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Dacia's popular budget SUV Duster will be shown in a new generation at Frankfurt Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne . Changes to the style include a new grille and lights, redesigned bumper, and a higher beltline, along with a more steeply raked windscreen. The rear has new lights. What the company describes as a completely redesigned interior offers higher quality trim and new equipment. More when we're over there.

The new generation Porsche Cayenne was revealed yesterday, writes Brian Byrne . With elements from its smaller Macan brother SUV, and a rear treatment with elements borrowed from the Panamera, it's an overall evolutionary exercise for the model. There's a significant redesign in the driver's area, with a massive 12.3" screen hogging the centre dash. New engines to the model will include a 340hp 3.0 V6 turbo and more power to the base engine.

This is the Mini electric concept which will debut at Frankfurt the week after next, writes Brian Byrne . With the production version not due until 2019, we'll be waiting for a while before it gets space in your local Mini showroom. It's almost 10 years ago since the Mini E prototype test car was produced and given to 600 users to test it in real life conditions. Because of the battery size, it was only a 2-seater. What was learned from that test was used in the development of the BMW i3. The upcoming concept follows the reveal of the first plug-in hybrid Mini, a variant of the Countryman, last spring. We'll see the concept at Frankfurt.

Tyres are the top reason for cars failing the NCT, writes Brian Byrne . This comes from statistics released by the operator of the NCT in Ireland, Applus. And the matter is mainly down to a 'high level of disregard' among Irish motorists to tyre care and safety, according to tyre maker Continental. “The statistics about NCT failure causes are worrying on a number of levels,” says Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres (Ireland). “Firstly, it suggests that Irish motorists are simply not looking after their tyres; not checking them regularly and not having them fixed or replaced when they need to be. “These statistics also raise serious questions about the quality of tyre testing in so-called ‘pre-NCT’ checks.” Mr Dennigan suggest that motorists should bring their cars in to a reputable tyre dealer in advance of an NCT test, in addition to any pre-NCT check they might be having done.

A concept to be shown at Frankfurt by Kia suggests what the next generation cee'd will look like, writes Brian Byrne . The picture released today suggests an extended hatch format, providing streamlined looks with practical interior. It will be unveiled on 12 September.

It does follow a kind of logic, doesn't it, that electric cars could be charged by solar panels? writes Brian Byrne . Well, yes, but not yet. Though Audi has partnered with a California based solar panel maker to devise panels for the roofs of its e-tron electric cars, they won't actually charge the motor battery. At first anyhow, the panels will be used to power auxiliary systems like air-conditioning and heating. Reason? — because the output from a panel of that size wouldn't be able to add many miles range even in the sunniest of climes. One of the first of the brand's all-electric models will be the e-tron Sportback next year, shown in concept form above for the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show.

The self-driving car vision will be a growing feature of motor shows, like the the Smart concept planned for Frankfurt the week after next, writes Brian Byrne . With a teaser picture the brand previews the first model from the Daimler stable that features all four attributes of the parent company's strategy for autonomous vehicles — connected, autonomous, shared and electric, known by the acronym CASE. The concept will showcase thoughts on a vehicle that can be summoned by a customer to take it for the duration of a point to point journey, after which it will be available to another customer. This could be the taxi of the near enough future, without a gabby driver …

Kia Motors is today named as a new Official Partner of the UEFA Europa League, writes Trish Whelan . The three-year sponsorship agreement will start in time for the 2018/19 season, and runs through to the UEFA Europa League final in 2021. The UEFA Europa League is the world’s largest professional club football competition involving clubs from 54 countries across Europe and attracting a global cumulative TV audience of 980 million across all programming. As an Official Partner, Kia Motors will supply a fleet of 90 vehicles to UEFA (which stands for Union of European Football Associations) for the UEFA Europa League finals in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The fleet will be used to transport referees, officials, delegates and VIPs. In addition, Kia Motors and UEFA will carry out the first UEFA Europa League ‘Trophy Tour’ which will give fans from around the world the chance to see the iconic trophy for themselves and meet some of the legends of the game. Kia will also invite young fans from across

Renault Ireland has set up a used cars standard called Selection for Renault and Dacia secondhand cars, writes Brian Byrne . Under the scheme, participating dealers will give a minimum two years warranty and two years' roadside assistance for models up to six years old. There's also a guarantee that dealers will exchange a car which develops an irreparable fault for one of equal value, if returned within 30 days or 1,000km, under the programme. A special financing rate from Renault Bank of 4.9pc APR on PCP or HP will be available under Selection for cars purchased up to 31 October. Pictured is Brian Quinlan, Used Vehicle & Business Development Manager at Renault Ireland.

Audi is changing the way it identifies the power variants of its models, writes Brian Byrne . From the introduction of the new A8, the badging will no longer show engine size as a differentiator. Instead, the numbers sequence 30, 35, 40, 45 etc up to 70 will indicate horsepower ranges in each model. For instance, an Audi A3 30 TFSI will be the badging for that model with horsepower ranging from 109-129hp. The 45 designation will be used for cars with 227-248hp, and so on. The maximum 70 badging will be for cars with engines of 536hp and above. The S and RS high performance Audi models won't change their identifiers. The reason given for the change is to allow for inclusion of non-traditional powertrains where engine size doesn't reflect outputs.

This is a teaser sketch of the next Porsche Cayenne, which will be revealed next Wednesday, writes Brian Byrne . Sharing its platform details with the Audi Q7 and the Bentley Bentayga, the public debut will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 12 September. The new generation of the brand's second best-selling model after the smaller Macan will be substantially lighter than the outgoing version.

A Golf GTE that rolled off the Volkswagen assembly line at Wolfsburg yesterday marked a very particular anniversary for the car brand, writes Brian Byrne . It was the 150 millionth vehicle to be built by VW since it was founded over 80 years ago. The first car, built on December 27 1945, was named the Type 1 Kafer. From there what became known as the Beetle underpinned the image and the profitability of Volkswagen until the Golf came along. Of the 150 million vehicles, 21.5m of the original Beetle were built, the Golf has notched up more than 34m, and the Passat more than 20m.

With Mercedes-Benz now ready for the pickup market with its X-Class, will we see Hyundai entering the small truck business? writes Brian Byrne . Maybe, though maybe only in the US, where the company is now reported by Reuters to having given the 'yes' to development of a pickup for launch by 2020. It's expected to follow the lines of the Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept shown at Detroit in 2015, and will be based on the Santa Fe SUV. The fact that the Concept had a 2.0 diesel engine suggests the Korean company may be looking to a European entry. That's not an engine that will be used in the US for where the production vehicle is aimed first. Conversely, Mercedes-Benz has as yet no plans to sell its X-Class in the US.

The new Audi A8 due on sale in Ireland early next year will offer a very high-end sound system, writes Brian Byrne . What the company describes as a 'unique' experience of 3D sound in the rear of the car will be facilitated by there being no less than 23 speakers connected to the Bang & Olufsen system. The 3D sound technology was first provided by Audi in the Q7 released in 2015. In the A8 it will have a special setting for movie music, offering what Audi says is a replication of the movie sound quality at cinemas.

Volkswagen has revealed its new compact SUV, the T-Roc, which goes on sale in Ireland in December, writes Brian Byrne . There will be three petrol and three diesel engine options among the powertrains. The car will come in FWD and AWD versions and sits below the Tiguan in the Wolfsburg company's SUV line. All versions will come with front area monitoring and city emergency braking systems. Aimed at a young buyer profile, it will offer two-tone paintwork designs and a contrasting roof section. An active information display in conjunction with an infotainment system and smartphone integration will allow a number of online services to be accessed. Luggage space will range from 445L-1290L.

Audi’s new RS 5 Coupe high-performance coupe is the top model in the A5 family, writes Trish Whelan . It is lighter, and faster than before and boasts an all-new chassis, powerful engine and innovative infotainment features. This latest offering from Audi represents the gran turismo of the RS models with a new 2.9 TFSI V6 bi-turbo engine engineered for superior performance and higher efficiency. This engine offers sharper acceleration with full-bodied RS sound and delivers 450hp and a peak torque of 600Nm. It can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h. Quattro permanent all-wheel drive is a unique selling point in the segment and Audi says it contributes to the sporty, yet stable, handling of the RS 5 Coupe. There’s also an optional Sport differential with RS-specific tuning for an even more dynamic response when turning corners and accelerating.   A number of technology improvements, now standard, include MMI Navigation Plus, Smartphone Interface and a t

The basic selling point of Dacia cars is budget, as the Renault-owned brand is the lower-cost arm of the group, writes Brian Byrne . But there's another one — simplicity. You get what you pay for, and what you are not paying for is a big bank of technological bells and whistles.   Which is one of the things that has made the Dacia Duster such a popular car, probably. It's a decent amount of the car for the money, tough, surprisingly comfortable, and the most important powertrain bits are all proven and modern.   I wasn't given the bare bones base version to review. So I did get a couple of extra bits and pieces. But few of them were essential.   The recent revisions didn't tamper with the looks, chunky and cheerful and tall, that last great for someone who really gets bothered about all the cars I bang my head on while getting in. The new grille brightens things, the roof rails add a working ethos. The body side mouldings in the picture are extra to this Summit grade. T

If you drive in Wicklow, Waterford, Longford, Kildare, Louth, Tipperary, Donegal, Galway or Dublin, keep an eye out for one these. They are nine new Garda Traffic Corps cars going into service, one being tasked in each of these counties.

The Colin McRae Charity Run is heading back to Belfast on 16 September organised by a group of local Subaru enthusiast owners, and supported by Subaru NI and Subaru Ireland. Now in its third year the event is a tribute to the late great Colin McRae - on the tenth anniversary of Colin’s tragic loss the event plans to celebrate his many motorsport achievements and keep his name and legacy very much alive. The event starts from Eastwood Motors Subaru in Lisburn, and ends at Nearys Subaru in Lusk, Co Dublin. Registration is from 10am with family activities such as a Superhero kids meet and greet area, BBQ, bouncy castle, prize raffle, and refreshments as well as a Subaru heritage display and a hyperformance Subaru BRZ V8 conversion by local engineering specialists Momentum Tuning. An estimated 150 Subarus from across the UK and Ireland are expected, with spectators welcomed at the start/finishes. The run departs from Lisburn at 13:00 taking a scenic route through Northern Ireland with a pl

Nissan Ireland is offering up to 40 places for Leaving Cert students as an alternative to the CAO, writes Trish Whelan . Interested students should apply to the Nissan Apprentice Academy where up to 40 places are now available to anyone interested in training to become a qualified automotive technician. James McCarthy “This is no ordinary apprenticeship as it offers a unique opportunity to work with the innovative intelligent mobility technologies that are shaping the future of the motor industry and driving the demand for Nissan cars,” said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland. “We created the Academy to develop the technicians of tomorrow and to help future-proof our business so that we can service the demand for connected, autonomous and electric cars like the zero emissions Nissan LEAF and new Nissan Qashqai,” he added. Applicants can now apply online and successful candidates will be employed by local Nissan dealers across the country before the end of the year and mentored and t

Audi's latest power car, the RS 5 Coupe, will be available to order in September at a starting price of €110,750, writes Brian Byrne . With a brand-new 2.9 bi-turbo engine, offering 450hp, it claims a 3.9s sprint to 100km/h. Audi's quattro AWD is standard. The new car is lighter than its predecessor.

BMW has revealed its sixth-generation M5, which goes on sale in first markets in February of next year, writes Brian Byrne . The 4.4 V8 engine has been further enhanced, offering 600hp and a blistering 3.4 seconds sprint to 100 km/h. The car comes with a special M version of the brand’s xDrive AWD system, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The first M5 was launched in 1984, with a 286hp 6-cylinder engine.

Toyota Concept 1 The 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo will be used by Toyota to showcase its automated driving technology, writes Brian Byrne . A number of its prototype self-driving cars will be operating in a specific area of the city, which will be fully mapped for the technology. Toyota says it isn't emphasising fully autonomous cars, but vehicles in which there is still a 'partnership between human and machine' under what it calls its 'Mobility Teammate Concept'.

There's big luxury, and then there's bigger, writes Brian Byrne . And that's the case with the 6-metres long Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet that Daimler made for the annual Pebble Beach auto extravaganza in Florida. Designed as an electric car, the one-off ultra-luxury open top has 750hp available and its underfloor battery provides a claimed range of over 500km. The styling is a modern interpretation of art deco, and an extremely long bonnet emphasises the flowing lines of the cabrio.

Volkswagen is to make an electric version of its Microbus, to be called the ID Buzz, sometime after 2022, writes Brian Byrne . The vehicle will be the second in a series of specific electric cars under the ID brand. The first, a 4-door compact called the ID, is scheduled for 2022. Announced at the Pebble Beach annual car event in Florida, the ID Buzz will also have a cargo carrying variant. VW has said it plans to have more than 30 all-electric models by 2025.

West Cork rally ace Keith Cronin and his Kerry co-driver Mikie Galvin dominated the John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally at the weekend, writes Richard Burke , leading after all but one of the fourteen stages in the Sperrin Mountains to beat Swede Fredrik Ahlin by 55 seconds despite easing off on the final stage. Cronin, already three times the British Rally Champion, still has an outside chance of overhauling Ahlin for a fourth UK title in the final two rounds on the Isle of Man next month, but the Swede holds a clear lead, with the Ballylickey driver losing out badly in the early part of the season with a succession of problems. A trio of Northern Ireland drivers took the next three positions, headed by Jonny Greer in third place, but sixth for Monaghan's Sam Moffett virtually clinches the Clonakilty Blackpudding Tarmac series for him, to add to the Triton Showers National title that he has already won this year. Moffett's main rival for the Tarmac Championship, Alastair Fishe

Supermarket chain Iceland has taken delivery of four additional new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans that have entered their fleet alongside their original purchase of five units last year. All four 314/36 medium wheelbase vans have been converted by Paneltex and are fitted with Alex Original fridges. Other features include high roof, automatic gearbox, reverse camera and Parktronic parking and manoeuvring aid. These latest units will be used for Home Deliveries and will be deployed to new Iceland stores opening up across the country at Gorey, Shannon, Limerick (Watch House Cross) and Cork (Ballincollig). These new store openings will bring to 20 the total number of stores Iceland operates across Ireland.

Skoda's compact SUV the Karoq will arrive in Ireland in December, following its debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne . Prices and specifications for the Irish market will be announced in mid-October. Just two grades will be offered, following a decision by Skoda Ireland not to import the base Active model. This is the result of experience with sales of the larger Kodiaq model, where only 2pc of customers went for the basic car. Two further Karoq grades will be offered in 2019, both upper level.

Irish Ferries passenger sales manager, Marie McCarty has labelled their high-profile patronage at Waterford’s recent Spraoi Festival a ‘resounding success’. Over the August Bank Holiday Weekend spectators in their tens of thousands flocked to Ireland’s oldest city for a three-day carnival of performing arts, street theatre entertainment and countless live music acts. As the official travel partner for the event, which was celebrating its twenty-fifth year, Irish Ferries assisted organisers in attracting participants from overseas by providing transport to all of the acts travelling to Ireland from Britain, France and further afield. Pictured are Irish Ferries’ Marie McCarty and Caitriona Butler pictured with a performer at Waterford’s 2017 Spraoi Festival.

New York Travelfox are offering city breaks to destinations such as Edinburgh, Malaga, Krakow or to the bright lights of New York or Las Vegas, writes Trish Whelan . Prices are based on flights from Shannon. Alternative airports may be available. All offers are subject to availability, early booking is essential and prices are based on two people sharing. Edinburgh Edinburgh - You can spend Valentine's Day in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Fly on 13 February 2018 and stay in the 4* Novotel Edinburgh Hotel for two nights, B&B. Prices from €239pp. Krakow, Poland - Fly from Shannon to Krakow and spend four nights B&B in the 4* Galaxy Hotel. Prices from €279pp departing 4 December 2017. Malaga Malaga, Spain - Fancy a city break to Malaga? Why not spend three nights in the 4* Silken Puerta Malaga, B&B in October. Prices from €349pp departing 21 October 2017. Las Vegas Nevada - Spend 4 nights in the 3* Circus Circus, room only. A great place to visit this Nove

The current and increasing preferences by car buyers for SUVs may cause problems for European carmakers in meeting more stringent fleet emissions requirements, writes Brian Byrne. This is because compact through large SUVs in Europe are very reliant on diesel for their power, but sales of diesel engines are dropping ahead of more bans on the technology in cities. Tougher CO2 emissions standards will come into effect over the next three years, and in order to meet them, carmakers will need to invest strongly in hybrid technology. This is why Volvo recently announced it would be incorporating hybrid components in all its powertrains from 2019. Jaguar is taking the all-electric route with its new I-Pace, due for launch later this year. And Audi will have a battery-powered e-tron SUV next year. According to figures compiled by JATO Dynamics, SUVs accounted for 26pc of all passenger car sales in 2016. By 2020 that penetration is expected to reach 36pc according to a forecast from LMC Automo

Killarney & District Motor Club will host the 2017Jimmy Devane Memorial Killarney Autocross on Sunday next August 20th, writes Austin Shinnors . The event will once again be based on grass surface, with  a new venue  at Ballaugh, Killarney on the N72. The Jimmy Devane Memorial Autocross event was first held in 2011 in honour of Jimmy Devane who was a prominent member of the Killarney Club. Jimmy was also a highly respected  autocross and rally driver who sadly  passed away in 2009. The Jimmy Devane Cup is awarded to the fastest time of the day at the event each year. Sunday's autocross is round five and the half way point in the nine round  Munster Autocross Championship. It is also the first race on grass which will add excitement to a very competitive championship. Corkman Paul O'Driscoll tops the leader-board with 72 points, 4 points ahead of Clare driver Brian Hassett. Fachtna Mc Carthy is third with 50 points, ten ahead of Sean Cahill - the 2016 Munster champion. Brian

Two DPD parcel delivery franchises have taken the decision to enhance their fleet of commercial vehicles with the recent addition of two new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans each. Supplied by Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles main dealer, Kinahan Commercials of Moate, two of the new units will operate from the Mayo depot in Foxford with the other two servicing the Longford / Roscommon base. Finished in DPD’s white, red and black livery and complete with the Sprinter 21st birthday pack, the 314/43 vans all feature an upgraded radio with 14.7 cm TFT display (Audio 15), cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, reverse camera, leather steering wheel and adjustable steering column. With roots tracing back to 1986, DPD Ireland now handles in excess of 13 million parcels per year. Recently the company doubled its hub size and trebled its sorting capacity from 7,000 to 21,000 parcels per hour.

Ireland’s Road Safety Authority is seeking nominations for its ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety 2017’ awards, now in its 10th year. These awards recognise and honour the contribution made by people and organisations nationwide in reducing deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads. In particular they have acknowledged remarkable contributions made by volunteers, teachers, students, businesses, journalists and community groups in making the roads safer for all. Entries will be accepted in each of the following categories: Road Safety Officer of the Year; Education - Pre-primary, Primary, Secondary, Special, Third Level/Further and Community Education; Public Sector; Emergency Services; Local Media; National Media; Business; Future Award; Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) of the Year; CPC Trainer of the Year; and CPC Training Organisation of the Year. The winners in each of these categories will go forward and be in with a chance of becoming the winner of the Supreme Award for 2017. Nomina

Volkswagen is holding the world premiere of its new compact crossover, the T-Roc, on Wednesday 23 August, writes Brian Byrne . The car’s design offers an SUV style for use in an urban context, with style themes which include a wide radiator grille with integrated dual headlights. The housings for the turn signals and daylight running lights are positioned in the front bumper, a tilt back at 80s/90s cars which breaks with current practice of having them high to prevent damage. Picture of 2014 concept above from the Geneva Motor Show courtesy of Norbert Aepli, Switzerland.

This is a pre-production version of a new Chinese SUV that is slated to go on sale in Europe in the next couple of years, writes Brian Byrne . Its model name will be revealed next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show by Chery Automobile Company, which says it plans to sell a range of hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. Chery is the most successful exporter of vehicles in China. It has sold over 1.2m units overseas since it was founded — more than any other Chinese carmaker — and it is also the first Chinese manufacturer to pass total sales of more than 6m vehicles. In 2016, Chery Group sold over 700,000 units, a year-on-year rise of 28pc. Of this number, approximately 100,000 vehicles were exported — representing almost 30pc of all Chinese vehicle exports.

The latest generation of the Land Rover Discovery aligns the nameplate with its smaller sibling Sport variant in style and positioning, writes Brian Byrne . But it also lifts it away from a significant part of the customer base in Ireland. The tall and square shape of the previous car made it a very practical commercial, and for owners in the agricultural and construction sector it was a popular choice. The new one, as far as I can see, doesn't lend itself as well to commercial use. And as yet, probably because there's a pent-up demand for the new car as a passenger vehicle, there's no sign of a commercial offering. It is also becoming difficult to separate Land Rover and its luxury Range Rover division in premium terms. The Discovery is now as close as it gets to a Range Rover in comfort and specification terms. So why move up the cost ladder just for a badge and a few more goodies? But that's for customers to decide. The shape is sleeker, though there are some tips of