Motors Ireland Spring 2017 by Clear Designs

MOTORS SPRING 2017

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SPIN IN PARADISE Citroen C3

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CONTENTS

Letter from the editor

elcome to our launch issue of Motors Ireland. It has been through hard work, persistence and late nights to finally get this issue into your hands and we certainly appreciate your support. Our cover car this issue is the totally bonkers Koenigsegg Regera. If you were to dream up a modern day hyper car without any restrictions I think the Regera would even surpass your imagination. It’s ahead of its time in so many ways and I’ve no doubt some of the technology and concepts used here will eventually be used elsewhere in the car industry in one form or another. Christian Von Koenigsegg was kind enough to answer some questions for us so flick to page 8 for the full review and interview. Joe Mallon Motors in Naas, Co Kildare celebrated 30 years in business at the end of November with a cooking demonstration and talk by the well-known duo Dave and Steve Flynn otherwise known as the Happy Pear. Our colleague Emer went to cover the days events and got chatting with the lads about their sponsorship by Renault and all things food related as they dished out delicious pasta dishes, smoothies and energy balls to the assembled crowd. In the evening the showroom was then transformed to host a fashion themed event ‘Style Wars’ between television presenter Lorraine Keane and stylist and fashion editor with the Irish Independent Bairbre Power, with fellow television presenter and designer Darren Kennedy taking on the role of compere for the fashion show. We managed to review a wide variety of vehicles in this issue. Apart from our main cover feature we also had time with the super Volvo S90. It was a joy to drive and is definitely going to shake things up in the premium executive car segment in Ireland. Following attending Druids Glen for the launch of the C3 we got to grips with it properly for a week of testing. This was an important launch for Citroen and I think they are on to a winner with the C3. On the other end of the size scale we had the rather large Nissan NP300 Navara. This was great fun to test and even better when you actually drive it where it belongs. That’s in muddy, wet and difficult conditions. Nissan are no strangers to producing pick-ups and you can see that as soon as you drive the Navara. With upgraded technology and a more pleasant but still durable interior on offer they have broadened the customer base and made this a good work/family vehicle option. On page 58 of this issue we have a review of the VW Touareg. This proved to be a very capable SUV, well built, good safety and has a premium feel and build quality. It’s also well priced compared to the competition but it really depends on your family size and needs regarding seven seat option and boot capacity. Finally, Opel were kind enough to let us test the little Opel Adam S. While not an OPC model it was a lot of fun. Good looks and decent power means a city car doesn’t have to be boring. It would be fantastic to see this with a OPC badge of course so fingers crossed. Finally, we managed to fit in the Nissan GTR track edition, Honda Civic Type R and lots more. We also review new and handy gadgets in our New Gear section along with latest Irish news. Enjoy the issue and our next issue is in shops early April. Drive safely.

Sales & Marketing Director: Anthony Kelly

Motors Ireland Magazine Ltd

Graphic Designer: Colin Brennan

Ph: +353 1 458 7672

Editorial Assistant: Emer Kelly

Email: info@motorsireland.ie

Design & Layout: cleardesigns.ie

Address: The Loft, Main Street, Newcastle,

Co Dublin For all advertising and marketing queries,

contact Anthony on ph: +353 1 458 7672 or email: info@motorsireland.ie

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MOTORS IRELAND

40 NEWS 4 Latest news from motoring sector in Ireland

THE FUTURE OF LUXURY 40 Interview with Bentley’s Design Director

KOENIGSEGG REGERA The Bugatti killer

ALL-NEW CIVIC HATCHBACK 44 Tenth-generation Honda Civic

MIURA 50TH ANNIVERSARY Automobili Lamborghini celebrates milestone

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 2017 18 Go Above and Beyond with new Discovery VOLVO S90 22 Volvo shakes up premium executive car segment

THE HAPPY PEAR 28 Interview with Renault Ambassadors The Happy Pear NEW GEAR 32 The latest products and gadgets

TYPE R PROTOTYPE BREAKS COVER 48 25 years of Honda’s Type R performance brand WORKAHOLIC 52 A proper off-road experience in Navara NP300 NISSAN GT-R TRACK EDITION 56 Specifically engineered for thrillseeking track enthusiasts VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG A good all-rounder?

ADAM S SURPRISES 62 Boutique Adam gets a sportier look

FRENCH FLAIR 34 New C3 brings style and comfort

www.motorsireland.ie for further information

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NEWS

NEWS SIMI/Donedeal Motor Report Indicates Strong 2016, But Urges Caution For 2017

he Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today issued their third Quarterly Motor Industry Review for 2016 in association with DoneDeal, at the SIMI National Retailers Conference held in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare. The SIMI/DoneDeal Report highlights the strong performance in the first half of the year for the Industry followed by a slowing down of new car sales from August onwards. Sales to the end of September 2016 were 143,190, up 18.4% on the first nine months of 2015. Based on this the SIMI/DoneDeal report forecasts final sales of 147,000 for 2016 with a similar outcome anticipated for new car sales in 2017. Jim Power Economist and author of the SIMI/DoneDeal Report said: “The auto industry is still performing strongly, but there have been clear signs of deceleration in sales in recent months. Looking ahead to 2017, the outlook for car sales is extremely uncertain. New car sales in 2016 should be close to 147,000 and similar outturn for what is expected to be a very uncertain market due to Brexit effects” The Review also indicates the changes in the costs of motoring since last year. The cost of a new car has decreased by 3.5% since September 2015, while the cost of petrol is down 5.0% and diesel is

down 4.6% in those 12 months. However the price of motor insurance has increased 25.1% since September 2015 and is up 68.7% since September 2013. Alan Nolan, Director General, SIMI, highlighted: “2016 has seen the highest levels in new vehicle registrations since 2008, while some of these sales can be attributed to a catch up in the market overall it has been a good year for our Industry. New car sales so far have contributed 1.25 Billion to the exchequer 24% ahead on last year. With the peak selling months behind us the Industry has now turned its focus to the 171 registration period as can be seen and heard in current advertising campaigns. While 2017 brings with it an air of uncertainty due to Brexit we would still expect the Industry to continue to perform well, as economic indicators suggest increased spending power in the Irish economy in 2017.”

Motorists Research Online But Buy Offline – Michelin Research Shows

ccording to research conducted in the UK by tyre maker Michelin, seven in every 10 motorists now commence their autorelated purchase process online. Of these, the largest proportion goes online to research their tyre choice options before deciding to buy offline. This rise in the importance and use of e-commerce is said by Michelin to represent a major growth opportunity for tyre dealers. Noting that consumers value the opinion of an expert when purchasing tyres, Michelin recommends that dealers be even more active in demonstrating their pedigree as leaders in this field.

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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Delivers 390,900 Vehicles Between January And October

olkswagen Commercial Vehicles records a significant growth of 9.6 per cent from January to October with 390,900 worldwide deliveries. High increases were recorded by: the T model range with 163,000 vehicles delivered (+17.1 per cent) and the Caddy model range with 131,500 vehicle deliveries (+15 per cent). In the month October alone, the brand lay well ahead of last year’s figures with 40,200 vehicles delivered (+14.3 per cent). Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers are proving a hit with Irish customers with sales forecast to rise 43% on 2015, with numbers of new Caddys and Transporters hitting the road set to soar 50% and 40% respectively. “We are glad to see a continuously positive development in Western Europe, proving our work leads to positive results. That is why we expect strong delivery results for the full year 2016”, explains Bram Schot, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles responsible for Sales and Marketing explained. The development of the declining markets such as South America stays challenging, Schot continues. In Germany, 102,300 vehicles were handed over to customers in the first three quarters of the year (+12.2 per cent). The key European

markets of Italy (+49.9 per cent to 9,200 vehicles), Spain (+35.2 per cent to 11,000 vehicles), France (+21.6 per cent to 15,900 vehicles) and Great Britain (+1.2 per cent to 41,500 vehicles) recorded great increases, too. In Eastern Europe, 28,100 vehicles were delivered. This is equivalent to an increase of 12.4 per cent. Outside Europe, growth was also recorded in North America (+21.7 per cent to 6,600 vehicles) and South Africa (+1.5 per cent to 7,200 vehicles). Deliveries fell by 11.1 per cent to 27,600 vehicles in South America, by 1.5 per cent to 12,500 vehicles in Africa, by 1.2 per cent to 18,000 vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region and by 1.6 per cent to 27,900 in the Middle-East. Worldwide deliveries of the brand by model range: • 163.000 vehicles from the T model range (139,200; +17.1 per cent) • 131,500 vehicles from the Caddy range (114,300; +15.0 per cent) • 57,600 vehicles from the Amarok range (62,600; -8.0 per cent) • 38,800 vehicles from the Crafter range (40,400; -4.1 per cent)

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2017 Mercedes-Benz Arrivals – Another Busy Year Ahead

he year ahead promises to be another busy one for MercedesBenz in Ireland. Coming hot on the heels of one in which total Mercedes-Benz unit sales increased by 44 percent – and organisational changes included the appointment of a new main dealer in Sligo and another planned in Galway – the goal of expanding market share and of building an even stronger presence in all market segments will continue to occupy the organisation’s focus, both locally and internationally. Scheduled to arrive here in the January-March period will be a new ‘dream car’ in the shape of a new S-Class Cabriolet, a model that will bring the joys of open-top motoring to the premier S-Class range. Also in Q1, the E-Class range – which already includes saloon and estate models – will take another leap forward with the arrival of an E-Class Coupé followed in mid-year by an E-Class Cabriolet. Also arriving in that period will be a new E-Class All-Terrain model and a revamped GLA entry-level SUV.

As 2017 progresses, it is expected that Mercedes-Benz will advance developments already in the pipeline, one being their entry into electric-powered motoring discussed at the recent Paris Motor Show. It is expected also that Q3 will see some finessing at the very top end of the model range though details have yet to be made clear. In this context, two especially exotic AMG models will become available – a GTR and GTC – of which more details will be revealed in due course. Commenting, Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in Ireland said “over recent years, as new models have become available, we have seen Mercedes-Benz expand its base in city and suburban driveways, in rural environments, and amongst younger drivers, male and female”. “As models due here in 2017 indicate, this new approach is now an embedded element in the unfolding Mercedes-Benz story as the company plots its course towards 2020 and the expected doubling of its market share globally”, he said.

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Suzuki GB PLC Dealer Of The Year

uzuki GB PLC has recently named its “Dealers of the Year” at its annual conference on the Spanish island of Tenerife. The ceremony recognises the achievements, exceptional performance and service delivered by Suzuki car dealers across the UK and Ireland during the past twelve months. TV personalities, Ant and Dec, who have recently played a lead role in the brand’s adverts for the Vitara compact SUV, announced each of the winners via video link. The trophies were then handed out by Suzuki GB’s Managing Director, Nobuo Suyama, and Aftersales Director, Denis Houston. All showrooms were evaluated in seven different areas which included the percentage of target sales achieved, the finance penetration percentage, the Sales Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI), the Service CSI, the number of parts sold, and the quantity of accessories sold and returned on sales percentage. The figures were aggregated on a balanced scorecard to reveal the top dealer in each of the categories: The category we at Motors Ireland were most interested in was the Irish Dealer and that went to Brownes Cars Limited (Co Donegal) In addition, 22 Suzuki dealerships were commended for their longrunning commitment to Suzuki. We have listed the Irish dealers below: • 15 years: Philip Petersen Limited (County Down) • 20 years: Trunk Road Garage Limited (Co Monaghan) • 25 years: Thomas Farrell & Sons Garages Limited (Co Waterford) • 30 years: Brady’s Ratoath (Co Meath)

Citroën Launches A New Assault On The FIA World Rally Championship With C3 WRC

ne month before the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship gets underway at Rallye Monte Carlo, Citroën Racing officially unveils its C3 WRC in Abu Dhabi. Complying with the new FIA regulations, which sees the introduction of a new generation of World Rally Cars, the C3 WRC heralds the return of Citroën, with eight manufacturers’ titles and no fewer than 96 wins to the brand’s name. For the 2017 season, the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT will enter between two and four C3 WRCs for its crews; Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle, Craig Breen/Scott Martin, Stéphane Lefebvre/Gabin Moreau and Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi/Chris Patterson.

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KOENIGSEGG REGERA

We look at the revolutionary hybrid hypercar and speak with Christian Von Koenigsegg about this ground breaking car

he Koenigsegg is a megacar, a hyper car or whatever other multitude of names you can think of. This is a bi-turbo, DOHC, 5.0-litre V8 engine with three electric motors pushing out over 1,800hp but as the combustion unit and motors don’t hit peak power together the official figure is 1,500hp. Regera is Swedish for “to Reign” and who can argue with the blistering performance and revolutionary technology on offer. By combining the combustion engine with three electric motors via a new powertrain technology called Koenigsegg Direct Drive the

traditional gearbox is done away with leading to a lighter more efficient vehicle. This gives 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and in 20 seconds will go from 0 to 400km/h. The Koenigsegg V8 is the most downsized homologated production internal combustion engine (ICE) in the world with 220hp per litre. The engine is compact meaning the Regera is

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light in weight and more efficient. The difference between the Regera and the predecessor Agera engine is that due to electric propulsion providing instant torque from the Direct Drive system less extremes were needed to be taken with the ICE in this instance. The Koenigsegg Direct Drive transmission (KDD) was invented by Christian von Koenigsegg and developed for the Regera by the Koenigsegg Advanced Engineering team. The patent-pending KDD replaces the combustion engine’s traditional transmission – the gearbox as you know it is removed from the car. In its place, the KDD provides direct drive to the rear axle from the combustion engine without the need of multitude gears or a variable transmission, all of which have inherently high energy losses. During highway travel, for example, the KDD reduces drivetrain losses compared to a traditional transmission or CVT by over 50% as there is no step up or step down gear working in series with the final drive – just direct power sent from the engine to the wheels. The Regera has three YASA developed electric motors, which supplement the energy from the combustion engine. Aside from providing e x t r e m e

responsiveness, these electric motors also allow for torque vectoring, regenerative braking and energy conversion. The three electric motors constitute the most powerful electrical motor set-up in production car history, replacing the gears of a normal transmission. This provides allimportant weight savings as well as adding power, torque and torque vectoring capability. Shift paddles remain on either side of the steering wheel. The left paddle is used to enhance regenerative braking effect in recharging the battery pack. The right paddle is used to activate the hydraulic coupling’s ‘downshift’ operation. Koenigsegg has worked extremely hard to find the best performing, and safest battery possible for the Regera. This research and testing has resulted in an 800 volt, 4.5kWh battery pack, making the Regera the world’s first 800V production car. To put the revolutionary nature of the Regera into proper perspective, it has

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10 almost triple as many electric horsepower (700hp) than its closest hybrid rival, with over 300hp more in total horsepower. And yet the Regera remains at a very competitive weight, while still including features such as a six-way adjustable electrical seat and a fully robotised body work. The Direct Drive transmission of the Regera delivers blistering performance, while at the same time offering one of the smoothest, most soothing driving experiences imaginable. It is a true Jekyll and Hyde experience that depends completely on your mood. The Regera is not just about speed and getting you from point A to point B in ridiculous times. To be at the very top of the hypercar world you have to deliver an overall product to your customers. Technology, comfort and practicality are all facets to give this niche car an overall appeal to customers and the Regera ticks these all important boxes. In Ängelholm, Sweden the Regera is handcrafted with a production run of just 80 vehicles compared to 500 Bugatti Chirons finding homes. With regard to the aforementioned technology and comfort the Regera comes with a 9” infotainment system, 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity, 8-way electrically adjustable memory foam seats, Apple CarPlay, an inner and rear camera system with recording function along with a top quality sound system and other new features. Normal roads is not a place to test a car like the Regera but thankfully Koenigsegg has it’s own runway. What better a place to fine tune and develop a world class hypercar. With some luck we hope to visit the factory in 2017 and get up close to the amazing Regera. Ahead of visiting Angelholm we managed to get an interview with the extremely busy

Christian Von Koenigsegg. Motors Ireland: For those who don’t know how you got into the car industry could you give us an insight into your background and the first Koenigsegg you produced? Christian Von Koenigsegg: I received my first inspiration at a very young age, around 5 years old. I saw a Norwegian stop-motion film called Pinchcliffe Grand Prix, where a local bicycle repairman in a small village builds his own racing car to take on the big teams and win. The film is still famous in Norway; it’s shown at Christmas every year. At the age of 22, I’d made some seed money from my own import/export business and decided that it was now or never - it was time to chase my dream. I started Koenigsegg in a small workshop in a village called Olofstrom, in south-east Sweden. We had a good design. The plan, right from the first computer sketch done on Windows Paint, was for a mid-engined, two seat sports car with a removable roof, which is exactly what we built as a concept, and exactly what we continue to build today. We were fortunate to get good people on board with the project from the beginning and we learned a lot along the way. The first drivable concept took two years to build but was very successful. The rest is history! MI: Looking back over your early years what would you say was your biggest mistake? CVK: We have been pretty fortunate in that most of our mistakes have been small ones, mistakes that we could recover from. When you’re starting a car company to compete with some very established players, you can’t afford big mistakes. Big mistakes are company-ending in that situation.

We had some setbacks, though I’m not sure I would call them mistakes. We had to try several different base engines, for example, before we could settle on one that we felt we could work with. We have modified every element of that engine between then and now to the point that it is 100% a Koenigsegg engine, and it has turned out to be the best decision we could have made. So, the first two failed engines might be called a setback, but the outcome they led to has been a key to our success. MI: The company has grown so much but because of the boutique nature of the Koenigsegg do you have a relationship with all your customers? CVK: We are lucky enough to enjoy very good relationships with our customers. They spend a long time specifying their vehicle and we work with them very closely through this process, and the build process as well. We had our first-ever Koenigsegg Owner’s Event in 2016 and it was a great success, with 16 Koenigseggs at one time on our test track. We did a tour around southern Sweden and Denmark. It was wonderful to have around 10% of our total production in the one place, at the one time. And our owner family enjoyed themselves immensely. They are a great group; very supportive and wonderful company. MI: Does top speed still matter or is that something journalists and media make a point of more than your customers? CVK: Top speed is something we are becoming less and less concerned with. We are a performance car company so speed will always be important to us. But the

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“In Ängelholm, Sweden the Regera is handcrafted.”

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12 obsession with absolute top speed is, I think, something from a (recently) bygone era. Customers can’t use it. Tyres aren’t specifically made for it. It’s more of a bragging thing than anything else. If top speed comes second to acceleration or handling, then we tend to think the emphasis is being misplaced.

expensive solutions that we chase because they are building for larger markets. MI: Which one of the Italian supercar companies do you prefer? CVK: Historically, I have always had a soft spot for Lamborghini. They have always been the underdogs, and quite radical in their design. That’s something I can identify with.

MI: What’s the difference between the Koenigsegg brand from competitors like Ferrari and Lamborghini? CVK: Every manufacturer in the supercar/ hypercar/megacar market makes a fantastic product. There are no poor cars at the top end of the sports car market (and very few poor cars elsewhere, either). I guess if you were to point out a difference, it’s that we seek extreme performance. It’s 600+ horsepower vs 1000+ horsepower. We seek extreme solutions to avoid any possible compromise. We can do this because we manufacture in small volumes at very high prices. They have less flexibility to chase the

MI: What has been the greatest satisfaction in creating Koenigsegg? CVK: Manifesting dreams into reality is very satisfying. Thinking about something and then doing it and then seeing it working and being enjoyed by others, is extremely rewarding and exhilarating. MI: If you were to dream about the future. How do you see Koenigsegg in 100 years? CVK: That’s a difficult one. The pace of technology makes it hard to forecast what the motoring public will need/want in 20 years from now, let alone 100 years. We may have Star Trek style personal transporters by then, making cars obsolete. Still I believe there is room for Sportscar like objects also in the future, but they will look very different in 100 years from now. If you’re talking about legacy, I would say that I hope people will look at what we have done at Koenigsegg and see merit in the cars that we’ve developed. We have successfully developed and implemented a lot of new technologies and it’s my hope that history will respect the work that we’ve done. MI: Finally, it would be fantastic to visit the factory in 2017 if you’ll have us? CVK: Sure come on over!

“Thankfully Koenigsegg has it’s own runway.”

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87th International

MOTOR SHOW and accessories

9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19 March 2017 Geneva

www.gims.swiss

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LAMBORGHINI MIURA

“The climax of the event was the remake of the opening sequence of the 1969 cult ﬁlm.”

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MARKING 50 YEARS OF THE LAMBORGHINI

MIURA The Lamborghini Miura Celebrates It’s 50th Anniversary “The Italian Job” Reloaded

s part of celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Miura, Automobili Lamborghini sent two Miuras from its Museum along the route used in the film, “The Italian Job”, directed by Peter Collinson. Starting in Sant’Agata Bolognese, where Lamborghini’s factory and museum is located, current V12 Lamborghini models including the Aventador Coupé, Roadster, Superveloce and Superveloce Roadster travelled back to the 1960s via the Pianura Padana, with stopovers in Vigevano and Aosta, before meeting up with the Miuras. The climax of the event was the remake of the opening sequence of the 1969 cult film, driving the cars up the hairpin curves of state road 27 on the Grand St. Bernard pass in the heart of the Italian Alps. During the event, the “fathers” of the Miura met in a warm reunion, remembering the most valuable stages of the development of this iconic car in a round table with the actual responsibles of the design and development of the Lamborghinis. Gathered together were engineers Gian Paolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani, who were in charge of the Miura’s technical development, and engineer Marcello Gandini, responsible for the exterior design on behalf of Carrozzeria Bertone. Vehicles from Anas (the government-owned Italian company that builds and maintains roads) and the Polizia Stradale (Highway Patrol) escorted the Lamborghini super sports cars up to the Great St. Bernard Pass, which was opened on a one-time basis for this event, only. The first Miura restored by Lamborghini PoloStorico was also included in celebrations: Miura chassis #4846 won the Trofeo BMW Group Italia award at Concorso di Eleganza Villa D’Este, the prestigious award decided by public vote.

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MIURA Number Built

764 (1966-1973)

Price then

â&#x201A;Ź12,000 (P400 S)

Value now

â&#x201A;Ź1million and up

Bizzarrini-designed V12 mounted behind the seats, transversely, on top of the gearbox and fitted with four-triple-choke Webers, not six twins. A beautiful steel body designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. All were coupes apart from a one-off Roadster concept produced in 1968, and a roofless SVJ converted years later for then boss Patrick Mimran. Steel monocoque chassis by Gian Paolo Dallara with input from Paolo Stanzini and Bob Wallace. Suspension shared with 400GT for cost savings. Engine (SV)

3929cc 24v V12,

380bhp @ 7850rpm,

295lb ft @ 5750rpm

Performance

6.5sec 0-62mph,

175mph Weight

1245kg

Length/width/height 4390/1780/1050mm Verdict

One of, if not the best

supercar of all time

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You are Invited to

Our WEDDING SHOWCASE

Sunday February 12th 2017 | 1 p m â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 p m Finnstown Castle Hotel, Newcastle Rd, Lucan, Co. Dublin | (01) 601 0700 Spring 2017 Motors Ireland

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LAND ROVER

NEW

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY This is quite easily one of this years most anticipated cars

he New Discovery embodies Land Rover’s drive to go Above and Beyond, combining British desirability with an unstoppable spirit of adventure. It’s an authentic, threerow, seven-seat SUV with unbeatable capability and versatility. The fifth-generation model benefits from Land Rover’s strong, safe and light full-size SUV architecture. The New Discovery is for the digital age. Ingenious technology keeps your family safe, connected and confident on all surfaces, all terrains and in all weathers to ensure your destination is reached. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer said: “New Discovery redefines the large SUV. Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have revolutionised the Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV. We truly believe the result is a radical departure in design that will introduce the Discovery Family to a new, wider customer base.” Revolutionary design The Discovery family has always had a spirit of adventure and the new model provides a dramatic reinterpretation of Discovery’s 27 years of heritage and practical DNA with a sophisticated design that pays

homage to previous models without being restrained by them. Trademark design features include the stepped roofline, which has identified each of the four previous generations of Discovery and provides an elegant solution to a practical need. The stepped profile optimises headroom for passengers travelling in the third row of seats. Land Rover’s design and engineering integrity ensures New Discovery is able to accommodate seven full-sized adults in an SUV body measuring less than five metres in length (4,970mm). Most similar-sized competitors provide 5+2 seating but New Discovery is designed for 95th percentile adults to sit comfortably in its rearmost seats. Connecting every generation of the family New Discovery provides world-first Intelligent Seat Fold technology, allowing customers to reconfigure the second- and third-row seats with minimal effort using controls at the rear of the vehicle, the central touchscreen and even remotely via a smartphone app as part of the InControl Touch Pro Services. Alongside the spacious and flexible seating layout, the other key to New Discovery’s superior versatility is Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system. The intuitive set-up features a large 10-inch touchscreen positioned high on the centre console, enabling

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“Land Rover has designed New Discovery around the needs of its customers” Land Rover’s designers to reduce the number of switches on the centre console by a third, delivering a clean and uncluttered appearance. Crisp graphics and easy-to-navigate menus incorporate the latest navigation and entertainment technologies including door-to-door navigation, which can share directions to a paired smartphone to help customers complete journeys on foot. Seamless iOS and Android connectivity combine with a 14-speaker Meridian digital surround system, with additional subwoofer, and 3G WiFi to provide the ultimate listening experience, whether streaming songs online or playing music directly from a connected device. Up to six 12V charging points ensure New Discovery is perfectly equipped to cope with the demands of the most connected families, while as many as seven USB sockets (up to nine when the rear seat entertainment is fitted) allow passengers in each row to power their smartphones or tablets simultaneously. Another technology feature for active families is Land Rover’s stateof-the-art Activity Key wristband, which allows customers to enjoy sports and active hobbies without carrying the standard key fob. This leaves customers free to run, swim, ride or play without worrying about the security of their vehicle.

Stowage addiction At every stage of its development Land Rover has designed New Discovery around the needs of its customers. This is evident when you look around the cabin. Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have an addiction to stowage, which has resulted in a host of convenient interior storage solutions for modern families, including: • Hidden cubby stowage in the central console capable of holding four iPads or a pair of two-litre drinks bottles. • A central armrest cubby large enough to house five iPads with a lid that hinges through 180 degrees to function as an armrest even when open • Hidden small-item stowage behind the fold-down Climate Control panel • A flush-fitting push-operated ‘curry hook’ in the front passenger footwell capable of securing carrier bags The effort put into developing New Discovery’s first-rate cabin stowage has been matched by the thought put into its luggage space. The premium SUV provides up to 2,500 litres of load capacity, or up to 1,231 litres behind row two, and the new dual-purpose Powered Inner Tailgate provides all the versatility expected from a vehicle wearing the Discovery Spring 2017 Motors Ireland

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badge. When raised, the fold-down panel at the leading edge of the load area operates as a practical load restraint, but when lowered the 285mm overhanging section doubles as a useful bench for event seating or changing muddy footwear, all under the shelter provided by the new one-piece tailgate. This simple device replicates the functionality of the horizontally split tailgate fitted to previous generations of Discovery.

train at its original launch in 1989. With a maximum towing capacity at a class-leading 3,500kg (3,720kg in USA), Land Rover has developed clever technology to make the Discovery’s towing ability more accessible than ever. Advanced Tow Assist is an ingenious development, which allows drivers to complete potentially difficult reversing manoeuvres when towing trailers, caravans and horseboxes with ease.

Comfort and capability New Discovery retains renowned Land Rover all-terrain capability thanks to its combination of excellent off-road geometry and advanced technology, while improving its everyday usability. Ground clearance is rated at 283mm (up 43mm) while a maximum wading depth of 900mm (an increase of 200mm) puts Discovery in a class of its own, providing unrivalled confidence when tackling both waterlogged tracks and flooded roads. A comprehensive suite of off-road driving technologies ensures New Discovery’s supreme all-terrain capability is easy to access for even inexperienced drivers. On-road performance is enhanced by Land Rover’s proven lightweight and durable aluminium monocoque architecture, which contributes to a 480kg weight saving compared to steel ladder construction. Land Rover’s trademark Command Driving Position also allows customers to enjoy New Discovery’s enhanced breadth of capability in complete confidence, irrespective of the road and weather conditions, by providing excellent visibility. This confidence extends to towing capability, which has been a hallmark of every generation of Discovery since it was used to tow a

Effortless efficiency New Discovery is powered by Jaguar Land Rover’s efficient range of four and six cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all paired with a smooth and responsive ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. They include: • The award-winning new 180PS 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder Td4 diesel engine is the most efficient in the range and delivers combined fuel economy of 47.1mpg with CO2 emissions from 159g/ km* – a reduction of 22 per cent over its equivalent predecessor. • The more powerful twin-turbo Sd4 Ingenium four-cylinder diesel produces 240PS and an impressive 500Nm of torque with fuel economy of 44.8mpg and CO2 emissions from 165g/km. • Six-cylinder diesel power comes from the 258PS Td6, which delivers 600Nm of torque for strong performance, pulling power and efficiency. • For petrol customers, Land Rover’s advanced 340PS supercharged petrol 3.0-litre V6, the Si6, provides 450Nm of torque to deliver relaxed performance and capability. We hope to bring you a full review of the new Discovery in a forthcoming issue. Deliveries are expected to begin in the Spring.

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22 VOLVO S90

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first thing I noticed when stepping into the Volvo S90 is the premium luxury and feel.â&#x20AC;?

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Words: Anthony Kelly Pics: Ralph McKeown Photography

THOR’S

HAMMER With a LED light display named after a Viking god Volvo’s certainly putting it up to its rivals. But has it done enough? We take a closer look

f I said to you ten years ago that you should consider a Volvo in the premium executive car segment before spending your hard earned money on a BMW 5-series, a Mercedes E-Class or an Audi A6 you would have rightly thought I’d lost it. Nowadays however the Swedish brand has become a serious contender within this exclusive segment. In the Summer of 2015 I attended the XC90 launch in the Bord Gais Energy theatre and it was clear to me that Volvo meant business with an all-new platform, new engines and beautiful dash interface and a premium SUV offering. The new S90 shares the same Volvo Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), powertrains, electronics interface and design language. The company operates today independently with a hands-off approach by the Chinese conglomerate that have ownership. The results so far are very promising indeed. The first thing I noticed when stepping into the Volvo S90 is the premium luxury and feel. It has fantastic materials and finish and is a fabulous place to be. The S90 has the same large touch screen found in the XC90. It has clear graphics and like the XC90 is very easy to use. The vertically positioned screen is the centrepiece of the dashboard design with light coloured wood and vertical silver blades at the centre of the air vents completing the look. Also taking pride of place on the dashboard is the British brand Bowers and Wilkins logo. Bowers and Wilkins are loudspeaker legends providing high end audio for homes and for select automobiles. You even have an option to replicate the Gothenburg Concert Hall at a quick swipe of the touchscreen. By placing the tweeter

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24 on top rather than recessed into the dashboard the sound reaches the ears directly. The B&W logo is also found on driver and passenger doors and the bespoke system doesn’t just blend into the plush leather and other high end materials but stands out uniquely within this aesthetically pleasing interior. The Bowers and Wilkins sound system is an added option but if you appreciate a quality sound system then it’s a must have. Another thing you notice straight away is the space. The S90 has loads of it. An abundance of legroom and headroom for driver and passenger and the rear seat passengers will be pleasantly surprised with the space available. There are two manual versions, D3 and D4. The D3 manual would be the entry point

vehicle at the base price of €43,900. Our test model was the 190hp D4 diesel Inscription with an automatic gearbox. It was very easy to drive and smooth on the road. As with the XC90, the S90 will have four-cylinder power only. Over the time we had with the S90 I found the engine to be quiet and refined and with an official economy of 64.2mpg the running costs should be reasonable. It drives well and is a huge improvement on the S80 it replaces. The difference is night and day. The focus is on comfort but it corners well with responsive and well weighted steering. Throttle response was good and more than enough power available to overtake safely. If you push it you will find small flaws but it’s not that type of vehicle. This is for eating up motorway miles

and cruising along and if you are an executive doing long trips then the S90 will leave you feeling relaxed and unruffled when you arrive at your destination. It’s really that good. The D4 momentum comes in at €48,400 and to be fair to Volvo they really do give you a lot as standard. Heated leather seats in the front, satnav, keyless start, self-steering technology and lots more. The Inscription is pricier starting at €56,400 with keyless entry, electric seats and a host of interior upgrades. Our test model was just over €75,000 with an array of extra’s ticked on the options list such as a LED Winter pack in combination with head-up display (€2,400), Xenium pack consisting of parking camera 360º surround view, blind spot information, power glass tilt and slide sunroof

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and park assist pilot (€2,950) and convenience pack with power operated tailgate, electronic climate control 4 zone, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology, tinted rear windows and headlight cleaning system (€1,750) to name just a few of our options. With the S90 you get a whole host of safety technology. A network of sensors can detect when you’re about to crash and apply the brakes or when you’re about to run off the road and steer you back onto it. I experienced the safety tech at work first hand not by choice but glad I did as got to see it in action. While travelling at normal speeds the car in front veered to the right lane as a large truck had come to a complete stop to slowly enter a tight entrance. I had noticed what was happening but the safety tech reacted quicker than I could and applied the brakes. I could feel the brakes being applied strongly and I then took over once my reaction kicked in. This type of technology is brilliant and will no doubt save lives. It’s worth mentioning that this is standard equipment in the S90.

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26 Conclusion What really stands out is the S90’s comfort. It’s wonderfully quiet on the move, the ride quality is excellent and the seats are incredibly comfortable. We can think of no better car for covering long distances. Over the last few weeks preparing this issue of Motors Ireland I have been in and out of various vehicles. I think it’s fair to say the S90 is one of the best places to be when stuck in traffic. The time passes that little bit easier. Add to that some great safety technology from a company well known for taking safety seriously along with some solid engines and you have here a very capable car. I think it’s a genuine alternative to the norm in this segment and simply can’t be overlooked. BMW have the new 5 serious launching soon in Ireland but we’ll have to wait and see what that delivers. Until then this S90 has won me over and is well worth a look.

THE SPECS Engine Size

2.0-litre four-

cylinder turbo diesel

Fuel Type

Diesel

Power

190hp

Torque

400Nm

Acceleration (0-100km/h)

8.2 seconds

Top Speed

230 km/h

Consumption

4.4L/100km

or 64.1 mpg

CO2 Emissions

116g/km

Road Tax

€200 per year (A4)

Base Price

€43,900

Our Test Model

€75,195

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P389

A NEW KIND OF LUXURY. The Volvo S90 D3 from €43,900.* Our new executive sedan was designed with a single aim in mind; to create a car that would redefine the idea of luxury. The result is the new Volvo S90; a blend of the best Scandinavian design and advanced technology in safety and power to give you a new, unforgettable driving experience. This is how a modern luxury sedan should be. This is the new Volvo S90. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VOLVO DEALER TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE. *Delivery and related charges not included. Terms and conditions apply. Model is shown for illustrative purposes only. Fuel consumption for the Volvo Range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 35.3 (8.0) – 68.9 (4.1), Extra Urban 58.9 (4.8) – 85.6 (3.3), Combined 34.4 (8.2) – 156.9 (1.8). CO2 Emissions 215 – 48 g/km. All new Volvo cars come with a2017 3 yearMotors warranty Ireland and Spring 2 years’ roadside assistance.

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28 THE HAPPY PEAR

INTERVIEW WITH

RENAULT AMBASSADORS THE HAPPY PEAR It’s all about food and nice cars for The Happy Pear

ave and Steve Flynn, the duo known as The Happy Pear were announced as Renault Ireland’s Kadjar ambassadors last January as well as receiving a Renault food truck. The all new Renault Kadjar is the latest stylish crossover from Renault and it’s already turning heads on Irish roads. Launched to the Irish market in late September the Kadjar is available from just €249 per month at all 26 Renault dealerships. This is an ideal family car as it features a unique blend of MPV, SUV and family hatchback. It also comes with a five-year warranty and five years roadside assistance as standard. The sporty crossover features high-tech equipment such as easy park assist, blind spot warnings,

Renault R-Link 2 media system, and much more. The Flynn’s are identical twins who were born and reared in Greystones in County Wicklow where they still reside and have their business The Happy Pear Café and shop. Having turned 37 years old in the middle of December, the twins show no sign of slowing down as they are going to be appearing on television a lot more than they currently do. There may be another cook book in the pipeline which would follow on from their highly successful first two cook books ‘The Happy Pear’ and ‘The World of the Happy Pear.’ The twins use their natural food store, wholefood café, superfood sprout farm, own-label products, online shop, YouTube channel and health education talks and courses to inspire a healthier, happier world!

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Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Nicola Cross Photography & Renault Ireland

Over the last 12 years, the business has gone from a two-man show to a thriving business employing 110 staff. As well as having a very successful business, between them Dave and Steve have five young children. They rise from their sleep between 5.30am and 7am every morning followed by doing some yoga and a swim in the sea before heading back to the café where they tuck in to some delicious porridge and cups of tea before embarking on getting stuck in to their work. The last 12 years most certainly have been a whirlwind for the pair but something says their success isn’t going to stop anytime soon. Motors Ireland caught up with the energetic twosome when they were in Joe Mallon Motors in Naas as part of the 30 year celebrations. “For us The Happy Pear is about trying to get people eating healthier food and make people better versions of themselves,’’ said Dave Flynn.

Members of the Mallon family with Darren Kennedy and Lorraine Keane

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Darren Kennedy and Roisin O’Hea

Lynne Boucher and Karla Clifford from Renault Ireland with Ruth Marnell from O’Hea PR at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations in Naas

“Working together is great fun and I think because we’re identical twins, we have a special bond. We were a part of a UCD twin study last year where they had 60 sets of identical twins and we had a recurring 99.9% of identical DNA. We shared a womb together, we shared a wardrobe together until we were 30 and I think working together is great fun and we tend to bring the best out in each other,’’ said Steve Flynn of working closely alongside his brother. “We tend not to take things too seriously and we have a good laugh. If one of us is getting tired and a bit cranky, we can tell the other to go for a run or whatever because we understand each other. There are a lot of bits and pieces going on with the business and we have some exciting projects in the pipeline which we’re really looking forward to,’’ enthused a very happy Dave. Yes, the boys are like hyper children but behind the giddiness, zest for life and wearing shorts and t-shirts in the middle of winter, these pair and their business came together in an unusual fashion. Growing up they ate a totally ‘standard’ diet of whatever food was put in front of them. They loved barbecues which the lads refer to as ‘meat feasts’ and as teenagers who played rugby they ate meat by the truck load. During college, they played rugby, chased the girls and drank like fish without a care in the world other than stumbling through their exams as well as dreaming of money, flash cars and beautiful women. They wanted to be millionaires by the time they were 30, have a private island by the time they were 40 and have private planes by the time they were 50! After college, they went travelling the world separately and they changed their eating habits within the space of one week of each other. Gone were the days of eating meat and in the blink of an eye it was hello to lentils, beans, quinoa and brown-rice which admittedly was a huge eye opener. Whilst they were away, the idea of taking over the greengrocer’s shop in Greystones came into Steve’s head. Just a week after he arrived home, Steve called around to see the owner of the shop and within a few months the Flynn’s had bought the shop and this epic adventure began! As mentioned above, the men are the father of five beautiful children between them; Steve’s children are May, Theo and Baby Ned. Dave’s daughters are Elsie and Issy. Little Issy was in attendance at the event in Naas and she was as good as gold as she sat and watched as the food demonstration took place whilst playing with a number of her toys and watching cartoons on her father’s mobile phone on occasion. But the question is how do they manage to run a business and juggle fatherhood at the same time? “I guess we try to enjoy everything we do! We go for a swim in the sea and we do yoga because you’ve got to look after yourself amongst all of the chaos between running a business and having young kids to look after as well,’’ imparted Steve.

“I read a quote earlier on which said ‘if your cup is empty you can’t expect to fill or nurture anyone else’ and it is really important to fill our own cup so we make the effort to go for a run or a swim, pay a visit to the gym or do some yoga,’’ said Dave. As to their involvement with Renault Ireland, Steve went on to say. “We started doing work with Jamie Oliver in the UK and Jamie’s team were working closely with Renault. I contacted Renault and said ‘I think what you’re doing is great, can we work together?!’ and then we were asked to be Renault ambassadors which was wonderful. “We’ve been working with Paddy Magee (the Country Operations Manager for Renault Ireland) and he is super nice. He sees that people are getting more and more interested in healthy food so I think it is a nice partnership between ourselves and Renault Ireland,’’ he added. “It is great that we can take the food truck on the road and we plan on doing a television show next year. We’re also hoping that we can go around to schools and communities whilst encouraging healthier eating,’’ enthused Dave. “We’re really enjoying being Renault ambassadors. We pack a lot into our days so our cars need to be practical, robust and reliable, and ready to take on any unexpected challenge. With the All-New Renault Kadjar, we know we’re going places, in comfort and style too,’’ explained Dave. “We have had a great afternoon in Joe Mallon Motors in Naas as well and we would like wish Joe Mallon Motors a very happy 30th birthday and here is to many more years in business,’’ said the handsome duo simultaneously. As to the future for The Happy Pear. “At the moment, we’re having a great time working with Supervalu and we’ve released a new range of bars and smoothies. This is a great opportunity to make healthier food more accessible and that is the goal behind them (the smoothies and bars) as well as working alongside Supervalu, Centra and other independent stores,’’ said Steve. “I also want to take the food truck on the road and I want to do swim rises around the country. A swim rise is something we flag on our social media where we ask people to join our swim at sunrise and we’ve had 400 or 500 people come along at 4.30am in the morning and we eat porridge at the beach afterwards. I think to bring our Renault food truck and do swim rises around the country would create a sense of community and buzz around healthy eating,’’ revealed a smiling Dave. “I absolutely love what we do! Having fun and the craic whilst doing what we do is what makes it sustainable. We’ve also got some new products coming out through Supervalu next year and we’re thinking about opening another store in Dublin. We’re also going to be doing some more work in the UK but our focus is to encourage people to be healthier and happier. We will probably release another cookbook down the line as well,’’ added a beaming Steve.

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All-New

Renault MEGANE GRAND COUPE Feel the drive

Available this 171 with:

APR

3 years servicing included 5 years warranty & roadside assistance Offer available only until 31st January 2017

Book a test drive at renault.ie

Model shown: All-New Mégane Grand Coupé Signature Nav dCi 110. RRP €27,290. Price excludes metallic paint, delivery and dealer related charges. Maximum recommended delivery charge €750. Finance example: All-New Mégane Grand Coupé EXPRESSION dCi 110. RRP €21,990. Deposit €7,762. Term 36 monthly payments of €175. APR 3%. Total cost of credit €948 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional final payment €8,730. Includes 3-year service plan. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. SubjectSpring to lending2017 criteria.Motors Terms andIreland conditions apply. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. See renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made].

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32 NEW GEAR

NEW GEAR Craftsman Pro Series

raftsman is one of the go-to names in tools for plenty of reasons, and their toolboxes are just as good. The latest Pro Series toolboxes improve upon everything that makes them great places to store everything from tools and notebooks to pens and projects with the addition of connected Bluetooth Smart Lock technology. Aimed at relieving the stress of losing your keys—which we’ve all done—this new line of connected tool storage includes multiple sizes and shapes of rolling cabinets and chests to fit all your individual requirements. Adding smart features to the lineup hasn’t deterred Craftsman from making one hell of a box either, because each features ball-bearing drawer slides, pro-grade double wall construction, gas struts, casters with toe locks, integrated power outlets (with USB!) and the renowned Craftsman warranty. All of the box options should be available later this year. Price range from €500 www.craftsman.com

Google Pixel

here’s a lot to say about the Pixel announcement, so we’ll get right to it. It’s a phone designed in every way by Google, meaning the hardware and the software work together and have come out with a stronger showing than any of us expected. Aesthetically, it’s a great looking phone, clearly designed with a tonne of care. For you photographers out there who were worried Google wouldn’t be able to compare with the cameras on other phones, don’t be. They have the highest rated camera of any available smartphone with features packed in that’ll guarantee you’re capturing the best images a cell phone can offer. There are also drastic improvements in battery technology as well. With the Pixel, you should be able to get 7 hours of usage after only fifteen minutes of charging. It’s available today for preorder and comes in three colours: Quite Black, Really Blue, and Very Silver (their words, not ours). Price range from €600

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Stanley Satellite Offers Flexible Work Lighting

he unusual design actually serves a utilitarian function. With the arms folded out, they can function as instant legs, so you can set down the light at a comfortable working angle. Additionally, being able to fold gives it the flexibility to either illuminate the same area as the light in the center (when folded out) or around it (when folded in), which should help it accommodate more lighting situations. The Stanley Satellite comes with 18 ultra-bright LEDs spread across four sections of the device (the three arms and the center), providing up to 300 lumens of brightness. The centre area shoots out a spotlight-style beam, while the three surrounding panels produce a diffused floodlight, with five different modes that allow you to choose the kind of illumination it provides. It comes with a rechargeable battery that can hold charge for up to 12 months at a time, with the ability to keep the light running for up to six hours straight. Features include a head that tilts down for more easily directing the light, a magnetic base that lets you snap it on under the hood of a car, a 1-amp USB port for charging your cellphone from the onboard battery, and a built-in loop for hanging on a hook. Price range from €30 www.stanleytools.co.uk

Olympus Tough TG-Tracker

f you plan on going on an active holiday this Summer then this could be for you. Olympus has updated its tough camera lineup with the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker, a rugged action-cam that specialises in tracking location, temperature, altitude and more. The TG-Tracker takes 8MP stills with a 1/2.3” sensor and provides 4K/30p and 1080/60p video recording options. It offers a fixed F2.0 13.9mm equiv. lens and the whole unit is rated to be waterproof to 30m/100ft, shockproof from 2.1m/7ft, freezeproof to -10C/+14F and crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf. Also provided are a 1.5” flip-out (but non-rotating) LCD and a built-in lamp with 30 and 60 lumen settings, the latter of which can be used for a flashlight mode. The tracking features for which the camera is named for include built-in GPS, barometric pressure sensor, temperature sensor, compass and an accelerometer. A pistol-style SG-T01 grip is bundled with the camera to help keep shots steady. The grip itself bends into a few different configurations to enable high or low angle shooting, and of course, selfies. Price range from €300 www.olympus.co.uk

Autodromo Stradale Automatic

n the era of Gran Turismo, each journey was a unique adventure on winding roads and narrow mountain passes, accompanied by the sound of a mighty engine up front and a whiff of petrol and leather. Stradale, meaning “road going” in Italian, conjures memories of that special time when the gentleman driver blurred the distinction between a road car and a race car. The Autodromo Stradale draws inspiration from dashboard instruments from Italian sports berlinettas of the late 1950s and early 1960s, featuring a fascinating multi-layered dial. Beneath the domed sapphire crystal, the hour indexes are applied to a transparent glass ring, which floats over the colored dial below for a 3-dimensional effect. The custom designed leather strap makes reference to the luxurious and colorful interiors of the time. This timepiece is powered by a 24 jewel Japan-Made automatic movement, beautifully finished and displayed behind a sapphire exhibition caseback. As with all of Autodromo watches, the Stradale arrives in beautifully conceived packaging evoking a road trip in Northern Italy circa 1960, complete with vintage-inspired map hand stamped with your purchase date. Price range from €800 www.autodromo.com

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FIRST DRIVES

FRENCH FLAIR If you are looking for something a little bit different to drive Citroen is a brand you can’t ignore.

he French manufacturer is putting the C3 into one of the most hotly contested car segments today but intelligently hasn’t tried to directly compete on certain areas where competitors are very strong but instead focus in on design and comfort and in so doing has a car that you can’t ignore if in the market for a new car this size. A wet December day in Druids Glen in beautiful Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co Wicklow was the venue for the new C3 launch just before Christmas. It was an opportunity to find out more about engine options, pricing and lots more in a fantastic venue. We also got to take the C3 for a short drive to become familiar with the vehicle. It wasn’t until after the launch when we got our test model for an extended period that we really got enough time to get to know the C3 a little better. This new C3 uses a very enhanced version of the PSA PF1 chassis and they have managed to cut down on weight to ensure this new version is no heavier than the 2nd generation model it replaces so we were eager to get in the driving seat and experience it first hand. The C3 comes in three versions of Citroens 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with 68hp, 82hp or 110hp and a 1.6-litre diesel BlueHDI offered in 75hp or 100hp. Starting at just €15,490, the

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FIRST DRIVES

“The overall cool factor of the C3 will see this performing very well throughout 2017.”

Words: Anthony Kelly Pics: Motors Ireland Staff Spring 2017 Motors Ireland

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FIRST DRIVES

Touch Trim includes a very high level of standard equipment including features such as a USB socket for media streaming & Bluetooth handsfree, safety features including Lane Departure warning and coffee break alert, as well as comfort features including cruise control and power steering. Stepping up to Feel Trim, starts at €16,990, bringing added styling features such as 16-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights; more intelligent and useful technology including Mirror Screen with Apple Car Play and a 7-inch touch screen; and the added comfort of automatic air conditioning. The top of the range Flair starts from €18,990 and brings even more extras including; Black Airbumps as standard, 17-inch alloy wheels, ConnectedCAM Citroën™, automatic lights & windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. ConnectedCAM Citroën™

uses a fully integrated camera, located behind the rear view mirror, to capture images and video that can instantly be shared on social media channels, or saved as evidence in the event of an accident. Our test model from the above mentioned line-up was the Flair and it’s fair to say that this and the Feel trim level will be very popular among Irish buyers. This is the third generation C3 with the original launched back in 2002 and from it’s quirky looks alone I can see this doing well for Citroen. Citroen has sold 3.6 million examples since it’s launch in 2002 and they will be hoping the new C3 pushes this figure even higher. Citroen Ireland has already indicated sales before Christmas 2016 being quite strong so all indications are positive. The first thing you will notice about the C3 is the design cues from the larger C4 Cactus. The C3 gets the main headlights in the bumpers and thin horizontal strips of LED running lights above them. The

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FIRST DRIVES

bubbled strip or ‘air bumps’ as Citroen calls them add a funky look but practical function too of absorbing bangs and dents that we all know happen only too well on days out shopping or in busy urban areas. The new Citroen C3 is offered with a large number of personalisation options. The exterior has a two-tone paint option, with a choice of three roof colours and complimentary touches of colour around the car (fog lights, door mirrors, rear quarter panels and on the Airbump panels). Inside, customers have a choice of four different interiors that all deliver a spacious, yet intimate feel, thanks to the shape of the seats and an uncluttered dashboard. Citroen is not focused on handling and performance but instead on ‘Advanced Comfort’ as the brand call it and the C3 absorbs bumps through it’s suspension very well. The tradeoff of this is some body roll but this probably won’t be of major concern to new buyers. The steering is good but lacks that communicative feel although it is very light which makes parking a doddle. Our 82hp model was perfectly capable and more than enough power for the daily run around. The 3 cylinder engine can be a little vocal if you work it hard or sitting idle but for the most part its fine. It’s worth mentioning I drove this car over the Christmas period and with some family trips to Offaly from Dublin along with local journeys it performed brilliantly on fuel consumption

of 60.1mpg. It was really good. The inside of the C3 has an uncluttered layout with a lot of functions working through the central touchscreen. The door handles are funky and similar to old suitcase handles and space is very good with a great driving position. Two grown adults can fit in the back but ideally with shorter front passengers who don’t take up all the space otherwise you’ll have to manoeuvre your knees into position. The boot on the C3 is not massive but its above average in this class with 300 litres available. Conclusion The C3 won’t go toe to toe with its rivals in areas of performance and handling but it is a solid offering. It looks cool and funky and has a certain appeal to it. The interior is well presented with a comfortable ride. Fuel consumption is very good and exterior styling is in fitting with the ‘family face’ of Citroen with its distinctive look and design cues. On paper its rivals may be a bit ahead but I think the looks and overall cool factor of the C3 will see this performing very well throughout 2017. Drop into your nearest dealer for a closer look and a test drive and you might just be of the same opinion.

THE SPECS Engine Size

1.2-litre three-cylinder

Puretech Flair

Fuel Type

Petrol

Power 82hp Torque 118Nm Acceleration (0-100km/h)

13.7 seconds

Top Speed

167 km/h

Consumption

4.7L/100km or 60.1 mpg

CO2 Emissions

109g/km

Road Tax

€190 per year (A3)

Base Price

€15,490

Our Test Model

€18,990

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+ Spring 2017 Motors Ireland

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40 BENTLEY

THE FUTURE

OF LUXURY

INTERVIEW WITH STEFAN SIELAFF, BENTLEY’S DESIGN DIRECTOR Designing the Bentley of tomorrow is not an easy task.

ot only must Bentley’s Director of Design, Stefan Sielaff, preserve the brand’s unmistakable identity – forged over nearly a century – but he must also visualise the future and innovate. Here Stefan discusses the future of luxury design, evolving customer demands and the models which define Bentley. Which Bentley design deﬁnes the brand for you, and how does this inform what you’re thinking about next? Talking as a designer, the Bentley which made the most innovative statement of its time is the Mulliner R-Type Continental from 1952. The surfaces of this model feature sharp lines against positive and negative curvature – permitted by traditional yet more time-consuming production methods. This DNA will find its way into future Bentleys, but with lightweight, modern treatment. That’s before we even talk about the proportions forming the basis for our current model range. The striking power line, muscular rear haunches and swooping, fast roof line – we will continue to be inspired by these proportions in the future. Do you have any guiding principles? As a custodian of a British brand with such an extensive heritage, it is my role to push the design language into the future. To do this I am convinced we need the help of more three-dimensional design and form language. We always need one ingredient in the design language of Bentley, and this is elegance. So, whatever we do, we push our design language into a new dimension with the help of elegance.

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42 What does the future of luxury design mean to you? The future of luxury design is rather complex because customers are demonstrating new requirements. We cannot only talk about a sculptural exterior and a functional interior. We have to integrate new technologies. I believe very strongly you can only more forward in design and aesthetic with a big input from technology. Where do you think automotive trends are going? Both in terms of the design and how people use cars? Society is changing. I think in the next 20 years the automotive industry will see seismic changes. Three quarters of the human population is going to live in mega cities, so the flow of traffic has to be different. In these megacities we are going to lose a very individual relationship of driving your own car. I think it’s more than a question of autonomous moving vehicles, I think it will require swarm intelligence to maintain traffic flow. I am also sure that there will be luxury vehicles – however we may need to redefine what luxury means. Luxury could mean being a member of an exclusive club which has access to a fast lane – time being the most precious commodity. In the countryside, in the mountains, there you may have this personal experience of freedom in your car, but in the megacities this will change. Where do you see automotive material trends changing? There will always be an audience for luxury cars. Of this I am convinced. There will always be people who want an individual statement about themselves embodied in their car. Nevertheless, a lot of things will change. The customer of the future may ask for vegan materials – ecological, sustainable trends. This is why we are looking into developing materials like protein leather – or luxurious textiles – it is why we are experimenting with stone veneers, and OLED screens. There will be a mixture of technology and aesthetic in the future.

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04652R

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44 HONDA CIVIC

“The all-new Civic has been engineered from the ground up.”

Spring Spring2017 2017Motors MotorsIreland Ireland

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ALL-NEW

CIVIC HATCHBACK The all-new tenth-generation Honda Civic represents a significant step forward for Honda in the C-segment, benefiting from the largest single model development programme in the company’s history.

he Civic is a core model for Honda in Europe and has been at the heart of the brand’s sales and manufacturing heritage in the region. For many European customers, the Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand and the development team targeted a dynamic rejuvenation of Civic. This aim demanded new thinking and new approaches to body construction, vehicle aerodynamics and chassis design. Building on its 40-year heritage, the car stays true to the original Civic concept of “a car for all people, a car for the world”. It is a marriage of distinctive design, sporty styling and versatile practicality – with a renewed focus on rewarding driving dynamics. Distinctive exterior design The purposeful silhouette makes a confident statement about the Civic’s sporty character. Wider, longer, and lower than any of its predecessors, the all-new Civic has short overhangs and taut lines that reference the high levels of aerodynamic efficiency. A sharp and aggressive ‘face’, pronounced wheel-arches and sculpted front and rear intakes hint at the Civic’s sporting character.

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46 All-new platform The all-new Civic has been engineered from the ground up to fulfil the promise of agile and rewarding dynamics. A lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell – the product of innovative new engineering and construction techniques – complements the lower centre of gravity and a sophisticated new suspension system in contributing directly to an engaging and fun driving experience. Refined interior with next generation infotainment The entirely new interior features a simple, uncluttered layout, new technologies, exceptional refinement and high-grade materials with a lower seating position to give the driver a greater feeling of connection with the car. The second-generation of Honda’s infotainment and connectivity system – Connect – incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. All-new VTEC TURBO gasoline engines The all-new Civic debuts two all-new VTEC TURBO petrol engines that have been developed specifically to deliver a powerful, engaging and efficient driving experience. Honda Sensing as standard

The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies specified across the range ensures the car is among the very safest in its class. Sporty, fresh and distinctive exterior design The new Civic hatchback features a sleek and swept back silhouette and articulates a fresh and distinctive new Honda design direction that conveys a strong and sporty character. The sharp lines are complemented by the most comprehensive aerodynamic packaging in the compact segment, including complete underbody panelling. The athletic look starts with low and wide proportions which reflect an increased footprint. The hatchback is 30 mm wider and 130 mm longer than the previous-generation five-door Civic. The car is 20 mm lower than its forebear, creating a sleek roofline. These generous dimensions underpin the distinctive design and sporty styling, while also facilitating rewarding dynamics and increased interior space. New larger and wider wheels and tyres further emphasise the wide stance, while the long wheelbase, short overhangs and sweeping cabin area further add to the dynamic feel of the exterior.

Sporty and sophisticated design details include a short front overhang with distinctive air intakes for a sporty, purposeful stature. The result is a sharp and aggressive contemporary interpretation of Honda’s family ‘face’, incorporating signature Honda front headlight clusters. Depending on the model grade, the thin, high-tech front lamp clusters feature either sharp high-tech LED headlights or projector halogen bulbs. All models feature LED daytime running lights that illuminate a hockey-stick shaped strip at the outer edge of the cluster. The sleek and swept-back body contour lines continue along the flanks of the car, with a swage line which bisects front and rear door handles before culminating in the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights. The rear bumper’s sharp creases and sculpted air outlets complete a dramatic and sporty look.

Spring Spring2017 2017Motors MotorsIreland Ireland

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to roofing and cladding products we produce the best quality and R&D, future, and is simple; significantly in innovation positions Tegral into the and we continue to invest l ontemporarryy lines that perfectly contempora and con slate grey the market, e to the highest internationa ong colours; a brand new up of two strong that we continue to manufactur eyond. The logo is made b beyond. innovate and ensuring excellence”, Kelly added. entions to continue to intentions operational company’s with the and colour underpins launch of the is carried standards ocus on quality. The red including the successful its relentless ffocus Market-leading innovation, reak new boundaries in break b of transformational product a tribute to its history Tegral logo, and serves as in 2015 and the introduction rough from the previous and Agribild through th logo are Tegral Academy Vertigo Tegral new the Endurance, within such as Tegral Thrutone business. Cleverly hidden and 80 years in busine position as the roof pitch, + 90° innovations mission of retaining its the minimum and maximum all serve to pursue Tegral’s and es of 10° and 70° to reflect les angles ang This hidden design Plus, products in the Irish market the other brand offerings. of roofing and cladding es to reflect cladding and les angles ang service, leading supplier ambition and confidence re to providing a top class are it looks to the future with Tegral a differentiate the brand as eature shows how dedicated ffeature per e perfection. ensure th y go the extra mile to roving they proving p ”, is carefully nuanced Generations or for “Building of ETEX agline is egral’s new ttagline eg Tegral’s Teg also projecting its Member 1988. Etex is an industrial of the Etex Group since and rich heritage, while unique member a is egral’s Tegral’s Teg on Tegral aw r materials draw d o tto the highest quality building futu that produces and markets o the future. and ommitmentt to ccommitmen rebrand, Paddy group comprises of 99 companies sary and the milestone anniversary across the globe. The group Speaking about the 80th 17,500 people is a proud and systems 42 countries. They employ Tegral said, “Our 80th anniversary factories, spanning across y, Managing Director of ly, Kelly, Kel from the best survived and grown 120 l group, Tegral benefits and as a business that’s part of this internationa landmark for us as a team new brand globally. As strength to continue ess other challenges. Our globally and the financial countless and countle technical research available rough three recessions through thr th forwardand progressive in Tegral’s Irish operation. e are today; we are an ambitious, we eflects who w rreflects to the heritage investment emain grounded and loyal ompany, but our team remain looking company, pa 80 years. di tinction these past ed us with distinction that has served of our asset - they are the lifeblood e are Tegral’s greatest “Our people today is all in our survival. Our success instrumenta t to business and have been commitmen shared their and sion o their hard work, passion a testament tto . gene or generations build for and also to our thanks to all our team, “I’d like to extend our heartfelt tremendous suppliers who have shown and supplie alued self-build customers valued support for through the years. Their service to Tegral down oyalty and servi loyalty loy has allowed fibre-cement roof slates, of er only Irish manufactur egral, the on Tegral, Teg internationally eader that is recognised a market leader into develop and grow us our success innovation. The secret to entless focus on quality and relentless or our relent for

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in Athy in its manufacturing base ince first establishing to the Irish a significant contribution 1936, Tegral has made across its now employs 150 people construction industry and

operations. to a its successful transition Tegral’s rebranding represents beyond its roof slate that’s significantly evolved market-leading company catalogue of products offers a wide and diverse heritage; the business now

ive range of metal as well as a comprehens that span fibre cement slates international sytems designed to the highest roofing, cladding and flooring ommerrcial,, omme selfbuilds, ccommercial for modern renovations, standards and purposed truction.. agricultu al construction trial and agricultural industrial rand brand br n s new ean About Tegral’s identity with clean a fresh and confident visual The new Tegral logo signifies

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48 HONDA TYPE R

TYPE R PROTOTYPE

BREAKS COVER The prototype is marked out by wide, aggressive bumpers, extended wheel arches and a dramatic rear wing

“The aggressive bumper is accentuated with a winged carbon fibre splitter” Spring 2017 Motors Ireland

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his year will mark 25 years of Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Type R performance brand and the fifth generation Civic is looking likely to be released in the second half of the year to much anticipation. The new Honda Civic Type R Prototype was revealed at the 2016 Mondial de Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Automobile in Paris, offering an insight into the styling of the nextgeneration Civic Type R which will be officially unveiled later this year. It is a very production ready concept so what you see here is what the actual car should look like. Based on the low and wide proportions of the new Civic hatchback, the Type R Prototype is enhanced by muscular body styling and modifications to aid aerodynamic performance. The exterior is clothed in a highly reflective, finelygrained brushed aluminium-effect finish unique to the show car. At the front, the aggressive bumper is accentuated with a winged carbon fibre splitter and sporty red accent line. Additional slatted ducts add width to the bumper, and diamondmesh inserts fill the sculpted air intakes. There is no word yet on power but all indications are that it will use the turbo 2.0 litre in the current Type R but with some engine fiddling giving a potential 340 horses.

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Honda’s famous red ‘H’ badge – which adorns all Type R models – sits above a new air vent at the nose of the car. There is also a new intake on the bonnet, with an air scoop sited centrally in a trapezoidal recess. Smoked lenses for the LED headlights, indicators and side repeaters reflect the Type R Prototype’s more aggressive character. Carbon fibre side skirts run the length of the wheelbase, between 20-inch piano black alloy wheels with red accents and 245-section high-performance tyres. Enlarged arches accommodate the new wheels. A substantial carbon fibre diffuser runs below the wider rear bumper, which frames three fully-functional tailpipes with a pair of directional strakes at each side. The central tailpipe is of a smaller diameter and is

highlighted in bright metallic red. Unique peaks at the roof flanks point backwards towards a dramatic, visually striking rear wing. The next-generation Civic Type R was engineered within the same development programme as the other members of the Civic family, and will be officially unveiled in production form later this year. It will be produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon – the global manufacturing hub for the five-door hatchback, with sales expected to begin in Europe during the second half of 2017. The Type R will be exported to markets around the world, including the US – which will mark the first time that any Honda-badged Type R has been officially sold in North America. Don’t expect to see it in Ireland until very late 2017.

It is a very production ready concept so what you see here is what the actual car should look like. Spring 2017 Motors Ireland

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FIRST DRIVES

WORKAHOLIC Nissan has raised the bar with the Navara but with stiff competition has it done enough..

he Nissan NP300 Navara is a proper off-roader. It doesn’t pretend to be something its not like many cars do these days. Yes it’s more refined and more economical but at its heart you have a tough rugged pick-up. And I for one like that. I live far enough outside the city centre of Dublin to appreciate the odd field here and there but not enough to experience the slightest of what the Navara can do so I opted to head towards the Curragh in Co Kildare. With plenty of space and rough terrain it was as close as I could get to try put the Navara through its paces. Nissan is not new to the pick-up market and for over 80 years it has delivered vehicles in this segment to over 14 million customers. I think that kind of background speaks for itself and my hopes were high. Our Navara was very comfortable throughout our test and this comes down to the double cab model using a five-link set-up with coil springs instead of the leaf sprung suspension that is commonly used. The drive was relaxed and this enhances it’s appeal to be both a workhorse and a five seater. I found the interior to be large, spacious and quite plush

for a pick-up. Even rear adult passengers will find they have plenty of legroom and accommodating three adults wouldn’t be a problem. It’s a big vehicle so you have to slightly make your way up into it but once there the driving position is good and commanding and you kind of forget you’re in a large pick-up. That is until you try park it. Our test vehicle thankfully had parking sensors and unless regularly on a farm I’d recommend adding this option just to make your life a little easier. Our model came with seven-inch touchscreen, navigation and heated front seats along with other extras while all models come with air conditioning, spare wheel and rear ventilation at no extra cost. Having driven the X-Trail previously it appears that Nissan is using some interior trim and switchgear from its passenger vehicles which is not a bad thing. They are solid and durable and work well along with raising the bar of what you’d expect on the inside of a pick-up. All models come with seven airbags and Forward Emergency Braking which is Nissan’s autonomous braking tech. On our way to the Curragh the Navara was very pleasant and small potholes are rarely noticed in

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FIRST DRIVES

the cabin. We took some back roads before merging on to the N7 and hit a few larger potholes as unavoidable unfortunately and this caused slight unsettling of the unloaded rear axle. On the motorway there was little to complain about with a smooth and comfy ride all the way to Kildare. Pulling this big pick-up is a 2.3-litre diesel engine with 190hp through a six-speed manual gearbox with 44.8mpg and 167 g/km of CO2. There is a rumble from the engine when at idle and

as you go through the gears but this is taken over by noise from the turbo and eventually fades when cruising. Thanks to a twin-turbo setup the Navara has no problem pulling and has a towing capacity of 3,500kg along with being able to carry a further one tonne load. The loading bay is lined with tough plastic and the tailgate felt tough and durable and able to take some heavy weight. After finally arriving at the Curragh on a

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pulling this big pick-up is a 2.3-litre diesel engine with 190hp.â&#x20AC;? Spring 2017 Motors Ireland

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FIRST DRIVES

cold Winter afternoon I got to try the various tech on offer. The allwheel-drive system with low-range mode and electronic limited-slip differential gave the Navara more than enough off-road ability for my bravery and experience level but I’m confident it could have been pushed even further if on a purpose built track. With hill descent control and hill start assist also offered, it’s a very capable off-roader able to cater for the majority of what is put in its way. If you’re in the market for a pick-up the Nissan NP300 Navara should not be overlooked. I would recommend the Double Cab as most pickup customers want a dual-purpose vehicle that can be used for

work during the week and a family friendly vehicle at weekends. While I didn’t comment in this review on it’s looks as I was highly focused on it’s abilities, it’s fair to say it’s an attractive pick-up with good looks and sharp styling. Add to this an interior that’s both inviting and functional and you have a very strong offering. While there is plenty of competition in this segment with the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux and soon the Fiat Fullback will be in the thick of things competing for market share. The Navara has a complete package offering and as such right now I think it’s the class leader and one of the best pick-ups available.

“The Navara has no problem pulling and has a towing capacity of 3,500kg.” Spring 2017 Motors Ireland

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FIRST DRIVES

THE SPECS Engine Size

2.3-litre, four-cylinder,

twin-turbo diesel

Fuel Type

Diesel

Power 190hp Transmission

6-speed manual,

selectable four wheel drive

Torque 450Nm Acceleration (0-100km/h) 10.8 seconds Top Speed

183 km/h

Consumption

6.4L/100km or 44.8 mpg

CO2 Emissions

167g/km

Road Tax

€570 per year

or €333 commercial rate

(Band D)

Base Price

€33,250

Our Test Model

€36,000

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56 NISSAN GTR

TRACK EDITION New Nissan GT-R Track Edition offers even greater performance for supercar enthusiasts

“Power comes from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 developing 570PS.” Spring Spring2017 2017Motors MotorsIreland Ireland

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nother eagerly anticipated chapter in the Nissan GT-R success story has begun, with the arrival of the GT-R Track Edition. As the name implies, it’s been specifically engineered for thrill-seeking track enthusiasts by the dedicated team at NISMO – Nissan’s motorsport division. Designed to deliver a higher level of performance than the standard GT-R, it is priced €118,900. The Nissan GT-R Track Edition sits above the Premium, Prestige and Black Edition in the model line-up, but below the flagship GT-R NISMO. Performance modifications to further improve the dynamic experience include bespoke Bilstein Damptronic® suspension. A race-tuned setup, this is designed to optimise straight-line and cornering stability. A new lightweight anti-roll bar has also been added to increase body stiffness and reduce weight. NISMO Racing Black forged 20-inch aluminium wheels and tyres are part of the GT-R Track Edition package, in addition to a wider front bumper. However, the exact specification varies by market. For example, Track Edition cars in Germany come with carbon-backed Recaro seats as standard, with a carbon rear spoiler available as an option. In the UK and France, the black and red Recaro seats from the GT-R Black Edition are fitted, while the carbon spoiler is standard. A boot lid made from carbon and the carbon-backed seats are optional extras. What is included on every version is the finishing touch – a unique Track Edition badge made from carbon that’s attached to the dashboard. Customers will start to take to delivery of cars from early November. The GT-R Track Edition is based on the MY17 GT-R, first unveiled at the New York Motor Show in April 2016. Building on the GT-R’s unrivalled supercar heritage, the four-wheel-drive supercoupé features a striking new aerodynamic exterior design. That’s coupled with a sophisticated new premium interior for maximum driver comfort, and includes a new eight-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system and 11-speaker Bose® audio unit. Power comes from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 developing 570PS and 637Nm of torque. Each engine is hand-assembled from start to finish by a single, meticulously trained, technician called a Takumi - literally ‘master craftsman’ in Japanese. Since its launch in 2007, the Nissan GT-R has been at the cutting edge of the premium sports car sector – an uncompromising performance four-seater for enthusiastic drivers, a car which completely embodies Nissan’s brand sign-off – Innovation that Excites.

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FIRST DRIVES

VW TOUAREG

A GOOD ALL-ROUNDER? With a list of competitors how does the Touareg stack up to it’s rivals

“I suppose you could say it has an understated elegance.”

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FIRST DRIVES Words: Anthony Kelly Pics: Motors Ireland staff

ou can make some decisions very easy. Take last month for example doing some home DIY. Tedious stuff like choosing tiles and colours and bathroom furniture. You can dwell on it for ages or else you instinctively know what you like and what you don’t. When that happens it’s a godsend. It means you can get back to the important things like doing the actual work or in my case handing them over to a suitable professional. This quick-fire process might be fine for myself but if doing it on behalf of someone else a whole range of issues present themselves. That’s how I felt with the Touareg. Does it suit the current needs, the expectations and future needs of a potential buyer. Will it be mainly city driving or will it be seeing a lot of off-road fun? Is it a grown-up family or are there lots of kids with plenty of friends? There in lies the problem of this review. What I originally thought was a quite straight forward review had me second guessing myself. So lets take a closer look. The Volkswagen Touareg was a joint venture developed by the VW group, Audi and Porsche. The result of the project is a VW group platform shared by the Touareg, the Audi Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne. There are styling, equipment and technical differences between them but the important point is the VW Touareg you see before you is identical underneath to its more expensive prestigious rival. Add to the mix some good looks, an efficient engine and a nice cabin and you can quickly see there is excellent value to be had with the VW Touareg. But is it enough to compete with the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and the aforementioned Porche Cayenne. The first generation Touareg was released back in 2002 and what you see here is the latest generation after an overhaul and it’s now styled in keeping with the rest of the Volkswagen range with similar design cues found from the Golf to the new Tiguan. First impressions are good with a large wide grille, smart bi-xenon LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights and a nice neat design. I suppose you could say it has an understated elegance and an upmarket appeal. It’s a large SUV with a presence and sits on 20 inch alloys and in Ireland it’s available in one trim level which includes the above plus permanent four-wheel-drive 4Motion technology, leather trim comfort seats and an excellent 3.0-litre V6 TDI that you will find in various Audis and other VW group models. You have various colours to choose from, alloy wheel design options and interior colour options so opportunities to personalise your Touareg to your own tastes are available. The 4Motion technology mentioned above is easy to use with a rotary dial letting you choose your off-road setting and when you put the foot down in difficult conditions it really does have great capability. The “4MOTION Terrain Tech” as Volkswagen calls it is the electronically controlled permanent four-wheel drive system in the Touareg. It features a lockable centre differential with a multi-plate clutch and low-range gear. In normal operation, power distribution between the front and rear axles is smoothly adjusted as a function of the amount of slip and gives the Touareg the ability to tackle the toughest of tasks. Only downside I could spot was it’s limited ground clearance so it really depends if you are planning to be offroad regularly or not. If you’re living in an urban area and it’s a few times a year you might go into more challenging environments it isn’t something to overly worry about. The Volkswagen Touareg is not small by any means and with a weight of nearly 2.2 tonnes the 204bhp SUV pushes out a huge 450Nm to move this large SUV. The power is sent to all four wheels by way of an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and it’s delivered quite smoothly. While it shares a similar platform to Porsche don’t expect a sporty drive. In that regard it’s an old school SUV with a more practical, comfortable and luxurious day to day workhorse appeal. It’s not surprising that a big SUV like this gets thirsty but the Touareg wears the same BlueMotion badge as others in the VW range and so benefits

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FIRST DRIVES

THE SPECS Engine Size

3.0-litre V6 TDI

Fuel Type

Diesel

Power

204hp

Torque

450Nm

Acceleration (0-100km/h)

8.7 seconds

Top Speed

206km/h

Consumption

6.6L/100km or 42.8 mpg

CO2 Emissions

174g/km

Road Tax

€750 per year (Band E)

Base Price

€69,995

Our Test Model

€71,000

from low-rolling-resistance tyres, a stop/start system and a coasting system for the automatic gearbox. The Touareg sits within Band E and has an annual tax of €750. As you can clearly see, a lot has happened since 2002 when the first generation model came with the option of a 5-litre V10 diesel! On the inside, there is a straightforward dashboard design and overall the cabin has an upmarket feel. Seats are big and comfy and I did some motorway miles very easy and comfortably. Everything is arranged neatly and easy to use. The eight-inch infotainment system is centrally located on the Touareg dash with a large hard drive capacity, 3D sat-nav and an SD card reader along with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls. The downside is that while this is all very good the Touareg is operating on an older generation system than the likes of the new Golf and Touran and they are both considerably cheaper. The Touareg is spacious with plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and the rear. The boot space is huge and the option to recline the rear seats means even more space is available if needed. Finally, an automatic bootlid makes life a little easier to access the 679 litre capacity boot.

CONCLUSION The Touareg is a very capable SUV, well built, good safety and has a premium feel and build quality. It’s also well priced compared to the competition. The problem though is the competition, and a lot has happened in this sector over the last two years alone. The newly launched Volvo XC90 or even the Audi Q7 are equal if not better in some areas. Seven seats are not available in the Touareg so while it wouldn’t bother me it would put some buyers off. That boot we mentioned earlier is massive but the Q7 has 770 litres, the X5 has 650 litres and the XC90 has 450 litres but it also has seven seats. It comes down to the needs of the buyer in my honest opinion with this one. I can’t fault the vehicle as it was a good allrounder and solid in all respects and there is a lot of value to be had. If you don’t care about seven seats and the fact another model might have some extra boot space you should definitely take a test drive of the Touareg at your nearest dealership.

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FIRST DRIVES

“The Touareg wears the same BlueMotion badge as others in the VW range.”

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FIRST DRIVES

ADAM S SURPRISES

This is the third variation of the boutique Adam and with a sportier look, new engine and some nice upgrades we have high hopes for the Adam S

dam Opel was the founder of the German automobile company Adam Opel AG and after picking up this little Opel Adam S bearing his name I couldn’t help but wonder what he would think. Considering Adam Opel never lived to see automobiles built by the company he founded I’d say he would be surprised and intrigued at this little beefed up car that bears his name sake. I think from first impressions he would be quite delighted. Overall it’s a good looking car. The Adam without the S badge is a nice small city car but this is a more performance enhanced version with a 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine giving the Adam the all needed performance it was missing with 150bhp available at the right foot. The styling has also been given an upgrade too and I think Opel have got it just right. The Adam S sits a bit lower than the standard Adam on beautiful 18 inch technical grey diamondcut propeller wheels which sets the tone straight away. Lurking behind are 308mm discs up front and 264mm at the rear with red calipers all round. The front bumper has air intakes for cooling, colour coded lower spoiler, a rear lower skirt and a nice spoiler to finish the look. Our test car has a great colour combo of ‘Forget About Grey’ and ‘RednRoll’. Just in case there is any doubt this is not a standard model there are emblems on both sides of the rear three-quarter panels with Adam S. Like the rest of the Adam family the Adam S is fully customisable both inside and out so you can pick and choose various colour combos to give you that individual look.

On the inside your greeted by the €2,000 optional extra Recaro sports seats in Nappa leather. Our model had the Winter pack of electrically heated front seats and steering wheel for warm bum and hands. With the weather in Ireland as it is I think it’s worth the €350 cost. Adam S comes as standard with the Red Your Engine interior pack and overall there is a feel of quality and comfort. Little touches such as the ‘S’ logo on the driver instrument clock and the Adam S velour floor mats finish things off. Our model came with the technical pack consisting of parking sensors and intelliLink Infotainment System at a cost of €750. As the top of the range Adam I would have expected this to be included in the price. So is the little Adam all show and no go. Well I was pleasantly surprised with the Adam S I have to admit. The ride is stiff and better controlled than standard Adams but still comfortable and the almost square wheelbase allows you to confidently put the nose into corners knowing the tail will follow through behind at pace. The suspension has been worked over with stiffer springs and a thicker anti-roll bar up front, and an entirely new, tougher twist-beam rear axle. It’s agile, fun and something that puts a smile on your face. Power is pushed through the turbo charged 1.4 litre, 4 cylinder engine through the front wheels by way of a 6-speed manual gearbox and 0-100kmh is achieved in 8.5 seconds. It feels there is more available than the 220Nm of torque on the spec sheet as the little Adam S pulls through second and third gear. It delivers a good growl and you feel you’re driving something quicker than you actually are. Having the brake set up as

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FIRST DRIVES

Words: Anthony Kelly Pics: Ralph McKeon Photography

“Beautiful 18 inch technical grey diamond-cut propeller wheels.”

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FIRST DRIVES

“Our model had the Winter pack of electrically heated front seats and steering wheel.”

THE SPECS Engine Size

1.4-litre turbo petrol

Fuel Type

Petrol

Power

150hp

Torque

220Nm

Acceleration (0-100km/h)

8.5 seconds

Top Speed

210 km/h

Consumption

5.9L/100km or 47.8 mpg

mentioned earlier gives you the confidence to enjoy the engine and uprated suspension setup and while the Adam S is not all about speed it’s nice to know it can pull off its aggressive stance with something more than just looks. Official fuel consumption figures are 5.9 litres/100km and emissions of 139g/km puts it into motor tax Band B2 with an annual cost of €280 annually. The Adam S is not perfect. Those optional bucket seats limit rear seat access so unless you have very small kids you can forget about using the rear seats for anything other than storage space as legroom is cramped. Speaking of storage space, the boot is quite small but it’s fairly standard for this class so can’t fault it too much. The price tag is €20,750 excluding options and our test model was €24,400 (€3,650 including options).

CO2 Emissions

139g/km

Road Tax

€280 per year (B2)

Base Price

€20,750

Our Test Model

€24,400

Verdict The Opel Adam S delivers performance, good looks and a high quality finish. This was never intended to be an all-out performance hot hatch. It’s a quirky and fun city car that’s been given a sportier look and an engine to match. There is no OPC badging for a reason and that reason is the Adam S is not extreme enough to warrant it and I couldn’t agree more. It was never intended to be a hot hatch contender. It ticks so many boxes and is great fun to drive and it proves city cars don’t have to be just cute.

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THANKS HYBRID

WE CAN TAKE IT FROM HERE Say goodbye to petrol and emissions for good. The Nissan LEAF comes with zero running costs. That means 2 years’ free insurance, 2 years’ free servicing and 2 years’ free road tax. So why take the Hybrid road when you can go all the way with the 100% electric Nissan LEAF?

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For full LEAF Guarantee terms and conditions, please visit www.nissan.ie/driveleaff ree. Insurance is provided through Chill Insurance Limited and underwritten by its panel of insurers. Chill Insurance Limited trading as Chill Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Free insurance is only available in the event that Chill can arrange cover with an insurer. Insurance is arranged subject to insurer’s acceptance and their T&C’s will apply. To be eligible, you must be 26+ with a full Irish licence, 3+ years no claims bonus in your own name, no accidents, claims or convictions, less than 3 penalty points & be a permanent resident in ROI. This offer strictly applies to private vehicles and use for social, domestic or pleasure only. Other eligibility criteria applies. Participating dealers only. Offers end on 31/01/2017. For terms and conditions on all Nissan offers and dealer locations, see Nissan.ie.

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