Kadwahat Car

Renault Ireland and The Restaurant Association of Ireland have announced Renault Ireland as the official car partner of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2017, writes Trish Whelan . The Irish Restaurant Awards (RAI) will travel around the country driving new Renault models for a series of regional events this March to announce county and regional award winners across 15 different categories. County winners will be announced at four regional events with over 600 guests expected to attend each. This year’s host counties for the events are Kilkenny, Fermanagh, Limerick and Sligo. This year over 80,000 individual nominations were cast online from 11-25 January. Pictured above are Ciara Doyle (Business Development & Sponsorship Manager, Restaurant Association of Ireland), and Liz O’Gorman (Marketing Manager Renault Ireland) with two chefs from The Radisson Blue St Helen’s, Stillorgan Road, Dublin. Speaking on the quantity of nominations received, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland

These are the first pictures of Opel's new Insignia Sports Tourer which will launch in Ireland this July, a month after the Insignia Grand Sport,  writes T rish Whelan .  Both will have their world debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show,   When order books open, the car will be available with a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, along with latest generation transmissions. The second generation Insignia looks more elegant and sporty, offers a specious interior and high levels of connectivity and safety equipment. The track has been slightly increased and the wheelbase extended. Silver roof rails are standard across all equipment levels. A panorama sunroof is optional. Boot space is now 1,640 litres, and a kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the power tailgate. The cockpit is driver-orientated and the car’s ergonomic front seats come with electric side bolster settings, massage, memory and ventilation functions. Other features include heated windscreen/steer

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are holding a February Premium Plus sales event to further enhance and extend its 171 sales offers, writes Trish Whela n . In addition to the company’s 0pc APR HP commercial vehicle finance, and Ireland’s only Commercial Vehicle PCP finance solution across the entire range, customers can now get up to 3 years free road tax on selected models, or €2,500 deposit contribution for the month of February. As part of the 171 offering, customers can drive a Caddy from €50 per week, a Transporter from €70 per week, a Crafter from €80 per week, and an Amarok V6 from €112 per week, all of which are inclusive of 3 years servicing and up to 3 years free road tax. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Managing Director Alan Bateson says the February Premium Plus sales event is now available in their dealerships nationwide.  All their commercial vehicles are available for 24-hour test drives at any of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Retailers nationwide.

Motivated by a strong social conscience and keen to rent, stream and share goods and services, the Millennial generation’s revolutionary approach to spending is changing how companies, including carmakers, do business. More than four in five Millennials believe SUVs have become more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly during the last five years. Having shed their gas-guzzling reputation, SUVs are now on the shopping lists of one in four Millennials in the market for a new car. This statistic came from a Ford Motor Company-sponsored survey of 5,000 people in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK who own a car, or who intend to buy one in the next year. These respondents were aged 17-34. Ford is introducing an all-new fully electric SUV, with an estimated range of at least 480kms (300 miles), enough to drive from London to Paris. The company introduced three new SUVs in Europe last year, and the new zero-emission model will be one of five arriving by 2020. “SUV sales are risin

Skoda has announced pricing for the new Octavia which has received a facelift and will go on sale here this March, writes Trish Whelan . Petrol prices are from €19,750; diesels start from €22,895.  Petrols are a 1.2 86hp, and a 1.0 115hp; diesels include a 1.6 with 90hp/115hp and a 2.0 150hp which is also offered with 4x4. DSG automatics are also available. C02 emissions range from 108g/km to 124.  Octavia is Skoda’s top performing model in the Irish market and has been in the top four Irish selling car models for the past two years running.  Cathal Kealy, PR Manager at Skoda Ireland says the Octavia ‘has always been the heart and soul of Skoda in Ireland, and embodies all the brand’s strengths such as interior space, practicality, design quality, simply clever features and value for money and this new Octavia is no different’.  Changes include a new front-end radiator grille, and wider air inlets with a honeycomb structure in the redesigned bumper for a more dynamic look. It will keep

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Ireland Ltd have announced a 2.9pc PCP APR finance campaign available across the Alfa Romeo Giulia models until 31 March 2017, writes Trish Whelan . This limited time offer can also be used in conjunction with the option to upgrade to the Super Sport or Super Lux trim for €171, offering a saving of over €4,900. Giulia prices start from €39,995 or from €436 per month.  All Giulias come complete with a comprehensive list of standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, cruise control, dual-zone conditioning, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, and rear parking sensors. The mid-range Super trim, available from €41,995, or €458 per month, adds Alfa Connect 8.8-inch 3D navigation system, techno-leather and cloth upholstery, aluminium door sills, chrome exterior window surround, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a 7-inch TFT colour cluster display.  The Super Sport and Super Lux trims are currently available for €171 more than the compa

Volkswagen’s Touran is, for the first time, Europe’s most successful MPV with more than 112,000 new registrations in 2016, writes Trish Whelan . The latest generation of the all-rounder with its innovative driver assistance and infotainment systems, is sold over 40 countries worldwide. With its fold-flat seats (with up to seven seats and 834 litres of boot space), the Touran ranks as one of the most variable multi-purpose cars of any class. Volkswagen recently updated one of the Touran’s most important driver assistance systems: the ACC (including Front Assist surroundings monitoring and City Emergency Brake function). The adaptive cruise control now covers the speed range from 30 to 210 km/h (previously 30 to 160 km/h). Combined with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG), this spectrum widens from 0 to 210 km/h. With ACC and DSG, the Touran now moves through stop-and-go traffic almost automatically and slows to a stop and pulls away again autonomously. The car also has the 3-zone Climatronic sy

A month ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, Citroen has revealed its C-Aircross Concept which offers a new vision of the compact SUV, writes Trish Whelan . The concept’s unique identity is inspired by the New C3. It has been given a strong, original and fresh design which combines seamless, flowing lines with the features of an SUV, on a compact body. It contrasts smooth surfaces with bold graphic elements that are brought to life with splashes of colour. The blue body paint contrasts elegantly with Fluorescent Coral highlights, which bring out the fun side of this concept.  The concept features ‘opposing opening doors’, including rear-hinged doors at the back for better accessibility. Inside, there’s an elevated one-piece dashboard, and suspended and raised seats. In addition to the single spoke steering wheel, the fabric-covered dash features a tinted ‘head-up display- which is directly in the driver’s field of vision. Information is given in colours that match the car’s interior colour

Haven, a prominent Irish non-governmental organisation working on the ground in Haiti, today announced a nationwide ‘Rally for Haiti’ will take place between 3rd and 7th April led by former championship rally driver Ronnie Foreman. Tuesday, 4 April marks six months to the day since Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti. It was the most powerful hurricane to strike Haiti in over 50 years and more than 1.4 million people were left in urgent need of humanitarian aid.  Haven’s team led the emergency response on the island of Ile a Vache where many of its development programmes are based, distributing 500,000 meals, 60,000 water-purifying tablets, 40,000 sachets of water, and 1,100 tarpaulins. Ronnie is coming out of retirement to undertake the road trip around Ireland to raise awareness and vital funds for the people of Haiti, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew.   On the rally, he will visit all corners of the country, starting in Lisburn; travelling through Belfast, Derry, Don

GoCar, Ireland’s largest car sharing club, has reached a milestone 10,000 sign-ups since launching in 2008, writes Trish Whelan . To celebrate, and make car sharing accessible to more drivers across Dublin, GoCar is offering new memberships to the public at €10 for a limited period (a reduction of 80pc on the usual sign-up fee of €50) in addition to new, pay-as-you-go pricing. New pricing will eliminate monthly subscription fees for drivers and allow them to drive a GoCar vehicle from €8 per hour, with 50km of driving included on every trip at no additional cost. Drivers will also enjoy free parking at any Dublin City pay-and-display parking space across the city and incur no expense for fuel, NCGT testing, vehicle servicing, motor tax or insurance premiums. Anyone 21 years of age, or over, with a full driver licence can avail of the car sharing service and have access to over 160 cars and vans across Dublin and Cork. The reduced sign-up fee and pay-as-you-go pricing is part of GoCar’s

A huge fan of all things French, including fashion, food, holidays and the language, it was only fitting that stylish Darren Kennedy has been announced as a brand ambassador for Renault Ireland, writes Trish Whelan . Just back from the Paris Fashion Week Men, Darren is a regular visitor to France where he has both studied and worked. Last week, he picked up the key card to his brand new Renault Megane GT Line Nav. Recently named by men’s style bible GQ as one of the Best Dressed Men at London Fashion Week, Darren also got the nod fromEsquire magazine as one of the UK’s top influencers of 2016. He has fronted many successful TV series and documentaries, and has interviewed a large mix of household names including most recently Victoria and David Beckham, Chris O’Dowd, Emma Watson, Tommy Hilfiger, Ronaldo, David Gandy and Saoirse Ronan. Outside of TV, he is an accomplished columnist and entrepreneur. Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Ireland, says Darren is a great match

Customers have a chance to win a two-night luxury stay in the Powerscourt Hotel and Spa, plus dinner on one evening, by test driving any new SEAT model during the brand’s Open Week which takes place from 13-16 February, writes Trish Whelan. Offers during SEAT Open Week also include a free three-year service plan worth €700 and 0pc finance on selected Ibiza and Leon models. In addition, finance is available from 1.9pc on the Ibiza Sport and Leon SE Select with 2.9pc finance available on the all-new Ateca, SEAT’s first ever SUV model. A scrappage offer of up to €4,000 on the Leon range, and up to €2,500 on the Ibiza range is also available. Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland encourages everyone to get down to their local SEAT dealer for the Open Week and see for themselves the offers available and the quality of the current SEAT range. SEAT are celebrating a big increase in sales for January with close to 1,000 units registered in the month, an 18pc increase in sales year-on-

Suzuki is well known as the ‘Small Car Experts’ and their recently launched Ignis has made it as a finalist in the new Urban Car category of the 2017 World Car of the Year, writes Trish Whelan . To qualify for the initial judging process, cars had to be less than four metres long, suitable in design for everyday use in an urban environment and also on sale in two Continents by the deadline of Spring 2017. At 3.70 metres in length, the Ignis Mini Crossover qualified for judging and is now shortlisted with just four other new cars. The World Car of the Year judging panel comprises of 73 Automotive Industry journalists with eight of these representing the UK and Republic of Ireland. Ignis is powered by a 90hp 1.2 Dualjet petrol engine and buyers can choose the optional ALLGRIP four wheel drive. It also offers optional SHVS (that is Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology that lowers C02 emissions to 97g/km. The Ignis SZ5 models offers the latest in safety technology with stereo cameras

Fashion icon, Sonya Lennon, has been announced as an official Audi brand ambassador, writes Trish Whelan . She was presented with a new Audi Q2 which blends a low-riding sporty coupe-style look with that of a compact SUV.  The car is packed with the latest technology like a virtual cockpit, park assist and head-up display. Shireen McDonagh, Marketing & Communications Manager, Audi Ireland says “We are delighted to announce Sonya as an official Audi Ireland brand ambassador. Her style, creativity and passion for technology are reflective of our ethos, making her a great fit for our brand.”

I took a spin in one of the last big-engined Holden Commodores the other day, the SSV, writes Brian Byrne . With the imminent closure of the GM-owned brand's Australian manufacturing operations in October, this is the last of the rear-drive power saloons for which Holden is famous. The Commodore name will continue, but as a FWD European built version of the next Opel Insignia. And it won't have the 6.2 V8 with 583ph that the car I drove has. Super fast, super noise, and a pussycat in traffic, the Commodore SSV has only been sold in Australia and New Zealand. Ford closed its Australian manufacturing operation last year, and Toyota has just announced its closure of the Adelaide plant it owns, next October, marking the complete end of the Australian car industry. The picture above is a special edition of the most powerful Commodore to be built before the Holden plant closes. With 636hp on tap, it's the GTSR W1, of which just 300 units will be built because of the number of eng

With the new BMW 5 Series already revealed and ready for launch here, the next stage is the wagon version, writes Brian Byrne . It's pictured here ahead of its public debut as the 5 Series Touring at the Geneva Motor Show next month. It has a slightly longer wheelbase, offering more cargo capacity and passenger space. Features will include button control of the rear seats, and hands-free operation of the tailgate. The same long list of powertrain and technology elements as are on the saloon will pertain.

Though iconically the preserve of battered old Volkswagen T2 vans, Mercedes-Benz has marked its interest in the world of the surfer, writes Brian Byrne . The company took a stand for the first time at the world's largest aquatics exhibition, in Dusseldorf. It featured in a 'Surfer's Village' with the centrepiece vehicles being the V-Class and the Marco Polo campervan. The hall included a ten metre high static wave inviting visitors to try out indoor surfing. Beach bars, surfers' fashion and the latest board trends form the additional framework Sonni Hönscheid, Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador and stand-up paddling world champion, provided her celebrity support as the patron of the indoor surfing events and surfing competitions.

In Slovenia, the year 2017 is marked by the anniversary of the death of the greatest Slovenian architect, Joze Plecnik. The country will also join in with the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the event which significantly influenced the issuing of the first books written in the Slovenian language. The town of Ptuj is already getting ready for the Kurentovanje Festival, one of the greatest Slovenian ethnological events and one that is not to be missed. Slovenia is a country of small ski resorts which offer a pleasant and homely atmosphere. The diverse terrain is suitable for beginners and children as well as experienced skiers. Obtain a single SkiPass ticket with which you can ski at all Slovenian ski resorts. Numerous ski schools and ski instructors, who speak different languages, will make sure that you really enjoy the snow. After skiing, take a walk around town, since most of the ski resorts are close to major towns.

Kia’s fourth-generation Rio supermini will soon go on sale in the brand’s 35 dealerships in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan . Available only as a five-door hatchback, the new Rio competes in the B-segment where it faces stiff competition from big hitters like the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo.  Three trims are offered, LX, EX and Platinum but final specs have yet to be decided on. Also, while prices are planned, they have yet to be confirmed but the entry level petrol version will be priced at around €16,000, which will be around €500 more than the current model.  Two petrol and two diesel engines will be offered at launch. All Euro Stage 6b. They include a 1.25 84hp four-cylinder turbo petrol (at circa €18,250) which includes 16-inch alloys, privacy glass, manual air con, cruise control and rear parking sensor. The 1.2 petrol will be offered on all trims. The entry level diesel will be a 4-cylinder turbocharged 1.4, with 77hp. A more powerful turbocharged 1.4 putting out 90hp will be available

The drive to win passenger traffic between here and Britain has moved up a gear with the announcement by Irish Ferries of what it terms an ‘Everybody Free’ motorist offer that sees charges being made only for the car involved, with all accompanying passengers, including the driver, travelling absolutely free-of-charge, up to a limit of six people. Said by their Head of Passenger Sales, Dermot Merrigan to be ‘one of the most compelling offers Irish Ferries has ever made’, the arrangement kicks-in with immediate effect and will be applicable on all bookings made until 21 February, for travel until 26 May inclusive, on cruise and fast ferry sailings from Dublin to Holyhead and also Rosslare to Pembroke. The offer has the effect of cutting over €100 off the cost of a standard single fare to Britain for a car and four people. For further information, or to make a reservation, visit www.irishferries.com, or call 0818 300 400.

Renault’s TreZor has been voted the Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year 2016 at the 32nd Festival Automobile International in Paris, writes Trish Whelan . The jury voted for the TreZor because of the extreme beauty, sensuality and elegance it exudes. Laurens van den Acker, SVP Corporate Design, Renault, said the car’s powerful, sensous lines pave the way for the styling and technologies that will be featured in Renault's upcoming models. It also marks the beginning of a new cycle of Renault concept cars. The car’s interior design is all about driving enjoyment and has a large, enveloping touchscreen display.  The powertrain was developed from Formula E race cars and gives the TreZor capability to sprint to 100km/h in less than four seconds. The style details will find their way to future Renault cars.  We include our photo of the TreZor from the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. 

The fifth generation of the new SEAT Ibiza will make its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show and go on sale in July 2017, writes Trish Whelan . This, the brand’s most important model, has new styling while keeping the same sporty character with its fresh design.  This is a completely new model with a big advance in quality, achieved thanks to the new MQB A0 modular platform. The car is the Volkswagen Group’s first model to use this platform. The new Ibiza is roomier on the inside and larger on the outside. Legroom has been increased in the back seats by 35mm while head room has gone up by 24mm in the front seats and by 17mm in the back. Seats are much wider and the boot has also been enlarged by 63 litres with a total capacity of 355 litres. Loading height is now lower. There are four petrol engines, the 1.0 MPI with 75hp, a 3-cylinder 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115hp. A new 1.5 TSI will come late 2017 with four cylinders and 150hp.  A diesel 1.6 will come in 80, 95 and 115hp variet

A surge in imports of used cars from Britain in January has contributed to a small drop in overall new car registrations in Ireland in January 2017, compared to the same month last year, writes Brian Byrne . More than 7,500 imports in the month represented a 67pc increase in such sales, partly due to the more preferential sterling exchange rates since the devaluation of the £ against the € following the Brexit decision. In the bigger picture, the 39,000 new cars registered this January represents a small 1.75pc drop compared to the same month in 2016, and was widely expected following several years of strong growth in the Irish car business. More than 5,000 units were registered on the last day of the month, the usual pre-registration hunt by key brands to figure high in the ratings. While this might seem high, this practice is actually significantly higher in percentage terms in other markets, such as Germany. The top registrations in brand terms in Ireland in January were Hyundai, To