkswagen.ie
The 24-hour endurance challenge at the renowned Nürburgring circuit in Germany will run from May 22-25, 2008.
yaris.ie
The fully race prepared LF-A participating in the race will be powered by a 4.8 V10 petrol engine with an output of over 500bhp and will be capable of over 320km/h.
Currently Lexus is testing the LF-A at various circuits, particularly at Fuji Speed Way, the home ground of the Lexus 'F' variants.
volkswagen.ie
1 May 2008
Flood of Heiniken bookings
Munster’s success in making it through to the final of the Heineken Cup to be played at Millennium Stadium Cardiff on Saturday 24th May has brought about a flood of bookings to ferry companies.
According to figures currently to hand, Irish Ferries expects to carry some 10,000 supporters in the days leading up to the match. At present, sailings on their Rosslare - Pembroke route are already fully booked on the two Friday departures prior to the game. However, considerable capacity still exists on Thursday sailings to Pembroke and on all Dublin/Holyhead sailings.
In addition, with the game not scheduled to commence until 17.00hrs on the Saturday, some fans are opting to travel on the Saturday morning sailing to Pembroke on which space is still available.
Leaving Rosslare at 08.45 hours and arriving Pembroke at 12.30hrs, fans should have ample time to complete the two hours 160kms drive to Cardiff. Fares being offered by Irish Ferries are from 115 euros per person return for a car and four adults.
audi.ie
According to figures currently to hand, Irish Ferries expects to carry some 10,000 supporters in the days leading up to the match. At present, sailings on their Rosslare - Pembroke route are already fully booked on the two Friday departures prior to the game. However, considerable capacity still exists on Thursday sailings to Pembroke and on all Dublin/Holyhead sailings.
In addition, with the game not scheduled to commence until 17.00hrs on the Saturday, some fans are opting to travel on the Saturday morning sailing to Pembroke on which space is still available.
Leaving Rosslare at 08.45 hours and arriving Pembroke at 12.30hrs, fans should have ample time to complete the two hours 160kms drive to Cardiff. Fares being offered by Irish Ferries are from 115 euros per person return for a car and four adults.
audi.ie
Take note of that yawn!
Irish Advanced Motorists (IAM) has issued a warning to motorists to take notice of signs of tiredness.
Just one yawn may be enough to indicate that motorists might be putting themselves and other road users at risk if they press on.
One in five of all crashes on major roads are believed to be caused by tired drivers. And it may be even more - because those drivers that survive a crash (or a near miss) are unlikely to admit that they were too tired to drive when it happened.
* Don't start a long trip if you're already tired.
* Plan your journey to include at least a 15 minute break every two hours, even if you feel you don’t need it.
* If you feel drowsy, don’t press on regardless.
* As an emergency measure drink two cups of coffee or a high-caffeine drink and have a rest for 10-15 minutes.
yaris.ie
Just one yawn may be enough to indicate that motorists might be putting themselves and other road users at risk if they press on.
One in five of all crashes on major roads are believed to be caused by tired drivers. And it may be even more - because those drivers that survive a crash (or a near miss) are unlikely to admit that they were too tired to drive when it happened.
* Don't start a long trip if you're already tired.
* Plan your journey to include at least a 15 minute break every two hours, even if you feel you don’t need it.
* If you feel drowsy, don’t press on regardless.
* As an emergency measure drink two cups of coffee or a high-caffeine drink and have a rest for 10-15 minutes.
yaris.ie
Corsa deal for learners
Opel Ireland and ISM (Irish School of Motoring) have done a deal that will have all ISM instructors teaching their students to drive in the new Opel Corsa.
ISM is Ireland’s longest established driving school, founded in 1961 and claims a 90% pass rate for its students.
All affiliated ISM driving instructors have been trained in the Opel Corsa at the ISM instructor training college.
volkswagen.ie
ISM is Ireland’s longest established driving school, founded in 1961 and claims a 90% pass rate for its students.
All affiliated ISM driving instructors have been trained in the Opel Corsa at the ISM instructor training college.
volkswagen.ie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)