What to do when your teenagers start to drive

Thu, Nov 20, 2008

New drivers, particularly the under 20s, are most at risk in the early weeks and months after they pass their driving tests.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has produced top tips to help parents encourage responsible driving in the crucial first few months – and to encourage safer, more responsible drivers.

Toyota iQ wins Japanese Car of the Year award

Thu, Nov 20, 2008

The Toyota iQ, the world’s smallest four-seater passenger car, has won the 2008 Japan Car of the Year award by a landslide over 41 rivals such as the Citroën C5, Audi A4, and Jaguar XF.

VW Passat named Fleet Car of the Year 2008

Thu, Nov 13, 2008

The fleet sector - like the automotive industry as a whole - is struggling in the midst of the global downturn, with new car sales dropping month on month. Similar troubles exist for fleet operators in Britain and Ireland - difficulties within this sphere massively affect the entire automotive industry.

New Honda Accord - the premium alternative

Thu, Nov 13, 2008

The new Accord saloon and Tourer (estate) are aimed squarely at challenging the well-established six premium competitors in the D-segment in the Irish market. These are primarily four premium German competitors (Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volkswagen Passat) plus the Lexus IS and Saab 9-3. With this in mind, Honda continues to pitch the new Accord as the alternative premium, writes Padraic Deane.

Toyota Ireland supporting driver education

Thu, Nov 13, 2008

Toyota Ireland has launched a partnership with the Irish School of Excellence supporting the Secondary Schools Driver Education Programme which teaches transition year students the rudimentary requirements of safe driving.

With the support of Toyota Ireland, including the provision of a Toyota Yaris, the Irish School of Excellence programme has expanded from its origins in Munster and is now available nationwide. Founded by Kieran O'Brien in 2005 as a venture to reduce the number of road deaths of young drivers on our roads each year, the Secondary Schools Driver Education Programme promotes a common-sense and safety led approach to driving,

New 7-Series headlined latest BMW launches

Thu, Nov 13, 2008

BMW boasted a strong new line-up at the Paris Motor Show last month, headlined by the world debut of the new BMW 7 Series, and supported by the first appearance of the new BMW 3 Series.

Driving efficiently saves money

Thu, Nov 13, 2008

A team of expert drivers in the Mazda/Topaz Drive Safe, Drive Smart campaign have achieved an amazing 3.44L/100kms (81.97 miles per gallon) in a road test aimed at highlighting the benefits of driving safely and more fuel efficiently.

The team of Johnny Horan and Alastair Lindsey achieved the hugely impressive figures in a Mazda2 car on a 100 kilometre route between Kill in Co Kildare and Templeogue in Dublin.

BMW 3 Series voted most reliable car

Thu, Nov 13, 2008

BMW’s biggest selling model range, the 3 Series, has been voted the most reliable car in a survey of Britain’s vehicle leasing companies.

Final week of Tom Hogan Motors used car giveaway promotion

Thu, Nov 13, 2008

Customers in the market for a used car have just eight days remaining to avail of the Tom Hogan Motors big used car giveaway promotion.

For the past number of weeks Tom Hogan Motors reminds us that it has been offering customers who purchase any used car three giveaway offers: 12 months free road tax, two free car services, and a weekend away voucher for two people for two nights bed and breakfast in a de luxe room, dinner on evening of choice, and complimentary bottle of wine in one of four top hotels in Ireland.

Mazda’s Green Hydrogen Rotary Vehicle takes to the road

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Mazda recently announced it has introduced the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle to Norway’s public roads in collaboration with the Hydrogen Road of Norway project, which aims to establish a clean energy transport system based on hydrogen fuel.

Time to change your road behaviour

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Time was turned back last weekend as daylight saving came to an end along with the Irish summer. While many of us enjoyed the chance to sleep an hour longer, the Irish Advanced Motorists/IAM Fleet warns there are potential dangers that come with the changing of clocks and increased darkness.

Motorists need to adapt their driving behaviour to accommodate night driving conditions as the clocks change. Night falls an hour earlier, so the typical commute home from work or school will be in the dark. Night conditions make the road ahead more difficult to read and yield less information for a driver. Other road users, road signs and objects are harder to see and road conditions and edges become indistinct. Driving at night at this time of year will be aggravated by seasonal driving hazards – rain and wind.

New high-performance, low emissions Hyundai diesel engine

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Hyundai has unveiled details of its newest diesel powerplant, the R-Engine.

Stylish new Fiesta to headline big Ford dealer promotion

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Ford tells us that dealers across the country will kick off a special 10 day ‘week’ next Friday, centring on the launch of the new Ford Fiesta.

Volvo cars for the youngest children

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Volvo Cars and toy manufacturer Viking Toys have launched a playful collaboration - 'Volvo cars for the youngest members of the family'.

New 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe readies for debut

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Here is a first look at the upcoming 2009 370Z Coupe, which makes its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19. The new 2009 Nissan 370Z is the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model. Nissan says it solidifies the strengths of its predecessor with an unmatched balance of performance, style, and value. The all-new Z will go on sale at Nissan dealers in early 2009.

Used car auction at Tom Hogan Motors

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Tom Hogan Motors will be holding its first Used Car Auction on Saturday (November 8) at 12pm at its Used Car Showrooms in Ballybrit, Galway.

The auction will boast a wide selection of top quality used cars, of various makes and models. Many cars will have no reserve price, giving people an opportunity to get quality used cars at knocked-down prices.

Land Rover’s 60th anniversary event

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Attending the recent Land Rover’s 60th anniversary event were (l-r): Land Rover dealers Sean Behan from Wicklow, Bob Bradley of Bradley Motor Works in Galway, and David Harpur, managing director of Land Rover Ireland, pictured with “Old Hughie”, the first Land Rover built, which still drives today.

See the new 2009 Nissan range at Windsor Galway

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

Today the new range of Nissan vehicles will be unveiled at Windsor Galway, and the company is running a fabulous promotion on the new 09 range of Nissan cars.

Customers ordering a new Nissan Qashqai, Micra, Tiida, or Note before November17 will receive:

Ford Fiesta wins Scottish Car of the Year

Thu, Nov 06, 2008

The new Ford Fiesta has just been named Scottish Car of the Year 2008 at the 11th annual Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.

A jury of 17 Scottish automotive journalists reviewed every new car available, and after an exhaustive selection process, short-listed eight category winners. The qualities of style, dynamic driving, and value for money were quoted by the ASMW jury.