25 December 2016
23 December 2016
VW will show second electric concept at Detroit
Following the Golf-sized ID Concept revealed at Paris this year, the second vehicle will be an MPV in format, with style links going back to the original 'Bulli' Microbus.
It will be on the thoroughly modern Modular Electric Drive Kit platform, though, which underpins the first Concept.
Volkswagen is showcasing connectivity, all-electric drive, and also developing autonomous driving with the platform. One aspect of the upcoming Concept is a steering wheel that retracts into the dashboard when autonomous operation is possible.
Skoda Ireland targets top five for 2017
The Volkswagen-owned brand realised a 20pc increase in sales through 2016, setting a record delivery of over 9,500 new cars. Market share has now reached 6.5pc.
The Irish operation dealer network is investing €12.5m in new showroom design.
In financing, almost half of all cars sold through the network are purchased through Skoda Finance, with two-thirds of these using PCP options.
Peugeot Ireland Aftersales Awards
Peugeot Service Dealer of the Year was presented to Windsor Airside, Swords; Peugeot Parts Dealer of the Year was awarded to Holcroft Motors, Drogheda; Peugeot Accessory Dealer of the Year went to Slattery’s Garage Puckane; Peugeot Technician of the Year was given to Aidan Rock, Mongey Plunkett Motors, Dublin 11.
22 December 2016
The ultimate E-Class for Christmas
It’s the ultimate Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Mercedes-AMG E63, the most powerful in the nameplate of all time.
There’s a choice of V8 engines, the more powerful shaving the 3.4s 100km/h performance by a second. All-wheel drive and a 9-speed sports-calibrated automatic both feature.
The car is differentiated from its normal siblings by wider wheel arches, a distinctive grille and a more aggressive stance.
You can order it here, with a guide price ‘in the region of €125,000’, according the Mercedes-Benz Ireland’s Ciaran Allen.
Yes, a special present indeed …
Slovenia, the green destination
The country achieved a record 96pc level of compliance with the required sustainability criteria according to a comprehensive assessment by the international organisation Green Destinations.
As the European Green Capital 2016, the country’s premier city Ljubljana (above) was at the forefront of the environmentally and socially aware European Union all year. A national Slovenia Green programme for assessing and promoting sustainability in tourism is making increasingly more recognisable as a country of sustainable tourism that is friendly to local communities and the natural environment.
Slovenia is also ending 2016 with a golden vintage of its ‘green gold locally brewed beer. This year, visitors can taste this delicious brew from the first and only beer fountain in the world, located in Zalec.
A good year for Renault
The new longer-range Zoe supermini EV will also land here, adding a further input into the growth of electric cars in Ireland, with its nominal 400-km range. There will also be a revised Clio. These follow a 2016 during which the new Megane was introduced in three variants.
For the Dacia brand also owned by Renault there will be revised versions of the Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV. Sales of Dacia in Ireland have reached almost 4,500 vehicles, of which over 2,000 are Duster SUVs.
Overall, the Renault Group in Ireland is looking at a 25pc improvement in passenger cars orders for January orders compared to last year, and a 10pc growth in LCV orders, led by the new Trafic. Finishing out 2016, the Group expects to have achieved 9.4pc market share.
For 171 registrations Renault Ireland is offering customers 3pc APR, three years’ free servicing, and five years warranty and roadside assistance.
Pictured wishing all customers a happy Christmas are Renault and Dacia brand ambassadors The Happy Pear, Fiona Coghlan, Ian Dempsey, Lorraine Keane, Mairead Ronan, Carolyn Hayes, Rosemary Smith, Alan Brogan and Darren Kennedy with Country Operations Manager Paddy Magee.
Audi teases new large SUV
The company says the Concept is close to production level, and will bring the brand directly into the premium large SUV segment.
Style, elegance and emotion are three keywords in the design language being used in the teaser campaign before the reveal.
The Concept will have four equally comfortable seats, but the production model will likely provide three-row seating options.
21 December 2016
Citroen unveils its C3 WRC assault
Complying with the new FIA regulations which sees the introduction of a new generation of World Rally Cars, the C3 WRC heralds the return of Citroen with eight manufacturers’ titles and no fewer than 96 wins to the brand’s name.
For the 2017 season, the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi WRT will enter between two and four C3 WRCs for its crews; Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle, Craig Breen/Scott Martin, Stephane Lefebre/Gabin Moreau, and Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi/Chris Patterson. Citroen’s ambitions for the next few seasons are to win races in normal conditions by beating their competitors, and then go for world titles in 2018.
Review: Volkswagen Amarok
So, following the recent outing with the Toyota Hilux, and an earlier one with the SsangYong Korando Sport, I’ve just finished time with the latest update o5 the Volkswagen Amarok.
The vehicle has been around since 2010, and for the 2017 model year there have been some minor external changes to bring the look into line with the rest of VW’s range. But the big change is in the engine bay, and I’ll get back to that in a while.
Euro NCAP 2016: Tiguan is ‘Best in Class’
According to the European New Car Assessment Programme Euro NCAP, the ‘Best in Class’ title has gone to the Volkswagen Tiguan in the ‘Small off-roader’ segment, writes Trish Whelan.
This successor to the best-seller is among the safest cars in its segment.
In June, the new Tiguan passed the demanding Euro NCAP crash test series and received the maximum five star rating. With the NCAP test standards tighten again in 2016, this year, new child size dummies formed part of the testing equipment for the first time. The new Tiguan achieved an excellent result in occupant protection for adults and children. With standard ISOFIX and Top Tether child seat anchors in combination with safety belt tensioners on the second row of seats, children and adults are very well protected in the event of any frontal or side impact.
On pedestrian protection, factors included the ‘active bonnet’ feature designed to help reduce dangerous head injuries in the event of a collision. The Tiguan also impressed with its pedestrian monitoring and ambient traffic monitoring system ‘Front Assist’ with City Emergency Braking which at the very least reduces the severity of an accident and in the best case even prevents the accident altogether. The Tiguan also has security systems such as Electronic Stability Control and ‘lane Assist’.
Wedding day wish comes true for Mustang fan!
Sharon Crowe, from Celbridge, Co Kildare, has long been a fan of the Ford Mustang and always hoped she could drive to the Church on her wedding day in the car, writes Trish Whelan.
Unknown to her, her partner, Irish Army Sergeant Peter Buckley, secretly arranged for a red convertible Mustang Fastback to collect his bride on the morning of the wedding, just before Christmas.
Sharon was bowled over when she saw the Mustang pull up outside her house. “It was really a lovely surprise. I have always loved the Mustang so it made me feel really special to be chauffeured in such a stunning car on our wedding day.”
Peter and Sharon married in Ballymagarvey Village, Co Meath on 15 December and jetted off to Marbella for their honeymoon.
Sharon’s Wedding Day Mustang was a 2.3, 317hp EcoBoost petrol right-hand drive model. The Mustang went on sale here early this year.
Mercedes-Benz and Annalise renew partnership
Irish Olympic silver medal winner Annalise Murphy has renewed her association with Mercedes-Benz in Ireland as she begins preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, writes Trish Whelan.
As part of a ‘Tier One’ partnership arrangement that sees Mercedes-Benz retain its status as the only vehicle manufacturer supporting Annalise’s bid for further Olympic glory, the 26-year-old Irish sailing sensation will shortly take delivery of a 171 registered Vito Mixto van for use in transporting her team, herself and her equipment to events, here in Ireland and overseas.
Annalise says “The support of Mercedes-Benz, so valuable when preparing for the Rio Olympics, ensures my plans to go one better in Tokyo are off to a great start.”
Set to be a familiar sight at Laser Radial sailing events, the new extra-long 119E Vito comes with five leather-covered passenger seats, chrome grille, automatic cruise control and speed limiter, reversing camera, and a spacious load-carrying interior. The most powerful unit in the Vito range, the 119E is driven by a 190hp CDI diesel engine.
Annalise's first Vito van from Mercedes-Benz, with its stunning graphics, is pictured below.
The arrangement with Mercedes-Benz includes provision to display its three-pointed star logo on Annalise’s sails and clothing. “This ensures there’ll be a star - not just in the boat, but on the boat as well,” noted Fergus Conheady, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles in Ireland.
Annalise is pictured at the announcement her ‘Tier One’ partnership with Mercedes-Benz. With her are Fergus Conheady, commercial vehicles sales manager, and Stephen Byrne, chief executive.
Octavia Scout latest for refresh
The car launches with three engine variants and all-wheel-drive technology. Ground clearance has been increased by 30 mm in comparison to the Octavia Combi, and the car can manage rough terrain, has good climbing capability, and a high towing capacity
Engines will include 1.8 turbo petrol with 180hp, and two 2.0 diesels of 150/184hp outputs.
New technologies available will include provision of a WiFi hotspot for passenger infotainment systems, as well as a full range of safety technology.
20 December 2016
Be Safe, Be Seen, on shortest day of the year ... and every day
With fewer hours of daylight and deteriorating weather conditions during the winter months, the Day aims to remind all road-users how important it is to be seen by wearing high visibility material when out walking, cycling or motorcycling, and to use dipped headlights when driving.
To date this year, 182 people have died on Irish roads, 32 more than this time last year. Vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, accounted for over a third of these deaths, with 34 pedestrians, 10 cyclists and 20 motorcyclists having died on Irish roads so far this year.
Nicole is 'Sportswoman of the Year 2016'
Despite only having made her Motorsport debut two years ago, Nicole has enjoyed plenty of success, becoming the first woman to be nominated for the Motorsport Ireland Young Driver Award in 2015, the first woman to win in Irish Touring Cars in 2016 and qualifying on the front row of the grid for her sportscar debut in Anglesey in North Wales when she joined the Global GT Lights for a round of their championship.
Her 2017 plans will be announced shortly but Nicole intends to switch to sportscars with the intention of ultimately chasing a career on the European or World stage.
Nicole was a winner in Irish Touring Cars in 2016, driving her Gem Oils, IT Monkey and Stapletons Bakery backed Honda Integra.
Nicole travels to France in the new year to test a 370bhp Sprint Serie machine. She may compete in selected rounds of the 2017 series, should her calendar commitments allow.
A native of Roscrea in Tipperary, she is a former All Ireland winning Camogie Captain, she made her motor racing debut in 2015, driving a 250bhp Honda Integra in the Irish Touring Car Championship. In 2016, she became the first Irish Ambassador for the Sean Edwards Foundation and accepted their invitation to travel to Le Castellet in France to test a GT3 Porsche 911. Also in 2016, became a member of the Murphy Prototypes Young Driver programme and attended an ELMS race in France with the Irish based European sportscar team.
Nicole is a final year student of Law and Business in The University of Limerick.
More powerful Octavia RS
This follows a refresh of the Octavia some weeks ago, and the RS has also had changes to its front styling with a wider radiator grille, additional headlamps featuring a crystalline look, and wider air intakes with a honeycomb structure.
The power output of the diesel model remains the same at 184hp.
There are also new premium technologies supporting infotainment, connectivity and driver assistance system. The car is available in saloon and estate formats.
19 December 2016
Irish pricing, specs for Audi A5 Sportback
Audi Ireland has released Irish pricing and specs for its new five-door coupe, the Audi A5 Sportback, writes Trish Whelan.
The car will launch here with five engine variants, three TFSI and two TDI. Pricing for the diesel engine models starts at €47,350 for the 2.0 TDI 150bhp SE; while petrol engine models start at €48,010 for the 2.0 TFSI 190bhp SE.
The range will also be available in a powerful 2.0 TDI 190bhp S ironic and a 2.0 TFSI 252bhp S tronic option.
The car now weighs 15kg less than its predecessor model, making it more agile and fuel efficient and the interior boasts 480 litres of luggage capacity.
Standard equipment includes Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights as well as LED interior lights that illuminate key features.
The new model contains the latest infotainment features including the Audi MMI navigation system with 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth and USB charging, a dedicated smartphone interface for iOS and Android devices and a 3-month free trial of Audi Connect. Driver assistance systems include Audi pre-sense city, and front and rear parking sensors.
The S-Line trim includes additional features like LED headlights, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-upholstered seats, 18-inch alloys and sports suspension.
Audi’s virtual cockpit is also available as an option on both trim lines.
The car is available to order in dealerships now, with first deliveries expected in January 2017.
17 December 2016
New Tiguan Allspace to be presented in Detroit
With an 11cm longer wheelbase than the standard vehicle, the Tiguan Allspace will be available with up to seven seats.
The move is aimed at providing a Tiguan more suitable to the needs of the US and Chinese markets, where the car will be marketed simply as the Tiguan.
It will debut at the Detroit International Auto Show in January.
15 December 2016
Meath's Cian is Young Driver of the Year
The 2016 BOSS Ireland Champion was one of three finalists chosen from the original nominees, the other two being Andy O'Brien and Jordan Dempsey.
Driving his Mooretown Engineering Formula Renault car, Cian won the BOSS (Big Open Single Seater) Championship this year, scoring five wins and starring at the famous Leinster Trophy meeting at Mondello, where he charged to third place, only two F3 cars ahead of his at the chequered flag.
For 2017, Cian will enter the British F3 Cup and his Mooretown Engineering team have already purchased a Dallara Formula 3 car for this purpose. In fact they travelled to Silverstone in November to test the car at the Walter Hayes Trophy meeting, with Cian winning his class and finishing second overall to an Arrows F1 car after a spectacular battle.
Cian began motor racing in 2011 at the age of 16, driving a Honda Civic in the Irish Touring Car Championship, going on to finish as class runner up the following year, after scoring four race wins.In 2013, he switched to the Formula Libre class, driving a Tatuus Formula Renault, winning the “Driver of the Year” title in that class.
Cian was supported by Mooretown Engineering and F Brazil Reinforcements in 2016 and will announce his 2017 partners in the new year.
The Young Driver of The Year award is supported by Motorsport Ireland and Sport Ireland. Cian, as the award winner, will be included in the Team Ireland Foundation for the next 2 seasons.
The award itself, the Sexton Trophy, is named after Walter Sexton. He was the honorary secretary of the Royal Irish Automobile Club in the 1920s, as well as having been one of Ireland's pioneer motorists. Walter was one of the chief organisers of the Irish Grand Prix which first ran in 1929.
After Walter’s death, it was decided that the winner of the Speed Championship, open to all Irish competition licence holders, would be awarded the Sexton Trophy. In recent years, the winner of the Young Racing Driver of The Year has been the recipient of the famous trophy.
Plan your winter adventure in Idaho
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| Picture of Mount Baldy courtesy Sun Valley Resort. |
With 28,000 vertical feet of terrain on over 18,000 acres, Idaho offers skiers spectacular scenery, 18 world-class resorts and exceptional ski trails located within the Idaho State Parks. Start planning your unique, family-friendly winter adventure!
Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley Resort is America’s first destination ski resort that offers visitors the choice of two different mountains with activities for all skill levels, from beginners to advance. Also famous as Idaho’s most luxurious resort, it offers visitors excellent snow conditions on 3,200 feet of vertical drop, 26,000-square-foot family centre with everything from lessons to rentals to themed adventure trails for kids.
Brundage Mountain Resort
Located in the mountains of central Idaho, Brundage Mountain has a reputation for the best snow in Idaho thanks to over 320 base area inches of snowfall annually, 1,500 in-bounds of skiable terrain, 7,640 feet summit elevation and its longest trail “Temptation”. The mountain is open seven days a week during the winter season. Located next to the Alpine Village, skiers should visit the Brundage Adventure Center, a one-stop shop for all their recreation needs, from tourist information to purchase of lift tickets and season passes.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Open year-round, it is a family friendly destination located in the Idaho Panhandle, 85 miles from Spokane, WA and 66 miles south of the Canadian border of British Columbia. The resort offering includes 2,900 acres of varied terrain for skiing and snowboarding as well as 32 kilometres of Nordic trails for cross-country, snowshoeing and snow biking. The nearby intimate village offers also additional activities for non-skiers such as an on-site spa, dining and shopping areas.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is located only 16.5 miles north of Boise and is open for full winter operation mid-November through mid-April. It boasts 2,600 acres of terrain for day skiing and 165 acres for night skiing, 78 designated runs together with a Terrain Park, several lodges with unique winter camping experiences in yurt and live music entertainment at the Simplot Lodge.
For more information, visit visitidaho.org/
Mercedes-Benz live 12-hour commercial
Mercedes-Benz has created the world’s first live commercial, ’Now’, that constantly changes over a period of 12 hours, beginning at 8am Irish time today. The film combines artistic performances, data visualisation and live cameras to show that electric vehicle mobility is already part of the brand’s offering. The live stream can be watched around the globe
The 'Now' is unique for every individual. Each moment, countless things happen in the 'Now'. With the world’s first live commercial which will continuously change over the course of 12 hours, Mercedes-Benz shows with the E 350 e* that electric mobility is already now possible with its Plug-In-Hybrid models.
With a combination of live cameras capturing the life in the streets, data visualisations about things that are happening at the moment and a live 12-hour artistic performance from multi-award-winning British choreographer and artist Darren Johnston that aims to recreate a day in our lives, the film will celebrate all of the incredible things that are happening at this very moment, enticing people to experience the Now.
Review: Kia Optima Sportswagon
Indeed, most makers of estate cars now find some different way of describing them. So we have Sportbrake, Tourer, Sportswagon. Such as the first Kia Optima Sportswagon. One of the nicest of the latest batch, actually.
First, though, let’s take a look at the segment, where the medium-sized car now represents roughly 10pc of all car sales. Dominated in order by the top five models, VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb, Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia.
It’s hard for the smaller makes to impact here. In Kia’s case, a registration of some 425 Optimas this year is respectable against a total of 14,500 or so medium cars in the mass-market arena. But it’s still a tough push, and they’re very glad to have the Sportage SUV as their very popular top seller.
14 December 2016
Citroen launches new C3 here
The new-generation Citroen C3 has been launched in Ireland at a starting price of €15,490, writes Trish Whelan.
Available with three petrol and two diesel engines, and a petrol automatic option, the cars comes in a choice of three grades and no less that 36 colour combination options of roof and body colour choices.
Marketing Director of Citroen & DS Ireland Louise Murphy says the new car will use four distinct strengths to attracts new customers to the model — design, customisation, comfort and technology.
Technology includes hill start assist, lane departure warning, reversing camera, speed limit recognition, and blind spot monitoring.
There's also a forward-camera which can be used to video document a trip and is also useful evidence if there's an incident.
(First drive impressions later.)
Self-driving cars would enable 'enjoying the scenery'
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| Ford Fusion autonomous test cars in the US. |
The survey commissioned by Ford also shows that seven in ten would use the time in the car 'chat on the phone' and almost two-thirds would 'have a bite to eat'.
Some 16pc of respondents said they'd be quite happy to send their children to school on their own in an autonomous vehicle.
Ford plans to start testing autonomous cars on European roads next year, and is planning to provide autonomous vehicle ride-sharing service in the US in 2021.
Ford has committed to going direct to 'Level 4' autonomy, meaning the car is able to drive unmonitored in a specific use case such as a city area.
Road Safety Awards presented
Run by Gary Doggett and supported by Judge Paul Kelly and Garda Inspector Michael Harrison, the Pro-Social Drivers Programme is a driver rehabilitation programme which was established in 2012 to address the high instances of anti-social driving in Co Donegal.
The programme consists of four modules — Emotional Control, Social Responsibility, Driving Under the Influence and Consequences. Referrals to the programme come from the Courts Service, the probation service, solicitors, concerned parents and individuals who recognise the need for training in this area. To date, 18 programmes have been completed with a total of 180 participants.
A total of 37 individuals and organisations were honoured for their commitment and dedication to road safety at the ninth annual ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ Awards which were presented by RSA Chairperson Liz O’Donnell and RSA Chief Executive Moyagh Murdock in Farmleigh today.
Awards were presented in categories including media, education, business, emergency services and public sector.
Main Awards
Business – Sixt Rent a Car, Dublin; Education (Community) – Pro Social Drivers Programme, Co Donegal; Education (Pre-School) – Kilcloon Preschool, Co Meath; Education (Primary) – St Benin's Girls National School, Duleek; Education (Secondary) – Take Care Be Internationally Aware, Coláiste Treasa Secondary School, Cork; Education (Third Level) – University of Limerick – Smarter Travel; Education (Special) – Sophie's Journey Foundation; Emergency Services – Community Policing Unit, Roxboro Road Garda Station, Co Limerick; Local Media – Give Your Phone the Boot - South East Radio; National Media – RTÉ Documentary on One, We Decide Who Lives or Dies; Road Safety Ambassador – Gillian & Ronan Treacy; Road Safety Officer – Declan Keogh, Kildare County Council; Public Sector – Cork City Fire Department; CPC Training Organisation of the Year – Flexibus, Co Meath; CPC Trainer of the Year – Jerry Meredith, Ice Training Solutions, Dublin; Judges Award in Technology and Innovation in Road Safety – Andrew Irwin, Drive Safe App' Approved Driving Instructor (Car) – James Malone; Approved Driving Instructor (Bus) – Joseph Lally; and Approved Driving Instructor (Motorcycle) – Brian Mc Gonagle.
Special Recognition Awards
Forbes Vigors, Transport Infrastructure Ireland; Learn Early Montessori Academy and Crèche; James Jones; The DRIVE Programme, Southill Outreach; Dr Ashraf Butt, Cavan & Monaghan Hospital; Inspector Edmund Golden; Michael Reade Show, LMFM Radio; Shaun Doherty Show, Highland Radio; Clodagh White; Fiona Brennan; and Live to Play, Ulster GAA.
Crashed Lives Awards
Christy Kelly; Gary Finlay; Patrice O'Connell; Emmet & Ciarán O'Mahony; Sgt Dave Lynam; Laois Fire & Rescue; and Mary Joyce.
New E-Class Coupe detailed
Previously known as the CLK, and before that the 'Stroke Eight Coupe', the car is based on the Irish COTY 2017-winning E-Class saloon, and adds a number of technological refinements to those of its predecessor as well as a beautiful shape.
The car will with the latest Mercedes-Benz 194hp 2.0 diesel, as well as 2.0 and 3.0 petrol engines with power outputs up to 333hp. Further engines and a 4Matic AWD variant will follow later.
All the connecting and safety technologies of the E-Class saloon and estate are available in the Coupe variant.
More information closer to the Irish launch.
Light up for daytime safety
This advice is triggered by Continental Tyres Ireland, noting that the shortest day of the year is approaching on 21 December.
"A lot of newer cars come with day-time running lights as standard," says Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland. "This means they have lights on once the engine is running even during daylight time. This is a huge boost to road safety as the old adage for pedestrian safety: 'Be safe, be seen'! is equally true for motorists and other road-users.
"However, there is a significant amount of older vehicles on our roads and many of these cars and vans do not have daytime running lights, so for the drivers of those vehicles our advice is to drive with dipped headlights all day long. If motorists take this small step of always driving with their lights on, day and night, we believe it would be a great improvement for road safety this Christmas and into the New Year."
12 December 2016
Renault sponsors RTE's Dancing with the Stars
The marque's New Renault Megane Grand Coupe will feature in stings around the show which sees 11 well known faces take to the dance floor in the ShinAwil production.
The celebrities will pair up with their professional dancing partners to test their twinkle toes. Each pairing will have a different dance to master every week from the cha-cha to mambo to tango and will have just seven days to perfect their routine before performing live.
The line-up includes dietician Dr Eva Orsmond, sports commentator Des Cahill, Kerry footballer Aidan O'Mahony, reporter Teresa Mannion, Big Brother's Hughie Maughan, comedians Katherine Lynch and Des Bishop, Fair City and The Fall actress Aoibhin Garrihy, and Red Rock - Love/Hate actress Denise McCormack. Amanda Byram and Nicky Byrne will present the first series.
Paddy Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Ireland said: "Renault Ireland is delighted to sponsor the very first Dancing with The Stars. We look forward to being entertained by the celebrity participants and wish the hosts well on the new show, which will no doubt be a big success."
A few of the participants are pictured above.
9 December 2016
Erne Motor Works is Toyota Dealer of the Year 2016
The Toyota Dealer of the Year 2016 title has been awarded to Erne Motor Works, Co Cavan, writes Trish Whelan. In addition to the accolade, Erne Motor Works received a cheque for €5,000 which will be used to reward the staff for their excellent achievement.
The ceremony took place in Dublin earlier this week.
The annual Awards recognise the excellence achieved by Toyota Dealers and their staff who worked to ensure the success of the Toyota brand both locally and nationally.
The Award for the Highest New Vehicle Sales in 2016 went to Toyota Long Mile, Dublin, who also took the Sales Dealer of the Year gong; the Hybrid Retailer of the Year 2016 went to Carroll & Kinsella Blackrock, Dublin; Part Sales Performer 2016 went to Tadg Riordan Motors Ashbourne, Co Meath; Accessory Sales Performer 2016 went to Kellys Sales & Service, Mountcharles, Co Donegal, while After Sales Performer of the Year 2016 went to Hugh Boggan Motors, Wexford.
All the award winners are pictured above with Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland. Pictured below are Erne Motor Works receiving their award.
8 December 2016
Renault launches Megane Grand Coupe in Ireland
The Megane family is growing with the introduction of a four-door version, the new Megane Grand Coupe available now to order from Renault’s 28 dealerships, writes Trish Whelan. Prices are from €21,990.
Its arrival completes Renault’s offering in the C-segment.
The car was developed in tandem with the all-new Megane and benefits from the same features, technology and engine variants as its five-door sibling, but with added ‘record-breaking’ roominess for its class.
The generous level of space for all onboard is down to the car’s longer wheel base. The boot is larger than that in the Renault Fluence.
Other features, more commonly associated with the next segment up, include a colour head-up display, a 7-inch TFT colour screen instrument display and the R-LINK 2 multimedia and navigation tablet available in two formats (7-inch landscape or 8.7-inch portrait) as well as MULTI-SENSE technology which allows users to personalise their driving experience.
The car also benefits from many high-tech driving aid technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Safe Distance Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Tiredness Detection Warning.
Customers have a choice of two dCi engines of 110 and 130 with manual and EDC transmissions.
Renault claim a fuel consumption of 3.7 L/100kms (76mpg) for the combined cycle and C02 emissions as low as 96g/km. Annual road tax is from €180-€190.
Four trim levels are offered, and nine exterior colours.
Megane Grand Coupe has gained a top 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
Renault’s 171 offer includes 3pc APR Finance, 3 years servicing, and 5 years Warranty and Roadside Assistance.
Built in Renault’s Bursa plant in Turkey, the Megane Grand Coupe is set to go on sale in nearly 30 countries.
7 December 2016
LaFerrari raises $7m for Italian earthquake fund
All proceeds from the auction will go toward the reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the earthquake. RM Sotheby’s has graciously donated their expertise to raise the highest amount possible. The decision to donate a LaFerrari from the company’s own collection for this cause was announced on 31 August 2016 on the occasion of the bilateral talks between the Italian and German governments that took place at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy.
The LaFerrari boasts a unique livery with a distinctly Italian theme: a red exterior with a white dream line on the hood and rear windshield. A small Italian flag on the hood serves as a reminder that this is a gift by Ferrari to its home country. The car will also feature a commemorative plaque.
More details on new Insignia
Key elements of the new car include the styling of a large coupe, overall lighter by 175kg over the current Insignia, AWD, and new generation intelligent LED lights.
It is slightly longer, lower and has a wider track, and a longer wheelbase which improves both the ride quality and the interior space.
The aerodynamics will be class leading with a CD number of 0.26.
A full range of safety technologies will include a 'bird's eye' camera system. lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert, and more.
The car will be revealed to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will then go on sale.
Suzuki launches new Ignis
Suzuki’s new Ignis compact crossover model will go on sale in Ireland from January 2017, writes Trish Whelan.
Available in SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5 grades, the new car will be priced from €12,995-€17,995.
Power is from a 1.2 Dualjet with C02 emissions of 97g/km 104g/km, and 106g/km. Annual road tax is €180-€190. A 5-speed automated manual is offered along with a 4x4 ALLGRIP for the SZ5 model which is a ‘mild’ hybrid.
The Inis SZ5 gets a Dual Camera Brake Support which can detect lane markings as well as objects ahead including pedestrians and also their distance away. This Safety Pack feature has helped the SZ5 model to be awarded a top five stars in the latest Euro NCAP tests, while the standard model gained just three.
6 December 2016
Scenic and Grand Scenic available to order
Twenty years after inventing the world’s first compact MPV with the Scenic - which has since sold 5 million units of which 22,000 have been sold in Ireland since 1996 - Renault has completely overhauled its offering in the segment with the fourth generation of the model, writes Trish Whelan.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, the New Scenic five-seater, and New Grand Scenic seven-seater receive 20-inch wheels as standard across the range which is unique in its segment.
Both have a distinctive MPV body shape that is 20mm wider than the Scenic III, along with higher ground clearance, a longer wheelbase and wider tracks at both front and rear. A panoramic glass roof is available depending on trim level while aluminium roof rails are standard.
Both versions are available with an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen which is another segment-first, Multisense technology which enables the driver to alter the driving setup and cabin ambience and One-Touch folding rear seats, controllable from the boot or dash via the R-Link system which make it easy and quick to fold rear seats flat to carry larger items. The car has the biggest storage capacity and boot space in its class at 572 litres - the Grand Scenic has 596 litres with five seats in use.
New Scenic has some high-end technologies and safety features drawn from the segment above, like Automatic Electronic Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and automatic high/low beam.
A range of efficient petrol and diesel engines is available from launch, with emissions as low as 100g/km. The petrol is the Energy TCe 115; diesels are the Energy dCi 110 also with 130hp and 160hp. Claimed fuel consumption is from 3.9L/100kms to 6.1 L/100kms and annual road tax is from €180-€280.
The five-seater has an RRP of €26,000-€34,900; the seven-seater is from €28,400-€41,700.
New Scenic has been awarded Euro NCAP’s highest score of five stars.
Both versions are available to order at Renault Ireland’s 28 dealerships.
New headlights system from Mercedes-Benz
The HD (high definition) technology uses a computer system which controls more than two million adjustable micro-mirrors in a pair of headlights to give ultra-precise control of the light beam.
Special algorithms receive detailed information about the surroundings from the vehicle sensors, such as cameras or radar, and the system can detect a pedestrian on the road and light up their body but leave their head in the dark, so that they are not dazzled. It can do this also for other cars and bicycles.
Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch the system in 2017, probably in an S-Class.
4 December 2016
Motorsport Ireland weekend roundup
Andy Johnson, from Killinchy, Co Down and his co-driver Jim McSherry were the clear winners of the Rentokil Initial Historic Car Rally at Killarney, with their Vauxhall Chevette completing the seven classic stages more than two minutes ahead of the Ford Escort of runners-up Keith McIvor and David Burns, writes Richard Burke.
Seven times Circuit of Ireland winner Jimmy McRae showed that he has lost none of his fire by winning the Post-Historic section in a Vauxhall Firenza, while Ryan Barrett and Paul McCann from Omagh were best in the Classic section in an Escort, beating Welshman Melvyn Evans in a similar car.
Third place in the Killarney Historic Stages Rally yesterday saw Owen Murphy take maximum points in the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Historic Championship. With Anthony Nestor on the pace notes, Murphy was driving the iconic ex-Russell Brookes Sunbeam Lotus and despite being hampered by a misfire for most of the day, he set some excellent times on the seven stage event. (Owen Murphy and Anthony Nestor are pictured above).
Reigning Young Rally Driver of the Year, local ace Rob Duggan, scored a narrow victory over Jack Newman in the Modified class, both driving Escorts.
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