Kia launches the new Picanto

Thu, Aug 18, 2011

Kia has just launched its new Picanto in two trim levels, with an entry-level price of €11,495 ex-works for the LX. This model features generous safety features, as well as front electric windows, remote central locking, a rev counter, and trip computer.

Land Rover Defender boasts new diesel engine

Thu, Aug 18, 2011

A new 2.2-litre diesel engine that meets the latest EU5 standards is replacing the EU4 2.4-litre diesel. It brings greater levels of performance and refinement to the 2012 Land Rover Defender.

New VW Crafter with class leading fuel economy

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Volkswagen has just launched the new Crafter to the Irish market with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by a staggering 33 per cent and maintenance costs reduced by up to 25 per cent. Volkswagen is helping its commercial customers and fleet operators plan with greater assurance as the new Crafter’s maximum payload is increased by 10 per cent in some models and provides a free of charge extended warranty for the third year of operation (or up to 250,000 km) across all models.

All-new Mazda CX-5 to premiere at Frankfurt Show

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Mazda will give a world premiere of its all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the biggest auto expo in the world, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, which takes place next month. The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SkyActiv Technology. The Mazda CX-5, which evolves Mazda’s hallmark fun-to-drive character, will be progressively introduced to global markets from early 2012.

How’s my driving? Children slam parents’ driving skills

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Nearly two thirds of children (63 per cent) admit their parents are aggressive drivers and 13 per cent say they are scared or embarrassed by Mum and Dad’s driving, according to new research.

Motoring costs rise by 5.8 per cent in the last year

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

The cost of running a family car in Ireland has risen by 5.8 per cent in the last 12 months, according to the AA's annual survey of motoring costs. It now costs €11,817 to run a small family car in the Band C tax category (typical engine size of 1251 – 1500cc) for a year; up by €646 on the figure for 2010.

Ford junior makes historic visit to Ireland

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Last week, William Clay (Bill) Ford jr, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company and great-grandson of its founder Henry Ford, unveiled a plaque at Ballinascarthy, Co Cork, commemorating the Ford family’s connection with the village.

Mr Ford, who was on a personal visit to Ireland with his family, met the local community of Ballinascarthy and had lunch with Hazel Ford Buttimer, a descendant of the Ford family, before visiting the site of the original Ford homestead.

BMW previews two new i badged green concepts

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

BMW has revealed two new concept cars, with both wearing their new i badge which highlights their green credentials.The BMW Group has showcased its visions of future mobility with the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept studies.

Irish car prices show third biggest drop in Eurozone

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

The European Commission’s latest car price report shows that real car prices (price change set against inflation) in Ireland fell by 5.7 per cent in 2010. This is the third biggest drop in the Eurozone and well above the -1.5 per cent eurozone average. Car prices fell in almost every EU country in 2010. Taking all EU countries together, the average drop in car prices is 2.5 per cent in real terms in 2010. List prices for new cars also converged slightly. These long-term price trends support the Commission's decision last year that specific competition rules for the sale of new cars are no longer justified.

Two millionth Suzuki rolls off the line in Hungary

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

The two millionth Hungarian-made Suzuki recently rolled off the production line.

First sight of next generation Honda CR-V

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

Here is the first view of the new Honda CR-V Concept, which gives a glimpse of their new styling direction. The all-new, fourth-generation CR-V is set to go on sale in Europe in just over a year, after it debuts in the United States at the end of this year.

Renault reveals new Twingo in pink

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

Renault has revealed the first image of its new Twingo. It is the first mass production vehicle to be inspired by the Renault brand’s new design identity.

Citroen launches contract service packages

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

Citroen Ireland can now offer customers a selection of service contracts across its full passenger and commercial vehicle range. Designed to provide customers with reassurance and peace of mind motoring, Citroen will offer customers a choice of three service contracts, each it says, with distinct advantages to the customer.

Twenty eight per cent of men simply will not ask for directions

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

Men declare themselves to be better map-readers than women and are far less likely to ask for directions, according to a survey of some 13,000 Irish motorists carried out by the AA.

Toyota named number one in global green brands

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

Toyota has been named as the greenest brand in the first best global green brands report published by Interbrand brand consultancy agency. The study takes into account publicly available information on a brand’s environmental performance coupled with the public’s perception of the brand’s environmental sustainability, or green image, to produce the report’s green performance score.

New Civic built for comfort and versatility

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

Honda boasts that its ninth generation Civic is more confident, clever, and versatile. It makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Honda says that the new Civic hatchback will offer stand-out looks combined with class-leading space for passengers and luggage – and will continue to deliver peace of mind with low running costs, through Honda’s famed and unparalleled reliability.

Driver support for speed cameras remains high

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

Irish motorists are still strongly in favour of speed cameras, and that support has strengthened since the new cameras were introduced, according to a new AA poll.

However, a minority remains unconvinced, and there is still some public cynicism that it is a ‘money-making exercise’.

Audi’s new compact SUV due here in October

Thu, Jul 28, 2011

The new Audi Q3 is the premium German carmaker’s first foray into the premium SUV segment. The order book opens late in August for what is the third Q-model in the series.

Keep an eye out for four-legged pedestrians

Thu, Jul 28, 2011

Not so lucky rabbits are the most common road-kill after pets, and the AA is reminding motorists driving on rural routes this summer to keep an eye out for all creatures great and small.

Its latest motor insurance poll reveals that approximately four out of 10 drivers in Ireland have run over a pet or other non-domesticated animal at some point while driving.

Ford Focus battles Volkswagen Golf for top slot

Thu, Jul 28, 2011

Based on the latest figures, the Ford Focus looks set to win the title of Ireland’s favourite car again.

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