Irish Car+Travel Magazine

Renault Scenic XMOD arrives

2013-05-17T15:36:00.000+01:00

The New Scenic XMOD arrives in Irish showrooms from this month priced from €26,090-€31,190, writes Trish Whelan.

It combines the outdoor cues of a crossover with the more refined world of an MPV. It comes with raised ground clearance and alloy wheels, special front and rear bumpers and chrome-finish roof bars across the range.

In Ireland, the car will be available in two diesel Stop & Start engines, the Energy dCi 110 and dCi 130 engine.

The Energy dCi 110 has a fuel consumption of 4.1 L/100kms and a C02 emission rating of 105g/km (Tax Band A2). Also available is the new Energy TCe 115 petrol engine which is thirstier at 6.1L/100kms and is in Tax Band B2.

Two editions are offered here, Dynamique and BOSE.

It will be the first vehicle in the Renault range to feature the all-new Extended Grip system which enables the car to grip the road confidently under difficult driving conditions like mud, sand and fresh snow. The driver can choose from three types of assistance via the rotary control on the central console.

Seats are independent, folding and removable. The XMOD has 71 litres of additional stowage space spread around the cabin, and comes with a boot capacity of up to 555 litres, one of the biggest in its class.

New Kia Carens arrives next week

2013-05-17T15:09:00.000+01:00

The new 2013 Kia Carens will arrive in Irish showrooms next week.

Powered by the economical 1.7D engine that powers its Sportage stable mate, the Carens comes in a choice of three trim levels, TX, EX and Platinum, with a starting price of €26,490 and has an annual road tax of €270.

Standard equipment for the entry level model includes alloy wheels, rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, front and rear electric windows, luggage cargo screen, remote audio controls and voice activated Bluetooth.

The EX model, priced at €27,790, adds auto light controls, LED rear lights, rear privacy glass, folding mirrors with puddle lamps, seat back tables, dual zone air conditioning, rear parking sensors and rear view camera. The top of the range Platinum, at €31,790, adds luxury features like leather upholstery with heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof, HID type lights, front parking sensors and a supervision instrument cluster.

The new car is shorter, narrower and lower than the previous generation model, but still comes with generous cabin space due to the new mode's increased wheelbase and cab-forward design which places the base of the A-pillar above the front wheel centre line.

All models come with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Emergency Stop Signal. Kia expect the new Carens to earn a top 5-Star rating in Euro NCAP crash safety tests.

On-line Turkish visa applications

2013-05-17T11:26:00.000+01:00

A new facility, supplied by Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, now means that anyone planning to holiday in Turkey can pre-purchase their entry visa before travelling, writes Trish Whelan.

Irish citizens travelling to Turkey (and indeed citizens of most other countries) are required to purchase a visa for entry to Turkey (cost €15 per person).

Previously, this could only be purchased at the Turkish airport of arrival.

However, you can now avoid queuing and purchase the visa on-line on www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

You should note that if you purchase the on-line visa and subsequently change your departure dates to dates outside the validity period of your visa, or cancel your holiday, you will be required to purchase a new visa and will not be entitled to a refund.

Fiesta sold every two minutes

2013-05-17T10:58:00.000+01:00

The Ford Fiesta was Europe's top selling small car in March and for the first three months of this year according to JATO Dynamics, writes Trish Whelan.

Fiesta was also the best selling small car in Ireland for the first quarter of 2013.

European customers bought Fiestas at a rate of one every 100 seconds during Q1 of 2013. Parked bumper-to-bumper, the Fiestas sold during Q1 across Europe would reach all the way from Dublin to Killarney.

New Fiesta offers sub-100g/km C02 including the 1.0 EcoBoost engine which was 2012 International Engine of the Year. One quarter of Fiestas sold this year in Europe were equipped with this 1.0 EcoBoost.

New Superb shows new face

2013-05-17T01:29:00.000+01:00

When the next version of Skoda's Superb arrives in Ireland for August sale, it will feature the new face of the brand as debuted in the Rapid and Octavia, writes Brian Byrne.

A strong contender against the mainstream D segment Mondeo and Avensis models, Superb has always offered rather more car for the segment and the money.

That is retained with the latest version, because there are no dimensional changes in the new one. But every panel and feature from the grille and lights back to the A pillar are new. You'll see it coming too, the LED daylight running lights help make the new 'eyes' of the car very distinctive. Overall the front of the car is more crisply modern.

The rear has been modified too, mostly by means of the lights, which now feature the traditional 'C' motif in LEDs.

A recrafting of the inside ups what was already a solid level of quality. A new steering wheel, fresh materials, and of course that umbrella in the rear passenger door is still a unique feature.

The Twindoor on the limousine, which converts to a hatchback or boot as required, now has a simpler 2-button operating system.

The extraordinary amount of leg space in the rear, which has always made Superb stand out from its competitors, remains. And the Combi wagon is just awesome in its load-carrying capability.

But just in case you're feeling that this is primarily a cosmetic exercise, the powertrains have been fettled too. Economy has been improved by up to 19 percent, depending on engine.

All diesel engines now come with start/stop and an energy recuperation system. And the Greenline version now sips just 4.2L/100km of fuel, with emissions down to 109g/km. Very respectable for such a big car, and the kind of thing that taxation authorities find very hard to keep up with.

In Ireland, a very respectable 1,000 plus Superbs were sold last year, of which some 25 percent were Combis - that itself a very high penetration of wagons in the class.

According to Skoda Ireland's John Donegan, the car has become very popular in the fleet segment, as has the smaller Octavia. "The fleet channel of the business has held up over the last two years, and that's what's keeping the trade going," he adds.

I've been driving the new Superb in the hilly woodlands outside Vienna, and my positive memories of the current version have been resurrected and upgraded.

For Ireland, the key engine will be the 1.6 diesel, which adequately powers the car but does require attention to the gearshifting in push-on driving through the twisting hills. Ideal is the 2.0 diesel, which offers seamless progress without effort. With either, the 6-speed gearbox shifts cleanly in both cases.

There isn't any word on pricing for the new car until around the middle of July. Given the times and the market conditions, I'd suspect that the Irish distributor is working hard trying not to increase by much, if at all.

Skoda is doing well in achieving conquest sales in Ireland from many of its direct competitors. But it's arguable too that there are converts from the premium levels, especially with the Superb.

It doesn't offer the flash of cousin Audi, which is the point. Nor perhaps the power options of that VW brand gone premium. Which is the point too. This is a car for the solid business person who needs roominess as well as a quality feel. It works especially well if a wagon is appropriate for the lifestyle need.

Gotta like the Superb. Again.

First bodyshops get certified

2013-05-16T14:04:00.001+01:00

The first bodyshops in Ireland were awarded the new 'Certified Steel Standard' (CSS) which is the new voluntary standards programme for professional bodyshops in Ireland. The standard, the first of its kind, was developed by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) and is supported by the Road Safety Authority.

To achieve CSS certification, a bodyshop must pass an independent audit of their personnel, equipment, the suitability of their repair methods and the quality of their repair materials, which are inspected against set criteria.

The newly awarded bodyshops were presented with their accreditation in Dublin Institute of Technology by SIMI President Alan Lyons.

The bodyshops awarded with CSS accreditation represented a variety of counties, Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Tipperary, Wicklow and Wexford. SIMI expects that this new standard will become best practice in the Industry. There should be a nationwide network of certified CSS bodyshops by early next year.

Pictured are Alan Lyons, SIMI President with Noel brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority at the CSS presentation in DIT.

Algarve Villa Holidays

2013-05-16T13:47:00.002+01:00

This year, Concorde Travel offers the possibility of booking a package holiday to the Algarve, departing from Shannon, Knock, Dublin or Kerry, staying in private villas with swimming pools, writes Trish Whelan.

Ideal for families or group of friends, the 2 or 3 bedroom villas are available for up to 7 people. However, if your party is larger, there are villas than can accommodate up to 10 people. Some have sea views, a close town nearby or relaxation in quiet, secluded areas.

Offers include depart on 1st June, from Ireland West Knock, from €634pp (7 sharing a 3-bed villa) of €674pp (5 sharing a 2-bed villa).

Depart on 5th June, from Dublin, from €594pp (7 sharing a 3-bed villa) or €644pp (5 sharing a 2-bed villa).

Other offers are from Shannon on 22nd July; from Dublin on 23rd July; from Kerry on 19th August; Dublin on 20th August or 8th September.

Prices quoted are for 7 nights and include flights, transfers, accommodation, baggage and tax. Other durations available. For more information visit www.concordetravel.ie or phone (01) 775 9300 to speak with one of Concorde Travels' representatives.

Dubliner wins new car with Topaz

2013-05-16T12:36:00.000+01:00

Graham Bushe, from Firhouse, Dublin, is the winner of a new car in Topaz's new Play or Park loyalty game.

Graham drove off in his new four-door Seat Ibiza 1.2 SE after he claimed the prize for April. As well as winning a new car, the overall package valued at €20,000 includes free petrol and insurance for a year.

Graham works with the HSE in Cherry Orchard. His wife, Bernie, choose the car colour.

Karl Thompson, Topaz Area Manager for South Dublin is pictured presenting Graham with their new car at Topaz Newlands Cross.

So far over 100,000 people have registered to play Play or Park. The June prize is a weeklong stay at the five star Copacabana Hotel in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Reen's and Peugeot launch cycling club

2013-05-16T12:18:00.002+01:00

Reen's Car Sales Rathmore, Main Peugeot Dealers for Co Kerry, and Peugeot Ireland are supporting the newly launched Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club. The 111-member-strong cycling club is now the biggest cycling club in Co Kerry and possibly the biggest in Munster. The official launch of the Club took place at Reen's Car Sales Rathmore last week.

The Club was formed by locals Donie Kelleher and Padraig Keane and now includes many local cyclists. Members will compete in ten events this year, including the Ring of Kerry. Plans are afoot to provide coaching and lessons to a juvenile club.

On 17 August, the Club will hold their own leisure tour with three routes planned and members from other cycling clubs are invited to participate. Visit the Facebook Page, Sliabh Luacra Cycling Club or email sliabhluachracc@hotmail.com

Pictured above are: Padraig Keane; Tim Reen, Reen's Rathmore; Emma Toner, Peugeot Marketing Manager; Donie Kelleher (Club Chairman) and John Reen, Dealer Principal, Reen's Rathmore.

A new AMD World Champion

2013-05-16T11:49:00.002+01:00

An Irish bike has won the AMD World Championship in Germany, writes Trish Whelan.

Held for the first time in Europe, at the Big Bike Europe Expo in Essen, the Championship showcased the best in designs for motorcycles, scooters, trikes and sidecar outfits.

Thousands of entrants from around the world went through a series of qualifiers and were eventually whittled down to 122 machines representing 23 countries.

The 2013 AMD World Championship title was taken by Ireland's Medaza Cycles' creation 'Rondine' (pictured above). Don Cronin and Michael O'Shea, the two Irish men responsible for the build created a one-off frame to carry the single-cylinder, 1971 Moto Guzzi Nuovo Falcone 500 engine.

The Irish duo qualified for the competition by taking top honours at the international open qualifiers at the 2013 Carole Nash Irish Motorcycle and Scooter Show in Dublin last March.

Another Irishman, Noel Connolly from Galway (pictured right), took 16th place in the Freestyle Class with his sidecar outfit called The Chieftan.

Next Qashqai will be bigger, sleeker

2013-05-16T06:09:00.001+01:00

Nissan may show a significant shift in emphasis with its second generation Qashqai, due for reveal in the autumn, writes Brian Byrne.

The Resonance concept (above) debuted at Detroit this year is believed to show the way to a more sexy styling that will build on the Qashqai's success as top Nissan seller in Europe.

And with the target market the compact hatch segment epitomised in Europe by VW's Golf, expect the new Qashqai to move more towards hatch from its current crossover SUV theme. Nevertheless, it will be bigger than the current Qashqai.

New powertrains are likely to include a supercharged 1.2 3-cylinder petrol engine with sub-100g/km emissions.

Qashqai is number eight in the European marketplaces overall. But Nissan has needed a compact hatch ever since the Almera was discontinued.

Frank Keane is Irish BMW Aftersales winner

2013-05-15T12:30:00.000+01:00

Frank Keane Naas Road has won a National Award for Aftersales, writes Trish Whelan.

In the 'Excellence in Sales' programme, an international competition for the BMW Group, Frank Keane Naas Road (Dublin) has been selected as the Irish winner for Aftersales in 2012.

As a National Award winner, Frank Keane will now progress to the International awards which will see BMW Dealers from across Europe compete for the ultimate accolade in Aftersales service.

Frank Keane operates an online service booking facility to the Keane Cab, a dedicated pick-up and drop-off facility for customers. Their most recent initiative, 'See It Now', provides customers with a video link which illustrates the work being done on their car.

Pictured are Mark Bradley (Dealer Principal, Frank Keane Naas Road); John Ives (Managing Director, BMW Ireland) and Joe McDonagh (Aftersales Director, Frank Keane Naas Road).

Road Test: SEAT Toledo

2013-05-15T12:13:00.004+01:00

SEAT's Toledo is the fourth generation of a name which has been around since 1991 and the first model developed fully under Volkswagen's ownership of the former Spanish Government/Fiat joint venture, writes Brian Byrne.

The nameplate was discontinued in 2009 because of slow sales, but now is returned as part of a strategy to steer the brand out of marketing doldrums.

Technically, the older versions fairly well tracked the Golf, directly sharing platforms and powertrains. Now, we're looking at a car closer to the Polo, though on a longer version of that car's platform. So it's a saloon-looking liftback that straddles the supermini and compact family segments. In the Group, it directly matches the Skoda Rapid.

The shape is, well, plain. But clever, because that unexpected liftback format makes it a really easy car in which to load the big stuff that comes with managing very young families, for instance. Front and rear there are some subtly stylish elements, particularly in the lights. The colour chosen is important, because in the review car's deep burgundy it was often possible to see elegancies in the profile sheetmetal.

Inside, we don't get any flash or stylish trim, while instruments and controls are simple and unsophisticated. Not at all a bad thing, especially for that family with small children I have mentioned above. Those growing youngsters provide quite enough distraction without the driver also having to manage complicated displays. On the review car, the radio remote on the steering wheel included phone and voice-activation buttons. The other side had the buttons to navigate through the trip computer readouts. A nice leather finish covered the tidy-sized wheel itself.

I had no problems with comfort during my time with the car. The seats supported, would likely stay that way through a number of years living with the car. No problems banging against a too-sleek door profile either, because the designers weren't trying to make this one a sexy looker.

And no particular issues in driving it. But it wasn't going to be a 'fun, come out and drive for driving's sake' car either. The 1.6 diesel is that very satisfactory VW unit, generating a quite adequate 105hp and propelling the car at a very frugal consumption of 4.4/100km. The CO2 emissions of 114g/km keep the road tax low.

In the 'Style' grade of the car there was quite a respectable level of specification, including 16" alloys, aircon, cruise control, full electric windows and mirrors, and Bluetooth connectivity. Both front seats were height adjustable too, not relevant to this driver but very useful to many not of my tallness.

I'm not one of those 'fancy and fast' cars people, and can well appreciate that the vast majority of buyers are looking for reliability, adequate space for their needs, a decent level of pumps-passing frugality, and not too hard a price. I think, while it's not on its own in this very competitive market position, the Toledo is in with a chance of making its own space.

Prices start at €18,260 in the lower of the two grades. The petrol option is a 1.2 with a significantly lower 85hp and coming in at around €1,600 cheaper than the diesel. The review car was priced at €22,510. In a very tight marketplace, the latest Toledo does represent a good budget opportunity.

Detroit 'Summit' on Driverless Cars

2013-05-15T08:51:00.001+01:00

That there's a growing interest in so-called 'driverless' cars is evidenced by the planned Driverless Car Summit in Detroit, USA, in June, writes Brian Byrne.

The event will bring together legislators, industry leaders and experts, and others involved in the developing technologies that could make driverless cars a reality.

Already, non-car companies like Google are showing the way with experimental additions to standard cars that allow them to travel with minimal input or supervision by the driver.

Auto companies too are researching heavily in the idea, increasingly adding technologies to their products like Active Cruise Control, Anti-Collision systems, and similar which take over many of the critical functions for automated driving.

This writer has already been in a Ford experimental car which drives itself in stop-go traffic situations.

The conference will focus on the three main areas which impact on the idea — legislation and liability, equipment, and software. It is being held on June 11-12.

New Jeep Grand Cherokee coming

2013-05-15T00:53:00.000+01:00

High tech systems addedJeep has extensively revised its Grand Cherokee for model year 2014, with a new front end treatment among the style changes, writes Brian Byrne.

There are also improvements to the interior, and the new vehicle comes with a range of safety and other technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation and new Selec-Speed Control.

The latest Grand Cherokee also has three 4x4 systems, and comes in Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT specifications

Infotainment systems offer the new UConnect with 8.4-inch touchscreen and satellite navigation and the all-new for the brand 7" TFT configurable cluster display.

It will be introduced across European markets starting in July.

Extended warranty for Steed

2013-05-14T21:09:00.001+01:00

The first Chinese pickup to be sold on the Irish market now comes with a 6-year warranty.

The Great Wall Steed is available with the standard 3-year/100,000km factory warranty, and a further 3-year/100,000 extended warranty on the powertrain underwritten by Great Wall Ireland.

The double-cab Steed has a starting price of €21,995 plus VAT and delivery charges.

Renault revises Kangoo

2013-05-14T08:41:00.000+01:00

Stronger style to vansRenault has made substantial styling revisions to its Kangoo range of vans and family cars, writes Brian Byrne.

The changes are in line with the evolved 'face' of the Renault brand as seen in other models from the company.

Powertrain options remain 1.5 diesels in three power outputs, and 1.2 turbocharged and 1.6 petrol engines, depending on market. The Kangoo ZE is electrically powered.

Irish Ferries Flower Show deal

2013-05-14T06:42:00.003+01:00

Irish Ferries is offering a €95 pp each way SailRail deal to gardening groups heading for the Chelsea Flower Show next week.

The popular with the Irish show is being held in London from 21-25 May.

Prices are inclusive of all taxes and no hidden extras or baggage restrictions.

Travelling without the hassle of baggage restrictions, by rail passengers can reserve seats in advance then sit back, relax in pleasant surroundings and enjoy the view. Coupled with options such as free wi-fi, trolley and/or buffet dining service, chair sockets allow passengers to watch a movie, work on a laptop or charge a phone.

New 308 revealed

2013-05-13T08:33:00.004+01:00

Peugeot has released pictures of a new generation 308, which offers more room and is 140kg lighter than the outgoing car, writes Brian Byrne.

The car offers improved fuel economy, with one version providing a CO2 emissions level of less than 85g/km.

In addition to exterior style changes there is an improved interior, featuring the latest Peugeot 'i-cockpit' technology.

Sprinter will remain diesel only in Ireland

2013-05-13T07:50:00.002+01:00

Although there's a petrol engine available for the Mercdes-Benz Sprinter, it is very much a 'niche' engine, mostly for places where there's not good diesel fuel available, writes Brian Byrne.

In Ireland, of course, it will remain only diesel when the revised version of the brand's flagship van goes on sale from around the end of August.

Indeed, in all the years that the Sprinter has been sold in Ireland, only one was ever brought in with a petrol engine, and that was for a foreign embassy who simply refused to countenance a diesel engine.

At the launch of the revised one in Dusseldorf last week, the Mercedes-Benz people also noted that it was the base for the LNG variant as well, which is popular in some markets where that fuel is readily available.

The revisions to the Sprinter are mainly to the front end styling. The chassis is also lowered by some 30mm, and the powertrains are all Euro6 compatible, the first full range of vans from any maker to achieve this.

There is also a new suite of safety-related items, including a standard Crosswind Assist which helps the vehicle cope with unexpected sidewinds, and an optional Collision Prevention Assist.

A city of good life

2013-05-13T01:57:00.000+01:00

There's a vibrant, and very clearly wealthy, centre to Dusseldorf in Germany, even on a somewhat chilly early May afternoon, writes Brian Byrne.

If you're there with a couple of hours to spend between planes or trains, and maybe have already done the lunch or drinks and stupendous view from the top of the Günnewig Rheinturm (right), a stroll through the Königsalee (King's Road) in the town's shopping heart will tempt your credit cards.

But window shopping costs nothing except maybe a little envy. All the names are there — Bulgari, Prada, Cartier et al. There are, of course, many 'ordinary' shops too along the street, affectionally known as the 'Kö'. The shops and the big bank buildings opposite are separated by a grass-banked canal, with the whole area commissioned by no less a person than Napoleon.

A couple of 'galerie' shopping malls are also good places to watch the locals snack and sit to sip coffee or an apertif in between their browsing. That's the least expensive part of it ... in Barolos in the Kö Centre an excellent bruschetta and coffee is more than ample to recharge energy, at a reasonable €7.70.

Walk back down towards the river and you'll find a bunch of art galleries and boutique fashion stores along Bastionstrasse and its neighbourhood, probably a lot less expensive than you've been studiously avoiding temptation from along the 'Kö.

There's a compact but really nice market not too far away at Kasernanstrasse, and from there a stroll through the pedestrian shopping area of Hunsrukenstrasse will bring you down to the old city, with the dozens of cafes on Bolkerstrasse and then on to the park walks along the Rhine to work off lunch.

Dusseldorf is a good life city, home to big fashion houses — no less than six international fashion fairs a year are staged in the city's Messe — and major publishing companies. There's a thriving night life, major museum and music attractions, and some pretty distinctive architecture, including the Frank O Gehry-designed Neuer Zollhof near the Media Harbor.

Truck Show and Racing return to Mondello

2013-05-10T16:33:00.003+01:00

After more than a 10-year absence, the Mondello Truck Show makes a welcome return to the Irish Show scene complete with the return of the popular Truck Racers. Always one of Mondello Park's most popular events, this two-day festival of road transport will be held at the County Kildare motor racing circuit on 20 & 21 July.

Truck displays, trade stands and competitions will form the main off-track ingredients of the show. On-track entertainment will be provided by the popular Truck Racing, which will see a selection of the top trucks from the UK championship take part in a number of demonstration races over the two days of the show. The 1000hp racers will be backed up by a number of additional track activities, including a Truck V's Car Car challenge and the Irish Time-Attack championship.

Like any Truck Show, big interest will be generated by the Static Displays where truck owners and truck drivers can compare and contrast each others 'pride and joy', while also vying for big prizes from Top Truck to Best Working Truck to Best Kept Fleet. Other attractions will include the Quickest Courier, a Stop & Go competition for cab units on the main straight and Motorcycle stunts in the Paddock.

John Morris, Managing Director at Mondello Park is delighted to see the return of the Mondello Park Truck Show. “we are really pleased to reinstate the spectacle that is the Mondello Truck Show. Thanks are due to Irish Ferries who are helping us with some logistics and Fleet Transport, our media partners. Over the next few months we will be announcing full details of this family orientated event and welcome trade enquiries and truck entries for the many categories on offer”.

Joe Walsh Tours Choral Travel

2013-05-10T16:27:00.003+01:00

Joe Walsh Tours is introducing a new exclusive product aimed at choirs, vocal groups and individual music enthusiasts alike.

With flexible itineraries that can be tailored to meet specific group requirements, Joe Walsh Tours Choral Travel programme kicks off this month and will cover a premium selection of outstanding European music and choir festivals and workshops all year round.

Highlights of this year's Choral Travel season are: Zezere Arts Festival of Opera, Song & Singing / Festival Choral Week in Tomar, Portugal from 4-10 August 2013. Zezera Arts annual festival is a summer course for advanced singers culminating in a huge range of quality performances open to the public. Staying in the historic town of Tomar, choir groups will have a chance to rehearse and perform in the Convento de Cristo, a 12th Century Templar fortress and convent. There is no single supplement for those travelling alone and a discount of €50 pp for groups of four or more people.

Munich & Salzburg Choral Workshop / Mozart's Coronation Mass, 1-6 October. Depart on 1 October for 5 nights from €720pp + €75 tax. Sing Mozart's Coronation Mass and Vespers in the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral and take part in a full choral workshop led by the Cathedral's Director of Music. Enjoy an exclusive Musical Tour through the Salzburg Dom and follow the footsteps of W.A. Mozart in his City of Music, and also enjoy a walking tour of the city.

More information ring 087 859 6616 or email info@joewalshtours.ie.

New Skoda Octavia Combi here in June

2013-05-10T11:05:00.000+01:00

Octavia Combi now longer and widerSkoda's new Octavia Combi will launch here on 15 June with three different specification variants, both manual and automatic transmission options and five engine choices, writes Trish Whelan.

Prices are from €18,995-€29,395.

The third generation Octavia Combi comes with unrivalled cabin and luggage capacity, a top 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, many new comfort features, low fuel economy and a new range of touch screen audio and navigation systems.

Estates account for less than 2 percent of the new car market in this country - and Skoda accounts for over 13 percent of the compact family estate segment.

Skoda say the new Octavia Combi will see the brand challenge not only direct competitors but, because of its large proportions, it will also challenge cars in the larger Executive estate class.

This latest version is powered by the latest low emission TSI petrol engines as well as common rail diesel engines. Petrols include a 1.2, 1.4, 1.8; diesels are 1.6 and 2.0. The 1.6 TDI version sips only 3.8 L/100kms (a whopping 74mpg). Road tax is from €180-€390.

The new Octavia Combi is longer and wider than the outgoing car. The longer wheelbase allows for increased cabin space and luggage capacity with best in class boot volume of 610 litres. Despite this, this latest car has shed up to 100kg in weight compared to its predecessor.

Increased specification levels include more airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Stop Start technology. All models, except the entry level Active model, have alloy wheels.

4x4 versions, sporty RS alternatives and an 87 g/km Green Line edition will arrive before the end of this year.

Toyota voted No. 1 for Governance

2013-05-10T07:15:00.000+01:00

Toyota Ireland has been voted No. 1 in the governance category of Ireland RepTrak 2013, Corporate Reputations' study which analyses the 100 best corporate reputations in Ireland as determined by the public, writes Trish Whelan.

Company governance is measured in three ways. First, it assesses the openness and transparency of a company. Second, it looks at whether the company behaves in an ethical way. Third, it evaluates whether the company is fair and balanced in its business practice.

Ireland RepTrak 2013 consisted of a representative survey panel of 4,965 unique respondents, aged between 18-64. The survey data was collected between January and February 2013.

Dave Shannon

Other companies ranking in the top five in the Governance category were, in order, from second place: Kerry Group, the National Lottery, Superquinn and Apple.

Toyota Ireland's Managing Director Dave Shannon says "Our reputation for prudent management and the highest adherence to international safety standards have won us the trust of customers and stakeholders alike. Our governance model has been critical to our long-standing retention of a leading position in the Irish and international automotive market."