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The new generation of the Jeep Wrangler is ‘the most capable ever, delivering the highest levels of comfort and handling for everyday use’, writes Trish Whelan . It comes with a modern design that retains all the authentic styling cues of the iconic Wrangler with several new top combinations that ensure more open-air freedom.   The interior combines authentic styling, with more modern features. The cabin is more stylish and comfortable with high-quality materials and finishes. The interiors are entirely washable. A bush button starter is new as is the option of heated front seats and steering wheel. There is also a new screws and bolts organiser at the bottom of the trunk to store away individual screws, and a tool kit with instructions inside the central armrest.   Two four-wheel drive, active, on-demand full time systems are offered: Command-Trac and Rock-Trac, next-generation Dana axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limi...

Built in the UK, the new Range Rover Velar luxury mid-size SUV has been designed to deliver all the practicality, connectivity and capability expected of the Range Rover family, writes Trish Whelan . Make no mistake, this is a true Rangie in every sense with its AWD 'go anywhere' heritage.   This elegant five-seater exudes style and capability. I believe it is the most beautiful SUV on the market. Some 82 motoring journalists from 24 countries thought so too as these jurors recently awarded it the 2018 World Car Design of the Year gong at the New York International Auto Show.  Eddie Kavanagh, Jaguar Land Rover Ireland’s Managing Director, says the new Velar - which fills the space between the Evoque and the RR Sport in the Range Rover range - 'brings increased choice to new and existing customers in a growing SUV market'. It certainly has universal appeal and would be just as much at home on the posh leafy suburbs of Dublin 4 as it would...

Skoda is introducing a 'Scout' version of its Karoq, to be presented at the Paris Motor Shown in October, writes Brian Byrne . With four wheel drive as standard, the Karoq Scout will also offer a choice from three engines — 1.5 petrol and 2.0 diesels — with 7-speed DSG automatic or 6-speed manual transmission options. The car will have special 'Scout' detailing outside and in, as well as its own alloy wheels design.

Many Irish people will remember with fondness the free holidays they enjoyed in their childhood courtesy of their parents. However, most young Irish adults – and in fact many adults of all ages – still have holidays paid for by their parents thanks to the growth of ‘the travel agency of mum and dad’, according to new research released today by Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland. It found that nearly three quarters (71%) of young Irish adults (aged 18 - 24) had been on holiday with their parents in the past year, with parents helping to cover costs 85% of the time. Typically, parents pay for flights (65%), accommodation (58%), and even food (49%) for their adult offspring. While young adults are most likely to enjoy a free holiday on their parents, they are not the only age group doing so. In fact, 39% of all adults have been on holiday with their parents or in-laws in the last year, and more than two thirds (66%) said their parents or in-laws contributed to some or all of the cost of th...

Cameron Fenton in action in his Supercar (Photos: Michael Chester). Congratulations to 17 year-old Cameron Fenton from Greystones, who has been selected as the Young Racing Driver of the Month for June, writes Richard Burke . The Wicklow driver won both of the Supercar races at Mondello Park on June 9/10, also setting fastest lap in each race, bringing his tally to four wins and six fastest laps from his seven races so far this year. Fenton began his motorsport career in Junior Sporting Trials at the age of 13, later switching to the Ginetta Junior racing class where he spent 2015 and 2016 gaining experience and learning the circuits. Last year, he was one of the top drivers in the class, winning seven of the twelve races, but was unfortunate to finish the year as a very close runner-up in the championship points table. For 2018, Cameron has moved up to the Supercar class, where he has been the unchallenged pace-setter, both in race results and lap times. He is ...

Audi's new generation Q3 will be available to order in Ireland from the end of the year, writes Brian Byrne . The body style has more presence than the outgoing car, and is larger in most dimensions, including a longer wheelbase. The interior design is new also, and includes a touchscreen with a new concept of the brand's multimedia interface (MMI). The navigation system has the ability to learn a driver's preferences from a previous journey on the same route, and offer suggestions. The car will have both petrol and diesel powertrains, ranging from 150hp-230hp.

New research has revealed the possibility of much faster recharging batteries, which could accelerate the move towards electric cars, writes Brian Byrne . Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK have found that lithium ions move 'hundreds of times faster' through materials known as nobium tungsten oxides than through the usual ceramic material used in battery systems. It is the speed of such ions during recharging that decides how fast the process is. According to the researchers, the nobium tungsten oxides are also easy and cheap to make, without requiring special chemicals or solvents. The work shows promise for a wide range of regular uses of recharging batteries, including electric buses and cars, batteries for solar power storage, and smartphones and computers.

A sedan version of the new generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class will get its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, writes Brian Byrne . Scheduled to launch in its first markets before the end of the year, the car will feature the MBUX multimedia system as standard. Screen instrumentation options will be two 7", a 7" and a 10.5", or two 10.25" displays. The car will also defends the current CLA's record as the most aerodynamic production car in the world, with a Cd value of 0.22, and its lowest aerodynamic drag in any production car will contribute to real-life low fuel consumption. Engine at launch will be a 163hp petrol and 116hp diesel, both with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Last Sunday, 22 July, Sara McFadden became the first visually impaired person to compete in Irish rallying when she navigated for her dad Keith in the Imokilly Stages Rally, in Cork,  writes  Richard Burke. Sara has been receiving messages of support from all over the world including from Ireland’s WRC Rally winning co-driver Paul Nagle who has been following her story since she received her licence from Motorsport Ireland. Paul said: “Sara’s story is a genuine inspiration and it goes to show that with the right attitude, you can achieve almost anything. Not only is she an inspiration to everyone in motorsport, she’s an inspiration for everyone living with a disability. I wish her all the best in her navigating career and who knows, we may appear on the same entry list for a rally some day in the future.” Sara has indicated that she will be competing again very soon. She is pictured above with her dad Keith. This is a link to some footage of her first event. ...

SEAT Ireland has partnered with Spin 1038 and Spin South West radio stations to provide branded Arona crossovers for the broadcasters' marketing activities, writes Brian Byrne . Five vehicles have been provided, and will be used for dealer events, outside broadcasts, and other marketing related initiatives. The Arona has accounted for more than a fifth of SEAT Ireland's sales since it was introduced in November 2017.

Forecourt and convenience retailer Maxol has partnered with mobility solutions specialist, easytrip, to launch easyWash, a drive in car wash and go answer for customers who want to keep their vehicles in pristine condition, writes Trish Whelan . The new service allows Maxol customers to use their easytrip tag at a participating Maxol car wash without getting out of the car and receive 20pc off a deluxe maxWash car wash from Monday to Friday. Customers can simply drive up to a maxWash car wash at any participating Maxol service station, press the easytrip button, the easytrip tag will beep, and the wash will start as normal. The driver doesn’t need to go into the shop to get a ticket, or put in a code for the wash and can simply drive away once the wash is complete. The fee is automatically deducted from the tag holder’s account. easyWash is currently available at 17 Maxol sites and will be rolled out to over 30 sites by the end of 2018. The 17 Maxol sites currently offering easy...

Ireland’s car import boom is being accelerated by the Euro’s rise against the Pound, writes Trish Whelan .   Irish car dealers and garages have upped their spending on vehicles imported from the UK by a fifth (20pc) during the first half of this year compared with the same time in 2017. The analysis of 3,000 transactions made through foreign exchange specialist Fexco Corporate Payments, comes days after the Euro hit 89.5p against sterling - its highest level for almost eight months. The research also found the importing spree hasn’t been limited to Ireland’s motor trade. Spending on UK imports by Irish car dealers, garages, and individual car buyers together rose by 14pc on last year and up 66pc on its pre-Brexit referendum level. The data also shows a 49pc increase in the number of cross-border car purchases - made by both dealers and motorists - between the first half of 2016 and the first half of 2018. The Fexco data mirrors official statistics compiled by the Society o...

Some of the displays at Frankfurt 2017. For those of us who have loved motor shows down the decades, there's bad news, writes Brian Byrne . They're losing support from the automotive industry at an alarming rate. There will be no Volkswagen Group brand stands at the Paris show upcoming in September. Nor will there be a presence from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Jeep, Fiat and Alfa Romeo), BMW, Ford, Infiniti, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Subaru or Volvo. At the next Frankfurt show, September 2019, BMW will only use a third of its usual space, which has been a full hall devoted to BMW and Mini models and concepts, as well as a track on which cars were driven around. Suffering declining support since the recession, the keynote Detroit International Auto Show will be moving from January to June in 2020, to try and survive against the shift by manufacturers to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The organisers are hoping to combine it with the Detroit Grand Pri...

New Mazda6 The new, more premium Mazda6 is now on sale in Ireland priced from €31,945 - €45,295, writes Trish Whelan . Both Sedan (Saloon) and Tourer body styles are offered.   The last mid life upgrade to the car was in 2015. The latest model is the most comprehensive yet offering improved quality in almost every detail both inside and out, placing this car at the head of their model range.   Mazda Ireland say the Mazda6 is now a true alternative to premium rivals and should be a genuine consideration for any driver looking for an upmarket, fun to drive car, even in the era of SUV and crossover dominance. Avril Brophy, Senior Manager Marketing/PR for Mazda Ireland, said at the car’s international launch in Mallorca last week that the brand is moving more premium with this car and they expect it to gain conquest sales from top brands with its competitive price and big list of standard equipment. Most sales are expected to come from business executives in the 35...

Ford Focus, photo courtesy EuroNCAP. Two new cars have achieved a 5-star safety rating in the latest round of EuroNCAP crash tests, writes Brian Byrne . They are Ford's new generation Focus and Volvo's XC40. The Volvo scored best in adult occupant protection, gaining a 97pc rating, against the Focus's 85pc. For child occupants, the Ford and Volvo were awarded 87pc. The Focus achieved a 72pc rating for vulnerable road users protection, marginally ahead of the 71pc for the XC40. Both cars were tested under the 2018 rating system, which is significantly updated from previous years and should not be directly compared to ratings of cars prior to this year. Volvo XC40, photo courtesy EuroNCAP.