Yang kedua

A new schedule for 2018 from Irish Ferries includes a doubling of summer sailings to France with the introduction of new ferry WB Yeats, writes Brian Byrne. The vessel is currently being built in Germany and will arrive in the middle of next summer. Daily departures will be offered alternatively from Dublin and Rosslare ports. There will also be an increase in autumn/winter sailings frequency, and an expansion in passenger, car and freight carrying capacities on the company’s prime Ireland–UK route between Dublin and Holyhead.

This is the new generation Jeep Wrangler, which will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of November, writes Brian Byrne . The spiritual and line successor to the original WW2 GP vehicle that created the iconic brand subsequently, there are few details of this latest one except that the company says it will deliver even more 4x4 capability in a 'a modern design that stays true to the original'. Fuel-efficient powertrains, more open-air options, and more safety features and advanced technology are also promised. There will be 'dozens' of different door, top and windshield combinations, which will include a fold-down windshield for those who love to get grit and bugs in their faces.

Citroen has given an 'early bird' view of its substantially revised C4 Cactus, which will go on sale at the end of next year, writes Brian Byrne . While there are significant changes to the external look of the car, and to the interior, the big changes are unseen but will be felt, with a completely new suspension system. Externally the changes include a much stronger front end treatment, enhancing the Citroen identity and also focusing on a very contemporary design. The unique Airbumps are now slimmer and have migrated from the main door panels to lower, while the front bumper gets a more protective role for the fog-lights and the lower grille. the car will be powered by powered by PureTech 3-cylinder petrol and and update BlueHDi diesel engines.

The new Audi A7 Sportback will arrive in Ireland in February 2018, writes Brian Byrne . The car has been developed for highly automated driving, and 'piloted' driving functions will be gradually brought into production. These will include parking pilot, garage pilot and traffic jam pilot. That last will be introduced incrementally, depending on the legal situation in each market. In all there are a total of 39 driver assistance systems available on the car. There will be a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines in both petrol and diesel. The 3.0TDI 231hp is expected to be the most popular variant.

Nissan showed two electric concepts at this week's Tokyo Motor Show, a crossover and a 'hot Nismo version of its Leaf, writes Brian Byrn e. The IMx is a four-seat crossover with a range of more than 600kms according to the Japanese system of calculation. The twin electric motors can deliver up to 700Nm of torque, and the driving experience is very solid thanks to the low centre of gravity. The Nismo variant concept of the new generation Leaf features improved aerodynamics with a sporty ambience. Nissan also announced that it is entering the Formula E racing competition in 2018/2019, the same time that partner Renault will be leaving it to concentrate on its Formula 1 activities.

A number of getaway offers to hotels in Kilkenny and Wexford Christmas options for those wanting a change of space and pace, writes Brian Byrne . Hotel Kilkenny is offering an adults only Christmas Eve and Christmas Day which sounds like real relaxation for those who don't have child-centred duties over the holiday. For €395 per person sharing, there's a welcome reception on Christmas Eve, with dinner and entertainment and a complimentary festive drink, before retiring. The Christmas Day start is with a full Irish breakfast and then an opportunity to have a swim at the health and fitness club before a traditional Christmas lunch. In the afternoon there's a visit from magician Andy James, and later in the evening a full dinner followed by live musical entertainment. After breakfast on St Stephen's Day, guests can depart at leisure and enjoy medieval Kilkenny. To stay over until the following morning is possible for €55 per person sharing. A similar adults only two-night

Denis Naughten TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, is driving an electric Renault Zoe ZE 40 during the course of his normal duties this week, writes Brian Byrne , including between Dáil Éireann and his constituency of Roscommon-Galway. The Renault Zoe has the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle, which Renault estimates at up to 300km in real-world driving.

This is Mazda's latest concept, the Vision Coupe unveiled at this week's Tokyo Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne . The sense of 'one-piece' in the styling, which is devoid of any harsh angularities, is a good example of the brand's 'Soul of Motion' design theme. There's no indication if this will become a production car, but if it did it would be seriously putting it up to a lot of the luxury coupes currently on the European market.

The Kona pictured at the Frankfurt Motor Show. ©Irish Car+Travel. Hyundai's new Kona small SUV will be on sale in its Irish dealerships from 1 November, priced from €20,995, writes Brian Byrn e. It will be available in four trim levels, the first three of which are powered by 120hp 1.0 turbo petrol engines. A 1.6 petrol automatic is also available. A fully electric version, and one powered by a 1.6 diesel, will be available towards the end of next year. Standard on all versions are Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, LED Running Lights, Lane Keep Assist, and a Driver Fatigue Warning System. The Kona is built on a completely new platform.

Kia Ireland has launched its new Stonic here at a starting price of €18,599, writes Brian Byrne . The completely new small SUV is available with three petrol and one diesel engine — 1.2 petrol in the K1 entry level, 1.4 petrol and 1.6 diesel in the K2 and K3 grades which are expected to represent the bulk of the sales, and a 120hp 1.0 turbo petrol in the top K4 grade. All grades have a high level of specification, the entry K1 including alloys, Bluetooth, cruise control and 7-inch centre screen. Additions on the K2 include LED day running lights, A/C and roof rails, while the K3 gains driver assistance systems, a DAB radio and a rear view camera among other items. K3 and K4 grades will have the option of specifying a contrasting roof colour. The diesel engine attracts a €2,000 premium over the petrol in the grades where it is available. The Irish distributor expects to sell more petrol than diesel Stonics, a reversal of trend becoming evident in the size of car. Kia Ireland's MD Ja

Ireland’s TDC supported Autotest team took runner up position behind old rivals Northern Ireland, in the Ken Wharton Memorial International Autotest at Alcester, in Warwickshire, at the weekend, writes Richard Burke . After seven long, demanding tests, totalling well over two thousand seconds, there was just 20 seconds between the two teams from this island, with England, Scotland and Wales trailing behind. Kilkenny’s Ian White, making his debut in the event, was the star of the Irish team, finishing second in the individual competition behind English veteran Malcolm Livingston, with NI team leader Paul Blair next in line. Leitrim’s David Thompson finished fourth, taking a class win. This was Northern Ireland’s 36th win in the long history of the event, another new record. 20 year-old Navan driver Keith Donegan finished the final of the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch yesterday in second place, just one tenth of a second behind winner Joey Foster after battling his way through fr

Lynda Hayden from Drogheda, Co Louth, is the lucky winner of a luxury cruise to New York as part of the Ford 100 New Century Sales Event promotion, writes Trish Whelan . Organised to commemorate 100 years of Ford in Ireland, Lynda won the nationwide competition by taking a test drive in a Ford at her local Ford Dealership, Smith's of Drogheda. She will now get the chance to follow in the footsteps of Ford's founder, Henry Ford, by sailing across the Atlantic on a Cunard cruise-liner. Lynda is pictured receiving her prize from Ciaran McMahon, Managing Director and Chairman of Ford Ireland; and Nicky Smith, Dealer Principal of Smith's of Drogheda, along with her partner Thomas Hayden and daughter Sarah Hayden. Ford is currently running a 'Clean Up for 181' campaign that includes a reduction of up to €6,000 on some of Ireland's best-selling cars and up to €4,000 on Ford's commercial vehicle range.

Take care when driving as we head into the winter season, writes Trish Whelan . We've already had a taste of what may be to come with Ophelia, Brian, and last week's heavy rain. The way for motorists to deal with it is basically  to use common sense. Which is what Liberty Insurance offers in its check-list for motorists on winter driving. 1. Be sure to stay up to date on minute by minute weather and traffic reports – that way you’ll anticipate and avoid dangerous roadways. 2. Strong winds may affect control of your vehicle, particularly high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists so allow extra space on the road. Make sure there is plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This should be a minimum of four seconds in heavy rain. 3. Anticipate gusts. Take special care when driving through areas prone to strong winds or when weather reports predict severe weather. 4. Watch out for loose objects and fallen branches that may have been blown on to the road. 5. Use you

Launched in November last year, the New C3 has already sold 200,000 units, making it Citroen's best seller, writes Trish Whelan . With its success, C3 orders were up 64pc in Europe in the first nine months of the year. Over 400 units have been sold in Ireland in 2017 year to date. Over 75pc of the car's Irish sales are now petrol showing the reversal of the traditional dominance of diesel sales in this segment for Citroen in Ireland. A real eye-catcher, customer choices focused on customisation and technology, symbolic of an 'impulse' buy. Figures show nearly 45pc of orders were for the high-end model (Shine); over 60pc of sales were for the two-tone option; over 55pc of sales had the Airbumps; over 30pc of sales were with an optional coloured interior ambiance, and over 90pc of Irish sales included the Style Pack of Airbumps and bi-tone roof. The C3 has won 30 awards across Europe to date.

Skoda Rapid Skoda's 181 Sales Event is being rolled out at the brand's dealerships nationwide until the 31 October, writes Trish Whelan . The event will see two new model versions being unveiled at showrooms across the country, the Skoda Rapid and Skoda Citigo. The Rapid comes with a fresh new face and new equipment which includes LED daytime driving lights, modern touchscreen sound systems and stylish interiors. The Rapid gets a brand new 1.0 TSI 95bhp petrol engine which delivers diesel-rivalling fuel consumption of 4.5 L/100kms and annual road tax from €190. Prices start from €19,140 for the duration of the Sales Event. Skoda are offering 0pc PCP finance on all new Rapids. The Citigo has also undergone a facelift with a fresh new look including body paint colours, wheels and connectivity technology. Prices have remained unchanged, starting from €11,550 for 5-door versions. Other incentives and offers across the range are 0pc PCP finance on Fabia, Octavia and Superb. The Scra

A calendar for 2018 produced by Volkswagen Ireland will raise funds for Pieta House, writes Brian Byrne . The photographs are selected from 5,000 entries in a competition on Instagram run over two months in the summer. Each calendar will cost €10 and all proceeds go directly to Pieta House. The images include a wedding in a vintage VW camper to scenes from the streets of Dublin, through an adventure in the mountains and all the way to a sunset in Kinsale. The winners of the competition visited the Volkswagen factory during the summer, as well as receiving a number of technology prizes.

A new tourism initiative to attract visitors to the mountain and other attractions of middle Munster has been launched, writes Brian Byrne . The Munster Vales programme was devised by tourism services providers in the areas of the Ballyhouras, the Galtees, Knockmealdown and Comeragh mountain ranges and their associated valleys. The initiative is a subset within the Ireland's Ancient East idea, and is aimed at focusing attention on the many attractions beyond the major iconic destinations. Pictured above at the launch in Lismore Castle are Triona O'Mahony, Destinations & Marketing Manager, Munster Vales; Sinead Carr, Chair of Munster Vales Board, with Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Brendan Griffin; and Marie Phelan of Tipperary Tourism. The Munster Vales marketing concept was initiated when a number of smaller tourism providers realised that while the Ireland's Ancient East programme could bring in big numbers to the iconic attractions, they were 'not gett

Mulcahy Car Sales, Ardcroney, Nenagh, Co Tipperary was awarded the highly commended award at the Citroen & DS Automobiles Dealer of the Year Awards 2017, writes Trish Whelan . Damian Mulcahy was officially presented with the award by Chris Graham, Managing Director, Citroen & DS Automobiles Ireland, at the 2017 Dealer Conference which took place at the Mullingar Park Hotel last month. Mulcahy car Sales has been operating for almost 50 years and was appointed a Citroen dealer in 1996. They have invested significantly in the business including upgrading the IT systems this year and Dealer Principal Damian Mulcahy has promoted and appointed Niamh Kennedy, Miss Ireland, as a Brand Ambassador. The dealership is heavily involved in the local community through the sponsorship of their local GAA club, Kilruane McDonaghs GAA Club. On receiving the award, Damian said “Our customers are our number one priority and we aim to provide the very best customer experience possible. We enjoy repr

SEAT Arona SEAT’s 181 offers will be available across its 23-strong dealer network from now until 20 November. The 181 campaign includes a 2.9pc PCP finance on the new Arona Crossover and on the Ateca. Finance is available from 1.9pc on the new Ibiza and the Leon. Incentives also include scrappage offers of up to €3,000 on the Ateca and Leon while a three-year service plan is available for €199. SEAT is giving away free product packs on their core models saving the customer up to €2,500.

Ford is offering up to €6,000 discounts on some of its best-selling models under a 'Clean Up for 181' deal to take old and less efficient cars off the roads, writes Brian Byrne . Extended warranties and a 0.0pc PCP offer are also part of a package of incentives to get people into new Ford cars in the new year. The top reductions apply to Kuga ST-Line, Galaxy Titanium, and S-MAX Titanium+, while the Focus Titanium and ST-Line can attract discounts of up to €5,500 and €5,305 respectively. The offer also extends to the brand's LCVs, with reductions of up to €4,000 on the Transit Van range and the Ranger pickup. The incentive means that all buyers will drive away vehicles which meet the latest Euro 6 emissions regulations. The offer applies to vehicles ordered before December 31 2017.

Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Edition 50 The family of high-performance AMG models from Mercedes-Benz is likely to become an even bigger part of the German car maker’s model offering here in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan . Demand for models carrying the iconic AMG badge continues to grow with continuing increases in manufacturing output now running in excess of 100,000 units per annum.   AMG cars are performance-bred, and are based on Mercedes-Benz’s long-standing sporting pedigree and its very successful, and ongoing, involvement in Formula 1 racing. Appealing to what Ciaran Allen, Mercedes-Benz sales manager for passenger cars in Ireland, says is a ‘younger, sportier market’, the AMG range constitutes one of three ’sub brands’ being developed by the luxury manufacturer - others being the Maybach ‘super luxury’ models and a new eco-friendly EQ Electric range - each one of which will increasingly develop its own individual and distinctive ‘brand persona’ as each year passes. Moving upwards t

Blackwater Motors has expanded further in Cork with the opening of the Volkswagen van Centre location on Model Farm Road in Cork City, writes Trish Whelan . Blackwater Motors, which already operates two VW Commercial Vehicles sites in Fermoy and Skibbereen, will bring new investment and jobs to the city of Cork. The new Van Centre includes an open plan six vehicle showroom with a further interior display area which showcases the entire VW Commercial Vehicle range as well as a 50-vehicle forecourt for approved Vantage used commercial vehicles. Denis Murphy and David Quirke, Directors at Blackwater Motors Volkswagen, say with their specialised Commercial Vehicle Team, they can provide practical advice for business owners and fleet managers on all aspects of van ownership. Alan Bateson, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland added “We are delighted to open Cork’s first 100pc dedicated Commercial Vehicle Centre. This showroom is a perfect showcase of what we are and what we do.

Volkswagen eGolf The proposal for 0pc BIK on electric vehicles in 2018 has been welcomed by Volkswagen Group Ireland Managing Director Lars Himmer, writes Trish Whelan . He said "This is a great signal of intent from the Government and will support business users to make the switch to this exciting new technology. However, he asked for more clarity on how long this is likely to remain as most company cars are bought on 3-4 year deals. "With 0pc BIK on our eGolf, this means that compared to an equivalent Golf 1.6 TDI, for someone provided with a company car there can be thousands saved in BIK which could translate into hundreds of euro per month to the end user in savings."

This Friday, 13 October, Alan Bateson, Brand Director for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Ireland will take part in Focus Ireland’s annual ‘Shine A Light Night’ fundraiser which sees the business community come together for one night to raise vital funds and to stand in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness in Ireland today with sleep outs taking place at Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral and Cork’s City Gaol. Focus Ireland’s Shine a Light Night has become a major event amongst Irish business leaders, and since 2012 the annual sleep-out has raised over €2.5 million for people who are experiencing homelessness all over Ireland.   Commenting ahead of the night, Alan said “I was shocked to realise that today there are over 8,000 people homeless in Ireland and that 3,000 of these are children, children just like mine and yours and that statistic really hits home. This is an increase of 60 per cent in 12 months; homelessness is now at levels never witnessed before so I’ve signed

Citroen's new C3 Aircross compact SUV Citroen has unveiled its new brand campaign ‘Citroen Inspired by You’, with the airing of its new TV advert for the first time yesterday on Irish television, writes Trish Whelan . To celebrate the new brand campaign, Citroen Ireland are offering customers 5-years unlimited mileage warranty on all passenger vehicles. ‘Inspired by You’ is the creed behind Citroen’s solutions in terms of product, technology, services and customer relations. The new advert, https://youtu.be/9BG_o1_rdi4 highlights the ‘Inspired by You’ signature. The 5-year Unlimited mileage warranty is exclusive to Citroen customers in Ireland.  

Audi A4 Audi Future Now 181 Sales Event is now underway across its 11 authorised dealerships nationwide, writes T rish Whelan . Offers include a Scrappage EcoGrant offer of up to €6,500, is open to owners of diesel Euro 1-4 emission standard cars or below, and is available to owners of all makes of cars, not just Audi owners. This offer is available with Audi’s PCP finance rates and exclusive equipment pack offers across the Audi range. The Future Now 181 Sales Event also allows motorists experience the latest technology and design innovations that are offered throughout the Audi 181 range. These include a range of upgrade packs for A4 and A6 models. The A4 SE Edition 50 upgrade package includes a metallic paint finish, 18-inch alloys, ambient lighting pack, front parking sensors, comfort armrest and heated front sports seats, for €1,500 representing a saving to the customer of more than €3,200.   The A4 is available with an Audi Scrappage EcoGrant offer of €5,000 and from €359 per mon

Gary is pictured with his Ford Escort Gary Kiernan has been nominated for this year’s Motorsport Ireland Billy Coleman Young Rally Driver Award for his performances in July and August, writes Richard Burke . The 26 year-old from Bailieborough, Co Cavan, drove his Ford Escort to outright victory in the Imokilly Stages Rally in East Cork, and also won his class and finished fifth overall, behind a quartet of four-wheel-drive Supercars, in the Galway Summer Rally, a round of the Triton Showers National Championship. Earlier in the year, Gary was the overall winner of the National section of the Galway International Rally and also took fifth place, with another class win, in the Cavan Stages Rally. Gary began rallying in 2011, driving in his first events while still a student, and became a regular competitor two years later, winning the Border Championship outright, and taking his class in the National Rally Championship. In 2015, he took a class victory in the Border series and was class

Keenan Bauer Motors, Mullingar, Co Westmeath has been awarded the Citroen & DS Automobiles Aftersales Dealer of the Year Award 2017, writes Trish Whelan .   Pat Keenan and David Bauer were officially presented with the award by Sean Foran, Citroen & DS Ireland at their showrooms in Mullingar last week.   Since they began trading in Westmeath, Keenan Bauer Motors has established a tradition of ‘value for money and total dedication to customer service’. They pride themselves on being an active member of their local community and are delighted to represent the Citroen & DS brands in the midlands. Pictured above at the presentation in Keenan Bauer Motors are Dealer Principals, Pat Keenan and David Bauer; with Sean Foran, Citroen & DS Ireland.   The Keenan Bauer Motors team are pictured below.

Bolands Waterford has received the accolade of Citroen & DS Automobiles Sales Dealer of the Year Award 2017 from a network of 19 authorised sales dealerships nationwide, writes Trish Whelan . Jim Boland was officially presented with the award by Chris Graham, Managing Director, Citroen & DS Ireland at the 2017 Dealer Conference at the Mullingar Park Hotel last month. Bolands Waterford has been a franchise of the Citroen & DS Automobiles Brands for five years. Their state of the art premises is located on the Cork Road, Waterford. Pictured at the presentation is Chris Graham, MD Citroen & DS Ireland; Jim Boland, Dealer Principal, Bolands Waterford, and Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of International Motors Limited (IML), UK & Ireland.

Land Rover will be offering a plug-in hybrid version of its Sport next year, writes Brian Byrne . The variant will be the final part of a refresh of the model launched in 2014, which includes detail changes to the exterior — including a new grille and LED headlights — and a significant revamp of the interior. This latter includes the provision of two 10" touchscreens for management of various functions as well as navigation and visibility. The plug-in hybrid will offer nearly 400hp combined from its 2.0 turbo petrol and electric motor combination. The EV range will be in the order of 50km. Some changes have been made to the AWD system to save weight. Meantime, below is a Land Rover supplied video about a very special Discovery for Jamie Oliver. Sometimes, being a car just isn't enough ...

Linders Renault and Dacia Turvey is celebrating its first birthday this Saturday 7 October with a Family Fun Day from 12pm to 3pm in its Turvey Avenue dealership, writes Trish Whelan . A special guest on the day will be Linders Renault brand ambassador, Dublin GAA player, Man of the Match for the 2017 Football Final and Footballer of the Year, James McCarthy who will be on hand to sign jerseys and footballs and pose for pictures. The legendary Sam Maguire Cup may even make an appearance for the celebrations! One lucky fan from a local GAA club will also get the chance to become a GAA reporter for a day and interview James in front of a camera crew by sending a short video of themselves asking James a question to competitions@lindersrenault.ie before tomorrow, 5 October. 98FM will be joining in the fun on the day with pace painting and other goodies, and families can also enjoy tasty food and drinks. Linders Turvey Dealer Principal John McSweeney is pictured above with James McCarthy. J

Since Volvo came under Chinese ownership, its models range and ability have improved by a level that shows just how big a challenge China's car industry will put to the global big carmakers in coming years, writes Brian Byrne . Like Tata did when it bought Land Rover, Geely Automotive has given Volvo the investment and the freedom to go and do what it does best, allowing it also to retain its homeland icon status. The mid-sized XC60 SUV has for some time been Volvo's best selling model, and right up to its regeneration debut at the Geneva Motor Show last March, the nameplate was on a continuing annual sales uptick. The new car has grown in most dimensions. In particular, a stretch in wheelbase will always offer a better drive and passenger experience. The platform is a scaled variant of the same one that has brought the larger XC90 and S90 qualitatively to the top of their space. Among other things, the company says it offers a significantly higher level of safety in any impact

In time for 181, Citroen has enhanced the trim levels available on its C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso family models offering its most popular extras, under two streamlined levels - the entry level Touch and the new Feel Exclusive, writes Trish Whelan . Citroen is also introducing the award-winning PureTech 130 engine to the new Feel Exclusive grade, in both manual and automatic versions in response to customer demand which has seen the trend shift towards petrol. The high specced entry level Touch trim, priced from €29,995, now offers additional extras of privacy glass and height adjustable passenger seats. Feel Exclusive, starting from €32,820, offers an additional €1,600 worth of added extras compared with the outgoing Feel grade including half-leather trim, massage front seats, electric power tailgate and electric reclining front leg rests. These extras on Touch and Feel Exclusive come at no additional cost to the customer. The optional Techno Pack is introduced on the Feel Exclusi