Irish Car+Travel Magazine

Ford kicks off campaign at UEFA Champions League Final

2013-05-24T16:11:00.001+01:00

Ford of Europe will use the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final football match on Saturday to launch a new brand campaign featuring technologies available across its model line-up.

The campaign brings to life Ford's promise to 'Go Further' for the 90,000 or so crowd at London's Wembley stadium and an expected TV audience of 150 million people across Europe.

Ford will run a selection of 15, 20 and 30-second TV ads throughout Europe during the half-time break of the final between FC Bayern Munich and BV Borussia Dortmund.

The ads will direct viewers to visit a special new web site at www.ford.com that includes a series of entertaining videos and information about Ford technologies.

Fastest ever Audi RS6 Avant

2013-05-24T15:47:00.000+01:00

Imagine driving a car that takes just 3.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint.

Audi's all new third generation RS6 Avant can do just that! The downside is that it will set you back €140,300 to buy one.

The RS6 Avant is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 560hp petrol engine which replaces its predecessor's 5.0-litre V10 TSFI. Top speed is governed at 250km/h but can be increased on demand to 280km/h or 300km/h; up to 28.8mpg is possible. The 4.0 TFSI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission with shortened shift times.

It will be the first Audi RS model to feature adaptive air suspension. High-gloss, 20-inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design will be standard for Irish RS 6 models. The car also features a high level of standard specification.

It is available to order now from Audi dealerships with first customer deliveries expected in July.

Of the previous generation model, according to Motorcheck.ie, three RS6s were registered in 2008, none were registered in 2009, and one was registered in 2010.

Electric car prizes for Dublin Marathon

2013-05-24T10:22:00.000+01:00

Renault is giving away three Fluence ZE electric cars as top prizes in the 2013 Dublin Marathon, writes Brian Byrne.

The cars will be given to the winning male and female runners, and the third will be in a draw for all official contestants.

The Fluence ZE was launched in Ireland in 2012. In that year, 66 of the 1,887 Fluences registered were electric, of which only three were bought by individuals (according to Motorcheck.ie registration statistics).

Pictured are athletes Maria McCambridge and Joe Sweeney with the Renault Fluence ZE. The Dublin Marathon takes place on Monday October 28.

Real in-car broadband on the way

2013-05-24T09:02:00.001+01:00

It used to be that a tape deck was the ultimate technology in the radio part of a car's dashboard, but soon it will be a multi-source broadband router, writes Brian Byrne.

Computer industry giant Cisco is working with a number of car manufacturers to design in such a unit, which will automatically seek out the best broadband source at any moment, be it 3G or 4G or WiFi.

A proof of concept vehicle will be on the road in August, and Cisco says the system will be secure against any hacking attempts.

The network would also be able to work with the dedicated short range communication (DRSC) systems being developed for car-to-car communications.

Cisco says its system would also be available in aftermarket for DRSC, so that owners of current cars could upgrade to car-to-car.

Seven in ten cars are expected to have some form of embedded connectivity by 2017, according to some industry estimates.

New President for Motor Industry

2013-05-23T16:00:00.002+01:00

Paul Linders, Dealer Principal of Toyota dealership, Linders of Chapelizod in Dublin has been appointed as the new President for SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) at their 60th AGM in Croke Park.

The family business, celebrating their 75th year in business this year, are expanding with the opening of a new Renault and Dacia dealership in Finglas, North Dublin, this June. The new dealership will create 15 new jobs for the area and restore Renault to the North city.

Paul Linders

At the Society's AGM, Paul Linders said: "The Motor Industry in this country is in deep crisis. It is as hard as it has ever been. However, history has proved that those of us who work in it are resilient. We must remain conscious of our place in this economy".

He added: "The Motor Industry directly collects over one eight of the total tax take of this country, over 13 percent or €4.5 billion. Add to this the indirect contribution through PAYE, PRSI from the 40,000 employees working in the industry in 377 towns and villages throughout Ireland. As a sector, we're one of the biggest contributors to the coffers of the state. We must ensure that our representatives in Government realise the impact of our success or failure on the health of the Exchequer. As Society Officers and indeed members, we must waste no opportunity to remind them:/

Mr Linders succeeds Alan Lyons.

Line-up for Drogheda Motor Show

2013-05-23T10:48:00.002+01:00

The Drogheda Motor Show organisers have announced the full line-up for the show which takes place on 7, 8 and 9 June at the Southgate Centre in Drogheda.

This show is a collaboration of the motor dealers of Drogheda to provide a better customer experience for anyone interested in taking a test drive, or buying a new car. The weekend event will showcase the 2013 new car range from eleven local franchise motor dealerships and launch the new '132' number plate.

Nicky Smith, one of the dealers, explains the show is about the car being the special purchase for the whole family'. This year sees more lifestyle features and benefits for the new car buyer in 2013. Everyone who buys a car at the show will get cashback deals only available at this show and all buyers will be entered into a draw to win €1,320 cashback.

Demonstrations will include accessories for your car including those aimed at children, pets, holidays and action sports. There will be an outdoor emergency services exhibition for the first time. Vintage cars will also be on display together with food stalls and other Motor Industry partners stalls.

Hugh McCabe, one of the motor dealers involved, is inviting all members of the public to the show. Competitions include prizes from the Boyne Valley Hotel and Energie gym.

There is no admission charge and most of the event will be held indoors. For more information see www.facebook.com/BrandNewDrive and www.droghedamotorshow.com

Hybrid air tech wins award

2013-05-23T10:22:00.000+01:00

PSA Peugeot Citroen's Hybrid Air technology has won an Innovation Award at the 2013 Fleet World Honours, writes Trish Whelan.

These annual awards are presented to manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

Hybrid Air is a full-hybrid solution that combines a petrol engine, compressed air and hydraulic power to deliver fuel economy in excess of 94mpg.

It uses an intelligent electronic management unit to switch between three operating modes - Air Power, Petrol Power and Combined Power. Optimising energy efficiency in this way cuts fuel consumption and helps recharge the energy storage unit with compressed air.

The breakthrough technology impressed the Fleet World Honours judging panel, who said PSA Peugeot Citroën has a long-standing reputation as a technological pioneer. "Hybrid Air is the latest in an impressive lineage of green innovations, which have debuted in its product portfolio. This simple, but effective, solution will offer substantial efficiency improvements for PSA's future superminis without the expense of hybrid batteries. A lot of other manufacturers will be wondering why they didn't get there first."

Fredéric Soulier, Managing Director of Citroen Motors Ireland, says Hybrid Air is a ground-breaking system that 'could revolutionise the automotive industry as one of the most viable future powertrains in terms of efficiency and affordability'. He said Citroen looks forward to introducing the many benefits of Hybrid Air to motorists in the not too distant future.

George Harbourne, Peugeot Managing Director said, the company is truly delighted with the Fleet World Environment Honour. "With HYbrid Air technology, Peugeot is confirming on the one hand our strategy of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and on the other hand the brand’s pioneering nature. This technology is a key step in achieving the goal of 2.0L/100km, and it is a feature destined to have a widespread application due to its simplicity and durability."

A Citroën C3 and a Peugeot 208 fitted with a Hybrid Air drivetrain were both unveiled at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. These prototype models achieve CO2 emissions of just 69g/km and a record-breaking 97mpg and 140mpg fuel economy respectively over a combined cycle.

Audi attempts Guinness World Record

2013-05-22T14:16:00.002+01:00

Brendan Walsh, general manager, Audi Waterford is calling on Audi customers in the south east and around the country to get behind the wheel for charity this 16 June and support Audi Waterford's Guinness World Records attempt for longest Audi convey in the world.

The current record stands at 282 Audi cars and Audi Waterford believes it can smash this record on the day as well as raise money for four worthy causes. All monies raised at the event will be split between - Solas Centre, Temple Street Children's Hospital, RESPECT and Waterford Hospice Movement.

To take part call 01 291 6373 or email rsvp@audievent.ie to register your car and Audi Waterford will send you a sponsorship pack in the post. Registration on the day will start from 10:30am sharp with the Guinness World Records attempts commencing at 11:30am. The attempt will take in a 9km route around Waterford before finishing up at the Audi Waterford dealership where there will be entertainment provided. Audi brand ambassador and TV presenter Kathryn Thomas is also encouraging drivers to take part in the event.

Peugeot's Summer Sizzler Finance Offers

2013-05-22T12:30:00.000+01:00

Peugeot 208

Peugeot's Summer Sizzler Finance offer will run in addition to the existing Five Year's Peace of Mind Motoring offer.

For a limited period only, a customer can drive away in a new Peugeot 208 Access 1.0 petrol for €199 per month or purchase a Peugeot 508, 1.6 diesel Active saloon from €299 per month (terms and conditions apply).

Standard specification for the 208 Access model includes cruise control and speed limiter, six airbags, ESP and a full size spare wheel. Standard specification for the 508 Active model includes rear parking aid, automatic lights and wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, full size spare wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth and dual zone climate control.

The new Peugeot 208 was voted Continental Irish Small Car of the Year 2013 and the Peugeot 508 was Continental Irish Family Car of the Year 2012.

Finance is provided by way of a hire purchase agreement; a minimum deposit of 31% for 208, and 35% for 508 applies, and a maximum term of 61 months. The credit provider is Bank of Ireland Finance.

Peugeot 508

Toyota is most valuable automotive brand

2013-05-22T11:56:00.001+01:00

Toyota reclaimed the top spot as the most valuable automotive brand in the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2013 published today, writes Trish Whelan. Toyota's brand value surged by 12 percent to $US 24.5 billion (that's €18.6 billion) over the past year, one of the biggest movers in the automotive sector.

In the eight years since the BrandZ report was first published in 2006, Toyota was crowned brand value leader in the automotive sector six times, and came second on two other occasions.

Global sales for Toyota Motor Corporation in 2012 increased by 22.6 percent to 9.75 million units. The growth of customer affinity towards hybrid vehicles also helped towards the company's brand valuation in this year's report.

Since Toyota pioneered the world's first mass produced full hybrid vehicle in 1997 - the Toyota Prius - sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrid models have exceeded five million globally. Customers in Europe can choose between 12 Toyota and Lexus hybrid models.
Lexus retains its 10th position in the Top 10 list for the most valuable automotive brands with a brand value of $US 3.5 billion (that's €2.7 billion).

The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands report, commissioned by WPP and conducted by Millward Brown Optimor, surveys some two million consumers in over 30 countries.

The Toyota Auris Hybrid launched last November is pictured above.

Mixing it with tyres

2013-05-22T09:08:00.000+01:00

If you buy a new pair of tyres because those on, say, the front axle have worn down more quickly, on which axle should you mount the new tyres, writes Brian Byrne.

Doesn't it depend on whether the car is FWD or RWD?

Actually, no, according to the experts at Continental Tyres, who spend a lot of money learning about these things.

The new tyres should always be on the back end of the car, they say, and can dazzle you with the physics to show why.

Next question. Is it advisable to mix brands, especially when you have still have a decent amount of tread on the older tyres? Especially adding new but budget covers to save some money?

The best way of sorting that was by giving us a chance to try cars with different tyres setups, and put them into the kind of situations that will provoke reactions.

So we drove a pair of Minis around a tight circle, each shod differently. The circle was kept wet, to allow breakaway when the tyres lost adhesion as speed was gradually increased.

One car wore part-worn Continental premium tyres on the front, and a pair of new budget tyres on the rear. So the tread depth setup was 4mm Contis and 8mm budget.

When we drove that one we found that the car ran safely enough but the rear broke away suddenly when the speed and centrifugal forces increased.

Then we drove with an all-Continental setup, again the front ones part-worn and the rear ones new with full tread. This time the difference was marked, with the car holding firmly on the wet surface at speeds well beyond where the previous one had lost grip.

Although in a test situation, and in safe controlled circumstances, the experience was very true to life, and reflected a situation where a driver would be taking a sharp curve at speed, maybe on a cloverleaf motorway intersection.

It brought home to me once again the importance of keeping the best tyres you can afford under your car, and being sure that they are setup to gain the best possible safety while travelling.

Ford Transit Custom stars at Cannes

2013-05-21T15:30:00.000+01:00

Movie fans at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival will be able to watch some of the cream of independent fils as the Ford-supported 'Cannes in a Van' team hit the streets in their Transit Custom movie theatre.

Powered by Ford for a second year, and featuring the new Transit Custom as their support vehicle, the film enthusiasts behind Cannes in a Van will champion independent film at an expanded range of festivals and events this year, including the annual Van d'Or Film Awards in September in London.

The Ford Transit will be parked on the Boulevard de la Croisette near the festival site in Cannes. Its long-wheelbase has been specially prepared for its role as a four-wheeled film festival, featuring a 55-inch plasma screen in the load area to show the films. Roof-mounted advertising panels are fixed to the van's unique integrated roof rack system.

The Ford Transit Custom is the International Van of the Year 2013 and the first vehicle in its segment to achieve a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

A sobering test of tyre tread and flood

2013-05-21T14:33:00.004+01:00

Just 10km/h can make all the difference between staying in control in a small road flood and aquaplaning into another vehicle, writes Brian Byrne. Especially if your tyre tread is 3mm or less.

That fact was sharply made clear at the weekend in Hannover, Germany, where the Continental automotive group was offering hands-on experience in a number of tyre-related situations.

The side-aquaplaning one involved driving similar Volkswagen Golfs around a circuit at speeds of 60/70/80km/h, into a flood around a corner.

Complicating the issue was that each car had a different tread depth, 8mm on new tyres and 3mm part-worn, and finally 1.6mm, the legal limit in most countries including Ireland.

At 60km/h and 70km/h, the new tyres weren't affected when run into the 5mm flood, while at 80km/h there was a trace of a shimmy, easily corrected.

At 60km/h the 3mm tyres were marginally less efficient, but very noticably started losing adhesion at 70km/h. At 80km/h there was quite strong aquaplaning.

At all three speeds the 1.6mm treads showed serious loss of control, but particularly so at 70/80km/h, where the car would have been on the other side of the road without any chance of the driver regaining control. Possibly into an oncoming vehicle.

I've done these exercises before. It always sobers me when I do it again. A pity that all those people in Ireland driving on minimum tread or less don't get the opportunity to do it in safe conditions. When they do experience it, it's far too often serious or terminal. For themselves, or the even more unfortunates they hit.

Check the tread. If it's 3mm, or less, get new tyres. An investment in life.

(There were other exercises, including driving BMWs with Conti and budget brand tyres on a wet track to feel the difference. More on that, and other scary stuff, later.)

Maxwell Motors Athy joins Mitsubishi

2013-05-21T10:40:00.000+01:00

Mitsubishi Motors Ireland has announced the appointment of Maxwell Motors of Athy as a new Main Mitsubishi Motors Dealer for Sales and Aftersales in Kildare, writes Trish Whelan.

Joint Dealer principal Louis Wynne says 'Mitsubishi is a brand on the move with a fast growing model range and an 8-year warranty, so it's a great fit for our business'.

The appointment brings to 25 the number of Main Mitsubishi Sales Dealers nationwide. It is their fourth new Dealer appointment this year.

Pictured are: Gerard Rice (Mitsubishi Motors), Michael Watchorn and Louis Wynne (both of Mazwell Motors), and Kim Kilduff (Mitsubishi Motors).

Mazda supports Bloom 2013

2013-05-21T10:22:00.001+01:00

Mazda Ireland is a main sponsor and official car supplier at this year's Bloom festival taking place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin this June bank holiday weekend. Mazda is sponsor of the Floral Marquee and will be providing a number of cars for use at Bloom.

The Japanese car brand will also be showcasing their latest generation of cars at the show. The all-new Mazda6 and all-new CX-5 will be on show in a Japanese-inspired garden feature. Both cars on display are best in class for fuel efficiency and low C02 emissions.

One lucky visitor to the Mazda stand at Bloom will receive €1,000 towards a garden make-over. In addition, four Mazda cars will be on hand at Heuston Station to shuttle visitors to the show entrance free of charge.

A number of the showgarden judges including Bloom Show manager Gary Graham are being provided with a Mazda3 car each for use on official duties before and during the event.

Pictured above are from left - Richard Molloy, Mazda Ireland with Gary Graham, Bloom Show Manager.

Clock ticking on Euro 5 vehicles

2013-05-20T16:08:00.000+01:00

The clock is ticking for heavy and light commercial vehicles owners who may be planning to replace fleet before the end of the year when Euro 5 vehicles will no longer be sold.

According to one leading manufacturer – Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady (pictured) – from next year, the emphasis will switch to Euro 6 models with their more environmentally friendly power units.

With regard to the run-out period for existing units, he said that demand for Euro 5 units is extremely strong across Europe.

‘Even the biggest truck manufacturing plant in the world does have limits on the number of units it can produce! The final order date for Euro 5 is fast approaching and customers wishing to purchase the last of these vehicles should be placing their orders in the very near future’ he said.

Over 80% of men can change a flat tyre

2013-05-20T16:02:00.002+01:00

Women are more than three times less likely to change a flat tyre than men.

The claim is one of the results of an AA Membership survey of 16,865 people. Over 80 percent of men polled said that they would change a flat tyre themselves whilst just 26 percent of women said they'd do it.

Women are more than 2.5 times more likely than men to call the AA if they get a flat. Often men especially are reluctant to ask the AA to change a wheel.

About 14 percent of all rescue call outs are to motorists with a flat tyre. Very often if a tyre has been changed in a garage, the nuts will be machine tight and it is all but impossible even for a strong and fit guy to get them shifted. AA Patrols carry all the equipment needed and they can do it quite quickly.

It seems passers-by are more likely to help a female motorist with a flat tyre than male motorists.

The AA has found that more than half of those polled have had a puncture in the last two years.

The joy of Malta is Gozo

2013-05-20T15:50:00.001+01:00

Gozo, the second of the Maltese islands offers a blend of history, a spectacular coastline and peaceful atmosphere, writes Trish Whelan.

Concorde Travel offers a choice of Private Villas (traditional farmhouses), with swimming pools, ideal for families or groups of friends. You can create your package including flights, transfers, car hire and accommodation in 2 or 3 bedroom villas in different Gozitan picturesque locations.

Depart 14 June 2013, stay at 3* Gozo Villas, b&b basis, from €639pp based on 7 sharing a 3-bedroom villa with pool. Price includes car hire.

Depart 25 July, staying at the 3* Gozo Villas, b&b basis, from €719pp, based on 7 sharing a 3-bedroom villa with pool.

Prices quoted are for 7 nights and include car hire in group A (supplement for car upgrade applies), flights, transfers including ferry crossing, accommodation, baggage and tax. Visit www.concordetravel.ie or phone (01) 775 9300 to speak with one of their representatives.

ABBA The Museum opens in Stockholm

2013-05-20T10:08:00.001+01:00

If you happen to be in Stockholm, a visit to the just-opened ABBA The Museum - a permanent interactive exhibition of the famous foursome - is a must on your itinerary, writes Trish Whelan.

The museum gives visitors the opportunity to interact and get close to the 1970's band by experiencing what it's like to be the fifth member of ABBA through dancing on stage with other members, checking out how their famous costumes suit you or paying a visit to the Polar Studio.

You can follow the audio-guide which features all four as each of them tells their own personal story of life in the band. You can also browse through all things ABBA such as albums, memorabilia and gold records. Benny's piano is hooked up to a piano in his home. Everytime he takes a seat and plays the piano in his home, visitors can listen and enjoy.
Opening hours are from 10am to 8pm during the high season.

Scandinavian Airlines fly Dublin to Stockholm from €84 one-way including all taxes and charges. SAS provide up to 26 weekly flights from Dublin to Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo. Visit www.flysas.ie to book. Tickets for the museum are available at www.abbathemuseum.com

Bangkok seeks to host FIA Formula E

2013-05-20T09:53:00.000+01:00

Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, has joined the list of candidate cities bidding to host the new FIA Formula E Championship.

Earlier this year, FEH presented the FIA with a preliminary list of eight cities - London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro - all selected to host races for the inaugural session. A total of 10 races are scheduled for next year with Bangkok adding its
name to the list of candidate cities for the remaining two slots.

Formula E is a new FIA championship that brings electric vehicle racing to the people, as city centres around the world play host to an electric energy World Championship designed to promote interest and investment in electric vehicles and sustainable motoring.

Special traffic courts in the UK

2013-05-20T09:42:00.000+01:00

Irish motorists who drive in the UK for business or pleasure should take note that traffic-light jumpers and speeding motorists are to be dealt with in special traffic courts in a bid to free up time for more serious cases.

About half a million motoring cases are heard in magistrates' courts every year there and these can often take longer to progress than major offences, according to the UK Ministry of Justice.

They want the traffic courts to reduce delays as part of a wider plan to improve Britain's criminal justice system.

The nine areas which have trialled the new traffic courts are Essex, Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Metropolitan Police, Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and West Yorkshire.

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.