Citroen launch New DS5 in Ireland

Citroen Motors Ireland have launched their stylish new DS5 to the Irish market, priced from €32,500, writes Trish Whelan.

The launch took place at the Embassy of France in Ireland, in Ballsbridge, Dublin.

The DS5 is available from launch with a choice of three Euro V engines - e-HDi 100, HDi 160 and the new 200bhp diesel electric Hybrid4, The first hybrids arrive in early May. All engines are mated to manual, automatic or EGS six-speed gearboxes.

The e-HDi 110 Airdream qualifies for Tax Band A.

The DS5 is the first Citroen fitted with Hybrid4 technology. This system delivers big performance and low C02 emissions from just 99g/km, making it a Tax Band A car.

Drivers can select from four different operating modes: Auto, ZEV (for speeds up to 60km/h (37mph), the Zero Emissions Vehicle mode allows the car to be driven using the electric motor only); Sport (for more responsive acceleration); and 4WD to give more grip when needed.

The New Citroen DS5 has been awarded a maximum 5-star rating by Euro NCP including a very impressive 97 percent score in the Safety Assist category.

Three trim levels are available: DSign, DStyle and DSport. The entry level DSign has, as standard, keyless access and start; Cruise control with speed limiter and memory settings, dual-zone climate control, front fog lights to name but some of the many features offered. Citroen Motors Ireland boss Frederic Soulier believes the car will have a broad appeal as it is a quality product that offers something different.

New Outlander for reveal

Mitsubishi will unveil an all-new Outlander at next week's Geneva Motor Show.

The third generation of the brand's mid-range crossover—the term was coined by Mitsubishi 11 years ago and has since become generic— will be very highly specified and will be offered with a 2.0 petrol or 2.2 diesel.

CO2 emissions of 130g/km are envisaged, depending on model and market.

It goes on sale in European markets towards the end of the year.

Children, younger men, have most traffic claims,

Road traffic accidents accounted for almost one in seven of accidental death claims settled last year by Irish Life, figures from the country's biggest life assurance company reveal.

Children (up to age of 21), and adults under 40 accounted for 80 percent of the road traffic accident-related claims, women were involved in just wo of the claims, the Irish Life figures show. Overall, one in 10 of all child death claims were the result of a road traffic accident. The average age for road traffic accident death claims for men was 41.

The largest payment for a death reesulting from a road traffic accident was €291,400 to a woman in her 20s while €109,600 was paid out to a man in his 30s whose life cover had commenced just seven months prior to the accident.

Craig Breen heads star cast in Carrick

Craig Breen, the reigning World Rally Academy Champion, is top seed in Saturday's Wm Loughman Rally, Round 2 of the Valvoline Forest Rally Championship, writes Austin Shinnors, PRO Valvoline National Forest Championship.

The Waterford star - who is a member of the Carrick-on-Suir M.C. - is at the wheel of his Ford Fiesta S2000 and heads a mouth watering list of forestry racers.

Included are Owen Murphy, current Forest Champion (Evo9), Pat O'Connell, the 2010 Forest champion (Evo9), and Garry Jennings (GpA Impreza), winner of the first round of the 2012 Valvoline Forest Championship in Donegal last month (pictured after his win). This quartet will set an electrifying pace in the woods around Carrick, and the winner maybe the driver who is bravest in the dark.

A plethora of other drivers will be in the frame if any of the big names slip up. Take your pick from Stephen Wright (2nd in Donegal), Colin Britton (3rd in Donegal), Vincent McAree (2nd in Carrick last year). Ian Cochrane, Mark Donnelly and Enda McNulty are also capable of an upset. While Ger Lucey won the free entry for the rally, the Corkman will pray his good fortune survives the weekend.

Volvo to reveal all-new V40 hatch at Geneva

Volvo will debut its all-new Volvo V40 Premium 5-door hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show in March, writes Trish Whelan.

This is a pivotal car for Volvo in the Irish market.

It comes with sharpened features and characteristics from larger Volvos wrapped in a sleek, compact package.

It is the first new model from Volvo that is fully developed according to their human-centric 'Designed Around You' strategy.

This is a modern, expressive car with a Scandinavian luxury look and feel, and with meticulous attention to detail, and is loaded with high-tech safety features including a world-first pedestrian airbag.

The engine range spans everything from Volvo Car Corporation's first diesel with C02 emissions of just 94g/km to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254hp and acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds.

Volvo say the new V40 is the most intelligent and safe Volvo model so far.

Prices and Irish spec will be available later.

Mercedes used car sale this weekend

Mercedes-Benz dealers across Ireland are holding a used car sale this weekend, from Thursday through Sunday.

All cars presented for sale in each dealership will be in tip top condition and covered by Mercedes-Benz’s own Star Select Approved used car warranty.

In line with previous Mercedes-Benz used car sales, it is estimated that some 500 cars will be offered for sale over the four days of the event.

Road Test: Hyundai Veloster

When Hyundai had their Coupe in the lists it was quite a popular car over its two generations, for a number of reasons, writes Brian Byrne.

It looked sporty, because that's what coupe are supposed to look like. It looked cool, because coupes do.

It was accessible pricewise, because that's what Hyundais were in those days, cheap and cheerful. And it could carry back seat passengers in a degree of comfort, without chopping them off at the neck or knees.

Skoda to give away free fuel

Skoda Ireland have launched a nationwide test drive campaign where it intends to give away up to 2-million kilometres worth of free fuel to Irish motorists between now and the end of March.

Motorists are urged to drop into their local Skoda dealership and test drive any Skoda model between now and 16th March and they will receive a 300km Topaz fuel voucher (the maximum incentive provided is €21.00). Anyone who orders and registers a new Skoda before the 31st March with an additional 3,000km fuel voucher.

Announcing the campaign, Skoda Ireland Marketing Manager Ray Leddy said: "In return, all we ask is they share their test drive experience with friends, family and work colleagues."

Skoda GreenLine vehicles have the lowest possible tax band available and deliver exceptional fuel economy, he added. The Skoda GreenLine range includes the Octavia, Superb, Yeti (pictured above)and Fabia. The Octavia, Superb and Yeti GreenLine models are powered by a 1.6 TDI 105bhp diesel engine, while the Fabia receives a compact 3-cyl 1.2TDI producing 76hp.

New fuel card makes cents!

As fuel price misery continues for Ireland's motorists many of whom are struggling with the cost of filling their tanks, AA Ireland has launched a new discount fuel card, The AA Fuel Card, for its members which guarantees two cents off a litre of petrol or diesel at any of the 320 Topaz service stations nation wide.

So motorists can save €1.20 every time they fill up with the new AA Fuel Discount Car. It can save over €60 a year and more for those doing heavier mileage.

It means card users won't have to worry about carrying cash and will save money every time they fill up their tank.

Pictured at the launch of the card were Laura Murphy, Commercial Marketing Manager, Topaz,; Trevor McNaughton, AA Patrol; and Nicola Hudson, Senior Marketing Manager AA Ireland.

SIMI: Motor Industry has a very important year ahead

The Motor Industry has a very important year ahead with the Government review of the current VRT and Road Tax System, SIMI President Gerry Caffrey told those present at the SIMI Annual Dinner 2012 last week, writes Trish Whelan.

Gerry Caffrey (pictured) said while average Road Tax on a new car has fallen from €550 to just €220, 'it is clear that the objective of this 'review' is to find a way to deliver increased revenue at a time when additional tax contributions are being sought from all sources'.

While he understood the need for such reviews, and the need to increase tax revenues for the State, he stressed that this should never be at the cost of business failures and job losses.

"There are huge dangers associated with this, and the Society is in a consultation process with the Government to find a solution that won't result in the havoc we experienced in 2008."

He said SIMI's focus on this is clear - the average rates of VRT and Road Tax have fallen by significant percentages but motorists have also paid increased carbon and fuel taxes over this period and the number of new cars sold over this same period has halved.

"In effect, this is where the biggest fall in State revenue has occurred and whatever solution is reached, it must not be one that damages car sales next year," he said.

He forecast that 'this whole process will not be an easy one for the Motor Industry and while we welcome direct consultation, we are effectively being asked to select our preferred method by which the sector can be burdened by more tax'.

The SIMI President said it is important for the industry 'to speak with one voice to deliver a solution that won't damage business and which can provide some long term stability to protect the industry and its employees'.

Evoque Convertible concept for Geneva

This is an early picture of a concept Range Rover Evoque Convertible which will be unveiled at next week's Geneva Motor Show.

Land Rover say it will go into production if the reaction is positive.

The company is working on a roof operation time of 12 seconds for the soft-top.

Volkswagen to sponsor Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers have officially unveiled the club's new sponsor, Connolly Volkswagen.

Bit O'Red and the Volkswagen dealership will begin a two-year venture that sees Connolly's Volkswagen as the main sponsor and marketing partner of the club.

Connoly Volkswagen is a family business headed by brothers Neil and Kevin Connolly. Both represent the third generation of the Connolly family involved in the motor trade since their grandfather, Thomas Connolly founded his successful business in Ballina in 1939. Their expansion into Sligo in 2007 provided a service to all VW customers in the North West. The state of the art VW showroom at Carraroe includes a 15-car showroom 12 bay workshop, 5000 sq ft parts department, a customer waiting area, outdoor display area and customer parking.

Both the staff and the customers of Connolly Volkswagen are avid fans of Sligo Rovers.

Merlin is officially one of best places to work

Merlin Group is officially one of the Best Small Workplaces 2012, according to a detailed assessment by the Great Place to Work Ireland. The honour was announced at an awards ceremony in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin, attended by over 400 guests last week.

The Best Workplaces study, now in its tenth year, uses confidential employee feedback to identify employers who follow a policy of creating positive workplaces in which management build high-trust relationships with their employees, based on mutual respect. Great Place to Work conducts similar studies in forty-five countries worldwide.

Merlin were awarded the Deloitte Best Managed Company in 2011, winning the Innovation of the Yer trophy at the SIMI Awards in 2010 and being nominated for an Eircom Spider award.

Merlin Group consists of Merlin Property, Merlin Car Auctions and Ganly Craigie. The group manages major commercial sales of assets from cars to residential homes and farms.

Mini Clubvan Concept for Geneva

Mini will reveal its Clubvan Concept at Geneva. This compact van for business and leisure is the first premium model in the small car-based segment.

The Mini Clubman-based concept opens the door to a completely new market for Mini, premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with low cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company van.

This is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged rear doors and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side to create useful access. So smaller items can be loaded from the side of the car as well as the rear.

Limiting the car to two seats creates the capacity needed by business owners on a day-to-day basis, as well as opening up customisation potential.

The flat load area reaches from the split rear doors right up to a partition grille behind the two seats.

The Mini Clubvan Concept has the same exterior dimensions as the Mini Clubman.

A hot blooded Concept car from Citroen

Citroen will debut the new DS4 Racing concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

Developed by Citroen Racing Citroen's seven-time WRC winning motorsports division, the car features 256bhp and C02 emissions of 155g/km.

The car has a lowered chassis, wider track, more powerful brakes and larger wheels alongside a unique matt grey paintwork, two-tone roof and two tone wheels.

The 1.6 turbo petrol engine provides up to 256bhp which is a record for a Citroen series production car. The car is fitted with larger diameter 19-inch wheels.

Valvoline Forest Championship gets TV boost

The Forest Rally Committee has announced a tV package for the 2012 series, writes Austin Shinnors, PRO Valvoline National Forest Championship.

Valvoline, the series sponsor for 2011 and 2012 has increased their support of this exciting championship with extra funding towards TV coverage for the six round series.

Chairman John quill is delighted with the development. He commented 'the further commitment from the Valvoline company is a huge boost for the chamionship and it will add to the profile of the rallies and the crews taking part'.

"On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank Qualvecom and Valvoline. In addition we are very mindful and appreciative of the help from Motorsport Ireland and the support of our associate sponsors, Hankook Tyres, Suirway Farm Machinery and Forklifts, R&R Tyres Ballincollig, CCS for HANS Hire and Exact Signs. The competitors who have registered for the series have also helped as the registration fee is going directly to help fund for TV package."

Motor Industry Award Winners

At last Thursday's SIMI Annual Dinner in The Burlington Hotel, Dublin, SIMI President Gerry Caffrey highlighted the inclusion for the first time of the Motor Industry Awards in association with Castrol, writes Trish Whelan.

While there could only be one winner in each section, the SIMI President said 'every one of the nominated finalists is already a winner, each having reached a standard of excellence that made the job of the independent judging panel extremely difficult'. He added they had commented that 'these companies bring honour not just to their own organisations, but to the whole industry'.

Winners of the Motor Industry Awards, in association with Castrol, were:
Franchised Retailer Operator of the Year - Tony Burke Motors of Galway
Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year - Audi North Dublin
Franchised Dealer of the Year - Audi North Dublin
Bodyshop of the Year - Frank Byrnes Autobody Repairs Ltd, from Oranmore in Galway.
Independent Retailer of the Year - Mobility Ireland.
Motor Industry Outstanding Achiever Award - Sligo SIMI members and BEN organising Committee (Art Nicholson and Mary O'Dwyer received the award).

The winners are pictured above with guest speaker, Ronnie Whelan.

New Mulsanne to be shown at Geneva Motor Show

Bentley will unveil a highly distinctive and sporting interpretation of the Mulsanne in Geneva next month.

The new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification blends a range of striking design features including unique 21-inch alloy wheels, Bentley Flying 'B' wing vents and Diamond Quilted leather trimmed cabin with driver-selectable, sports-tuned suspension and steering, underscoring the performance credentials of Bentley's 6.75 V8 ultra-luxury sports saloon.

The Mulsanne is a pure example of the Grand Touring Bentley combining coach-built elegance and hand crafted luxury with immense power and sportiness.

With a 0-60mph sprint time of just 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 184mph (296km/h), the 505hp Mulsanne as always offered thunderous levels of performance for an ultra-luxury saloon.

Tourneo concept previews new Ford commercials/MPVs

The next generation Ford Tourneo people carrier and related commercial vehicles will appear in concept form at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

In addition to a dramatic new exterior design, the concept will show an all-new interior and a cabin trimmed to quality levels more often seen in cars.

The production vehicles will appear later in 2012.

Family holidays to Turkey

WingsAbroad, the Turkish holiday specialists, have just released their new family holiday offers for this summer on the Dublin to Bodrum route, as well as their new Shannon to Bodrum route.

Stay at the 3-star Melissa Apartments in Kusadasi, on a self-catering basis for €1,297 for 1 week; €1,687 for 2 weeks. This family run complex, with day-time activities and an Irish Style Pub, is suitable for both families and couples. Easy access to Ladies Beach. Price includes 7/14 nights accommodation, return flights and return transfers.

The 4-star Pine Club Apartments, in Kusadasi, with its exclusive County Club atmosphere and ambiance along with entertainment and animation programme, is ideal for families with children of all ages. Self-catering. Priced from €1,825 for 1 week, and from €2,123 for 2 weeks.

The 3-star Summer Gardens in Bitez, are priced from €1,737 for 1 week; €2,137 for 2 weeks. Has two large swimming pools and two children's splash pools with fun chutes. Main restaurant and adjacent play area and mature garden area. Guests invited to enjoy weekly Turkish folk events and savour traditional Turkish cuisine.

See www.wingsabroad.ie, or www.facebook.com/WingsAbroad, or call 01 8719444 for details.

Audi Q3 awarded top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP

Audi's Q3 has been awarded the maximum five stars for passive crash safety by Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), writes Trish Whelan.

The Q3 was rated best-in-class in the Small Off-Road 4x4 category.

Testers assessed the Q3 for its adult occupant protection in a frontal or side collision, child safety and pedestrian protection, and returned the top five star rating.

The Audi A6 has also earned a five-star rating in its Euro NCAP test.

Stars come out for Mercedes-Benz used car sale

Mercedes-Benz have said that 'all the stars will be out' on the weekend from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th March next when members of their main dealer network host a used car sale in showrooms across the country.

March can be the best time for customers to source a top quality used car, so every Mercedes-Benz dealer in Ireland is remaining open from 9.00am until 6.00pm on each of the four days of the event, (12.00 noon - 4.00pm on Sunday).

All cars presented for sale in each dealership will be in tip top condition and covered by Mercedes-Benz's own Star Select Approved used car warranty.

In line with previous Mercedes-Benz used car sales, it is estimated that some 500 cars will be offered for sale over the four days of the event.

Hyundai joins forces with MSL

Hyundai Cars Ireland Ltd confirms that it has reached an agreement with Motor Services Limited (MSL) whereby the company's dealerships at MSL Park Motors, Navan Road, and MSL Grange Motors Deansgrange, will become main dealerships for Hyundai.

The appointments comes into effect from 1st April next.

Two World Premiers for Opel at Geneva

Opel will have two world premiers at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Mokka sub-compact SUV and the new Astra OPC.

With the new Mokka (pictured above), Opel is the first German manufacturer to enter the fast growing SUV-B segment.

The Mokka accommodates five people in a higher seating position. Three engines include the petrol 1.6 115hp and the 140hp 14 Turbo versions, as well as the 1.7 CDTI 130hp. The car has new cutting edge safety technologies like Driver Assistance Systems based on the Opel Eye front camera system, as well as a rear view camera. Front-wheel and AWD are both available in the new Mokka.

The new 280hp Astra OPC (pictured) compact sports coupe is the most powerful Astra ever and offers customers a sporty driving experience. The 2.0 turbocharged petrol engine with 280hp is capable of maximum torque of 400 Nm and a top speed of 250 km/h. Never before has an Astra reached such a speed (not allowed here!) The Astra OPC also features a new high-performance bucket seat with state-of-the-art technology.

New Honda Civic gets maximum 5-star Euro NCAP rating

The new Honda Civic has been awarded Euro NCAP's maximum 5-star rating, writes Trish Whelan.

The system considers occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids.

Since the introduction of Euro NCAP's new rating scheme all Honda models tested have achieved 5 stars.

In addition, Euro NCAP are extending Honda's Advanced NCAP reward for its Collision Mitigation Braking System technology to include the new Civic. This system is designed to help prevent collisions with vehicles which are stopped or travelling in the same direction. It's aimed at alerting the driver to an imminent collision both at low speeds, typical of urban driving, and at higher speeds typical of rural roads and motorways.

The 9th generation Honda Civic range went on sale here last month It is available as a 5-door model only and there are currently 11 models between petrol and diesel; four different grades and three different engines.

Prices start from €20,995 for the 1.4 SE petrol, and from €23,995 for the SE diesel models.

Irish Ferries: new French breathalyser law is 'positive measure'

The new regulation being introduced by the French Government that will require motorists to carry a breathalyser in their car at all times whilst travelling in France has been acknowledged by Irish Ferries as a positive measure that will help reduce road accidents and make travelling in France even safer for Irish holidaymakers.

To that end, the company confirms that breathalysers will go on sale on board their Ireland/France cruise ferry Oscar Wilde ahead of April when the new regulations come into force.

Charge Point App for electric car drivers from ESB ecars

ESB ecars has launched its ecar connect iPhone and Android App.

The app provides charge point location information, navigation and the charge point type (Standard/Fast) as well as the location of future charge points.

The App also provides users with the latest news from ESB ecars.

Ecar connect App allows EV drivers locate charge points in Ireland as well as to keep updated on the infrastructure that is being rolled out nationwide. It also offers potential EV owners a view of charge points available in the destinations that they travel to.

Later phases of the App will include real-time information about whether the charge point is in use or not, as well as a charge point reservation system.

Search the ecar connect in the Apple store or Android market.

Renault offer Renault Relax Package to buyers

Renault are offering the Renault Relax Package where for one monthly payment, the cost of your Renault, the cost of servicing your car, the cost of roadside assistance and a 5-years unlimited warranty are all included.

For a fixed monthly payment of €299, you can have a brand new Renault Megane hatchback, 5 years unlimited warranty, 5 years roadside assist, plus 5 years servicing - all included.

This is the first packaged offer fromRenault Finance and plans are afoot to roll out a variety of packaged offers that a customer can choose from depending on their circumstances.

Rates are from 4.9 percent APR over a five-year term.

Pacino arrives on red carpet in Renault Fluence Z.E.

Al Pacino arrived at the Savoy Cinema in Dublin last night in a Renault Fluence Z.E. electric car.

He and his partner, Lucila Sola, were attending the screening of his latest venture - a documentary about a stage version of Oscar Wilde's one-act tragedy called 'Wilde Salmone'.

Renault is providing a fleet of courtesy electric vehicles for the stars as they arrive on the red carpet through the 2012 Jameson Film Festival.

Renault is the only manufacturer to introduce a range of 100 percent electric vehicles, from the Kangoo Z.E. mini van to the Fluence Z.E. Saloon, the Twizy urban quadricycle and the compact hatch ZOE, all due to appear on Irish roads this year.

SAS Economy Extra Service named World's Best

Scandinavian Airlines' long haul premium economy offering, Economy Extra, has just been named the world's best in a new survey by Global Traveller. SAS was placed first in the category 'Best Airline for Premium Economy'.

SAS' Economy Extra class offers passengers a number of business class benefits and extras, at much lower prices, to make their journey as enjoyable as possible. These include a baggage allowance of two 23kg check in bags and two 8kg carrying-on bags.

Once passengers have checked in at the business class desks, have gone through the fast-track security and availed of priority boarding, they can relax in their seats which have extra width and leg-room, and watch on-demand videos on their personal TV screen. Economy Extra class seats are located in their own secluded cabin with a spacious and peaceful environment.

Passengers can enjoy a personal laptop power outlet, as well as a cocktail, snacks, a three-course meal and free beverages, and an extra light meal just before landing.

For passengers flying out of Dublin who wish to enjoy this service, SAS offer three Economy Extra connections from Dublin Airport. SAS fly from Dublin to Chicago, Tokyo and Bangkok from €1,595 return for Economy Extra class, including all taxes and charges. There is free online check-in, and a 25 percent child discount.

www.flysas.ie

Carry a breathalyser when driving in France

Irish families planning a holiday in France this summer should note that from 1st July this year, all drivers visiting France will have to carry a breathalyser kit in their cars.

From November, there will be an €11 fine for not obeying this rule.

The rules will apply for anyone driving in, or through France, in the summer holiday season, even for just a day trip. Breathalyser kits costing from a few euros will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France. Drivers will be able to test themselves to see if they are over the French limit. It's best to have at least two or more breathalysers, so that if you use one, you still have another to show to the police if you are stopped.

Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency.

A single-use breathalyser kit will satisfy the rule. The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood (the same as now pertains in Ireland).

Irish Ferries cuts up to 25% off fares to Britain

Irish Ferries' Spring Sale offers a reduction of up to 25 percent off normal rates on travel to Britain.

Available is a car plus driver fare from €89 one way, applicable for travel Monday to Thursday on Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Pembroke cruise ferries.

Valid for travel from 18 February - 30 June, bookings must be made seven days in advance of travel and by 27 February next.

A €10 supplement applies for weekend travel Friday -Sunday and on Dublin Swift fast ferry services. An extra adult is €30 and child €17.

Meanwhile, Irish Ferries is giving free passage to pets traveling on their services to the UK.

To make sure they are kept safe and sound, motorists bringing a pet can have it housed in a comfortable kennel while the ship is at sea. This year-round offer is available on their Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Pembroke services.

For bookings and information, visit irishferries.ie or call 0818 300 400.

Renault launches 2012 Floride

Launched in 1959, the Floride was a car with instant appeal, designed by Italy's Ghia and Frua, writes Trish Whelan.

It was driven by a number of stars of the day, including film star Brigitte Bardot.

The ivory convertible, with red leather interior, became known for its powers of seduction, classiness, film star glamour and downright sexiness.

Roll on to 2012, and Renault has introduced the Megane Coupe Cabriolet Floride. This limited edition hard top with its sensual lines incorporating the original ivory and fiery red colors, also dons the 'Floride' badge, the retro graphics and ivory 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet Floride is a limited edition and can be ordered from Renault dealers. Price on request.

The specification includes Limited edition model with numbered plaque, exclusive ivory metallic paint, red/ivory leather steering wheel, red/ivory leather seats, 17-inch ivory diamond alloy wheels, Bluetooth, CD and MP3, rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, hands free Renault card, and 110bhp with six-speed gear box.

A Peugeot icon returns at Geneva

Peugeot will reveal two concept cars in Geneva, which present two expressions of the Lion Brand's upmarket trend in the supermini segment, writes Trish Whelan.

The XY Concept is intended for city dwellers who love distinction and refinement, whereas the GTi Concept (pictured) re-generates an iconic legend.

The XY is full of urban chic and is powered by a 1.6 e'HDi engine developing 115bhp and equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox. With a special 'pulsion' paintwork, the XY Concept appears to constantly change, depending on the distance and the position from which you view it. This is based on the very precise application of sixteen coats of paint and lacquer. The car rides on dual-effect 18-inch alloy wheels.

The GTi Concept, the performance icon of the 208, has exterior sporty features including chequered-flag motifs, double chromed exhaust tailpipes, aero lower bodywork spoilers and lower sill skirt extensions. On the inside, the cabin is a true GTi environment with sports seats trimmed with Nappa leather on the outer section and cloth in the centre with an embossed tartan motif, a leather head restraint as well as a red perforated leather steering wheel.

It takes its propulsion from the powerful RCZ THP 200 engine, combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It has a wider track at the front and at the rear, and a rear roof spoiler to generate down force at speed.

New i30 arrives

The new generation Hyundai i30 goes on sale from Thursday at a starting price of €17,995, writes Brian Byrne.

Totally restyled, the car will come in two grades, with a 1.4 petrol option as well as 1.4 and 1.6 diesels. All three are Band A. There is also an automatic option.

Hyundai Ireland is banking on the growing brand impetus as well as very high standard specifications when measured against key competitors like Ford’s Focus, VW’s Golf and Toyota’s Auris.

The car’s arrival will boost the Irish distributor’s performance, already accelerating because of the success of key models like the ix35 and the i40. January sales figures show it with almost 6 percent market share, and the company is targeting 8 percent in 2013.

Pictured above at today's Irish press launch is Hyundai Ireland MD Stephen Gleeson with marketing manager Sarah Hayes.

BMW's World Premiers for Geneva Motor Show

BMW will present a few new serial productions models as well as ground breaking concepts at the Geneva Motor Show.

Among them will be the World Premier of the BMW 6 series Gran Coupe, the brand's first four-door Coupe, as well as the World Premier of the new high performance BMW M6 Coupe. The new BMW X6 will also World Premier at the show.

BMW M Performance automobiles will also be presented to the public for the first time.

The new BMW 1 Series also lines up for the start with new engines, including the 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, the brand's first serial production model with a level of C02 emissions of less than 100g/km.

EV cars can power up at Luas and Iarnrod Eireann facilities

ESB ears is partnering with Iarnrod Eireann and Luas to deliver an electric car charging service at car parks and Park & Ride facilities nationwide so electric car drivers can charge their cars while they are parked there.

The 30 charge points have been installed at Iarnrod Eireann in Drogheda, Newbridge, Sligo, Thurles and Kildare; also at Luas Park & Ride facilities in Carrickmines, Stillorgan, Sandyford and the Red Cow.

ESB ecars is also rolling out public charge points in city centre car parks, shopping centers, leisure facilities and tourist attractions. To date, more than 550 charge points have been installed in public locations, service stations commercial premises and in homes across the country. ESB ecars are also providing free home charge points to the first 2,000 purchasers of electric cars.

Pictured above: Green commuter Scott charges his ecar at the Luas Red Cow Park & Ride at the launch of 30 ESB ecar charge points in Luas and Iarnrod Eireann car park locations around the country.

BMW opens largest showroom worldwide in Abu Dhabi

The BMW Group has opened the world's largest showroom for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW motorcycles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Motors, the BMW's Group's long-standing importer for the region, has invested around AED 300 million (approx. 62 million euros) in the new 35,000 square metre showroom over its three-year construction.

Over 1,000 guests attended the exclusive opening last Tuesday evening. The new showroom will have more than 450 staff members and more than 70 cars on permanent display. The workshop will be able to perform maintenance on up to 120 vehicles simultaneously.

The Middle East is an important region for the BMW Group. They sold more vehicles there in 2011 than ever before.

New Porsche model to be named Macan

The new Porsche sports car in the sports utility segment has been named Macan.

It will be built at the Porsche factory in Leipzig in Germany, with production due to start in 2013.

The name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics - core characteristics of this new all-terrain car.

Porsche intends the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne.

Business as usual for Renault Belgard in South Dublin

Renault Ireland recently announced the acquisition of the prominent Belgard site in Tallaght for the development of a state-of-the-art motor showroom, workshop and parts facilities.

Renault Retail Group opened the existing showrooms in late December with the new development commencing in April, and already there has been a steady flow of traffic through the showroom.

Declan O'Grady, Dealer Principal at Renault Belgard said: "We are very excited about the development of this facility which will see over two levels of car and commercial vehicles displayed and fully accessible to our customers."

The new facility will include a service workshop with up to 10 servicing bays including the servicing of large commercial vehicles. There will also be an extensive parts sales area as well as Renault Finance with advisors on site to assist customers through the purchasing experience.

The new facility is expected to create up to 45 jobs. It will be the Renault Flagship Dealership in Ireland when development is completed by the end of 2012.