Opel Insignia - 2009 European Car of the Year

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Opel's new family car, the Insignia, which was voted 2009 European Car of the Year, is now on sale.

New Seat Ibiza sport arrives

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Following the stylish new Ibiza, the Ibiza sport coupe has just arrived with 1.2-litre/1.4-litre petrol, and 1.4 TDi diesel power.

January sees the arrival of 'Green' Ecomotive versions of the popular Alhambra 2.0 TDI MPV and Leon 1.9 TDI (5-door) arrive.

Mini convertible to make welcome return

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

The new Mini convertible is set to make a welcome return to Irish roads in 2009, with a new version (based on the current hatch) due to go on sale at the end of March.

New BMW Z4 due in May

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

The latest in BMW’s long and successful roadster family, the new Z4, made its debut at the recent Detroit Motor Show, and will go on sale in Ireland in May.

The BMW Z4 is the first to come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated retractable hard-top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. The new roadster is also the first vehicle to be offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations and lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive. By way of comparison, the Sport+ setting of the new car is comparable to the outgoing Z4’s standard ride comfort level.

New Porsche four-door Panamera Gran Turismo

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Porsche will be presenting the new Panamera to the public for the first time at Auto Shanghai 2009 in China from April 20 to 28.

The four-door Panamera combines a wide range of features, seemingly contradictory at first sight, but offering a unique synthesis quite unparalleled in the premium segment.

Donnelly pounces on day two to win Galway International Rally

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Four-times Irish champion Eugene Donnelly and co-driver Paddy Toner claimed victory in this year’s Safety Direct Galway International Rally 2009.

Lexus takes hybrid technology to a higher level

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

The Lexus RX 450h will take its advanced hybrid power technology to a higher level when it arrives in Europe in the summer.

Lexus remains the only manufacturer to offer hybrid models in this segment in Europe. Lexus is not slow to point out that it is now presenting its second generation model before its rivals manage to bring their first hybrid contenders to the showroom.

Restyled Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster arrives

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

It may be winter, but some motorists are already thinking ahead to spring, long balmy summer days, and the pleasure of open-top, wind-in-the-hair motoring. Please don't wake me up yet.

New Jaguar XF diesel S on the way

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

When it was introduced last year, the Jaguar XF was recognised as a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language. It also soon became apparent that here was a car where the driving experience exceeded the expectations created by the striking appearance.

Companies to benefit from VAT reduction on Mondeo Econetic

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

Ford tells us that changes to the Finance Bill are set to bring good news to companies opting for diesel Mondeo models, in particular the ultra-low-emission Ford Mondeo Econetic.

Safe driving in severe weather

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

The recent heavy frost will no doubt return again and again over the winter and early spring. Here is some advice for safer driving in severe weather:

Lancia sponsors World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

Lancia is part of the Fiat Group and will return to the Irish market early in 2010 when Lancia Delta and Ypsilon will be launched here.

Volvo Cars' whiplash system celebrates ten years

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

Whiplash injuries are among the most common of all traffic injuries, and Volvo Cars was one of the earliest manufacturers to introduce proper protection aimed at reducing its risk.

Volvo's highly effective system, WHIPS, which halves the risk of long-term after-effects, is now celebrating 10 years in operation.

€750,000 and you don't get a roof or a windscreen

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of its highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car.

Mike Bird and Kevin Keane are top Galway crew for Galway rally

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

The 2009 Safety Direct Galway International Rally gets under way on Friday January 16 with more than 40 local Galway crews on the entry list.

More recognition for Volkswagen commercial vehicles

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

The Volkswagen Caddy and its new, larger sibling the Caddy Maxi received some good news at the UK-based What Van? Vans of the Year Awards 2008. This comes on top of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles celebrating the Transporter winning the Best Medium Van award at the inaugural Fleet Van Awards.

Ford unveils €10m van package to ‘keep Ireland moving’

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Ford Ireland has launched a unique sales and marketing initiative to help small and medium-sized businesses weather the difficult economic climate.

Twenty-five years of the world’s first and favourite MPV

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Chrysler is celebrating a quarter-century of MPV innovation, on-going development, and leadership since launching the world’s first MPV.

VW Scirocco named Top Gear Car of the Year

Tue, Dec 30, 2008

Volkswagen’s new Scirocco has been named Car of the Year 2008 by Top Gear.

New Mazda3 five-door hatchback premieres in Italy

Tue, Dec 30, 2008

The new Mazda3 five-door hatchback is being launched this week at the Bologna Motor Show. This second generation hatchback follows rapidly on the heels of the new four-door saloon version, displayed at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show. Mazda Ireland tells me that both models will arrive in Ireland in May and should be worth waiting for, writes Padraic Deane.

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