Qashqai is Continental Irish Car of the Year 2015

With the winning car are Austin Shinnors, Chairman of the Irish Motoring Writers Association; James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland; and Tom Dennigan, Continental Tyres Ireland.

The Nissan Qashqai has been voted Continental Irish Car of the Year 2015 by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association (IMWA). The announcement was made at an awards ceremony today in The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Square, Dublin, attended by leading figures from the motor industry. The Continental Irish Van of the Year 2015 title was awarded to the Ford Transit.

The Qashqai won with 160 points, from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (155) and Peugeot 308 (150). The Irish Motoring Writers Association jury awarded points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.

Presenting the award to James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland, Tom Dennigan of sponsor, Continental Tyres Ireland, said the Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model to carry the 2015 title. "No doubt the Continental Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a great badge of honour for the Nissan Qashqai to help it in the competitive Irish market next year.”

Austin Shinnors, Chairman of the IMWA said that the Nissan Qashqai is a great car to join the previous 37 models that have had the privilege to carry the title of Irish Car of the Year.

Other Awards were made in six categories, reflecting the diversified nature of today’s car market in Ireland. The Continental Irish Small Car of the Year is the Hyundai i10; Continental Irish Compact Car of the Year is the Peugeot 308. The Continental Irish Medium Car of the Year is the Nissan Qashqai; the Continental Irish Large Car of the Year is the Nissan X-Trail; the Continental Irish Executive Car of the Year is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class; and the Continental Irish Sports/Performance Car of the Year is the Alfa Romeo 4C.

The Nissan Qashqai succeeds the Citroen C4 Picasso which took the title last year.

Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland, presenting the trophy for the Continental Irish Van of the Year 2015 to Ciaran McMahon, Managing Director Designate of Ford Ireland; with Austin Shinnors, Chairman, IMWA.

The Irish Motoring Writers' Association has organised the Irish Car of the Year Awards each year for the past 38 years.

The results for the Continental Irish Car of the Year Awards 2015 have been independently reviewed for the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) by Ernst and Young, Dublin.

Mercedes-Benz appoints new Donegal LCV dealer

A newly-formed motor dealership, Uni-Star Motors Limited, has been established in Letterkenny to represent the Mercedes-Benz range of vans and light commercial vehicles, writes Trish Whelan.

Uni-Star Motors has its headquarters at Joe Bonner Road, off Port Road in Letterkenny, where it provides sales and after-sales services for the Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter ranges of panel vans, pick-ups, chassis cab and crew carriers.

The sales operation is headed up by general manager, Alan Stoddart, a stalwart of motor retailing in the county. He will be assisted by a fully trained team who will provide essential back-up service for new and existing customers.

Pictured is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, one of the models for which Uni-Star Motors Limited will provide sales and after-sales services.

Continental Irish Car of the Year for announcement this afternoon

The big day has finally arrived when the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2015, and Continental Irish Van of the Year 2015 will be revealed at a gala event in The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Square in Dublin, writes Trish Whelan.

The Awards are organised by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) and are sponsored by Continental Tyres. This is the 38th year of the Awards.

From a field of some 39 candidates, 14 made the shortlist for the Awards. These include the Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW 2 Series, BW 2 Series Active Tourer, Citroen C1, Citroen Cactus, Citroen Grand C4 Picasso, Hyundai i10, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 308, Peugeot RCZ R, and Toyota Ago.

The winner will be known at around 5.30 this afternoon and will be on display to the general public on a podium outside the hotel. Irish Car+Travel will be reporting directly from the event.

Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland, and Austin Shinnors, Chairman of the IMWA, are pictured outside The Marker Hotel.

Note: Brian Byrne and Trish Whelan are voting members of The Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA).

Ford begins Mondeo hybrid production

Ford has started production of its all-new Ford Mondeo Hybrid — the first hybrid electric car built and sold by Ford in Europe.

The Mondeo Hybrid combines a specially-developed 2.0 petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery which allows it to achieve 67.3mpg equivalent (combined), reaching 100.9mpg for urban driving and 99g/km CO2 emissions.

The all-new model is produced at Ford's state-of-the-art plant in Valencia, Spain.

The widest-ever range of powertrains for Mondeo includes Ford's new 1.5 EcoBoost petrol and enhanced 2.0 TDCi diesel.

In the US, Ford is the second largest manufacturer of hybrids, having already produced a total of 400,000 vehicles since their introduction.

Mini to cut models

The eight models in the Mini brand lineup will be trimmed to five, according to brand director Peter Schwarzenbauer, writes Brian Byrne.

But the company will bring out an electric car soon, which could be based on the Mini Superleggera concept (above) shown at the recent Paris Motor Show, and which received a lot of appreciative attention.

There are no details of which models will go, but there has been speculation that that Paceman and the quirky Coupe might not be renewed when their current generation period ends.

Speaking in Munich, Schwarzenbauer said 'superhero' core models, including the hatch, Countryman, and Clubman, will be the focus of future sales.

Mercedes-Benz 13 for 2015

Mercedes-Benz Ireland will be introducing no less than 13 new arrivals for 2015, five of which will be in showrooms ahead of January.

The models are the new C-Class Estate, an S63 AMG Coupe and S65 AMG Coupe (pictured) and the new B-Class Facelift. They will be followed in January by a new S 500 S-Class Coupe.

Following later in the year will be the ‘race-bred’ AMG GT S (March) and AMG GT (June), CLA Shooting Brake version (April), V-Class people carrier (May), and the extra-long and spacious S-Class Maybach (July).

Later in the year (in Q4) a new C-Class Coupe, a cross-over GLC , and new renamed M-Class replacement GLE and GLE Coupe will join the line-up to create what their sales manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen says ‘will be the most extensive Mercedes-Benz model offering ever with options a-plenty for every customer segment.’

Stay safe this winter with Winter Driver Training

With the start of wintery weather this week, the BMW Winter Driver Training Programme offers drivers the opportunity to brush up on how to drive in snow and ice, and learning how to cope with many problems we may face on the road, writes Trish Whelan.

The BMW Winter Driver Training Programme, delivered by Rally School Ireland, combines practical advice with crucial driving experience on their special Winter Driver Training circuit which replicates urban and winding rural roads in wet, icy and snowy conditions.

Rally School Ireland's course includes theoretical instruction followed by application of the theory in simulated live situations. You learn how to reduce your reaction time, improve your car control, and learn skid recovery. You also get to learn so much more, as I discovered when I took the course a few years ago, including the difference when driving on winter tyres over summer ones in wintery conditions, and undertaking emergency lane change tests.

The course is designed for new and recently qualified drivers, business and high mileage drivers, nervous drivers, emergency response drivers, or anyone who has experienced difficulty in the past driving in winter conditions.

The cost is from €175 per person and there are special group/company rates available. To book a course or buy a voucher as a gift, call 047 89098. Visit www.rallyschoolireland.ie for more information. It's based at Gola, Scotstown in Co Monaghan.

Michelin is putting Tweel into production

Tweel — a radial tyre for commercial and agricultural applications that runs without air — is going into production at a new Michelin plant in the United States.

Combining the words ‘tyre’ and ‘wheel’, Tweel was conceived by Michelin research engineers during their search to find an alternative to the pneumatic tyre.

First introduced as a concept at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Tweel consists of a non-pneumatic tyre and wheel assembly made in one solid unit with an outer moulded tread connected to an inner rim structure by a series of energy-absorbing polyurethane ‘spokes’.

Restricted to commercial and agricultural applications initially, it is designed to solve what Michelin describes as the ‘unavoidable challenge’ of chronic flat tyres. Experts believe the Tweel could become a common fitment on family cars.

It is being produced at Michelin’s newest plant at Piedmont, South Carolina — their 10th manufacturing facility in South Carolina and their 16th in the United States.

New Skoda Fabia Combi here in February

Skoda's new Fabia Combi model is set to launch here on 9 February 2015, priced from €15,495. The direct price comparison over the new Fabia hatch model remains at €700.

New Fabia styling has increased the room and functionality of the car. Trims are Active, Ambition, and Style.

This third generation model is 10mm longer than its predecessor and 90mm wider which helps it achieve class leading luggage capacity of 530 litres - 200 more than the hatch. The car is also lower in height by 31mm.

It comes with a completely new line-up of petrol and diesel engines coupled to manual and DSG transmissions. The entry to the range is the petrol 1.0 MPI, 75bhp with turbo charged 1.2 TSI, 90 and 110bhp also offered.

The fact that the car is 55kg lighter than its predecessor helps with C02 and fuel efficiency savings of up to 17 percent in the entry petrol offering. The 1.4, 90bhp TDI diesel delivers on average 3.4 L/100km (83mpg). Road tax is A2 and A3, €180 and €190.

The 1.4 TDI, offered only in Ambition and Style trims, is priced from €19,695-€21,195.

Skoda expects to see many of their old model hatch customers now opting to buy a Fabia Combi for the first time.

CLA Shooting Brake revealed

The wraps are off the next compact car from Mercedes-Benz, the CLA Shooting Brake, writes Brian Byrne.

Set for a public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the car will be available for order from January.

With more headroom in the back, the car is likely to extend the buyer interest beyond the CLA coupe.

There will be the usual range of diesel and petrol engines from launch, including a high-performance 355hp AMG with 4WD.

SsangYong reveals name of new small SUV

These are the official design sketches of SsangYong's new small SUV, to be launched in Europe next summer, writes Brian Byrne.

The company has revealed that the name will be Tivoli, from a town outside Rome, and the design cues were previewed at the recent Paris Motor Show in the XIV-Adventure concept.

SsangYong returned to the Irish market in the last couple of years, where its best selling model is the Korando compact SUV.

Early New Year arrival of SEAT Leon X-PERIENCE

SEAT has confirmed pricing and specification for the latest addition to their Leon range.

The all new 4WD Leon X-PERIENCE is due to arrive here in early 2015 priced from €32,495-€35,495. The car is available to order now from SEAT dealers nationwide.

This is a lifestyle estate with permanent 4WD and extra ground clearance so is suitable for the harshest of weather conditions. Like the Leon ST, it is equipped with 587 litres of luggage space. However, it has a more robust look with protection mouldings on the door sills and wheel arches. It comes with integrated fog lamps and twin chrome tailpipes, together with substantial air intakes at the front. The new car also gets all-road suspension, intelligent EDS dynamic control and an extended electronic differential lock for better traction when cornering.

Engines are a 2.0 TDI 150bhp 4WD and the 2.0 TDI 184bhp 4WD DSG.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloys, rear park distance control, cruise control, 5-inch colour touch screen with USB/SD/bluetooth phone and audio streaming. A 1.6 TDI 2WD version will be added in the latter half of 2015, expected to come in at under €30,000.

Irish Ferries increases sailing capacity for Christmas

Irish Ferries is increasing its sailing capacity for Christmas on its busy Dublin to Holyhead route by moving its Rosslare to Pembroke ferry 'Isle of Inishmore' into service alongside its fast ferry 'Dublin Swift' and cruise ferry 'Ulysses', the largest ferry on the Irish Sea, writes Trish Whelan.

On Rosslare to Pembroke, their cruise ferry 'Oscar Wilde' will be drafted in to operate the route in addition to its sailings between Ireland and France.

Irish Ferries head of passenger sales Dermot Merrigan said "This is our busiest time of the year and we're preparing for the situation that hit travellers in previous years when bad weather disrupted air travel and sent thousands of passengers in search of alternative means to travel home.

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

Cycle path gathers solar energy

Cyclists in the Netherlands are now pedalling on an experimental stretch of cycle path that's made from solar panels, writes Brian Byrne.

The panels are embedded in concrete, and covered with a toughened and dirt-cleaning glass surface.

At some 230 feet long, the SolarRoad is part of a €3m programme looking at the practicality of alternative energy sources. The eventual 330-feet stretch will provide enough power to give energy to three households, according to the project managers.

Opel hopes to Spark with Karl

Opel is pushing ahead with its preparations to introduce its Karl city car in the middle of next year, writes Brian Byrne.

Designed to replace the Agila, it is based on the Spark car built by Chevrolet in Korea, a brand which is being phased out of Europe next year.

The Karl, to be built in Korea, will be sold as the Vauxhall Viva in the UK.

Meanwhile, Opel's fifth-generation Corsa is being launched in Ireland this week.

Engine cleaning additive now available at Advance Pitstop

Before and after treatment images of fuel injectors and piston crowns.

An additive that cleans fuel systems and results in both power increases and fuel savings is now available from Advance Pitstop outlets, writes Brian Byrne.

Techron is made by the Chevron (Texaco) global fuel company, and can be added to a tank of fuel either annually or twice a year, depending on mileage. A treatment, which can be done as part of a normal car service with Advance Pitstop, costs €20.

At a recent presentation about Techron, an independent emissions measurement company — Emission Analytics — provided details of tests it had undertaken on a range of cars bought at random at auction in the UK, and which were checked before and after a treatment on a closed circuit where many ordinary driving conditions were simulated.

Both petrol and diesel cars were tested, in matched model pairs to take account of individual engine condition circumstances. The cars chosen were between 3-5 years old, with between 30,000-50,000 miles on the clock. In all, 20 vehicles were used in the trial.

The results showed improvements afterwards in both power and emissions. In the petrol cars, power increases averaged 2.6pc while fuel efficiency improved by 8.7pc. In diesels, power was up on average by 3.4 percent while mpg improved by 7.6 percent.

Most problems in a car's fuel system relate to deposits building up on fuel injectors, valves, and pistons. Techron treatment is designed to clear these off during the running of the car, and eliminating them through the exhaust.

The company says it is a 'no-harm' technology and that no warranty issues were raised by any OEM carmakers, many of whom use some of Chevron's technologies themselves.

The diesel version available through Advance Pitstop's 30 outlets is suitable for LCVs up to 3.5 tonnes. One for heavy-duty diesels will be available later.

Patrick Dempsey to contest 2015 motorsport season with Porsche

Actor Patrick Dempsey, best known for his role as neurosurgeon Dr Derek Shepherd on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy, will tackle the 2015 motorsport season at the wheel of a Porsche 911 RSR in the Sports Car World Endurance Championship, including the world famous Le Mans 24-hour race.

The American actor and race driver has been following his passion for racing since 2013 as a member of the Porsche motorsport family.

Patrick recalls that Porsche was winning sports car races before he was even born. "As a childhood fan of Porsche, I grew up with its successes at Le Mans, Daytona and the Targa Florio." He is thrilled to now be a member of the Porsche team contesting the races of the Sports Car World Endurance Championship with the Porsche customer team Dempsey Proton Racing in the GTE-Am class.

During his first season with Porsche, Patrick scored fourth place in the GTE-Am class at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013 with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. He also notched up two podium placings in the American Le Mans Series, taking home second from Laguna Seca and third from Austin.

In 2014 he had a fifth place at Le Mans in a 911 RSR as well as a podium spot at the new Tudor United SportsCar Championship round at the Virginia International Raceway, finishing third in a 911 GT America.

Patrick is pictured above with the second generation of the 911 Carrera GTS which made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

4C on way to relaunch Alfa in US

Alfa Romeo 4C leading US revival.

Alfa Romeo is now expected to produce its mid-sized saloon car, to replace the 159, in the middle of next year, writes Brian Byrne.

The 159 was only available in Europe, but its successor will be sold in other markets, including the US.

It will be part of the brand's programme to produce eight new models by 2018. The car was originally slated for production this year, as the Giulia.

Alfa is also planning a large saloon to compete with the BMW 7 Series, as well as both a compact and large SUV.

Alfa is shortly to relaunch in the US, where it has been absent since 1996. The return will be initially with a small consignment of 4Cs.

Ford's 2015 offers on top-selling commercials

Ford is offering a range of '151' offers on some of their top-selling models including the All New Ford Transit and Transit Connect, writes Trish Whelan.

The 2015 Go Further Sales Event gives commercial customers an opportunity to order the New Transit or Transit Connect for January delivery, each coming with a range of one-off extras including a low APR and additional specification features. In addition, for the full Transit range: Transit Courier, Connect and Custom and 2 tonne Transit - road tax for the first year is free (provided the vehicle is registered by 31 January). The sale ends on 30 November.

The Transit Connect (International Van of the Year 2014) is available from €15,700 and includes features like a single side load door; 16-inch wheels with centre caps, load box lights Bluetooth and more. It also comes with one year free road tax and a rate of 5.9% APR finance offer.

The New Ford Transit, Ireland's all-time best-selling van, is available with one year free road tax, 4 years' free warranty and an APR finance offer of 3.9%. Features include an 8-way adjustable driver's seat with armrest; dual passenger's seat with under-seat storage; two 12V power points, Bluetooth, and a fold-out front passenger seat table. Priced from €25,300.

The Transit Courier is available from €13,990, also with one year free road tax and a 5.9% APR finance rate.

*The one-year free road tax is to the value of €333 excluding VAT provided the unit is registered by 31 January 2015 and registered as a commercial vehicle. Prices exclude delivery and related charges.

Motorsport Ireland Weekend Roundup

2014 National Rallycross champion Declan Kelly (Fiesta)

Dubliner Declan Kelly yesterday clinched his first National Rallycross Championship by winning the Super Final at Co Kildare MC's final round of the series at Mondello Park, with his Ford Fiesta leading the Escort of former champion Tommy Graham across the finish line in the main race of the day.

This was Kelly's third Super Final win this year, but title rival Thomas O'Rafferty mounted a strong challenge by winning on the last three outings, leaving the championship as a duel between them. In the third qualifying heat, the two Fiestas touched, with O'Rafferty spinning into a bank, damaging his car too badly to take part in the finals and leaving the Super Final as an anti-climax.

Earlier, Graham had won the Modified A Final, with Niall Murray beating his elder brother Eoin to take the Stock Hatch 16 valve race. Noel O'Brien again took the 8 valve Final, with Jake Dooley well clear of his opposition in the Junior Final.

In Longford, the Duffy family dominated Midland MC's round of the National Navigation Trial Championship with Pakie and Colin Duffy, the father and son rivals, sharing top place having stayed unpenalised throughout the 75 mile route based on Ballinalee.

Colin and his navigator Sam Johnston, the current National title holders, and Pakie, with former champion navigator Evin Hughes, were equal on all of the tie-breakers, and were three marks clear of surprise third place finishers, novices Damien Kellegher and Gordon McGirl.

Renault rewards four GIY contestants with EV car

Last July Renault Ireland joined with Grow It Yourself (GIY) to 'electrify' their annual food-growing challenge, Operation GIY Nation, writes Trish Whelan.

GIY selected four pioneers to take part in a four-month eco adventure involving monthly food growing and electric vehicles challenges. They got to test drive an electric Renault Fluence ZE for the four months and each month tracked their C02 and financial savings to try and achieve the longest range. At the same time, they grew their own food with monthly challenges like growing strawberries, French beans, rocket and micro-greens. They shared their experiences on social media.

The overall winner was Mona Wise from Galway. However, Renault decided to gift the other three pioneers a Fluence ZE to continue on their successful eco-challenge. They were Rachel Coffey from Dalkey, Co Dublin; Gary Guilfoyle from Westmeath; Keith McGreal from Mayo; and Mona, who with her family strives to live as sustainably as possible. She says 'the car has been a dream to drive'.

According to Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager Renault Ireland, the Renault Operation GIY Nation was a good fit for their electric vehicle offering. "The Fluence ZE is one of our range of 100 percent electric vehicles and its clean, silent engine and automatic transmission gives drivers the maximum torque from the off, with smooth and responsive acceleration, and with savings to the environment and to the wallet." He wished them all happy and safe electric driving.

There are over 800 GIY community groups and projects, and approximately 50,000 people involved in the movement around Ireland. GIY is a registered charity. www.giyireland.com

Mona, Gary, Rachel and Keith were pictured at the announcement of the winner with Renault ambassadors Lorraine Keane and Ian Dempsey; Patrick Magee and Lynne Boucher from Renault, and Michael Kelly, founder of GIY.

Motorsport Ireland: Three finalists for €50,000 young driver award

Motorsport Ireland has announced the three finalists for the prestigious Billy Coleman Award for Ireland’s Young Rally Driver of the Year.

Josh Moffett, Kevin Eves and Dean Raftery will go forward to the finals at the Motorsport Ireland Dunlop Champions of Irish Motorsport Awards on December 10. The winner will be chosen by a select committee drawn from representatives of the media, Irish Sports Council and the motorsport world. The successful driver will receive the Billy Coleman Award and funding of €50,000!

Josh Moffett

The award is viewed as a major accolade in a drivers career and has helped launch the international careers of many former winners, including Keith Cronin and Craig Breen.

Monaghan driver Josh Moffett (22) won the Production car class (Group N) in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship winning the category outright at the Circuit of Ireland and Donegal International Rallies. He says: “My ultimate ambition is to be able to compete at European and world levels within the next few seasons like former Billy Coleman winners Craig Breen and Keith Cronin.”

Kevin Eves (23), from Pettigo, Co Donegal, came to prominence at in February this year when he came within 5.7 seconds of finishing 3rd overall in the Galway National Rally. Kevin said: “I have the ambition and speed to progress through the ranks in our sport. Winning this award will allow me the opportunity to gain the experience needed to achieve my goal.”

The final qualifier for the Billy Coleman Award is Dean Raftery, also 23, from Craughwell, Co Galway. Dean has been competing in motor sport events since he was eight years old. Dean's achievements in 2014 were based around his participation in the British Rally Championship and the R2 category in particular. He wants to establish himself as one of the best drivers in Ireland and succeed at a world recognised level.

Dean Raftery

The winner will receive €50,000 worth of support and funding to compete in national and international rallies in 2015. The two runners up will receive free entry into a number of Motorsport Ireland events during 2015. All three finalists will also receive the benefit of advice and assistance from Motorsport Ireland mentor, Tom Walsh, co-ordinator for the Billy Coleman Award.

Previous winners of the Billy Coleman Young Rally Driver of the Year Award include Gareth MacHale, Keith Cronin, Craig Breen and Daniel McKenna. In 2012, Cronin became only the fourth person in history to win three British Rally Championships, while Daniel McKenna took the spoils in the 2014 British Rally Championship, driving a Citroen DS3 R3T.