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Menampilkan postingan dari November, 2018

Czech fashion show is a first in Ireland

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Last evening’s fashion show in Dublin’s City Hall in Dame Street, hosted by the Czech Republic and Skoda Ireland, was a first such show of its kind in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan . Skoda Ireland had partnered with the Czech Embassy in Dublin to celebrate Czech fashion designers aimed at introducing Czech designers to Irish retailers and media. The show was produced by well-known fashion consultant Eddie Shanahan.   It proved a most enjoyable evening of entertainment and style supporting emerging and established Czech talent. Guests were welcomed by His Excellency Petr Kynstetr, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland, while John Donegan, Brand Director of Skoda Ireland, said Irish motorists were very appreciative of the stunning style of Skoda cars and would now experience a wonderful display of Czech fashion.   The four collections were by Czech designers Monika Drapalova, Martina Navarila, Hana Havelkova and Eva Brzakova.   Monika has presented he...

Skoda Scala interior shown

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Skoda has revealed the first interior picture of its new Scala, which will replace the Rapid compact in 2019, writes Brian Byrne . The Scala is based on the Vision RS concept car, and will be available in Ireland in June of next year. It will compete against the Ford Focus, Toyota Auris, Renault Megane and Opel Astra.

Borgward set for Irish return next year

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The Borgward brand is set to return to Ireland next year almost six decades since the original company disappeared, writes Brian Byrne . Based in Stuttgart with Chinese backing, the revived Borgward has been back on the road for the last three years, and has now entered into a strategic partnership with the automotive sales specialist International Motors and IM Group Ltd for the British and Irish markets. The petrol-engine BX5 and BX7 SUVs are already available in Europe but the brand’s intention is to sell electric vehicles once production starts on the BXi5 and BXi7. Production of right-hand drive variants is expected to start in early 2019 in anticipation of a UK and Irish launch towards the end of 2019. Price, specification and line-up of the Irish offering will be announced closer to the time. The original company was founded by Carl F W Borgward (1890–1963). The brand's Isabella was one of the most popular German premium models in the 1950s.

Kia's new electric Soul in Ireland next year

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The Kia Soul electric car will arrive in Ireland next summer, in time for 192 sales, writes Brian Byrne . The car has just made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and is being tested to finalise range estimates. These range results will be announced early in the new year. The electric motor will produce 204hp and will come with a 64kWh battery. A fast charging system will be standard.

C5 Aircross aims for 'Comfort Class' crown

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When it comes to Ireland on 1 March next year, Citroen's new C5 Aircross is aimed at being the leader in the 'Comfort Class', writes Brian Byrne . It will target the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan's Qashqai, the Ford Kuga, Toyota's RAV4 and Citroen's own cousin, the Peugeot 3008. The car is very distinctive in Citroen's latest design cues, aiming to be noticed with bold looks and contrasting coloured details. The interior is of high visual and material quality, including a dashboard with customisable digital instruments. The second row is three full seats. Launch engine options will be a 130hp petrol with a 6-speed manual, and a 180hp petrol with 8-speed auto box. The diesels will be 130hop in manual and auto forms, and there will be a 180hp diesel available to order. Comfort technologies include the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion system derived from the brand's World Rally Car vehicles, and there's a special seats design which makes it hard to ...

FordPass to be added to more vehicles

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Ford is planning to extend its FordPass Connect system to a number of vehicles in its range in the coming months, after its introduction in the latest Ford Focus, writes Brian Byrne . The system uses a mobile app by which the owner of the FordPass-equipped vehicle can manage some key functions. These include remote doors lock/unlock, locating the car, checking fuel levels and other metrics, and automatic versions can also be remote started for de-ice and pre-warming. That last has features to prevent the car being driven away while warming. Other advantages of the system include using the car as a WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices, and providing live traffic updates. FordPass is available for both Apple and Android devices. It is currently also available on the Transit Connect.

New Mazda3 reveal today

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A new generation Mazda3 is being revealed today at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show, and will roll out to global markets in early 2019, writes Brian Byrne . The style includes a design decision to eliminate all 'character lines' and use the curvature of body panels to provide what the company calls a 'a countenance that changes by the season and the hour of the day'. The car is coming in both hatchback and sedan forms. The engines are diesel and petrol, including the Skyactiv-X engine technology that combines the characteristics of both types, using a 'spark-controlled compression ignition system'. More details when they are revealed.

‘Black Style’ R-Line available on VW’s Tiguan

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Tiguan R-Line Drivers can now add black features to their Tiguan SUV with the new ‘Black Style’ R-Line design package, writes Trish Whelan . The R-Line trim line packages for the Tiguan are available to be ordered with the ‘Black Style’ R-Line design package which is available in a number of colours such as Pearl-Effect Oryx White, Pure White Non-Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic, and Pearl-Effect Deep Black for the Tiguan. The ‘Black Style Exterior and Interior’ R-Line design package for the Tiguan is offered as an option on the new Tiguan R-Line from an additional €1,344 including all the elements of the package. These include bumpers in ‘R’ styling, rear spoiler in ‘R’ Style, 19-inch black alloy wheels and black roof rails, black rear bumper and window strips, R-Line multifunction sports steering wheel, brushed stainless steel pedals, aluminium front scuff plates with ‘R-Line’ logo, seat covers in ‘Race’ fabric and side bolster in ‘San Remo’ fabric as well as tinted r...

Are you a Zombie at the wheel?

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'Sleep  suit' See a friend or loved one reach for the car keys after a boozy night out and many people will speak out or persuade them to hand over the keys, writes Trish Whelan .  But how about when a friend insists on driving when they are simply tired after a long day? Fatigue is a major factor in up to 1 in 5 road crashes and experts say remaining awake for periods in excess of 18 hours can impair abilities to a degree that is comparable to exceeding the drink drive limit in many countries. Ford has now commissioned the creation of a ‘Sleep Suit’ that enables wearers to experience the debilitating effect that tiredness can have. Transport accidents are the leading cause of death among young people, and the company will integrate training with the suit into Driving Skills for Life (DSFL), its free young driver training programme for 17-24 yearolds. “Drive when you’re tired and you risk driving like a zombie - becoming a danger to yourself, your passengers and ev...

BMW launches subscription after sales service

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BMW is rolling out a first ever after sales subscription service in Ireland that offers customers service related discounts and a range of car care offerings in return for a monthly fee, writes Trish Whelan . For the first time, BMW Group Ireland will also offer BMW First customers first access to drive a range of high performance cars like the M2 Competition, X3 M401 and the 440i Gran Coupe for a small rental fee. The service will be offered in two rotations, mid-week or at weekends and will be released to customers in a personalised manner. There are three packages to choose from, with the initial contract-free ‘BMW First: Service & Repair’ product starting from €4.90 per month. This service includes large 20pc discount on car parts, servicing costs and repairs as well as value-added products including wiper blades and light bulbs plus regular health checks. At a monthly fee of €14.90, ‘BMW First: Car Care’ provides customers with a monthly Handwash & vac and prem...