LimerickIndependent.com Motoring Feed http://www.limerickindependent.com Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:22:30 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.limerickindependent.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.limerickindependent.com LimerickIndependent.com Motoring Feed http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11241&Itemid=96 Renault has recorded its best success on the Irish market in recent months and now the French brand has a batch of impressive new cars that are driving it forward. Michael Moroney took a drive recently in the new Renault Grand Scenic, family MPV that’s now more stylish, spacious and more affordable. Here’s his report. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:07:40 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11240&Itemid=96 THE new Volkswagen Sharan made its debut at last week’s Geneva Motor Show. The new model is reported to be based on an advanced new platform. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:07:20 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11239&Itemid=96 FORD took the wraps off the new generation Ford Focus estate at the Geneva Motor Show last week. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:07:02 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11238&Itemid=96 NISSAN unveiled the new Micra, the fourth generation of the iconic city car, at last week’s Geneva Motor Show. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:06:31 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11237&Itemid=96 THE new Mazda6 got a styling facelift for the Geneva Motor Show. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:06:13 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11235&Itemid=96 THE latest figures on new car registrations for Limerick show that 509 new cars were registered for the month of February. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:05:19 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11234&Itemid=96 WITH a new bodyshell, new engines and fresh, bold styling that introduces a new kind of dynamic aesthetics, Kia claims that the latest Kia Sportage is an urban-friendly compact SUV for today’s families, consuming less fuel and emitting less CO2. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:04:57 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11233&Itemid=96 PEUGEOT in Ireland has appointed Castlepark Motors, Limerick to the Peugeot dealer network in Ireland. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:04:00 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11232&Itemid=96 THE Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) has signed the EU Road Safety Charter in the presence of Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to highlight the association’s commitment to improving road safety in relation to tyres. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:02:37 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11231&Itemid=96 THE new car market seems to be on the rebound according to reports from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), which showed a 38% increase in new cars for February compared with February 2009. A total of 12,325 new cars were registered in February compared with 8,950 in February 2009. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:02:19 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11230&Itemid=96 AFTER all the gritting and salting to roads to keep traffic moving during this winter’s unprecedented bad weather, the wheel arches and undersides of many cars are now caked in corrosive debris. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:01:54 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11229&Itemid=96 AWKWARD but necessary, driving while pregnant can be an uncomfortable experience. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) advises mothers-to-be to drive safely and comfortably. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:01:37 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11141&Itemid=96 Volkswagen’s Polo was selected as the European Car of the Year for 2010 so it has a lofty reputation to live up to. The Polo also has a long 34 year heritage and this latest model is the biggest and most powerful Polo yet. Michael Moroney drove a petrol powered Polo in recent weeks and here’s his verdict. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:18:35 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11140&Itemid=96 THE Nissan Navara, Europe’s best selling pick-up and its SUV sibling the Pathfinder have been given a mid-term boost with a number of significant changes. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:18:15 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11139&Itemid=96 CITROEN has released details of a striking new concept design that was released this week at the Geneva Motor Show. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:17:57 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11138&Itemid=96 HONDA has unveiled its 3R-C concept three-wheel vehicle at Geneva Motor Show this week. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:17:38 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11137&Itemid=96 THIRTY years after the original Audi Quattro captivated the Geneva Motor Show, the new Audi RS 5 Coupe was unveiled in Geneva this week with a combination of high-revving V8 power, super fast S-tronic twin-clutch gear shifting and a new evolution of the all-wheel-drive system. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:17:17 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11136&Itemid=96 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:16:57 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11135&Itemid=96 SUBARU has featured a new hybrid tourer concept car at this week’s Geneva Motor Show. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:16:39 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11134&Itemid=96 SKODA unveiled the new look Fabia and Roomster at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The cars get an exterior redesign, plus a fresh range of engines, packed with new technology. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:16:17 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11133&Itemid=96 FIAT has unveiled a new two-cylinder petrol engine family called Twin-Air at the Geneva Motor Show. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:15:57 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11132&Itemid=96 A NEW survey has shown that 50% of drivers have had a crash or a near miss whilst swerving to avoid a pothole! Yet despite the high number of drivers affected by potholes, almost 70% of those surveyed had never reported a pothole in their area to the local council. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:15:38 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11131&Itemid=96 DESPITE high profile media pressure following a US government enquiry, the UK company Warranty Direct claims that the reliability of Toyota is not in question, despite the firm’s recent recall of up to 1.8 million vehicles across Europe because of accelerator and brake issues. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:15:15 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11130&Itemid=96 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:14:56 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11053&Itemid=96 Skoda has added some styling to the new generation Octavia models which is at its best in the Octavia RS. The extra touches don’t stop at the styling, this car offers a lot more street cred coupled with extra power and useful creature comforts. Michael Moroney reports from his test drive of the new Octavia Combi that got the full RS treatment. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:43:12 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11052&Itemid=96 VOLKSWAGEN has unveiled the new Touareg 4x4, which it claims is up to 200 kg lighter and up to 20% more fuel efficient than the model it replaces. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:42:49 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11051&Itemid=96 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:42:00 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11050&Itemid=96 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:41:45 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11049&Itemid=96 PEUGEOT’S new 5008 MPV has arrived on the Irish market. And despite original predictions the Irish distributor, the Gowan Group has increased its orders for the car, following a strong market reaction. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:41:29 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11048&Itemid=96 AUDI has launched its first dedicated Audi Centre in Ireland, stating the company’s intent to develop Audi further in the Irish Market. The flagship centre in Ballsbridge, Dublin is part of a five year investment plan by Audi in Ireland which highlights the company’s drive to become the number one prestige car brand in Ireland by 2015. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:41:07 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11047&Itemid=96 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:40:48 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11046&Itemid=96 MUMS are most stressed at 8.25am, according to a study of 2,000 mums across the UK and Ireland commissioned by Uniroyal Tyres. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:40:24 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11045&Itemid=96 NEW car buyers are failing to haggle and check out both financing and insurance costs before driving off the forecourt and it could leave them considerably out of pocket. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:39:44 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11044&Itemid=96 JAGUAR has been revealed as the car manufacturer most likely to suffer brake problems, according to British car warranty specialist, Warranty Direct. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:39:24 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11043&Itemid=96 WINDSCREEN damage caused by Ireland’s frost damaged roads is likely to increase this year, impacting on NCT test pass rates. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:38:45 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10985&Itemid=96 Toyota’s recent issues with safety do not apply to the unbreakable Hilux pick-up. The Hilux has a reputation for being a strong and robust machine. During 2009 Toyota made some minor changes to the Hilux and Michael Moroney drove the top selling pick-up in the early weeks of 2010. Read his report on the solid machine that now incorporates more luxury Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:58:46 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10984&Itemid=96 THE latest figures on new car registrations for Limerick show that 531 new cars were registered for the month of January. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:58:19 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10983&Itemid=96 THE Guinness Premiership iPhone application, in association with Land Rover, is proving to be one of the most popular sport applications. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:57:52 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10982&Itemid=96 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:57:20 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10981&Itemid=96 EURO NCAP has released information about its top five safest cars of 2009, based on their maximum five star awards and their overall scores. Top of this list is the Volkswagen Golf VI that was first tested in 2008 under the former rating scheme and was re-released in 2009. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:56:59 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10980&Itemid=96 THE new Peugeot RCZ has been voted Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2009, at the 25th International Automobile Festival. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:56:31 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10979&Itemid=96 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:56:12 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10978&Itemid=96 KIA Motors has unveiled its Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:55:56 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10977&Itemid=96 SUZUKI will be showing its new bigger car, the Kizashi saloon for the first time in Europe at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:52:47 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10976&Itemid=96 KIA’S new Sorento is now on view at dealerships across the country. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:52:20 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10975&Itemid=96 PORSCHE will be unveiling a new hybrid drive car at Geneva Show in March. Porsche believes that the 911 GT3 R with hybrid drive takes the evolution of the iconic sports coupe to new levels in motor sport. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:50:47 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10920&Itemid=96 Small cars sales have been given a new lease of life with the government scrappage scheme, as car companies back up the offer with attractive deals of their own. This is boom time for small car buyers and Nissan has joined in the game with a new entry level Pixo model that fits the bill. Michael Moroney drove Nissan’s new baby and here’s the report from his test drive. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:37:22 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10919&Itemid=96 FORD Ireland has announced the line up for the new S-MAX and Galaxy models which go on sale here in April. The new models, which were launched to the European motoring press in Spain, last week, have had a range of interior and exterior design changes. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:36:55 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10918&Itemid=96 FORD said that over 70% of its new car sales for January 2010 are in the Band A and B tax segments of the market, according to Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland, who was speaking at the launch of the new S-Max and Galaxy cars. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:36:32 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10917&Itemid=96 GENERAL Motors (GM) and the Dutch specialist car maker, Spyker Cars NV confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement for the purchase of Saab. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:36:02 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10916&Itemid=96 THE Government scrappage scheme contributed to a rise in new car sales of 5.04% in January compared to the same period in 2009, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:35:38 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10915&Itemid=96 TOYOTA Ireland said that it is recalling up to 18,130 cars in Ireland following an accelerator problem. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:31:11 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10914&Itemid=96 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:30:48 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10913&Itemid=96 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:30:25 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10850&Itemid=96 Late last year BMW introduced a new entry level SUV to their range. This new BMW X1 is a lightweight and economical compact SUV and its also reasonable value relative to the competition. Michael Moroney has been driving the new X1 and here’s his verdict. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:08:49 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10849&Itemid=96 MINI leads the way in efficiency and now it’s official. The Mini range produced the lowest CO2 in Ireland during 2009 (Source: SIMI Database FY2009). The brand once again sets the pace by bringing efficient dynamics into the small car arena through its Minimalism concept. Covering all the technological measures in the current Mini line-up, Minimalism helps to take the balance of driving fun and CO2 emissions to another new level. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:08:04 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10848&Itemid=96 FORD has struck a deal with the AA Driving School to provide 8,000 cars over three years. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:07:45 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10847&Itemid=96 TOYOTA has launched its new Auris 2010, with a sharper appearance inside and out. Toyota claims that it is using higher quality materials throughout the cabin and a suspension system tweaked for extra ride comfort and stability. Expect to see the car on the Irish market reasonably soon. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:06:54 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10846&Itemid=96 HONDA has introduced its newest hybrid car, the Insight to the Irish market. The car uses a combination of a 1.3 litre petrol engine with the support of an electric motor system to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:06:23 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10845&Itemid=96 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:05:36 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10779&Itemid=96 Last November, Toyota launched its third generation Prius model on the Irish market. The Prius has been successful across the world and the new design delivers even cleaner and more economical motoring. Michael Moroney reports from his Prius test drive that builds on first impressions. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:44:25 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10778&Itemid=96 AUDI has unveiled what it calls an uncompromising purist compact sports car with electric drive, last week at the Detroit Motor Show 2010. The two seat e-tron is the second electric concept vehicle from Audi. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:44:02 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10777&Itemid=96 VOLKSWAGEN has brought its range of scrappage scheme pricing offers to the market, which sees motorists in a better position than ever to buy a new car. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:43:38 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10776&Itemid=96 VOLKSWAGEN will unveil the new Volkswagen Transporter later this week providing a van with more specifications than ever before at a lower price. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:42:05 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10775&Itemid=96 MERCEDES-Benz took top place in the 2009 heavy commercial vehicles sales league. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:41:44 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10774&Itemid=96 MG Ireland has released a new price list for MGTF LE500 sports car in an effort to boost interest in the range, which is now manufactured by the Chinese owned company. With an entry price of €25,995, MG Ireland, based in Braemore Road, Churchtown, Dublin, believes that deal is very competitive. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:41:17 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10773&Itemid=96 MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, with a new Mini Countryman model that bridges a gap for the Mini range between the classic design and function and that of a new crossover sports activity vehicle. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:40:47 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10772&Itemid=96 THE Volkswagen Golf was Europe’s best-selling car in 2009 with a 23.9% sales rise versus 2008. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:40:29 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10771&Itemid=96 MITSUBISHI Motors will showcase its new compact crossover called the ASX at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March. The ASX is the European-spec version of the Japanese RVR, which is planned to hit the Japanese market from next month. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:40:03 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10770&Itemid=96 MAZDA will be introducing the new Mazda5 at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Mazda claims that the Mazda5 has been designed to meet the needs of European families with active lifestyles. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:39:41 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10769&Itemid=96 IN A YEAR when new car sales fell by 62%, sales of tyres in Ireland fell by 15 - 20%, according to Paddy Murphy, General Sales Manager at Continental Tyres. Paddy added that all indications were that motorists were leaving it longer to change their tyres. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:39:24 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10768&Itemid=96 THE next-generation Ford Focus was revealed last week at the Detroit Motor Show. What is significant about this is that Ford launched what is called a European style C-segment car in the North American market, signaling its intention to compete seriously at this level of the market for the future. ` Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:37:54 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10767&Itemid=96 THE frost and snow conditions at the start of this year have created huge pothole problems of many of the national and regional roads. Some roads have almost collapsed under the pressure that followed with heavy rainfall. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:37:20 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10689&Itemid=96 Kia is attacking the small car market with a new spacious Venga model. The Venga has flexibility and economy in a compact MPV styling that will be affordable. Michael Moroney went to a cold and wet Rome in December to drive the car and here’s his report. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:43:08 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10688&Itemid=96 THE Road Safety Authority (RSA) is renewing its message for road users to take extra care on the roads as the weather is going to stay very cold through to the second week of the New Year with northeasterly winds coming down over Ireland from Polar regions. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:42:47 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10687&Itemid=96 THE country is facing yet more very cold and icy weather with potentially heavy snowfalls. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:42:24 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10686&Itemid=96 THE British warranty company, Warranty Direct has revealed its latest report on the most and the least reliable pre-owned 4x4 and SUV cars on the market. The analysis is based on Warranty Direct’s database of 150,000 policies on cars between three and eight years old. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:42:02 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10685&Itemid=96 A GERMAN-based female scientist has confirmed that men are better at parking than women. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:41:42 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10684&Itemid=96 THE Government’s road safety target has been achieved three years ahead of schedule, according to the Road Safety Authority, which has declared 2009 to have been the safest year on Ireland’s roads since road deaths were first recorded in 1959. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:41:21 +0100 http://www.limerickindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10683&Itemid=96 MAZDA is now offering additional scrappage deals for the Mazda2 and Mazda3 models. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:40:59 +0100