New SEAT Ibiza brings sunshine on a wet day

SEAT’s new fifth generation Ibiza is now available at the brand’s dealerships priced from €14,995, writes Trish Whelan.

The Irish launch of this completely new model took place yesterday in the iconic CHQ Building in Dublin City centre. 

This is Volkswagen Group’s first model to be built on the new MQB A0 modular platform highlighting SEAT’s importance with the Group. This platform allows higher manufacturing flexibility, more robust implementation and different models with different body types within the same segment; also different wheelbase configurations can be achieved within the same base platform. It will also be used for the new VW Polo.

New Ibiza comes with fresh new styling that will appeal to a wide array of buyers. While this new model reflects the carmakers’s distinctive DNA, it looks edgier and sportier, with more sculpted, accentuated and streamlined surfaces.

At the launch, Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland said “The Ibiza is a brand which most people in Ireland are familiar with, which is why we decided upon a city centre launch in Dublin to celebrate its arrival in Ireland.” He added “It will epitomise exactly what the brand stands for, high quality, excellent design and value for money and I know Irish people will fall in love with it instantly.”

Launched in 1984 for the first time, the Ibiza has become an icon of SEAT. The car has been around the longest in the history of the brand and is its top-selling model with over 5.4 million units sold globally and over 30,000 sold in Ireland. It is one of the three main models of the SEAT brand, together with Leon and Ateca.

The new model comes loaded with the latest technology features, and with more interior space and comfort and the brand claims it has the largest boot in the segment. Front Assist is standard - Adaptive Cruise Control, Wireless charger and GSM signal amplifier are all available as options. It is also 100pc connected with Full Link technology with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link. 

New Ibiza is available in a choice of a 1.0 MPI petrol engine and 1.0TSI engines across 75/95/115/150hp. It will also be available in 1.6TDI 80/95hp diesel engines later this year. 

Four trim levels are S, SE, Xcellence and FR. SEAT Ireland expect the S trim to be 5pc of sales, the SE will account for 65 of sales, with the final 30pc of sales for the high end line. 

Prices start at €14,995 for the S range; €17,335 for the SE range; €18,745 for Xcellence and €19,465 for the FR range. Petrol sales are expected to account for 90pc of New Ibiza sales and SEAT Ireland expect to sell around 1,000 units this year, increasing to 1,500 in a full year. 

To celebrate the launch and as part of its 172 sales event, SEAT is offering a special 3-2-1 offer which provides customers with a three-year service plan free of charge, 2pc PCP finance on most new models with monthly repayments from €169, and one year’s free road tax with offers available until 31 July.

Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland is pictured with the New Ibiza at yesterday's launch in the CHQ Building. 

Review: BMW 520d

When I left my car overnight at my hotel, there was a card on it the next day: 'We have cleaned your windscreen so that you get a better view of Kerry'.

It's the little things, isn't it? writes Brian Byrne.

That trip to Kerry in the new BMW 5 Series involved a good lot of motorway, and a fair amount of secondary road driving — including a grass in the middle of the boreen diversion when I took a left turn too soon. The main motoring revelation was that BMW may have brought us closer to semi-autonomous driving than I'd believed.

Mercedes-Benz Commercials celebrates 50 years

Mercedes-Benz is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the launch, in 1967, of their heavy commercial vehicles in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.

Described by chief executive, Stephen Byrne, as a development that was to see Mercedes-Benz play an important part in the development of Ireland's economy, the first model to launch here was the renowned 1418 - a truck still fondly thought of by CV collectors and enthusiasts.

Remembered for its distinctive 'bull nose' design, the 1418 was to become the workhorse-of-choice within many large fleets, haulage firms and owner-driven operations, carving an important niche for the company in the heavy commercials sector that has carried through to the present time.

Mainstays of the range today are two International Truck of the Year winners - the 1996-launched, heavy-duty Actros, popular amongst long-distance hauliers, and Atego, launched in 1998 and favoured by food distributors and delivery specialists generally.

Another mode, spawned by the Atego and seen working in housing estates, is the Econic bin collection truck favoured by many private waste collectors.

The Mercedes-Benz commercials team members pictured with sales manager, Fergus Conheady (centre left) and chief executive, Stephen Byrne (centre right) at an event to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch, in 1967, of their heavy commercial vehicles in Ireland are Patrick Power, are Gerry McDonnell, Liam McEntee, Joan O'Sullivan, Robert Dunne, and Brian Phillips.

Malone's open new Toyota Dealership in Louth

John and Stella Malone have opened their new state-of-the-art showroom, Malone's of Drogheda, writes Trish Whelan.

Relocating from their former premises in Drogheda, the newest Toyota dealership in Louth is located at the M1 Retail Park.

The dealership will create 10 additional new jobs within sales, aftersales and administrative roles. The 10 car showroom will facilitate Toyota's 2017 range as well as its commercial line-up.

Malone's aftersales service comprises a 10-bay workshop featuring pre-NCT and inspection bays along with dedicated Express Servicing bays.

Dealer Principal John Malone is pictured above with Steve Tormey, Chief Executive at Toyota Ireland, and Stella Malone.

Cash-free parking with easytrip at Beaumont Hospital

easytrip, Ireland's electronic parking and tolling tag provider, has added Q-Park Beaumont Hospital car park in Dublin to its car parking portfolio.

This brings its parking service in Dublin to 16 car parks.

The easytrip car parking service offers 'hassle free' electronic parking to easytrip tag customers through the use of their tag. The tag is scanned on entry and exit to the car park, with no need to take a ticket or queue at the paying station, and the fee is then automatically deducted from the tag holder's account.

CEO of easytrip Ireland, Colin Delaney says: "Whether you're visiting close friends or relatives, or you are a patient attending a hospital appointment, this service will allow you to get on with what's important and not have to worry about having enough change for parking when you leave."

The easytrip car park portfolio now has a total of 27 car park locations covering Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford. The Beaumont Hospital car park has 600 car spaces and is open 24/7. New and existing easytrip customers can sign up for parking by calling easytrip on 1890 67 67 68 or by logging onto www.easytrip.ie

BMW's new X3 coming in November

A new BMW X3 going on sale in Europe by the end of the year is the first of the company's SUVs to use the new modular platform debuted with the current 7 Series, writes Brian Byrne.

Irish arrival will be in November with prices starting from €58,580.

Engines will include four-and six-cylinder diesels, and there will also be a flagship M Performance version with 360hp on tap.

The third generation of the car is lighter and larger, and will offer the semi-autonomous technologies already available in recent other BMW models.

SEAT reveals new SUV

SEAT has unveiled its latest crossover/SUV contender, the Arona, writes Brian Byrne.

The car will compete in the segment below its Ateca, and will arrive in Ireland in November,

Power options will include three petrol engines ranging in power from 95hp to 150hp, and 1.6 diesels in 95hp and 115hp variants.

The Arona gets its public debut at Frankfurt in September.

Innovators aim to become Nissan Ambassadors

Nineteen young innovators from all walks of life in Ireland have been given the opportunity of making it on the national and world stage with the backing and support of Nissan, writes Trish Whelan.

Nissan received over 1,000 applications for the dream chance and the shortlist of 19 finalists will face a three-week long public vote to win one of ten places on the Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme. 

The seven finalists with the highest number of votes and another three finalists chosen by Nissan, will each receive the keys to a new taxed and insured Nissan to drive for a year together with valuable promotional and marketing support.

In the four years since it was launched, Nissan Generation Next has helped new Irish entrepreneurs to find their feet in domestic and global markets, elite athletes, writers, film makers and fashion designers to succeed internationally and young scientists to shape and influence the fast moving world of digital technology.

This year’s finalists include Ireland’s new generation of rising stars in the field of business, technology, medical care, food, sport, music, fashion and social enterprise.

James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland says “Nissan Generation Next has been phenomenally successful in helping the next generation of Irish leaders and champions to realise their potential. All of our finalists this year have been fearless in making their dreams a reality. They are driven to succeed internationally and we look forward to helping those joining this year’s Nissan Generation Next programme to get ahead on their journey to success.”

Members of the public can cast their vote online for any one of the 19 finalists at www.nissangenerationnext.ie up to Friday 14 July 2017. 

The finalists are:

Kormac O’Halloran (37) – Performer, Producer and DJ, Dublin. Kormac is a multi-instrumentalist musician, producer and DJ from Dublin. Well known for his live performances, Kormac performs with a full ensemble, known as Kormac’s Big Band, who’ve appeared on primetime shows such as the Late, Late Show. His music is often used in TV advertising and his track ‘Wash My Hands’ has just been selected for use in the forthcoming John Malkovich/Glen Close Movie, Wild Wedding. His latest album features legendary Trainspotting Author Irvine Walsh.

Chris Kelly (20) – Patient Tracking System Software, Limerick. Chris is on a mission to improve patient care in hospitals worldwide. His company, Pinpoint Innovations, has developed a patient tracking system that monitors the flow, efficiency and utilisation rates of operating theatres in hospitals. The company has partnered with the Perioperative Care team in the University Hospital Limerick and is piloting its first product, Xsonor, over the next six months. Chris is pictured below. 

Louise McGuane (39) – Whiskey Distillery, Clare. Louise returned home to her family farm in Kilrush on the wings of a high flying career with top global drinks brands in cities like New York, Paris, London and Singapore to create a business that has revived the traditional method of producing Irish whiskey. She is the founder of Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Co. which produces whiskey under the JJ Corry brand.

Tony Browne (22) – Boxer, Dublin. Tony has recently been named at number 9 in the Four Nations rankings for the light heavyweight division. Tony has long been regarded a serious boxing prospect, and is a serious contender to represent Ireland in Tokyo at the 2020 Olympic Games. Tony Browne and Nicole Drought are pictured below.

Nicole Drought (23) - Racing Driver, Tipperary. Nicole is one of Ireland’s premier female racing drivers. She became the first woman to win in the Irish Touring Car Championship last year. That feat of achievement also led to her being named as the 2016 Irish Sportswoman of the Year. Nicole is pictured above with boxer Tony Browne.

Chupi Sweetman  (33) - Jewellery designer, Dublin. Chupi is a young Dublin jewellery designer who quit her job to train as a goldsmith before creating a multi award winning international jewellery brand. Her jewellery brand ‘Chupi’ is stocked in stores from Paris to Tokyo.

Niall Moloney (27) – PowCow, Dublin. Niall is a qualified dietitian and an expert in sports nutrition. He created Europe’s first high protein, low fat, frozen yogurt: Pow-Cow. He came up with the idea after discovering that his clients, who include Connacht Rugby, Irish Olympians, intercounty GAA players and other professional athletes, were struggling to find an enjoyable healthy dairy snack or treat.

James Corneille (18) – Positivity Pack, Limerick. James has already accumulated 18 awards in tech and business and has been named as the ‘#2 Most Powerful Young Entrepreneur in the World’ thanks to the success of his business, Positivity Pack. The teenager has also developed a massive social media presence with 450,000 followers online. James is pictured below.

Dave McGeady (36) – Wyldsson, Dublin. Dave is the founder of 'Wyldsson' a health snack company based in Tallaght. His healthy food products have become the snack of choice for Manchester United players, rugby internationals and Ryder Cup golfers.

Jeanne Mahony (50) – Hope Beer, Dublin. Jeanne put her plans for retirement on hold in order to create Fingal’s only microbrewery with a group of her friends. Hope Beer brews a range of delicious craft beers from a state of the art facility on the Kilbarrack Road.

Colin Keogh (28) – Co-founder of The Rapid Foundation, Wicklow. Colin works as an engineer in UCD and is determined to change the world by using Science and Technology to solve some of the world’s biggest problems.  He utilises low cost disruptive technologies to make an impact on global issues and has already been named as one of ‘Forbes 30 under 30’ in Science and Medicine.

Cliona Hegarty (35) – Bella Bites, Dublin. Inspired the diets of clean-eating Australians during her time in Australia, Cliona returned to Ireland with a new-found passion for fresh, unprocessed food. She founded Bella Bites in 2014, producing a range of healthy, energy-boosting clean snacks. Her products can be found in over 150 retailers across Ireland. She is pictured below.

Marie Martin (22) – The Safe Scrub, Kerry. Marie Martin, invented a top selling product to improve farm safety and to help farmers to protect their health. Marie invented the Safe Scrub Sprayer as a Transition Year student after her father became ill from spraying pesticides. The front loader mounted sprayer allows users to spray pesticides from the safety of the cab and also saves time and money by reducing the amount of pesticides required by up to 50%.

Brendan Doyle (31) – Skeleton, Dublin. After a frightening attack while on duty, Brendan decided to leave his job as a Garda and returned to the sport he’d trained at as a teenager, skeleton sledding, overcoming some troubled times battling with depression in the process. He’s now a regular speaker on the topic of mental health, while also having one eye on competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Adam Harris (22) – As I am, Dublin. Adam is the founder and CEO of AsIAm.ie, an organisation working to build an Ireland where every person with Autism can “live and succeed as they are”. Adam founded AsIAm.ie based on his experience of living with Aspergers Syndrome, a condition on the Autism Spectrum.

Michael Onalimi (43) - Flavour Safari, Laois. Michael, from Mountmellick, realised a long held dream when he launched his business, Flavour Safari Sauces, which is Ireland’s first African inspired sauce range. Flavour Safari is already a proud Food Academy Producer with Super Valu and Michael is currently working on securing new store listings across the country and on exporting his range of sauces into the U.K.

Richie Commins (23) - Founder Dashcabz, Galway. Richie is a tech graduate from NUI Galway who has created an innovative new service called DASHCABZ, that allows students to get a taxi home safely, even when they have no cash, bank card or phone. The pilot project started in Galway and is now rolling out to colleges and taxis drivers across the country.

Andy Dunne (37) – Personal Health, Dublin. After suffering with an injury that caused him to retire from professional rugby, Andy was inspired to study musculoskeletal therapy. Excelling in the role, he became a leading physiotherapist in professional cricket, travelling with the Irish national team during the 2014 World Cup. Now, he’s the founder and managing director at Personal Health, a medical clinic providing lifestyle support to clients with chronic health conditions.

Niamh McCabe (25) – Luvguru, Dublin. Niamh is the co-founder of Luvguru, an innovative new matchmaking app that allows friends and neighbours to play Cupid, to meddle in another friend’s love life and to hook them up with a suitable date. The app has brought Ireland’s art and tradition of matchmaking into the digital age and is fast becoming the next big thing in the dating world.

Photos: Orla Murray, SONPhoto

Cronin cracks Belgium - Ypres International Rally

Irish crews had a great result at the Ypres International Rally at the weekend, with West Cork's Keith Cronin, already the winner of three British Rally titles, taking maximum points towards this year's Prestone MSA British Championship on its first visit to the Belgian event, writes Richard Burke.

Cronin and his co-driver Mikie Galvin finished in sixth place among the strong continental field, with their top points score bringing the Corkman back into contention for a fourth title after a difficult start to his season. Callum Devine from Derry in his Opel Adam won the Junior section.

Monaghan rally ace Sam Moffett's seemingly unstoppable march to the Triton Showers National Rally Championship continued yesterday when he and co-driver Karl Atkinson scored an 18 second victory in the fifth round of the series, the Carrick-on-Suir club's Raven's Rock Rally at Waterford.

This maintained Moffett's unbeaten run in this year's title chase, with last year's champions, Roy White and James O'Brien, their nearest challengers in another Fiesta WRC. Ireland's World Rally Championship star, local man Craig Breen, had a rare home outing at the wheel of a Ford Escort, and showed his class by taking third place overall despite lacking the four wheel drive advantage of the two high-tech cars in front of him.

Ford 1.0 EcoBoost is again class winner in EoTY awards

Ford's 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine has won its class in the Engine of the Year awards for the sixth year in a row, writes Brian Byrne.

Offered with 100/125/140hp the engine now powers one in five new Ford vehicles sold in Europe, including two in five Fiestas.

It was named 'Best Engine Under 1.0-litre' by a panel of 58 automotive journalists, from 31 countries. It was first introduced to the Ford Focus in 2012

This year, the sub-1.0-litre award category featured 35 engines, nine more than in the 1.0-litre EcoBoost’s debut year.

Volvo designates Polestar name for electric performance brand

Volvo has decided that the Polestar name it owns will in future be the stand-alone brand for a range of electric vehicles, writes Brian Byrne.

Polestar was originally an independent motorsport operation involved in racing Volvos, and later was bought by the Swedish car maker with a view to tuning high-performance variants of its products.

The shift in direction reflects a growing interest in electric-powered performance cars.

Karoq will take part in Tour de France Grand Depart

As the official automotive partner to the Tour de France cycle race for the last 14 years, Skoda gets the chance for a little extra product placing, writes Brian Byrne.

This year is no exception, with the newly-revealed Karoq compact SUV scheduled to travel the first time trials of the Tour from Dusseldorf as service vehicles for teams from South Africa, the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Grand Depart of the of the Tour from Dusseldorf is on 1 July.

Review: Fiat Tipo

Fiat now has a contender in the compact hatch and saloon segment that in my estimation is as good as you'll get there, writes Brian Byrne.

The new Tipo immediately impressed last year on a route in northern Italy that included some very indifferent road surfaces as well as nice fast motorway and intricate mountain twists. I quickly got the sense of a car designed to be used without mollycoddling, and that rattles and squeaks were forbidden.

Here in Ireland a testing piece of back road near my home has confirmed that the new Tipo has been thoroughly developed to survive off the beaten track.

Kia Stonic steps out

Kia's Stonic has now been properly revealed and will be a highlight on the brand's stand at Frankfurt in September, writes Brian Byrne.

Sales in first European markets will follow the Frankfurt debut, and the small SUV will be powered by a 120hp 1.0 turbocharged petrol and 1.25 and 1.4 petrol units, as well as a 1.6 diesel.

Personalisation of the two-tone colour options will be a feature aimed at a younger demographic of buyer, while Kia say that it also offers the most shoulder room in the class.

More details to follow.

Opel flags next crossover

Opel has released preliminary imagery of the new Grandland X crossover which will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, writes Brian Byrne.

Developed as part of a joint venture with PSA Peugeot-Citroen, details on pricing and trim will be available in coming weeks. Orders in Ireland will open before the end of the year.

It joins the Mokka X and the recently arrived Crossland X in an expanded Opel crossover/SUV lineup.

Motorsport Ireland Weekend Roundup

For the second year in succession, local crew Manus Kelly and Donall Barrett in a Subaru Impreza snatched a last minute victory in the Joule Donegal International Rally. Starting the final day of the three day event, they were seven seconds behind longtime leaders, Donegal's Donagh Kelly and his Monaghan co-driver Conor Foley, with six stages to come.

On the first of two runs over Atlantic Drive, Manus went ahead for the first time all weekend, but namesake Donagh regained top place on the following stage, High Glen, leaving himself a 4.7 second lead as they set out to repeat the same three stages.



Fanad 2, Donagh lost a disastrous 17 seconds, leaving him five seconds behind with two stages left, and in a final all out effort to take victory on a rally which he has never won, his Focus hit a bank just two corners from the stage finish, and the damage was too much to continue.

Manus, now with a large lead, was able to cruise through the last stage and still come home with a margin of almost two minutes over runners up Alastair Fisher and Gordon Noble, who only got ahead of Garry Jennings and Gordon Noble on the action packed final stage, claiming maximum points in the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Championship for R5 cars. The Moffett brothers from Monaghan, Sam and Josh, finished fourth and fifth in their Fiestas.

Photos: Ruaidhri Nash

Continental's tips for holidays with your car

For families planning a holiday with the car, either at home or abroad, Continental Tyres is advising that some simple car checks before heading off, could save a lot of trouble. Here are five simple vehicle safety checks that any driver can do to their car to help keep families safe during the annual migration.

Give the car's interior a clean
The majority of motorists are not particularly careful about keeping their cars very clean  — inside or out. A recent Continental Tyres survey of 2,000 motorists showed that one in five claimed to tidy the inside of their car just once a year, generally when it is facing an NCT or garage visit. However, when you are embarking on a long journey such as heading off on holiday, it is important to have the cabin area of the car clear of the usual clutter that can accumulate. For example, an empty can, bottle or other piece of rubbish rolling under the brake pedal while driving could have very serious consequences.

Check the car's tyres
Quality tyres in good condition can mean the difference between avoiding trouble or having an accident. Continental Tyres recommends regular tyre safety checks to avoid such scenarios. For example the next time you fill up your car with fuel, check your tyres air pressures and inspect the tread depth of all four tyres, not forgetting the spare wheel, if you have one. If there are any bulges or cracks, take your car to a reputable tyre dealer to have them professionally checked. Tyres are your only point of contact with the road, so it is very important to regularly check on the condition of them.

Check the car's windscreen wipers
On holiday, we are all hoping for good weather but sometimes it doesn't always go according to plan, so be ready for some of those sudden, heavy summer downpours. So make sure to check the condition of your car's wiper blades. Lift the front and rear windscreen wipers away from the glass and check that their rubber blade isn't worn down or peeling away from its base. If they are not totally clearing the water, see about replacing them before you set off.

Check the car's lights
Driving with defective lights is both illegal and dangerous for you and for other road users. So take a couple of minutes to ask a family member or friend to walk around your car as you switch on the side lights, the headlights, operate the main beam and then check the indicators and brake lights. And don't forget the fog lamps and reversing lights. If you are travelling to the continent, don't forget to use headlamp converter stickers so that your headlights do not dazzle oncoming traffic.

Check the car's service schedule
Occasionally checking the level of oil in the engine is not enough to keep your car in good health. It should be serviced according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service schedule, which can be found in the car's handbook. During its service, important items such as the tyres, brakes, suspension, engine, exhaust, and transmission will all be inspected. And simple items such as the filters will be changed, important when you are embarking on a long drive, perhaps (hopefully!) in warm weather, so you don't want to circulate dirty air in the car or  — even worse  — risk a breakdown because an old fuel filter is clogged with debris.

The number of road accidents actually increases during the summer months as many more people take to the roads for holidays and outdoor activities. So above all, make sure to drive in a careful and courteous manner paying particular attention to more vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Speaking about taking the car on holiday, Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland says: “A motoring holiday is a great way to get away for families. The holiday starts the minute the family sets off and there is none of the hassle of airports, flight delays, air traffic controller strikes or luggage restrictions that have become the bane of summer flying in recent years. And with a small bit of preparation, the driver can ensure that the motoring element of the holiday can go off without a hitch”.

Continental Tyre Group is providing this advice to drivers as part of its Vision Zero strategy, a long-term initiative to reduce accidents through tyre technologies and innovative automotive systems. 

New Polo here in November

Volkswagen has fully revealed the new generation Polo, which will go on sale in Ireland in November, writes Brian Byrne.

Pictured are the GTI version (top) and the interior of the R-Line version (below) which shows a much more high-tech interior than any version of the outgoing model.

The car is on the same modern platform as the recently-arrived SEAT Ibiza, and is bigger in every dimension than the fifth-generation Polo. The boot space is particularly larger, with 351L of capacity compared to 280L.

All variants will have LED daytime running lights as standard, as well as a front monitoring system with city emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring.

Options will include an adaptive cruise control. For Ireland, there will be a choice of four petrol and two diesel engines, all equipped as standard with start/stop system and regenerative braking mode. Every engine with a power output of 90hp or above can be combined with a dual clutch automatic gearbox (DSG).

Two-wheeler influx to Innsbruck next week

If you're not already booked to go, then it's probably too late, as the Crankworx professional mountain biking competition rolls off in Innsbruck in Austria next week, writes Brian Byrne.

But keep an eye out on your favourite sports channel to see some pretty spectacular performances from the cream of mountain-biking's competitive side. Up to 10,000 spectators are expected.

For those who understand the terms, Downhill, Slopestyle, Dual Speed & Style, Whip Off and Pump Track Challenge legends together with the fans, rising stars, industry innovators and the next generation of mountain bike riders are there for five days of competition, concerts, and mountain bike culture.

Known as the 'Super Bowl of freeride mountain biking', Crankworx began in Whistler, Canada, in 2004. The Crankworx World Tour travels to Rotorua, New Zealand; Les Gets, France; Innsbruck; and culminates back in its Canadian hometown of Whistler.

I-Pace production car expected for Frankfurt debut

Jaguar's I-Pace electric SUV is now expected to debut at Frankfurt in September and go on sale in first European markets shortly afterwards, writes Brian Byrne.

Based very closely on the concept above revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show and later shown at Geneva last March, the  car is planned to have a range in excess of 350km between charges.

It will be powered by two electric motors, delivering a total of up to 400hp between them.

Jaguar Land Rover released a teaser photo in March of the car undergoing road testing in camouflage, and a production model was spotted in Monaco last month doing a photo shoot.

The car is being built under contract to JLR by Magna Steyr in Austria.

Arteon from Volkswagen starts at €44,070

The Volkswagen Arteon is now available to order through the company’s Irish dealer network, at a starting price of €44,070, writes Brian Byrne.

The replacement for the Passat-based CC, the Arteon is powered by 2.0 diesel engines in a power range between 150hp-240hp.

Transmission options include manual and dual-clutch automatic, and AWD is available.

There are three grades on offer, and the road tax ranges from €200-€390.

The flagship version is the R-Line 4Motion €56,670.

New Audi A8 in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

Before the new Audi A8 makes its world premier in Barcelona at the Audi Summit on 11 July, movie fans will be able to get an exclusive glimpse of the new model when it makes its on-screen debut later this month in the new Marvel blockbuster ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, writes Trish Whelan.

The luxury saloon will also make a guest appearance at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles on 28 June.

In the superhero blockbuster ‘Peter Parker’, played by Tom Holland, is seen being chauffeured around in the new Audi A8 L. The scene allows fans a first look of the front and side design of the new car. In addition, moviegoers also get a demo of new innovations such as highly automated driving in traffic jams demonstrated in the movie by driver ‘Happy Hogan’ (Jon Favreau) who takes his hands off the steering wheel allowing the car to turn all on its own showcasing how the A8 takes over the task of driving when the Audi AI traffic jam pilot function is turned on.

Two other Audi models also make guest appearances in this movie, the R8 V10 Spyder driven by Robert Downey Junior’s character ‘Tony Stark’ while the film’s hero ‘Peter Parker’ himself drives a TTS Roadster.

The A8 is not yet offered for purchase. It doesn’t yet have type approval. 

You can preview the new Audi A8 Remote Parking Pilot:

https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/amtv/videos/2792

Open Week for SEAT's 172 campaign

SEAT Ireland is having an Open Week beginning Saturday 24 June to familiarise potential buyers with the brand's 172 offers, writes Brian Byrne.

The offers include a 2pc finance facility on the newly-arriving Ibiza supermini as well as a year's free road tax.

Trade-in bonuses of up to €4,000 will be available on other models in the range, which includes the Ateca compact SUV and the upgraded Leon.

The Open Week will run until Saturday 1 July.

Germany moves closer to hydrogen vehicle growth

The goal of having hydrogen as an alternative fuel widely available in Germany came a little closer recently when two new hydrogen fuel facilities were opened at filling stations in Frankfurt and Weisbaden, writes Brian Byrne.

In a scheme to which the German government has contributed €1.6m, this brings to 30 the number of such facilities in Germany. It is planned have a network of 400 such stations by 2023.

The programme is being implemented in a joint venture by H2 Mobility Deutschland and its partners Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde and Shell.

The hydrogen is used in fuel-cell powered cars, which emit no greenhouse gases and have electric motors using electricity produced by the FC system.

Ford supports around-Ireland marathon man

Ford Ireland is providing a support vehicle for a Kerry athlete who hopes to run 24 marathons across Ireland in 24 days, writes Brian Byrne.

Shane Finn from Dingle will set out on his record attempt on 22 June, hoping to raise €100,000 in aid of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI). His impetus for the fundraiser is that a cousin, Mary, suffers from the illness.

The support vehicle is a new Ford Transit Tourneo Custom diesel with nine seats and a large luggage area for carrying all of the equipment and supplies needed to ensure the success of the '24 Marathons, 24 Days' initiative.

His 628.8 miles total run will bring Shane through counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Longford, Monaghan, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Dublin, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Cork and Kerry.

Shane is pictured with Ciarán McMahon of Henry Ford & Son Ltd, and the Ford Transit Tourneo Custom.

People can support by by texting GIVE to 50300 (texts cost €4 – SBHI will receive a minimum of €3.25.

New XF Sportbrake revealed

This is the new generation Jaguar XF Sportbrake, revealed yesterday by tennis star Andy Murray, writes Brian Byrne.

There will be five grade versions when it goes on sale, with an engine range that include petrol and diesel units with power outputs from 163hp-380hp. A standard AWD system directs most power to the rear wheels in normal driving.

A 'kick' gesture control system allows for hands-free opening of the tailgate. Gesture control also operates the panoramic glass roof.

The car offers a total load space of 1,700L, and a 2-tonne towing capacity, with an electrically-activated towing ball option.

A self-levelling suspension is standard.

Jaguar is the official Car Partner of the Wimbledon Championships and to celebrate the relationship the premium estate was revealed on a replica Centre Court.

The first XF was launched in 2007, with a Sportbrake version in 2012. The current XF saloon was launched in 2015.

Review: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Citroen over decades has won a deserved name for comfort and technical innovation, writes Brian Byrne. Both are interconnected, as part of the company's innovative bent has always been focussed on suspension.

A recent stint in the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso — the name is far too cumbersome, though — was a definite reminder of that. I literally wafted through my travels, regardless of road condition.

Ease of driving it also meant that I quickly forgot just how large a car it is. The Grand C4 Picasso is the 7-seat variant, with the kind of space normally available only in extended limousines. But shifting it around on even short trips never seemed a chore.

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo for Frankfurt

BMW will launch its 6 Series Gran Turismo to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, writes Brian Byrne.

The car will go on sale in first markets in November and will be launched with three engine options, and the xDrive AWD system will be available.

The 2.0 four petrol will offer 258hp and a 6.3s sprint to 100km/h, while a 340hp six-cylinder unit will have 240hp. There will also be a 3.0 six-cylinder diesel with 265hp.

The car will provide a range of standard and optional driver assistance systems, including remote control parking and BMW Connected.

New Polo debuts on Friday

This is a teaser picture from Volkswagen of the new Polo, which will debut in Berlin on Friday, writes Brian Byrne.

The latest edition of the car is larger, more spacious, and more comfortable, according to the company. It will specifically offer more room for rear passengers.

More than 14m units of the nameplate have been sold globally since it was launched in 1975.

This will be the sixth generation of the Polo, and there have also been hot hatch GTI variants.

Women in the motor industry conference

The importance of entrepreneurship and of seizing opportunities was emphasised by speakers at the fourth annual Women@SIMI event, held last week in Dublin's Intercontinental Hotel, writes Trish Whelan.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry event was again sponsored by Bank of Ireland Finance, with more than 140 women in the Irish motor industry from around the country representing various sectors within the industry.

Mary Kennedy MC; Anna May McHugh, Managing Director National Ploughing Association; Gavin Hydes, President of SIMI; Michelle Spillane, Director of Global Marketing, RTE; Paula Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Fitzsimons Consulting.

In an opening address, new president of SIMI Gavin Hydes stressed the importance of communicating ‘the exciting and dynamic career opportunities that are available in so many diverse sectors which SIMI represent’.

Karen Kennedy, Head of Marketing at Bank of Ireland Finance, noted the importance of recognising both the female role models and mentors within the motor industry, and said BoI Finance was proud to play a part in this.

Panelists interviewed by RTE’s Mary Kennedy included Michelle Spillane, Director of Global Marketing, RTE; Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association; and Paula Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Fitzsimons Consulting.

Introduced as an icon ‘who embodies a wonderful spirit of Ireland and the best of what we are’, Anna May McHugh recounted her journey from assistant to the founder of the National Ploughing Championships in 1951 (he was a friend of her Dad’s) to her appointment as Secretary in 1956 and being elected Managing Director in 1973 — something she said she had never expected. “It was a huge responsibility on my shoulders and I wondered if I would ever laugh again," she recalled. "I had no idea then how it would grow to what it is today.”

She said the success of her career was based on a love of challenges, of organising things, and of people. "I’d also say I’ve got away with murder because I was a woman, and I never experienced a ‘no’," she said. "And I always believe in people, and if you have that belief in them they won’t let you down.”

Anna May has been at the helm of 'The Ploughing' as it evolved from a small competition and agricultural trade exhibition to what is now widely recognised as the biggest outdoor agricultural event in Europe, with 283,000 visitors last year. She believes around 40pc of the attendance are women.

She jovially recounted how her life has always involved working with men, ‘so hats off to the lovely men here today’ (and yes, there were a few!). She said her involvement in the NPC ‘was hard going’ and that 'if you make a mistake, it’s the best lesson you will ever learn'. She is always on the lookout for new events to introduce, attending overseas shows and trying to implement new ideas from them.

Anna May believes marketing to be all-important and her advice to women in the motor industry includes the truism that the customer is always right. “No matter how awkward a customer is, there is no problem that can’t be solved," she insisted. "You can get your own way … but in a nice way. It’s a lovely feeling to be at the helm, but it’s also a huge responsibility. You have to be dedicated and watch everything, because if anything happens, the buck comes back to you.”

Founder and MD of Fitzsimons Consulting Paula Fitzsimons spoke of how inspirational and motivational today’s women are. She advised those present to ‘develop antennae’ for opportunity. “It is there all the time. Whether you are open to it, and whether you see it, is what counts.” She noted too that statistics show two and a half times more businesses are set up by men than by women.

“Identify what you want to do and how you will do it," she advised. "Set goals and milestones to measure your progress. Decide what you want to achieve in three years’ time and what you will need to do over the next six months that will bring you towards that achievement. Write it down and then you own it, and revisit the plan every month.”

A recognised champion of entrepreneurship, Paula stressed how self belief is vitally important. “You have to become the powerbroker for yourself. Get a badge with your name on it and wear it wherever you can so people will know your name and will remember you. You own it and become your name and become an ambassador for yourself and for your organisation.”

Michelle Spillane with Mary Kennedy.

Michelle Spillane, currently the Director of Global Marketing in RTE, has worked in many marketing, media and entertainment sectors, including Disney, Warner Bros, ITV and BoI. Her expertise includes creating brands and making them stand out from the crowd, and the importance of believing in what you are doing. “Be the best version of you that you can be," she urged her listeners. "Stand back and understand why you are there, what your purpose is. It’s about showing the benefits to your customer. Think about what imprint you want to leave on every transaction you undertake. Create that 'stand out' attitude and cut through. Fitting in with the crowd is a short-term strategy but standing out pays off long-term.”

She said women must focus on what’s going to make the difference for their future. Her main advice was 'you never get the first six months back in any role, in any company'. "During that time I note everything down, every opportunity, every challenge, everything I want to change.”

Most of Michelle’s team are women. She says 'guys spend 80pc of their time working, and use the other 20pc to find out what else is going on' in the organisation, and while women in the workplace are committed, they can get caught up in day-to-day work. She said a daily To Do List is essential. “I don’t consider I have been especially lucky in my career. It’s work. It’s about being prepared, investing, looking forward.”

(Pics by Aidan Oliver Photography.)

New small SUVs from Hyundai, Kia

This is Hyundai's new small crossover, the Kona, which will launch in European markets in August, writes Brian Byrne. The car was revealed today in Korea.

Bringing the brand into direct competition with the likes of Peugeot's 2008 and Opel's Mokka, the vehicle will be powered by 1.0 and 1.6 turbocharged petrol units first, with a new 1.6 diesel available from next year. A fully-electric version is also planned.

Irish arrival is not yet revealed. The Kia Stonic equivalent, teaser sketch below, will arrive in Ireland in October.