Irish Car+Travel Magazine

BMW opens largest showroom worldwide in Abu Dhabi

2012-02-17T16:30:00.003Z

The BMW Group has opened the world's largest showroom for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW motorcycles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Motors, the BMW's Group's long-standing importer for the region, has invested around AED 300 million (approx. 62 million euros) in the new 35,000 square metre showroom over its three-year construction.

Over 1,000 guests attended the exclusive opening last Tuesday evening. The new showroom will have more than 450 staff members and more than 70 cars on permanent display. The workshop will be able to perform maintenance on up to 120 vehicles simultaneously.

The Middle East is an important region for the BMW Group. They sold more vehicles there in 2011 than ever before.

New Porsche model to be named Macan

2012-02-17T14:30:00.001Z

The new Porsche sports car in the sports utility segment has been named Macan.

It will be built at the Porsche factory in Leipzig in Germany, with production due to start in 2013.

The name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics - core characteristics of this new all-terrain car.

Porsche intends the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne.

Business as usual for Renault Belgard in South Dublin

2012-02-17T10:30:00.001Z

Renault Ireland recently announced the acquisition of the prominent Belgard site in Tallaght for the development of a state-of-the-art motor showroom, workshop and parts facilities.

Renault Retail Group opened the existing showrooms in late December with the new development commencing in April, and already there has been a steady flow of traffic through the showroom.

Declan O'Grady, Dealer Principal at Renault Belgard said: "We are very excited about the development of this facility which will see over two levels of car and commercial vehicles displayed and fully accessible to our customers."

The new facility will include a service workshop with up to 10 servicing bays including the servicing of large commercial vehicles. There will also be an extensive parts sales area as well as Renault Finance with advisors on site to assist customers through the purchasing experience.

The new facility is expected to create up to 45 jobs. It will be the Renault Flagship Dealership in Ireland when development is completed by the end of 2012.

Peugeot supports Ride Out for Prems

2012-02-17T07:30:00.001Z

Peugeot has announced its support for Irish Premature Babies' Ride Out for Prems 2012, a charity event taking place this April to raise funds for baby intensive care units across Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.

Over four days, a group of motorcyclists led by a convoy of Peugeot cars and a van, will travel around Ireland delivering equipment, bought through ongoing fundraising by Irish Premature Babies, to hospitals in Louth, Cavan, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Laois and Dublin.

The annual event will take place from 26-29 April. Members of the public are being invited to take part and see firsthand what a difference their fundraising efforts will make. With over 30 bikers already signed up to this year's event, including members of the Garda Siochana and parents of premature babies, participants must raise €1,000 for the charity to become involved.

Emma Toner, Peugeot Communications Manager said "Peugeot is delighted to be of assistance to the Ride Out for Prems 2012 event and has offered the use of four Peugeot cars and a Boxer Van to the cause."

Pictured from left are: Mark Hayes, Peugeot Marketing Manager; Emma Toner, Peugeot Communications Mangager; Ride Out for Prems Riders, Sean Hannon, Derek Smith, Arthur Armstrong and Peter Mulcahy and Sean Brennan, Road Captain for Prem Warriors.

To find out more, log on to www.irishprematurebabies.com

Travel: New special offers for beautiful Kusadasi

2012-02-16T16:00:00.001Z

Wings Abroad have new special ofers for Kusadasi for this May. Set in the spectacular Aegean Bay north of Bodrum, Kusadasi a vibrant, cosmopolitan town, with beaches, nightlife, restaurants and shopping all within its city walls. Kusadasi's huge Grand Bazaar is truly a shopaholic's paradise, writes Trish Whelan.

Stay at the 4-star Golden Day Wings Hotel on a b&b basis from 6th May for €376pp for 1 week, €416pp for 2 adults for 2 weeks; €1,602 for 2 adults and 2 children for one week: or €1,854 for 2 adults and 2 children for 2 weeks.

The Golden Day Wings Hotel has a unique location across from the marina and offers exhilarating views of the Kusadasi coastline and harbour as well as being within easy walking distance to the centre. There is a pool with a water slide in the hotel grounds, and all rooms come with a sea view. Standard and large rooms are available. Only extra charge is €3 government tax per person.

Other departures are from 13th, 20th, and 27th May. Price includes: 7/14 nights accommodation of a b&b basis, return flights ex Dublin or Cork and return transfers. www.wingsabroad.ie

Geneva debut for new version of Ferrari California

2012-02-16T14:30:00.004Z

The Geneva Motor Show will see the official debut of the new version of the Ferrari California, production of which has already started.

It has a retractable hard top and 2+ seating.

To meet the needs of clients looking for a more dynamic driving experience, an optional Handling Speciale package has been developed which encompasses modifications to the suspension set-up that minimise body roll and make the car even more responsive to driver inputs.

The Ferrari California's GDI V8 now delivers 490hp with maximum torque of 505 Nm.

The car takes just 3.8 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint.

Renault donates €5,000 to ISPCC

2012-02-16T14:30:00.003Z

Rugby pannelist Brent Pope and Renault Ambassador Keith Barry drove the super powered Renault Megane Trophy RS around Ireland during a two-day trip powered by tweets. Renault Ireland contributed €10 per km of the round trip to the ISP donating a total of €5,000.

Pictured at Renault Ireland Head Office in Dundrum, Dublin, are Lloyd Byrne, Director Fundraising, and Anne Cooney, Corporate Fundraising Manager from the ISPCC receiving a cheque for €5,000 from Julien Lelorrain and Eilis Fitzgerald, Renault Ireland for the 'Tween 'em home' race that took place last December.

Mazda Takeri concept car to be shown at Geneva

2012-02-16T10:30:00.001Z

Mazda has released details and images of the Takeri concept car ahead of this year's Geneva Motor Show.

It shows cues for the new Mazda 6.

The Mazda Takeri concept, a next-generation mid-sized saloon featurres the brand's unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology - which is short for Intelligent Energy Loop. The power is used to run the car's electric components, so reducing the engine load and increasing fuel economy by up to 10 percent.

It will be joined on-stage by the Mazda CX-5, a new compact crossover SUV equipped with the full range of Mazda's Skyactiv technology, and MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012, designed exclusively for the European market.

Honda dealers get new H.A.R.T.

2012-02-16T07:30:00.000Z

Honda Advanced Repair Technology (H.A.R.T.), the latest Diagnostic Technology is now available at all authorised Honda Dealers. It has been designed to assist Aftersales Technicians in communicating and upgrading software on Honda vehicles in a fast and efficient manner.

H.A.R.T. provides the technicians with a seamless integration of troubleshooting with the on-board vehicle diagnostic systems. This not only improves efficiency but also First Time Repair, resulting in even higher customer satisfaction.

H.A.R.T. also improves safety in the workshop as it eliminates the need for potentially hazardous extension cables.

When a Honda vehicle visits an authorised Honda workshop, it is a simple matter of connecting the Honda Motor Vehicle Communication Interface device to the Data Link Connector of the vehicle and the vehicle can then communicate wirelessly with the Honda Diagnostic System. New programmes will be added to the system in the coming months, including the 3D full colour Electrical Wiring Diagrams and component location, removal and installation procedures.

The systems will help provide a first class service to all Honda owners.

Travel: Spend St Patrick's Day in sunny Malta

2012-02-15T16:55:00.000Z

The island of Malta is the perfect place to enjoy the St Patrick's Day festivities this year, with average temperatures set to be between 18 and 24 degrees.

Concorde Travel are offering 7-night breaks to Malta departing Monday 12 March. You stay at the 3-star Hotel Qawra Palace in Qawra, on a b&b basis, from €439pp; the 3-star Hotel St George's Park and La Vallette Resort in St Julians Bay from €449pp; or at the 4-star Hotel Cavaliera, in St Julian's, from €499pp. The 5-star Intercontinental Malta, in St Julian's is from €579pp.

Alternatively, take a 3-night break leaving on Friday 16 March at the same hotels, from €419pp to €479pp, or a 4-night stay at the same hotels departing Monday 19 March and 8-night stays also departing on Monday 19 March.

Prices include return flights, return airport transfers, 1 piece of checked luggage, accommodation based on two people sharing, and all taxes and charges. Visit www.concordetravel.ie or phone (01) 775 9300. Concorde Travel is a fully bonded Tour Operator, and is part of Joe Walsh Tours group.

Wm. Loughman Forestry Rally 'Early Entry Incentive Package'

2012-02-15T12:11:00.000Z

Carrick on Suir Motor Club have announced their 'Early Entry Incentive Package' for this year's Wm. Loughman Forestry Rally.

This Year's Early Entry Incentive Package includes B+B for two people in the Carraig Hotel, Rally HQ on Friday night 2nd March or Saturday night 3rd March, as well as full entry refund, and €225 refund of entry fee.

Trevor McGrath of Carrick on Suir Motor Club says competitors who want to avail of the Early Entry Incentive Package must have their completed entry form in by the event closing date of Friday 24th February.

Subaru BRZ and Impreza 5-door to debut at Geneva Motor Show

2012-02-15T11:49:00.000Z

Japanese manufacturer, Subaru, will have the European debuts of its Subaru BRZ and Impreza five-door at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

The 200PS Subaru BRZ - developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota - is a sports car designed to offer maximum driver engagement.

It features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and is powered by Subaru's trademark horizontally-opposed 2.0 Boxer engine.

Meanwhile, the fourth-generation all-new Impreza has bee designed to offer high levels of refinement ad value. The C-segment model will have superior reliability, handling and safety features, with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system and the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine at its core.

Subaru will also be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its Symmetrical AWD platform at the show. The technology was first introduced on the Leone estate in 1972.

Stylish new Peugeot 107 arrives

2012-02-15T07:30:00.001Z

A new Peugeot 107 will arrive in Ireland this month priced from €12,045 plus dealer delivery related charges, writes Trish Whelan.

It will feature a new face, upgraded interior and enhanced equipment.

The supermini also boasts improved economy and lower C02 emissions, returning combined consumption of 4.3 L/100kms (66mpg) and emitting just 99g/km C02 for the 1.0 litre petrol 5-speed manual version.

The new 107 adopts the new Peugeot face and features a deeper and lower front panel with a housing for the front fog lights, LED daytime running lights and a redesigned front bumper with a new honeycomb radiator grille.

The wheelbase remains unchanged at 3.43m long and 1.86m wide. The cabin provides plenty of space to transport four people in comfort. The boot offers 139 litres of space.

There will be one 5-door Active model on offer in Ireland, with a choice of a 1.0 litre petrol 5-speed manual or a 1.0 2-Tronic gearbox (104g/C02). Front fogs, four speakers and very low resistance tyres will now come as standard on the Active model and the 2-tronic model will be fitted with a leather steering wheel and leather gearknob.

The 107 offers Peugeot's four year warranty and four year roadside recovery offer up to the end of March 2012.

Secure your sideline seat at World Snooker Championships

2012-02-14T16:55:00.001Z

If you are looking for a fun-filled, exciting and action packed weekend this april, then a visit to the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield could be for you.

Joe Walsh Tours have just announced a brand new package, in association with Irish snooker legend Ken Doherty.

The Saturday of your trip will see you enjoy a special lunch with Ken Doherty where you can discuss the highs and lows of the day's games. While in Sheffield you will stay in the 4-star Jurys Inn Hotel, on a b&b basis. Your package also includes tickets for 3 sessions of World Snooker Championship at Sheffied's Crucible Theatre and entry into Mini-tournament in the Cue Zone.

The package is available now from Joe Walsh Tours from €489pp + tax. Departure date is 20th April 2012. Price includes return flights from Dublin to Manchester, return airport transfers and 2 nights accommodation as stated. The price is exclusive of airline taxes and charges coming to €75. Visit www.joewalshtours.ie or phone 01-2410800.

Mitsubishi launches Value Service Programme

2012-02-14T14:45:00.003Z

Mitsubishi Motors Ireland has launched a Value Service Programme which offers owners of their vehicles, which are three years or older, an option to maintain their vehicle from just €98, writes Trish Whelan.

The programme is available across the entire vehicle range and offers: * A 25 point check by factory trained technicians. * Oil and filter change using genuine Mitsubishi parts. * Levels check and top-up. * A full diagnostic check. * Outstanding software updates carried out.

There are no mileage limitations with this servicing and it is available in all Main Dealerships.

The cost break down for the Service Programme across the entire range of passenger, 4x4 and commercial vehicles includes: €98 Value Service Programme - Colt, Carisma, Lancer, Spacestar and Galant. €120 Value Service Programme includes: Outlander, Grandis and Spacewagon; the €140 Value Service Programme involves Pajero, Pajero Sport and L200.

Top London markets

2012-02-14T10:44:00.000Z

If you are planning a weekend in London and want to bag a few bargains, then you will be interested in this top list of London's markets.

Brick Lane Market - Spread across several streets in the Brick Lane area, great for junk and gems. Bric-a-brac, second-hand furniture, shoes and lots more including exotic spices and colourful saris.

Camden market - great for designer clothes and accessories, one-off pieces of art, food and furnishings; designer workshops, studios, stalls, shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Portobello Road Market - Dates from the 1800s but became particularly famous for its antiques in the 1950s. Stalls offer everything from fruit and bread to posters, clothes, music and antiques.

Old Spitalfields Market - sells everything from clothes to food to artwork, with specialist shops and restaurants. Close to cool bars and clubs of Shoreditch.

Broadway Market - Broadway Market in Hackney sells an eclectic mix of goods from local farmers, artists and craftspeople. Unusual clothes and gifts.

Greenwich Market - Beautiful products from designer makers and small cottage industries. Weekends are busiest with about 150 stalls selling jewellery, pictures, clothes, accessories and unique gifts.

Covent Garden London - Housed in and around the iconic Market Building and Piazzas, an architectural masterpiece. Speciality shops, restaurants and cafes; the Apple craft market has street performers.

Petticoat Lane Market - Use your best haggling techniques to pick up great fashion bargains, clothing and houshold goods. It's located on Middlesex and Wentworth Streets near Liverpool Street station.

bmi, British Midland International fly direct from Dublin to London Heathrow from €29 one way, including taxes and charges. Log onto flybmi.com and use the 'Low Fare Finder' to check €29 seat availability from now til the end of September. Also log onto www.visitlondon.com

The New Aston Martin V12 Zagato

2012-02-14T07:52:00.001Z

Aston Martin has revealed the first images of its new V12 Zagato (road car) scheduled for production later this year.

The V12 Zagato is the pinnacle of the Vantage range. It is also the latest expression of a successful creative collaboration that has given rise to a series of striking GT cars over the last half-century, the original and most iconic of which is the DB4GT Zagato. Its 50th anniversary provided the inspiration for the V12 Zagato.

Creating each V12 Zagato is a painstaking process that takes approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. It is constructed from a combination of hand crafted aluminium and carbon fibre. Four unique colours have been created for the V12 Zagato; Scintilla Silver, Alloro Green, Alba Blue and Diavolo Red.

On sale now priced at £330,000. The production specification V12 Zagato will be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show next month. First deliveries for those lucky people able to afford one, are scheduled for the Autumn.

Ford's all new B-MAX comes with unique door system

2012-02-13T14:00:00.001Z

Ford has unveiled a unique door system that brings unrivalled ease-of-access to the all-new B-MAX, writes Trish Whelan.

The system integrates the central body pillars into the doors of its multi-activity vehicle to create 1.5-metre wide clear openings on ether side of the car.

Most rear door openings provide round half that space.

The car's interior is packed with features which take maximum advantage of the Easy Access Door System. The rear seats and the front passenger seat can be folded flat to create a large, convenient load platform, to accommodate everything from bicycles to flat-pack furniture, which can be more than 2.3 metres long, through the side doors.

The all-new Ford B-MAX will debut at Geneva next month and go on sale in Europe later this year.

Hyundai Veloster receives maximum 5 star safety rating

2012-02-13T09:00:00.001Z

Euro NCAP has awarded the new Hyundai Veloster small family car a maximum 5-star safety rating.

Contributing to the safety of this top rated vehicle was the inclusion of a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) developed and engineered for the Veloster by Schrader Electronics.

TPMS will become a legal requirement to be fitted to all new cars sold across Europe from next November.

The Veloster rated 96 percent for adult occupant safety, 89 percent for child safety, 49 percent for pedestrian safety and 72 percent for safety assist (Electronic Stability Control is standard on the Veloster).

The model tested was the 3-door hatchback, 1.6 GDI GLS, left hand drive.

Free hotel night at Alton Towers with Irish Ferries

2012-02-13T07:30:00.002Z

To mark the 2012 re-opening of Alton towers, irish Ferries is offering thrill seekers a three night break for the price of two, valid for travel between April 1st and May 20th.

Staying at the nearby Holiday Inn Express Hotel, this offer equates to €461 for two adults and two children under 11, inclusive of breakfast, return cruise car ferry crossing and one full day at the theme park.

Featuring more than fifty white-knuckle rides and attractions, Alton Towers offers something for people of all ages from families seeking an all-action adventure break to even the most discerning adrenaline junkie.

Bookings can be made on 0818 300 400. For further information visit www.irishferries.com/altontowers

Lucan woman wins Fiat 500 Matt Black

2012-02-10T16:30:00.000Z

Lavern O'Connor from Lucan, Dublin, has won a brand new Fiat 500 Matt Black TwinAir courtesy of Tallaght Fiat and Dublin radio station FM104 which had been running a competition on air over the past number of weeks where listeners had to guess various well-known Dublin locations from the clues provided.

Last Monday morning, a big group of finalists were invited to Tallaght Fiat's Airton Road premises from where the Strawberry Alarm Clock breakfast show was being broadcast live. The finalists were gradually whittled down to just five contestants who then drew a number to determine the order in which they would select one of five Fiat keys and attempt to start the car.

It was Lavern's key which eventually fired up the Fiat 500 Matt Black TwinAir meaning the car, worth €16,745, was hers to keep.

The limited edition Fiat 500 Matt Black TwinAir is powered by Fiat's two-cylinder TwinAir Turbo engine, 2011 International Engine of the Year. As with all Fiat and Alfa Romeos, the Fiat 500 Matt Black comes with a five-year warranty and five year roadside assistance as standard.

Wagon version of Cruze

2012-02-10T11:48:00.003Z

Chevrolet will launch a wagon version of its Cruze compact at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne.

Although the brand is close to dormant in this country, the arrival of the latest variant of the Cruze to European markets should significantly enhance its presence.

The Cruze is selling well in many countries, in Australia as well as European ones and in America.

The launch of the car will also signal the arrival of Chevrolet's new 1.7 diesel, to be available through the range from this summer.

The wagon is longer than the hatchback version.

Holiday Offers

2012-02-10T11:27:00.003Z

Joe Walsh Tours are offering 7 night breaks in Italy, from €849 inc, which includes a number of guided tours. You spend 3 nights in Rome followed by 4 nights in Sorrento on the Bay of Naples.

In Rome you stay at the 4-star Hotel Gioberti, located right in the city centre.

In Sorento you stay at the 4-star Hotel Caravel, just off Sorrentoo's main square. You will be accompanied on a guided tour of Pompeii and can enjoy optional tours to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

Price includes return flights, airport transfers, 3 nights accommodation in Rome on a b&b basis, 4 nights in Sorrento on a half-board basis as well as transfers. Price is based on a per person basis, sharing a twin/double room.

The new LOVEITALY website is full of inspiration and helpful advice. You can discover Italy's regions, explore interesting holidays, and investigate the special deals on offer. Log on to info@loveitaly.co.uk for Club News.

Travelmood, the affordable woldwide holidays people, are encouraging holiday makes to experience the Bella Vita with an Italian getaway. They are offering holidays to Lake Garda from €599pp, Verona from €389pp, Sorrento from €499pp, Amalfi Coast from €744pp or Rome from €469pp.

All prices are packages, based on 2 sharing including return flights ex Dublin, airport taxes, transfers (where stated only) and accommodation on a B&B basis. Visit www.travelmood.ie or tel 01 4331040.

Irish Ferries moves Summer forward

2012-02-10T10:28:00.001Z

Irish Ferries has brought forward the commencement of their direct Summer services from Ireland to France.

Scheduled sailings from Rosslare - Cherbourg will now begin on Friday, 10th February, nine days ahead f their scheduled introduction.

This will provide an additional four return sailings from Ireland to France during the period with the normal late evening winter departure times ex Rosslare applying in all cases.

The change was made possible by the early return to operation of their cruise ferry Oscar Wilde (pictured) following its routine annual overhaul.

For bookings and information visit www.irishferries.ie or call 0818 300 400.

Focus scores 'Best in Class' small family car

2012-02-10T07:30:00.003Z

Euro NCAP, Europe's leading authority on auto safety, has named the Ford Focus the 'Best in Class' small family car in recognition of the vehicle's crash test rating and advanced safety technology.

The Focus scooped one of only five best in class awards on the strength of its maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating as well as four Euro NCAP Advanced rewards last year, an achievement unmatched by any other high-volume car.

Ford say the Focus 'exemplifies our approach to design cars that both help drivers avoid accidents and protect them when one is inevitable'.

Focus had achieved an adult occupant score of 92 per cent, child occupant rating of 82 per cent, pedestrian score of 72 per cent, and safety assist rating of 71 per cent.