Renault offer 5-year unlimited warranty

From March 1st, every Renault passenger car and light commercial vehicle ordered will come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Whether a private or commercial customer, taxi or hire drive vehicle, the mileage is unlimited.

It includes breakdown assistance for five years; all warranty repairs carried out by trained Renault technicians using genuine Renault parts; no limit on the number of repairs under the term of the warranty; covers the cost of repairs due to component failure as a result of a manufacturing defect; warranty is transferable to a second owner if the car is sold during the term.

Renault claim it is the only manufacturer to offer a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty across its LCV range. The warranty cover is dependent upon vehicles adhering to the manufacturer's recommended servicing schedule. Service items and normal wear and tear are excluded.

Pic: Ireland's only quintuplets were on hand to announce the new warranty. The five Cassidy children from Co Wexford - Conor, Cian, Rory, Amy and Dearbhail are now 11 years old.

5m Audi quattro drive systems

The five millionth Audi with a quattro drive system rolled off the assembly line earlier today at the carmaker's Neckarsulm plant.

The car was an Audi A6 allroad 3.0 TDI.

Audi claim to offer the widest range of cars with all-wheel-drive; the Q7, R8, A4 allroad, A6 allroad as well as all S and RS models are available exclusively with quattro drives. Audi offers it as an option in all other model lines.

In 2012, more than 43 percent of Audi customers selected a quattro model, setting a new record.

Quattro technology debuted in 1980.

World's first 9-speed auto transmission for RR Evoque

The world's first 9-speed automatic transmission for a passenger car will be shown by Land Rover at Geneva next week.

It will be introduced into the 2014 model year Range Rover Evoque towards the end of this year in both petrol and diesel derivatives. The ZF 9HP transmission is specifically designed for transverse applications, and is one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle.

It will add another layer of performance, refinement and efficiency to the Evoque.

Despite the extra three gear ratios, the 9HP is only 6mm longer and weights 7.5kg less than the outgoing six-speed transmission.

Increasing the number of gear ratios from six to nine gives significant improvement in fuel economy and a corresponding reduction in C02 emissions. The higher top gear not only reduces fuel consumption but the lower engine revs improve comfort and reduce noise when cruising at high speed.

The lowest ration is far lower than the existing 6-speed transmission and is specificaly designed for off-road use, towing and some more extreme on-road conditions like gradients and altitude, giving the driver a heightened sense of control.

The RR Evoque is built at Jaguar Land Rover's Halewood plant in Liverpool and has sold over 140,000 units since its launch in September 2011.

Maserati to debut MC Stradale

The new Maserati MC Stradale will be the star on the Maserati stand in Geneva next week, alongside the new Quattroporte versions.

The new GranTurismo MC Stradale, combines the optimum expression of sportiness with the luxury of a coupe.

Just like the previous two-seater version, the new-four seater GranTurismo MC Stradale takes its inspiration from the racing version. Its cabin has four comfortable seats and an interior design featuring new materials and style.

It also features the 4.7, 460hp aspirated V8 engine which made its debut in the GranTurismo Sport and which is now fitted to the entire 4.7 litre GranTurismo range. Combined with an MC Race Shift 6-speed robotised manual gearbox, this engine ensures outstanding performance, with a top speed of 188mph.

Mini John Cooper Works Paceman

Irish production of the new Mini John Cooper Works Paceman will begin in March.

The new Mini Paceman variant sees the compact Sports ActivityCoupe concept wrapped up in an extra layer of muscular proportions and dynamically stretched lines. It also features a lowered sports suspension and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.

Power comes from the 1.6, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 218hp, mated with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The sports exhaust system provides this power delivery with a suitably stirring soundtrack! A six-speed automatic is also available as an option.

The car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds; top speed is 226km/h or 224km/h for the automatic.

Sporty interior

Average fuel consumption is 7.4 L/100kms or 38.2mpg for the manual; slightly more for the auto. C02 emissions of 172g/km put the manual version in Band E of €750 a year in road tax. Well, you pay for having such a high powered car!

The car will have ALL4 all-wheel drive. Drivers and passengers can experience the sensation of race competition and the sports car ambience from four individual seats.

Exterior colours include Chili Red which can also be specified, exclusively on the JCW model - as a contrast shade for the roof and exterior mirror caps, as well as for the sport stripes.

Prices will start from €50,540 OTR.

Carole Nash Irish bike and scooter show

The Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show takes place this weekend from Friday 1 March through to Sunday 3rd March in the Main RDS buildings and outside arenas.

Attractions include the launch of the World's first smart phone app that will connect the motorcyle community online; BMW, Triumph, Honda, Ducati amongst others will unveil new bikes to the Irish public for the first time at the show; the Ireland's got Biking Talent competition; enjoy the antics of many famous stunt riders and personalities, as well as the Wall of Death, karts, etc.

Public opening hours are from 3.00 - 9.30pm; on Saturday from 10.00am - 6.00pm; and on Sunday from 10.30am - 6.00pm.

A great day out for all the family.

Hyundai build ix35 Fuel Cell car

Hyundai have become the world's first automaker to begin assembly-line production of fuel cell, zero emissions, vehicles for fleet use.

The ix35 Fuel Cell car, based on the ix35 C-segment SUV, rolled off the assembly line at the carmaker's Ulsan manufacturing facility in Korea last week. This first car will be one of 17 destined for fleet customers in Denmark and Sweden.

Hyundai say this hydrogen-powered car is the most eco-friendly vehicle in the auto industry and proves that hydrogen fuel cell technology in daily driving is no longer a dream.

A fuel cell stack converts the hydrogen into electricity, which turns the vehicle's motor. The only emission generated is water.

 The ix35 Fuel Cell has the same drivability and performance similar to that of the petrol ix35.

Hyundai plans to build 1,000 more of these ix35 Fuel Cell cars by 2015 for lease to public and private fleets, primarily in Europe where the EU has established a hydrogen road map and initiated construction of hydrogen fuelling stations. It takes just a few minutes to refuel with hydrogen, can go from 0-100kms in 12.5 seconds, has a top speed of 160km/h and can travel 594 kms with a single charge.

After 2015, when production costs are lowered, Hyundai will start manufacturing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for consumer retail sales.

Ground-breaking Peugeot 2008 HYbrid

Peugeot's ground-breaking 2008 HYbrid Air is to the forefront of technology, writes Trish Whelan.

This model combines petrol and compressed air to offer a fully hy rid solution with zero emissions for up to 80 percent of the time, with no fuel consumption.

It combines two energies and uses new components to the motor industry which have been widely tested in other sectors like aeronautics. Compressed air will assist, or even take the place of Peugeot's latest generation compact 3-cylinder petrol engine during the phases which consume the most energy, like accelerating and moving off. Switching between the three modes offered is seamless for the driver., i.e. Air mode, Petrol mode and Combined mode.

The car will be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show next week where the Lion Brand will reaffirm its strategy of reducing fuel consumption and C02 emissions across its range.

In tests, it achieved a figure of 97.4mpg (2.9 L/100km) and C02 levels of 69g/km. It's a big step towards their ultimate goal of improving fuel consumption even further to 140mpg (2.0 L/100km) with affordable technology that can be applied to cars and light commercial vehicles in the B and C segments.

Waiting for a bus?

Honda tops for engine reliability

Honda vehicles have come out best for engine reliability in a recent survey of 36 car manufacturers undertaken by independent vehicle warranty provider, Warranty Direct.

The survey looked at engine failure statistics resulting from claims made by their members. Honda figures were significantly ahead of the industry average, and were even twice as low as the second-placed competitor.

The study found that just one in every 344 Honda engines recorded a claim, compared to one in every 27 engines for a well-known German rival.

Engine failures are the worst for motorists as they are the repairs that can lead to the highest costs because of the parts and hours of labour required to fix them.

Adrian Cole, Managing Director of Universal Honda Ltd in Ireland said they are delighted that yet again Honda vehicles have topped an important reliability survey. He commented: "Drivers are now holding onto their cars for longer, so it's great to see that our engines have been singled out as being the most reliable out there."

The Honda CR-V is pictured above.

McAllister VW to sponsor Shelbourne Football Club

North Dublin-based McAllister Volkswagen has announced it is to sponsor Shelbourne Football Club, writes Trish Whelan.

Speaking for McAllister Volkswagen, Gavin Hydes (Group Managing Director of Joe Duffy Motor Group) says they are passionate about their involvement in the local community and are thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of Shelbourne FC's return to the highest level of national league soccer.

Simon Elliott, CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland sees the link-up between McAllister Volkswagen and Shelbourne FC as an important boost to domestic Irish soccer.

Shelbourne FC begin their Airtricity Premier League campaign away to Bray Wanderers on Friday, 8 March.

Pictured above are Glen Cronin, Simon Elliott, model Tiffany Stanley, Gavin Hydes and Graham Gartland.

300,000th 208 built

Peugeot has just produced the 300,000th 208, a year after the car's launch.

Some 221,000 units were sold in 2012 and the car took first place in the B segment in Europe in December, ahead of Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and VW Polo.

The 208 GTi and the 2008 crossover derivative will be launched this summer.

'Brave' to boost Scottish tourism

Scotland's tourism industry is hoping for a boost from the success at the Oscars of the film 'Brave', writes Brian Byrne.

The film won Best Animated Feature at this year’s 85th Academy Awards, after previously scooping the same title at this year’s Golden Globes and BAFTAs.

The movie was inspired by the beauty of Scotland according to the director, Mark Andrews.

'Brave' depicts the myths, legends and romance of Scotland, combining scenery, folklore, heritage, majestic castles and the landscapes of Scotland in animated form.

The tourism business is now promoting a number of destinations around the movie. They include Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, Perthshire; Falls of Shin, Sutherland, North Highlands; Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire; Pictavia and Angus Pictish Trail, Angus; the standing stones of Callanish, Isle of Lewis and the neolithic attractions of Ring of Brodgar, Orkney; and the 300 square miles of the Galloway Forest Park.

For further information on 'Brave' visit www.visitscotland.com/brave

2013 New Lake Garda & Verona

Concorde Travel has announced the launch of their 2013 programme to Italy, featuring Sicily, Sardinia and, new in 2013, Lake Garda and Verona.

The new Lake Garda and Verona programme includes 7 night packages to Lake Garda (Riva del Garda, Malcesine and Garda), tailor made holidays, two-centre holidays combining Lake Garda and Verona as well as city breaks to Verona.

Package prices start from €644 per person.

Concorde Travel also continues to offer packages and holidays to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Holiays start from €374 pp in Sardinia and from €533pp in Sicily.

Prices include return flights from Ireland, transfers and all taxes and charges, luggage allowance and 7 nights accommodation. Phone (01) 775 9300 or visit www.concordetravel.ie

New Citroen C3 for Geneva reveal

Citroen will world premier its new Citroen C3 at Geneva next week.

The new C3 is set for launch on the Irish market in early summer in time for the new July registration.

This latest C3 has been given more personality with more assertive styling, a reworked front end and new tail lights. For more comfort, it has warmer upholstery; a reversing camera with parking aid sensors is available.

Five diesel engines as well as petrol engines of 1-litre or 1.2-litres are offered. C02 is as low as 87g/km. New Citroen C3 2013

It comes with a new Zenith windscreen for extra upward visibility of front passengers by 80 degrees as well as new and more efficient engines with C02 emissions as low as 87 g/km including new PureTech petrol powerplants bringing 15 percent more power and a 25 percent cut in fuel consumption.

College to raffle Peugeot 208 for Kenya charity

Blackrock College has taken delivery of a new Peugeot 208 from Gowan Motors Merrion as the prize in a raffle which aims to raise funds to build a new school in Kenya, writes Trish Whelan.

At the launch of the Machakos Car Raffle was rugby pundit and Peugeot Brand Ambassador, George Hook, alongside pupils and staff from Blackrock College and Gowan Motors Merrion representatives.

The past pupils and current students of the College were asked by the Kenyan Foundation of Spiritan priests in 2011 to help build a new secondary school in Kenya. It will be located close to Nairobi in a region of significant deprivation and under-development.

Blackrock College has fundraised over €160,000 towards the Machakos project to date and this latest charity drive, the Machakos Car Raffle, which was launch don the 22 FEbruary, aims to raise a further €40,000.

The new Peugeot 208, winner of the Continental Irish Small Car of the Year 2013 award, is worth €16,500. Anyone who buys a €25 raffle ticket can claim a discount off servicing for all makes and models or €250 towards the purchase of a new Peugeot vehicle exclusively through Gowan Motors Merrion.

The draw will take place in the Colleg eon 19 May this year and tickets can be purchased at the College Reception or Union Office.

Pictured at the launch of the raffle are Evan Kenny, George Hook and Paul McSweeny.

VW to produce 313mpg car

Volkswagen is to produce a 2-seater car that it claims will do 313mpg equivalent.

The car will use an 800cc diesel hybrid powertrain, have a very streamlined shape, and will be made of lightweight materials.

The plug-in hybrid will also be able to travel up to 50kms on electric power alone.

No price guide has yet been released, but the XL 1 will go into production later this year. It will debut at the Geneva Motor Show the week after next.

SIMI 2013 award winners

A number of presentations took place at The Society of the Irish Motor Industry Awards 2013 event held at The Burlington Hotel in Dublin last night with over 500 people from the motor industry in attendance.

The SIMI awards were made in partnership with Castrol.

Franchised Retail Operation of the Year award was won by Colm Quinn Athlone. Others shortlisted for the award were Keery's and Joe Duffy Motors.

Franchised After Sales Operation of the Year award went to Finglas Ford Dublin. Included in the shortlist were Tony Burke Motors, Galway; and Joe Duffy BMW, Dublin.

Franchised Dealership of the Year award was selected from the previous two categories and was won by Colm Quinn.

Body Shop of the Year award went to Dennings Cars in Dublin. Shortlisted was Frank Byrnes Autobody Repairs.

Independent Retailer of the Year was won by Kevin Egan Cars of Sligo. Shortlist also were Naas Gearbox Centre.

The winners of the special SIMI Outstanding Achievement Award 2013 were SIMI Kilkenny members.

Car industry calls for positive engagement

The Government was last night urged to engage with the motor industry in order to help provide an uplift to the economy, writes Trish Whelan.

While he acknowledged the increased levels of dialogue with the Government and SIMI in the last year, Alan Lyons, President of The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) said such negotiations must continue into the future.

He said sales to date this year have been disappointing and that the country needs an urgent uplift in consumer confidence, and he hopes this will happen now that the Permissory Note situation has been dealt with. He said there must now be a Government focus on stimulating businesses.

Mr Lyons said the recent increase in VRT and motor tax was 'ill-timed' and said that this was not the way to increase taxes. "They should encourage vehicle sales and recognise the important role the motor industry plays in the economy.

"Last year, the motor industry contributed €4.5 billion in taxes for the Exchequer which equals 13 percent of the total tax take and 25 percent of the country's indirect taxes."

He said many well respected members of SIMI have closed their doors in recent times and he expressed his sympathy for them, while adding that many other members across all sectors of the industry continue to refocus and try to drive their businesses forward.

He said the real benefit of the second registration plate system will be seen in years to come when people get used to it, adding that SIMI has been seeking this for the last five years. "The change wasn't driven by the fear of the number 13 reg plate - but these concerns may have helped get it across the line."

New Toyota dealers

Toyota Ireland has appointed Lambe Bros Car Sales of Tullamore and Moore’s of Carlow as new dealers for the brand.

Pictured above are Steve Tormey, Deputy MD Toyota Ireland; David Shannon, MD Toyota Ireland; with David and Cartage Lambe. Below are Steve Tormey and David Shannon with Alan, Alastair and Neville Moore.

Concorde Travel's '€100 off' holiday offer

Concorde Travel are offering €100 off per person Summer sale for bookings paid in full by the end of February for one week packages to Croatia, Montenegro and the Lisbon Coast, on selected departures.

The deals include staying at the 3* Antuninska Apartments in Dubrovnik Old Town, self-catering from €320pp; a number of 4* hotels also in Dubrovnik (Hotel Lapad, Hotel Osejava in Makarska, Hotel Croatia in Cavtat, and the 5* Dubrovnik Palace in Dubrovnik, b&b from €599.

Alternatively you stay at the 3* Slovenska Plaza in Montenegro, b&b, from €529pp; or the Hotel Queen of Montenegro b&b from €674pp; and 5* Hotel Splendid in Becici, from €954pp.

Two-Centre holiday includes 4 nights Montenegro + 3 nights Dubrovnik from €799pp.

Holidays to the Lisbon Coast include the 3* SANA Estorial, b&b, from €464pp. the 4* Villa Gale Estoril from €504pp; the 4* Vila Gale Cascais, b&b, from €554pp, or the 5* Cascais Miragem, b&b, from €770pp.

All the above prices include special offer of €100 off per person.

Prices include return flights, return transfers, 7 nights accommodation as stated, and all taxes and charges. Concorde Travel is a fully bonded Tour Operator. www.concordetravel.ie: Facebook.com/concordetravel

Craig Breen is Peugeot Ambassador

Rally ace, Craig Breen, Irish International Driver of the Year 2012, has taken delivery of a new Peugeot 208 to celebrate his appointment as a Brand Ambassador for Peugeot Ireland.

The Peugeot 208 is also a winner, having been awarded Continental Irish Small Car of the Year 2013 by the members of the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA), and the car directly contributed to a 7 percent market share growth for Peugeot in January.

Craig (23) recently landed the new Peugeot Sport Factory Rally Driver title and was selected to train at the new Peugeot Sport Rally Academy.

Des Cannon of Peugeot Ireland says Craig is 'an excellent brand ambassador for Peugeot'.

Retailing from €14,785 plus dealer delivery related charges, Peugeot's newly launched 208 comes with a 5-year warranty.

New Range Rover is 'best ever'

The new 4th generation Range Rover, just launched here, is 'the evolution of a true world icon' according to Eddie Kavanagh, general manager, Land Rover Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.

While these are very challenging times to launch a prestigious car in the Irish marketplace, Land Rover had been forecasting sales of 40 units of their new Range Rover in a full year. However, with orders for 20 cars already, they have now increased their target to around 60 sales this year.

At the car's launch, Eddie Kavanagh said previous Range Rover owners had advised designers and engineers 'don't change it, just make it better'. Which they have now done.

Toyota to sponsor Med Tech Awards

Toyota Ireland have partnered with IMSTA to sponsor its annual Medical Technology Awards.

IMSTA, which represents the medical technology supply industry in Ireland, promotes the application of science and technology to improve the quality of healthcare delivered to patients.

Justin Carty, Chief Executive of IMSTA is delighted to announce their partnership with the Japanese brand for this year's awards saying 'their dedication to superior manufacturing standards, as well as their commitment to pioneering technologies, accurately reflects the core values of all our members'.

Toyota Ireland's Fleet Sales Manager, Cathal Ryan stressed that 'as well as being recognised as The World's Greenest Brand, Toyota also has the lowest fleet-wide C02 emissions of any car manufacturer in Europe, so we are acutely aware of how technology can change things for the better'.

The Toyota Med Tech Awards will take place next September.

Jaguar Land Rover increased sales in 2012

Against an overall drop of 10.7 percent in new car sales and LCV sales in 2012, Jaguar Land Rover showed a combined overall gain of 58 percent, writes Trish Whelan.

Since assuming the Land Rover franchise in 2009, JLR here have increased sales by 168 percent from 424 units to 1,140 units in 2012. In 2011, its first year of sales, the Range Rover Evoque sold 250 units in Ireland, which Gerard O'Farrell, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover in Ireland said was a great success. He was speaking at the Irish launch of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake and the flagship new Range Rover yesterday.

Two future models are due here this year.

Fionnuala Britton choses Toyota Auris

Gold medallist, athlete Fionnuala Britton has joined the Toyota Ireland's team of brand ambassadors.

Fionnuala has picked the all-new Auris as her car of choice as she prepares for the World Cross Country Championships on 24 March.

Last December, she became the first woman to successfully defend the European Cross Country Championship title. Last month, she produced an outstanding performance to win the 2013 Great Edinburgh Cross Country.

Ian Corbett of Toyota Ireland says when it comes to athlete sponsorship, Fionnuala has been the outstanding performer in Irish athletics in recent years and we look forward to supporting her through the World Cross Country Championships and beyond in her quest for qualification to the 2016 Olympics in Rio."

Fionnuala said she loves the look of the Auris and is 'greatly impressed with its fuel efficiency and comfort'.

Octavia Combi debuts soon

This is the new generation Skoda Octavia Combi which will debut to the public at Geneva the week after next, writes Brian Byrne.

Among the variants will be a Greenline edition with fuel economy of 3.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 89g/km, and there will also be an AWD version.

The new Skoda Octavia goes on sale in Ireland on March 16.

New Range Rover, Jaguar Sportbrake launched

New Range Rover

The new generation Range Rover and the Jaguar XF Sportbrake have been launched in Ireland starting at €119,355 and €47,220 respectively, writes Brian Byrne.

New Jaguar Sportbrake

Doug McCoy, general manager of Jaguar Ireland with Gabriel Hogan and Gerard O'Farrell, MD of Jaguar Land Rover Ireland.

Doug McCoy of Jaguar Ireland said he expects to sell 50 units of the Sportbrake, which comes powered by 2.2 and 3.0 diesels, with a power output range from 163hp-275hp.

Eddie Kavanagh, general manager of Land Rover Ireland.

Eddie Kavanagh of Land Rover Ireland suggests that 60 units of the new generation Range Rover will be sold in a full year, subject to supplies being available. Powertrains are 3.0 and 4.4 diesels and 5.0 petrol.