Car and Motoring News
Optimal deal for fleet sector
Despite a couple of annoying features, there's a definite feelgood factor to the Kia Optima, says, Campbell Spray...
Save money, and your life, by checking tyre pressure and wear
WE ARE all becoming more aware of road safety but Irish motorists have a weak point when it comes to checking their tyres, the car's only contact with the road. Most of us insist on a full complement of airbags and anti-lock brakes with ESP but rarely check tyre pressure, which has a major influence on a car's safety and fuel economy....
Fitter, faster Audi looks the part, and plays it too
I'm never mentioning those jennets in red jerseys who 'play' at Old Trafford again. I've had it. Biggest shower of big-headed gutless losers I've come across since . . . whenever....
Blitz of new models from BMW
BMW is unleashing a stream of new models. They include the 6-series Gran Coupe, here next month, and a three-door version of the 1-series....
Taking a front SEAT in the drive for new customers
They say this premises has been open for a year-and-a-half. Although we travel a lot through the Ballymount area of Dublin, off the M50, it wasn't until recently we saw the SEAT signage....
Daly aims to follow up maiden win
AFTER his breakthrough GP3 series win in Barcelona last weekend Conor Daly heads to Monaco next week determined to break the family duck at a venue that was pivotal in his father's Formula One career....
Crossover essential for Mazda
Mazda has joined the growing ranks of manufacturers who see a crossover as essential in their line-up. The high driving position, lots of space and good economy combine to make crossovers a very acceptable choice between saloons and off-roaders for families....
i30 doesn't monkey about
The march of the Hyundai marque continues unabated -- it is now the fastest growing manufacturer in the country....
BMW dishes out loans and sets up hire purchase scheme to boost sales
EVEN motorists who like to have their posh posteriors on BMW seats have their cashflow problems in a jittery economy. Many would like to be driving in a new model with 2012 registration plates, but committing hefty financial outlay to get their hands on a beemer means many are putting the purchase on the long finger....
Gorgeous... but bumps lie ahead
The wise folk -- and there are plenty of them -- will tell you right now is not the best time to be taking a risk. Citroen, with the new DS5, would appear to have ignored them....
Leinster attract large entry for Downpatrick debut
Leinster Motor Club have attracted a three-figure entry for their highly anticipated return to Bishopscourt this weekend....
'Customers are driven by price -- but also how they are dealt with'
JEANNIE O'Malley and Pat Tiernan set up Pat Tiernan Motors in Shanagolden, Co Limerick, in 1999 and opened a second outlet in Limerick city in 2008. The company employs 12 members of staff....
This footballing salesman scores for his dealership
In the back of our minds, we remembered that the last time we visited Des D'Arcy Motors they were big into SUVs....
Des D'Arcy Motors
In the back of our minds, we remembered that the last time we visited Des D'Arcy Motors, they were big into SUVs....
Out with the new, in with the old
I was well and truly entrenched in my views on the way they decked out the inside of this. You could almost hear the grrrrrrrrr in my brain as I spat disdain on the awful wood-finish inlay around the cabin. Then the fashionista daughter got in and her wonderful blue eyes lit up. She loved it....
Far from electric day out
AMID all the concern over rocketing fuel prices, it's perfectly natural that the electric car manufacturers are trying to kick-start again sales of EVs which have been disastrous up to now and even this year will be a long way from the wild projections of Nissan and Renault last year. Government initiatives involving cheap or free parking slots are also under way....
Loosen the purse strings for an Audi
With over 50 houses changing hands for over €1m a pop this year it looks as if there is a goodly number of 'haves' as distinct from the 'have-nots' out there who are prepared to loosen the purse strings to buy their hearts' desire. This reassuring indicator that confidence may be slowly growing will be welcome news to the Audi people here as they prepare to launch their new breed of...
How so many are risking puncture nightmare
A NEW report raises serious questions about how prepared people are for one of driving's more difficult eventualities. It asks: How well prepared are you for a puncture?...
In the lap of the lakes . . . and the gods
Kingdom hosts thrilling rally with Gass in pole positionTARMAC Championship leader Darren Gass faces a trio of former winners itching for glory in arguably Ireland's biggest motorsport event, The Cartell.ie International Rally of the Lakes in Killarney this weekend....
Fitting the Bill ... A speedy service and a real buzz
We were surprised when we parked up at Bill Cullen's and saw the amount of people milling around....
Coping with the ups and downs of getting finance for new car
It may not be the best of times to be looking for money to buy a new car but Paula McDermott, business manager at Frank Keane Blackrock which sells BMWs and services Mini products, says it's easier than people may think....
Mobiles in cars a risk even when not being used
We all know that using a mobile phone behind the wheel can cause a crash. But now there is research which suggests that merely anticipating a call can significantly increase the risk of an accident....
Second chance at a first impression
AUDI don't do much wrong these days. Some of their cars are simply outstanding. But I think they could do a lot better with their smallest car, the A1....
Ford focuses on fundraising
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind has officially launched its annual fund-raising car draw at the Cork City Ford Centre on Forge Hill. The winning prize is a brand new Ford Focus valued at €20,000, kindly donated by Ford Ireland....
Skoda launches new Yeti model
SKODA has launched its latest Yeti model, the 2.0 TDI, 110bhp SKODA Yeti Urban. The new Yeti is competitively priced at €25,190 and is available from next month....
Form and function combined
The new Kia cee'd blends sleek looks with practicality -- a good mixture for a family car, writes Martin Brennan...
Sponsored Feature: Caterham F1 team added to Bavaria City Racing line-up
Caterham F1 Team, are the latest team from the FIA Formula One World Championship to be confirmed for Bavaria City Racing Dublin which takes place in the heart of the capital on Sunday 3rd June....
Real lightweight contender
FASHION-conscious Peugeot is hoping that a trimmed down figure will make the new 208 a favourite on the forecourt. Yes, Peugeot's new supermini is set to become the company's new boardwalk beauty as it is much lighter and more compact than the 207 model it replaces....
Big smiles from little wonder
THERE can be few more delightful ways to spend a day off than by speeding through the beautiful English Cotswolds in an open-top car with a very attractive woman as your passenger....