Men only drink/drive warnings

This is one for the lads only, writes Brian Byrne.

If you go for a pee in a bar in Michigan USA, the urinal might talk to you and suggest you don't drive home if you've had a few drinks.

Or more accurately, hi-tech deoderiser 'cakes' used in the urinals do the talking. A typical message is "Listen up. That's right, I'm talking to you. Had a few drinks? Maybe a few too many? Then do yourself and everyone else a favor: Call a sober friend or a cab. Oh, and don't forget to wash your hands."

The talking deoderisers cost about $21 each and are being distributed by local traffic safety authorities.

A safety s(p)lash too far?

From The Detroit News

Closer Toyota, BMW ties

A closer tie-up between Toyota and BMW confirmed today will help the German company reach European emissions requirements for its fleet of models by 2020, writes Brian Byrne.

Among other things the deal will share BMW's carbon-fibre development and the Japanese carmaker's hybrid technology.

The two companies will also develop together a new sports car, it was revealed at a press conference today. It's the second such venture for Toyota, whose recently launched GT86 is a joint venture with Subaru.

Under an earlier agreement, BMW diesel engines will appear in Toyota's cars in 2014, in return for access to Toyota expertise in lithium-ion battery development.

Road Test: VW up!

When I first wrote about the Volkswagen up! it was on the basis of a relatively short experience driving it in Rome, writes Brian Byrne. Which suited it perfectly, being the small and nippy city car designed for use in the kind of environment where we're told a majority of the globe's population is expected to live in 20 years' time.

I loved it. Then too, I'm one of these drivers who absolutely loves driving in Rome. If you've been there, you know why most of my colleagues think I'm crazy in this regard.

Back here in Ireland, many of us still drive longish distances on a variety of non-city roads, from motorways to country lanes. How would the up! fit in our real world?

First on-road spin in a Focus EV

I drove Ford's electric Focus recently, writes Brian Byrne, and found it an interesting take on this so far very niche segment of alternative powertrains.

With immediate torque and 145hp on tap, the prototype was quite lively around the streets of Aachen in Germany, where Ford has its European research & development HQ.

At around 1,550kgs, the electric Focus is about half a tonne heavier than the standard car, so it certainly felt less dynamic than the standard car.

The production versions will be built in Germany, and the power source will be lithium-ion, with a target range of 160kms and a top speed of 135km/h.

The EV will be available in some European markets before the end of this year.

An app to hail a taxi

An app to book a taxi is now available for your smartphone in Ireland and the UK, using the GPS in the phone to tie down your location, writes Brian Byrne.

Clickataxi.com has just gone live in these islands, after previously launching in Scandinavia, the Ukraine, and Poland. Other coverage through Europe, Asia and the Americas is being rolled out during the rest of the summer.

Click A Taxi's app is free and costs nothing to use except whatever data download charges your phone operator provides. It's available from iTunes or Google Play.

There are no extra charges at the taxi end, just the normal meter payments. Click A Taxi is working with selected taxi services in its various locations.

Car info challenge on distraction

Because drivers increasingly demand the same level of connectivity in their cars as they have with their smartphones, designers of in-car information displays are trying to provide this without increasing distraction, writes Brian Byrne.

Part of how they'll do it is by prioritising what information is available in different driving situations, and where it is made available.

One result is that the use of head-up displays is set to grow, with driving specific information streaming in front of the vehicle operator, while less critical details are reserved for central displays.

It's all about 'human/machine interface' or HMI, and the situation is described as a 'challenge' in a study of US and European automotive trends by consultants Frost & Sullivan. The company says that automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are in a situation where they have to achieve a balance between offering new technologies to stay ahead of the competition and keeping the HMI as easy as possible.

The survey suggests that the demand for central displays in both markets will exceed 15m by 2017, as well as 5m touchscreens and almost a million HUDs.

The consultants also see a necessity for designers to limit access to web-based content while driving, saying this is 'pivotal' to limit distraction.

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept debuts at Goodwood

Mazda is showing its road legal 205bhp MX-GT Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today, writes Trish Whelan.

Its debut at Goodwood is to test customer reaction to a high performance version of the iconic sportscar.

Built by race specialists Jota Sport, this concept produces 205bhp from a normally aspirated 2.0 Mazda petrol engine which is mated to the car's standard manual gearbox. Susension has been uprated to improve handling and is adjustable for different track conditions, aerodynamic assistance comes from a carbon front splitter, a rear diffuser and boot spoiler. The exhaust note has been enhanced with a sports exhaust system with a central tailpipe.

For customers who want to acquire the car for track use, it comes equipped with road slicks and body-coloured roll hoops behind the seats.

Joining the MX-5 GT Concept on the Mazda stand at Goodwood will be the Mazda Takeri sedan concept, an indication of the design direction of the future Mazda6.

Extra daylight coach service ahead of Olympics

Bus Eireann Eurolines, in partnership with Irish Ferries, is operating an extra daylight coach service from Dublin to Birmingham and London ahead of the Olympic Games.

Travelling on the Irish Ferries' cruise ferry Ulysses the new service will operate from July 12th to September 3rd, departing Dublin Busaras at 07:00hrs, arriving Birmingham at 15.30hrs and London by 19.00hrs.

Fares, inclusive of two medium-sized suitcases, are €72 return from Dublin and €85 return from all other locations on the Bus Eireann network.

For more information, contact Bus Eireann on (01) 8366111 or book online at www.eurolines.ie

Special Portugal package price

Stay at the 4* Hotel Costa da Caparica on the Lisbon Coast for 7 nights on a b&b basis, in a sea view room.

Departing 26th July, this package is priced from €399pp + tax.

The Costa da Caparica area is well known for its long sandy beaches, crystal clear sea and renowned seafood restaurants. This hotel is considered one of the most exclusive in the region. Facilities include a rooftop restaurant, and two pools (one for adults and one for children), manned by lifeguards. There are five golf courses in the region offering special discounted rates to Costa da Caparica guests. Lisbon City Centre is 40 minutes away.

Price includes direct return flights to Lisbon, return airport transfers by luxury air-conditioned coach, 7 nights' accommodation in the Hotel da Caparica including daily breakfast, assistance of a Joe Walsh Tours rep at airports, and one standard piece of check-in luggage subject to airline's conditions. Travel insurance is optional and is available on request at €25pp. Price is exclusive of airport taxes and charges totalling €75 per person.

Information, or to book, contact Tel 01 241 0800, email info@joewalshtours.ie or visit www.joewalshtours.ie.

Car seat keeps check on health

I had an ECG a few days ago while on a trip to Germany, writes Brian Byrne, but I didn’t visit a doctor or a hospital.

The heart checkup was done while sitting in an experimental car seat in Ford’s research and development centre in Aachen. Special pads in the seatback read my heart rate and other cardiac details.

Produced in cooperation with the nearby Aachen University, Ford has produced the prototype with a view to possibly incorporating the technology in future cars.

The system can measure symptoms of a driver’s stress levels in various driving situations, and in a production version could be used by the car to reduce information to the driver to just what’s necessary for the moment.

The company’s scientists also envisage it triggering a safe stopping sequence should the technology see the signs of an imminent heart attack. And in such a situation, it could also call for an ambulance through Ford’s Sync internet communications system, already in use in the US and shortly to be made available in Europe.

The ECG seat is at the moment only in experimental stages.

Traffic from (or in) Hell

A traffic jam is a traffic jam. Or is it more? This report in The Atlantic magazine about one in Lagos is sobering, if not terrifying reading.

Is this what the real apocalypse will be?

Cliff House Hotel goes Electric

The 5-star Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co Waterford, has become the first hotel in Ireland to purchase and run a 100 percent electric vehicle. The hotel has invested in a new Renault Kangoo ZE 5-seat commercial vehicle as their on-site vehicle.

The luxury hotel endorses a strong environmental policy and was keen to own a vehicle that reflected this. Hotel staff will use the new Kangoo ZE (zero emissions) as a courtesy vehicle for guests and as a pick up and drop off for guests to surrounding areas.

Adriaan Bartels says the hotel staff are 'already queuing up to test drive it'.

The new Renault Kangoo ZE and Fluence ZE are now available for extended test drives at Renault dealerships around the country.

Pictured above are Adriaan Bartels, General Manager of Cliff House Hotel; and Shane Hamm, EV Ambassador, H&H Motors.

Focus 3-pot a smooth runner

A recent spin behind the wheel of Ford's new 1.0 3-cylinder petrol Focus was quite an eye-opener to the advantages of the carmaker's EcoBoost system, writes Brian Byrne.

The car is a very smooth performer, and doesn't lack torque or acceleration, and is quite exceptionally quiet for a 3-pot.

It's due for launch in Ireland next week, and though we don't yet have pricing details it should offer a quite competitive alternative to the diesel Focuses we have become so familiar with.

The 1.0 is designed to replace the 1.6 petrol which has been the standard entry offering in many European markets. The motor was recently adjudged the 2012 Engine of the Year.

It is available in both 100hp and 125hp versions, with CO2 outputs of 109/114g/km respectively. In addition to the Focus, the engine will be used in the upcoming B-MAX small MPV and the C-MAX compact people carrier.

Emma Toner is new Marketing Manager at Gowan

Emma Toner has been appointed as Marketing Manager for both Vehicles and Aftersales at Gowan Distributors Limited, the importer of Peugeot vehicles to Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.

Emma previously held the position of Communications Manager at Gowan Distributors and was responsible for handling all Peugeot product communications, advertising, PR and event management activity. She was instrumental in the Peugeot Brand winning four Continental Irish Car of the Year Awards in the last three years.

In her new role as Marketing Manager, Emma will be charged with growing the Peugeot profile in Ireland, to achieve sales targets and growth.

George Harbourne, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors, said: "Emma's experience and comprehensive understanding of marketing tools and actions will undoubtedly benefit Peugeot, our sales network, and our customers."

Emma is a graduate from University of Ulster, Coleraine, with a BA Hons Degree in European Business Studies and French. She is a member of the Irish Institute of Public Relations. Originally from County Down, Norther Ireland, she is married with one son.

Ford shows traffic jam self-drive system

Ford is evaluating working prototypes of a new Traffic Jam Assist system which will allow a car 'drive itself' in traffic jams, writes Brian Byrne.

The system brings together a number of electronic technologies and sensor systems already in place in the company's production cars, such as Adaptive Cruise Control operated by radar.

I was a passenger in a car equipped with the system last week in Aachen, and in the simulation on a private road it kept pace with the stop-go of a traffic jam situation, and also coped with changes such as cars cutting in or leaving the lane in front.

It will be some time before the system is offered as a real option, but the technical bits are already in place and being tested in real world city traffic.

Official Toledo pics

This is SEAT's official look at the new Toledo, due to go on sale in Ireland at the end of this year.

The car is a hatchback, longer than the current Toledo, and will come with 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines and a brace of 1.6 diesels.

More details on specifications closer to launch, but the guide price has been suggested as 'around €18,000'.

Motorpark Galway M-B vans service

Galway motor dealer Motorpark Limited of Headford Road has been appointed new After-Sales dealer for Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles.

The Motorpark technical team will provide the vehicle service and parts requirements of Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles owners in Galway and beyond. Models that will be covered by the service they provide include the top-of-the-range Sprinter, Vito, Vario and the soon-to-be-launched Citan.

Golf Van back in Ireland

The Volkswagen Golf Van has been reintroduced to the Irish market at €19,990 including VAT, writes Brian Byrne.

Based on the Mark VI Golf passenger car, it has overr 1,300 litres of load volume and is powerted by a 90hp 1.6 diesel.

It is factory built and is available from any VW passenger car dealer.

Latest Merc SL arrives

Sixty years after the first SL was launched, the latest version of this roadster has arrived in Ireland.

The car features a longer, wider body, restyled grille and headlights, and with two petrol engines—a 3.5-litre, 302bhp, V6 SL350 version and a 4.7-litre, 429bhp, V8 SL500. Prices begin at €140,000 for the SL350. Road tax begins at €481. Fuel consumption is 12 percent better than the previous model, and transmission on both versions is 7-speed automatic.

A retractable panoramic sunroof that switches from light to dark at the push of a button is an option.

Mercedes-Benz Ireland passenger car sales manager Ciaran Allen described the new SL as ‘a worthy bearer of a sixty-years old tradition and a car destined to become a classic from the day of its introduction'.

Opel to become 'more affordable'

Opel plans to make its cars 'more affordable' in a strategy to win back customers.

The company's CEO Carl-Friedrich Stracke says its more premium pricing strategy of recent years had lost them buyers.

And he re-committed the GM-owned brand to further investment in coming years, with plans to introduce 23 new or refreshed models between now and 2016. There will also be three new powertrain families.

One of the new models will be the Mokka B segment SUV pictured above.

He was speaking in Monte Carlo at an Automotive News Europe Congress.

Mini Clubvan priced

The new Mini Clubvan will go on sale in Ireland towards the end of the year at a starting price of €17,140.

Inspired by the Mini Van of the 1960s, the 2-seater is the first modern Mini to be classed as a commercial vehicle.

It has 860 litres of space and a payload of 500kg.

The car debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in concept form and the production version will feature at the Silverstone Festival of Speed.

Honda Jazz 'Best Used Supermini' - Which?

The Honda Jazz has been named Best Used Supermini by consumer champions Which? Car, writes Trish Whelan.

Their annual survey is the largest of its kind and results are based on good reliability and owner satisfaction, plus a high score in their model road test.

Experts praised the Jazz's class-leading space and versatility, bullet-proof reliability, strong resale values and the fact it's easy and safe to drive. The results also took into account positive feedback from Jazz owners who said they 'love its blend of class-leading interior space, smart looks and excellent reliability'.

This result follows the Jazz's success in the 2012 JD Power owner satisfaction survey where it remained the supermini category leader for a ninth year running.

The Jazz is available with two i-VTEC petrol engines, 1.2 and 1.4 and all models qualify for Band B tax of €225 per annum. There are six models in the range. New car prices start from €16,195 for the entry level 1.2 SE to €20,470 for the top of the range 1.4 i-TEC EX CVT (prices exclude delivery and related charges and metallic paint, but include VRT and VAT). Prices of second hand models can be had from your local Honda dealer.

Seatbelt airbags for next Mondeo

In a first for a European car, Ford Has announced that seatbelt airbags will be available as an option in the rear of the next generation Mondeo, writes Brian Byrne.

The airbags are fitted inside the seatbelts, and in an impact are inflated by a blast of special cold gas through the buckle.

The bags spread the restraining forces across a wider chest area, helping to minimise the chances of rib fractures.

It is also suitable for children using booster seats. Ford engineers also note that the system is particularly useful in protecting elderly people, whose rib cages are naturally less strong than when they were younger.

The system is already in use in the Ford Explorer in the US, where it was introduced as an option in 2010. The company says that 40 percent of buyers of the Explorer opted for the safety feature.

No price has yet been given for the option on the Mondeo, due to go on sale in 2013.

Over 600 Ferraris to take part in parade

Ferrari North Europe is on target to break the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of Ferrari cars with over 600 cars registered for the attempt on Saturday 15 September during Ferrari Racing Days at Silverstone Circuit.

Ferrari North Europe previously set the record with 385 cars on the Silverstone Circuit in 2007.

However, the record now stands at 490 cars. Ferrari North Europe's ambition is to set a Guinness World Record with 1,000 cars, so registrations remain open for the final 400 spaces. (Note: We're sure some Irish Ferrari owners, North and South, plan to take part in the parade).

Ferrari will donate £5 for every car entered into the world record attempt to the UK's automotive industry's charity, BEN.

Galway preparing for Volvo Ocean Race finish

Who will ever forget the jubilant scenes and huge crowds that flocked to Galway two years ago for a stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race, writes Trish Whelan.

In May 2009, over 600,000 supporters visited the race village during the visit in brilliant weather, with the seaside resort of Salthill drawing a further 120,000 more to watch the dramatic close-combat race from the shoreline.

Once again the Volvo Ocean Race will visit this ancient west coast city, this time for the finish line of the race which started in Alicante, Spain, on 5 November last. A fleet of up to 12 Volvo 'Open 70' class boats will arrive at Galway Docks on the penultimate leg from Lorient in France. The Galway Race Weekend sees the Pro-Am Race on Friday 6 July, and the In-Port Race on Saturday 7 July.

Bentley's New Continental GT Speed

Bentley is introducing a new performance flagship, its fastest production model ever, the Continental GT Speed coupe, writes Trish Whelan.

Orders for the new 205 mph (329 km/h) GT Speed are being taken now, with deliveries to start in October.

At the heart of the car is an up-rated version of the Bentley 6-0, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W12 engine which develops 616 bhp and 800 Nm of torque to deliver thunderous, supercar performance with effortless overtaking capacity. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in a mere 4.0 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.2s).

The GT Speed's immense power is transmitted via a close-ratio, ZF eight-speed automatic transmission which also makes a significant contribution to an overall 12 per cent improvement in fuel economy and C02 emissions.

The car sports 21-inch Speed wheels fitted with Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres giving a sportier and more engaging driving experience with tauter handling and improved quality. Standard on all Continental models is the permanent all-wheel-drive system.

The GT Speed makes its international debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 28 June until 1 July.

New Audi RS4 Avant heads up A4 range

Audi Ireland have announced price and order information for their all-new Audi RS4 Avant which launches here in September.

The OTR price of €102,725 represents a significant price drop compared to the previous B7 generation.

This latest 4.2 V8 delivers 450bhp, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in only 4.7 seconds and has a governed 250km/h top speed.

The Audi RS4 Avant is 20mm longer, 24mm wider and 20mm lower than the standard A4 Avant.

Standard features include quattro permanent all-wheel drive with sport differential, S-Tronic transmission and FSI technology. It also comes with the lowest fuel consumption and emission figures in its field of competitors.

The exterior design leaves onlookers in no doubt about the car's capabilities. The interior is finished completely in black, with the exception of the roof lining which is optionally available in Moon Silver.

The Audi RS4 Avant was first introduced 12 years ago, and this is the third generation of the car.

New Volvo V40 first view

You know that unnerving feeling sometimes when you have to reverse out of a nose-in parking space, writes Brian Byrne, and you can't see if there's anything coming?

Well, the new Volvo V40 can sort that one out, with a 'Cross Traffic Alert' gidget amongst its electronic safety arsenal. Basically it has sensors at the rear sides of the car which can detect any traffic coming along at up to 30 metres away.

And then you often wondered just how much longer a space than the length of your car do you need to parallel park? Well, it's 1.2 times if you use the new car's parking wizard.

There's also an intriguing 'first', an airbag for pedestrians. A long time mooted, now standard on the V40, if sensors on the bumper feel you hitting a walker, the bonnet pops up a bit to keep the poor victim from the hard parts of the engine, and an airbag lifts around the scuttle, aimed at minimising impact against the windscreen and A pillars.

That City Safe technology that we first saw on the XC60 has been further refined, and now will now stop the car from rear-ending the one in front from up to 50km/h.

Of course, there's all the other stuff we're getting used to now. Blind spot warnings (BLIS), which now operate from further behind the car; lane wander alerts, new for Volvo in this segment; and a Distance Alert which flashes up a neat red warning on your windscreen if you're approaching another vehicle too quickly or are driving unsafely close to it.

The instrumentation is also high tech, offering a number of 'themes' named Elegance, Eco and Performance, and within these you can also choose different colour schemes. In fairness, the Performance one is preferred, giving a nice choice of digital speed readout and rev-counter against an active red background. Other information on all themes includes camera-read recent road signs and a warning if you're travelling faster than the local speed limit.

All that's great stuff. And a 'here be dragons' caveat—apart from the City Safe and the Pedestrian Airbag, you'll pay extra for most of the foregoing, in part by going up a grade, otherwise in 'Packs'. 

Meantime, if Volvo wants to get a younger age profile, it has to have a car that will grab the younger driver. Does the new car qualify?

Certainly it looks sexier than its wagony predecessor, and it is being presented as a hatchback rather than an estate. A long sleek profile, strong character lines along the shoulder and rocker levels, a tilt at the old P1800 in a 'kick' on that shoulder. Fronts and rear are recognisably Volvo, with more sculpting than we have been used to from the brand.

Early on the road impressions are positive, the 115hp D2 is adequate, the 177hp D4 is a flyer, as is the 2.0 petrol T4. The drive is very composed, and seemingly immune to backdraft on truck convoys on Italy's motorways. In the twisty sub-Alps back of Verona it just felt totally together. Gone is the squishiness of other Volvos, yet without inducing harshness. Build quality and interior feel is at the level of quality needed to pull from Audi, BMW and Merc. Argument could be made that the Volvo is better in many respects.

Prices in Ireland start at €27,000 for both D2 diesel and T3 petrol, both 1.6 in capacity and in Bands A and B respectively. The 94g/km of the D2 is probably class-leading just now. We're also getting the 150hp D3, and an automatic option in that last. Only the auto is in Band C, and range fuel consumptions are between 54-78mpg equivalents. Top price is around the €36,000 mark.

Former marketing manager of Volvo Ireland Adrian Yeates is now the new MD of the company following the departure of David Baddeley to greater things in Volvo UK. It isn’t the most propitious of times, but he is starting his new position with a brand new car that can seriously put it up to those who feel they have the divine right to own the premium game.

Here's news. They don't.

New Skoda Rapid for Paris

Skoda's new compact saloon, Skoda Rapid, will debut at the Paris Motor Show in September and go on sale in Europe from late 2012.

Skoda is aiming the car especially at families looking for a roomy first car at an affordable price.

Powertrains will include five petrol and one diesel engine.

The Skoda Rapid is the first Skoda to feature the brand's new design: clear, precise, fresh, timeless and elegant. It will be the new benchmark for roominess in the compact class and will slot in to the Skoda range between the Fabia and Octavia.

The car is 4.48 metres long, and 1.7 metres wide. It can seat five occupants and their luggage.

The Rapid competes in the highly competitive A segment.

Aston Martin unveils Vanquish luxury sports car

Aston Martin is today unveiling its new luxury sports car - the Vanquish.

This new super grand tourer represents the zenith of current Aston Martin design and engineering. It features the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0- V12 engine that is considerably more potent than before and mated to the Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. The V12's power peak of 565bhp makes it Aston Martin's most potent production model yet, outmuscled only by the strictly limited edition £1.2m One-77 supercar. It can zoom from 0-62mph in only 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 183mph.

Sports Journalists do well in Donegal rally

Sky Sports News' F1 analyst Tony Jardine and BBC Radio 5 Live's Maurice Hamilton claimed 4th in their class and 14th overall in the 2012 Topaz Donegal International Rally Ireland.

Jardine and Hamilton have previously claimed numerous class wins and podium places together on national rallies. Their latest performance is a huge improvement on 2008 when they claimed 28th overall in a Skoda WRC car.

Their return was a welcome boost for the Donegal Motor Club's efforts to attract competitors to their prestige event, as this high profile media pairing attend events recognised as 'something special'.

For Hamilton, this will be his third rallying endeavour on home soil co-driving for Jardine, the voice of Radio 5 being originally from Bangor, Co Down.

First taste of new Volvo V40

It's a Volvo, so the new Volvo V40 has more safety technology than you can easily explain, writes Brian Byrne. But there's more, with the new car breaking out of the somewhat bland look of its predecessor, to seriously challenge in the compact premium segment.

The key competitors are BMW's 1 Series, Audi's A3, the upcoming sexy new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but you could also see upgraders from Ford's Focus and downsizers from a variety of medium/large saloons in both mass-market and premium arenas.



I've been driving the 'basic' model today, albeit in its dressed-up grades, with the 115 1.6 diesel, the D2, showing steady performance in a twisting route up over Verona. With a 94g/km CO2 it's a frugal powerplant, but the car also comes with a howling 254hp 2.5 petrol option, a 150hp D3, and a 177hp D4 diesels.

Irish prices are expected to be around €27,000 for entry level versions, and it has been reported that the first cars will be here in July to take advantage of the hype around the finish of the Volvo Great Ocean Race which will finish in Galway. More tomorrow when we get full official Irish details.

And I'll do something more substantial over the next couple of days when I've had time to properly absorb the various models ... and all that safety stuff, which, by the way, includes a pedestrian airbag.

But take this point on board. The previous V40 was the estate version of the S40 saloon. This is being marketed as a 5-door hatchback, albeit with a slight stretch. I'm presuming at this point there'll be a new S40, but is the true estate to disappear in this segment for Volvo?

We'll see.

Take a walk on the wildlife side - with Irish Ferries

Haven Holidays and Britain's Wildlife Trust have designed a series of guided nature walks to help teach children of all ages about wildlife and the identification of fauna and bird insect and animal species in and around their 30-plus UK holiday parks.

Irish Ferries is offering a 7-nights stay for up to six persons at their Devon Cliffs resort with return car ferry travel and accommodation in a two-bedroom superior caravan starting from €1,102. Bookings can be made by calling 0818 300 400 with further information available online at www.irishferries.com/haven

Macroom Motors joins Lexus in Cork

Macroom Motors have joined the Lexus franchise for the Cork area, and later this year will announce plans to build a new state-of-the-art Lexus facility in Cork City, writes Trish Whelan.

In the interim period, the Lexus Sales & Aftersales business will operate from their Macroom Motors Dealership, with the full range of Lexus models on display, including the new full hybrid GS450h just launched this week, and priced from €59,950 for the Executive model, which sits in Band B for taxation purposes.

Macroom Motors have been a Toyota Dealer since 1975 and is now one of the largest retailers of new and used vehicles in the country. The company is run by Donal Lehane and his son John, who serves as Dealer Principal.

Pictured above are - Back - Kevin O'Reilly, Operations Manager, Lexus Ireland; Donal Lehane, Macroom Motors. Front - Mark Teevan, Managing Director, Lexus Ireland and John Lehane, Dealer Principal, Macroom Motors.

Preview: Ravens Rock Rally 2012

Over the past two years, the last Saturday and Sunday of June has signified an octane fuelled weekend in the Marble City writes Trevor McGrath of Carrick on Suir Motor Club.

This is set to continue this year as the Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club brings the Ravens Rock Rally to Kilkenny City and County for the third successive year with the tarmac rally taking place next Sunday. Sponsored by Suirway Farm Machinery and the Kilford Arms Hotel, the Motorsport Rally has been taken to the hearts of Kilkenny people during the previous two visits and now looks set for one final blast in the home of the Black and Amber.

At the helm again this year is Threecastle's John Rafter, 'Clerk of the Course'. The event starts with a Ceremonial Start at the Tholsel, High Street on Saturday evening, 23 June at 19:00 hours. The main event begins on Sunday morning with the first of nine special stages at 9.48am. The rally follows the same format as last year with a three stage layout and centralised service in Chancellors Mill after every three stages.

Canada listens in at airports

If you’re travelling through Canadian airports, think before putting your tongue in gear in certain ’customs-controlled’ areas, writes Brian Byrne.

Because an unspecified number of them now have the facility to listen to and record the conversations of passengers in these areas, in addition to the familiar CCTV filming.

This came to light recently when a local newspaper in Ottawa began investigations into reports that new video monitoring systems also had the capability to listen to conversations.

The Canada Border Services Agency said the audio systems are not yet active at Ottowa, but signs would be posted referring to a Privacy Statement on the organisation’s website when they are activated.

In addition to border security, the systems may also be used to track criminal activities through the airport. Unions representing workers there have already expressed concerns that employee conversations could become part of workers’ records.

Closed stores to hotel bedrooms

A group of young architects in Vienna have come up with a unique variation on hotels—turning closed down shops into rooms, writes Brian Byrne.

The scheme runs under the name 'Urbanaut', and the idea incorporates other local businesses to provide 'hotel' services like food, cafe and spa.

The concept has brought visitors into areas of the city they wouldn't otherwise have gone, bringing business to failing streets.

Each room is furnished to 4-star hotel standards, and sells for €120 a night. A pair of bicycles is included, as is an old typewriter for guests to leave comments and suggestions for the next users.

The promoting architects, one of whom comes from a family hotel background, wanted to find a way to do something with empty stores. They now plan to open 10 more of their 'street lofts' in another area.

They don't envisage every empty store being used as a lodging room, but hope other services such as a bar, doctor or dentist, or even another shop will be encouraged to open on the back of increased visitor numbers in a street.

Vienna's City Council has asked them to address the members on the project.

More information and bookings on www.urbanauts.at/

Fedex Sprinters to delivery

Express delivery company Fedex in Ireland has added three new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to their Fleet—a 313 Long Wheel Base and two 313 Medium wheel base versions.

These units, which have been fitted with walk-through bulkheads and parcel shelving, will be based at the company’s Dublin depot.

Remember that breathalyser in France

Motorists travelling to France after June 30 are warned that not only must they have a breathalyser in their car, but it also must be one certified to a French standard, NF.

The regulation is aimed at cutting down on drink driving in France, where the limit is 50mg/100ml of blood.

The NF is a circular blue logo, and if you're stopped without a suitably certified one-use breathalyser, the gendarmes are likely to treat you as if you haven't one and fine you.

They don't take prisoners, just your credit card.

Revised Astra in the autumn

A completely revised Opel Astra range is slated to be rolled out in Ireland in September, writes Brian Byrne, offering powertrains with sub-100gm/km CO2 emissions.

External cosmetic changes include front end tweaking to bring the range into line with the GTC sporty variant, with chrome detailing and dark elements in the lights. There are also new wheel designs.

The interiors have been spiffed up with new colours and trim elements. BiTurbo high performance diesel versions get special stitching in the leather bits and flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The arrival of the revised cars will include the launch of the new saloon version of the Astra here.

New Cherokee to lead Jeep further into Europe

Jeep is to introduce a new generation Cherokee mid-sized SUV next year as part of a further offensive on the European marketplace, writes Brian Byrne.

This will be followed by a 'mini-Wrangler' based on a Fiat 500 platform in 2014, and a new compact model towards the end of the same year to replace the current Compass and Patriot models. The Compass is the only one of those currently being sold in Europe.

The new Cherokee will be powered by a Fiat-sourced 2.0 diesel outputting 170hp.

Jeep is the fastest-growing brand in Europe so far in 2012, according to official industry statistics, although from a small base. The brand is now controlled by Fiat as part of its involvement with Chrysler, and is aiming for a 130,000 units sales performance by 2014.

A substantially-expanded dealership network for Jeeps within the Fiat/Lancia groups is part of the reason for the current growth.

A special European version of the Grand Cherokee, the S, will be rolled out in the autumn of this year.

Fiat may stall new models

A replacement for the Grande Punto model scheduled for next year is one of the investments being 'reconsidered' by Fiat in cuts just announced that amount to half a billion euros, writes Brian Byrne.

The money is being pulled out of investment plans for the rest of this year on the basis that the company's boss doesn't see any growth in a stagnant pan-continent marketplace.

According to CEO Sergio Marchionne, any recovery is dependent on 'many factors', which includes how things go in Greece, what happens to the euro, and EU activities to sustain growth.

He was speaking to Automotive News Europe on his way to a meeting of European automobile industry leaders.

New A-Class will have aggressive pricing

Mercedes-Benz is aggressively targeting the compact family car segment with the new A-Class, writes Brian Byrne, announcing a €24,000 starting price in some European markets when it launches in September.

The car, which drops the boxy shape of its predecessor for a very sexy silhouette aimed at attracting a much younger age group, will have powertrains ranging from 109-211hp with 1.5 and 1.8 diesels, and 1.6 and 2.0 petrol options.

A radar-based collision warning system will be among the standard technological features. Other standards in the base models are aircon, electric windows all round, and multifunction steering wheel.

There will be three grades in most markets, Urban, Style and AMG Sport.

No pricing or arrival dates for Ireland are yet available.

VW introduces economy parts range

Volkswagen Aftersales has just launched a new parts range, Volkswagen Economy Parts, designed for VW vehicles five years and older.

“There is a tendency for owners of older cars to start looking at cheaper alternatives when it comes to parts as their cars get older,” says Alan Bateson, Aftersales Manager, Volkswagen Ireland. “However with this new range of parts, owners of older cars can save money without the need to sacrifice quality.”

Savings of around 30 percent compared to Volkswagen Genuine Parts are achievable. For example, a set of Economy brake discs and pads costs just €169 fully-fitted, compared to €230 for Volkswagen Genuine Parts.

The company has made the savings by making some parts less complex, and also using alternative materials.

There's a two year guarantee on the Economy parts, which include brake pads, brake discs, batteries, shock absorbers, CV joints, wiper blades and spark plugs. The range is set to expand in the future.

Big Skoda taxi deal

Dublin-based Global Taxis has taken delivery of 110 new Skoda Octavias in one of the largest taxi deals ever seen in Ireland.

The company says it was attracted by the fuel economy of the Octavia, which could amount to nearly €1,400 savings per car in every year.

Pictured at the announcement of the acquisition are Ray Ebbs of Global Taxis (left) and Zac Hollis, Brand Director, Škoda Ireland.

'Dream' motorcycles fundraiser

Geraldine O’Callaghan, last woman standing on The Apprentice Series 2, recently launched the ‘Live the Dream’ national draw to raise up to €70,000 for Temple Street Hospital.

The top prize is a choice of a Harley Davidson Electra Glide or a Honda Goldwing—both ultimate dream machines with a value of €28,000.

Keen motorcyclist Martin Breen has organised the draw where tickets are €50 each. The draw is limited to 1,500 tickets and hopes to raise close to €70,000 for Temple Street. Further prizes include €2,000 cash, Glens of Scotland Motorcycle tour for two, Bike world voucher for €600, and shopping voucher for €400 and driving lessons.

The draw will take place on the weekend of July 14. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 087 6031277 or from Facebook page ‘LiveTheDream’.

Geraldine is pictured here with Shay Kirk of the Irish 66'ers, a group of Irish motorbike enthusiasts who regularly drive across America to raise funds for the hospital.

Ford wins 'Engine of the Year 2012'

A new 3-cylinder petrol engine developed by Ford has won the 2012 'International Engine of the Year' award, writes Brian Byrne.

The engine uses Ford's EcoBoost technology to achieve high outputs and economy and was introduced earlier this year as a powertrain option in the Focus compact family car range. That model will arrive in Ireland in July.

The engine also won 'Best New Engine' and 'Best Engine under 1.0-litre' categories in the awards, which have been running for 13 years.

Ray helps out marathon man Mark

Celbridge Kia Dealer Ray Crofton drove to the rescue when he heard that Ireland's sole representative in the Mens Marathon in the London 2012 Olympics was without wheels.

Mark Kenneally is himself a Celbridge man and is in the final stages of his preparation for the event. Ray Crofton supplied Mark with a cee’d SW for the remaining months leading up to event.

Mark is pictured on the right taking delivery of the car. Kia Motors Ireland are Official Partners of the Olympic Council of Ireland.

Bentley - two debuts at Goodwood Festival

A new Bentley will make its international debut at the upcoming 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, writes Trish Whelan.

A vision of the company's future, the EXP 9 F SUV concept (above) makes its UK premier at the Festival.

The car highlights the marque's desire to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world.

The Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification (MDS) (also pictured), a new driver-focused edition of the Bentley flagship features sports-tuned suspension and steering settings, unique 21-inch alloy wheels, and a Diamond Quilted interior.

The new Continental GT V8 will also be on the Bentley stand. It features an all new 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engine. With 507PS and 660 Nm of torque, the GT V8 sprints from 0-60mph in only 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds), has a top speed of 188mph (303km/h). Its fuel efficiency systems allow a range of over 500 miles on a single tank.

Ed: As a matter of interest, the EXP 9 F SUV concept shown at Geneva Motor Show last March, got our vote as the ugliest car in the show!