MOTORING FEATURE 14 October 2022

We hope you enjoyed our annual motoring supplement.

Usually published in late November or early December, it is a little bit early this year.

The motor trade, like all businesses, has changed dramatically in recent years.

If you are in the market for a new car for the new year, now is the time to visit your local dealer and make those first enquires. This kind of dealing usually

goes on in December for a January delivery but supply chain issues across the entire sector have significantly moved the goalposts.

This week, and certainly by the end of October, dealers will know for sure the quantity of cars that are available to them for early new year release.

Now is the time to make a deal to ensure a 231-KY plate.

We canvassed several local dealers in August and September, and they all agreed that early publicity was the way to go this year.

They asked, we listened. The Killarney Advertiser is proud to bring our readers the first motor supplement of the new car season to print.

We pride ourselves in having our finger on the pulse when it comes to all local

matters - not just in the motoring sector.

And our weekly motoring column will continue to bring you interesting news stories from the local car scene.

A special thanks to all our motoring advertisers and we ask our readers to support them when making a new, or even second hand car purchase, in the coming months.

Sean Moriarty, coordinator of the 231 Motoring Supplement.

Kadjar 1.5 dci Dynamique S Nav White 73km €24,900

Captur GT-Line dci 90 Desert Orange/Black 40km €20,900

Duster 1.5 dci Comfort Mocha Brown 83km €19,900

Stepway Signature TCE 90 Petrol Cosmos Blue 48km €15,900

Kadjar 1.5 dci

€23,490

€22,490

€17,900

€14,900

€24,900

€12,900

€16,900

From October 17 to 23, members of the public will be able to get up close and personal with the new car thanks to an innovative viewing platform.

Visitors will be able to view the car installed in 'La Sphère', an extraordinary structure over six-metres high, transparent and rotating, which allows visitors to view the many facets of its unexpected design from all angles.

Local Peugeot main dealer for Kerry, Reen’s of Rathmore, have already had a sneak preview of the car at the Irish Peugeot Dealers’ conference last week.

The new 408 demonstrates the creativity of its design teams by offering a new fastback silhouette at the top of the C segment.

This new age Peugeot offers a feline stance and unique allure, engineering excellence focused on efficiency and electrification, as well as cutting-edge technologies dedicated to driving pleasure and instinctive use.

Available in three lines, the Allure, Emotion and top of the range Excellence, range of engines powering the new 408 includes two rechargeable hybrid

versions with 180bhp and 225bhp, and a 130bhp petrol version. All three are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. An all-electric version will follow a few months later.

Peugeot France is calling the new model unexpected and different.

“Unexpected because it is different, this extraordinary Peugeot features a feline stance and unique appearance, as well as excellent engineering focused on efficiency and intelligent electrification,” said a company statement ahead of the show.

The new Peugeot 408 will be offered in two 180hp and 225hp rechargeable hybrid engines, as well as cutting-edge technologies dedicated to driving pleasure and instinctive use.

Reen’s have the full range of Peugeot cars and vans in stock. They are available to test drive today in petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric and the sales team are now taking orders for 2023 delivery “Don’t delay, call to Reen’s today,” said dealer principal Tim Reen.

New BMW X1 available for test drive at Ahern’s

Ahern’s BMW was one of the first garages in the entire country to get their hands on the all-new BMW X1.

Featuring a new distinctive design, a high level of electrification across the range and the latest in connectivity, the new BMW X1 builds on the concept of a Sports Utility Vehicle for the premium compact segment.

An expanded standard specification, increased interior spaciousness with a premium ambience, new BMW Operating System 8 and BMW Curved Display, and a large selection of automated driving and parking systems ensure the new BMW X1 stands out against its rivals.

In its third model generation, the BMW X1 offers fully electric driving for the first time. This new addition to a rapidly growing vehicle segment will complement the brand’s existing bat-

tery-electric models and make driving an all-electric BMW accessible to an even wider audience.

From launch, the new BMW X1 will be available with one petrol engine and two diesel engine options.

A pair of plug-in hybrid models will join the range immediately after launch, as will the new BMW iX1 xDrive30, the BMW Group’s first premium compact model based on a flexible vehicle architecture to feature an all-electric drive system.

Offered in a choice of five models –Sport Premier, xLine Premier, xLine Premier Pro, M Sport Premier, and M Sport Premier Pro – the new BMW X1 will be available to order now, priced from €48,200 RRP.

Upgraded SEATS at Ahern's Castleisland

The brand’s flagship SUV, the SEAT Tarraco, now includes the XPERIENCE trim, completing the company’s range of SUVs with this option.

The new XPERIENCE trim brings a renewed look to SEAT’s largest SUV’s exterior and interior look, adding a new

option to the flagship model.

Outside, the SEAT Tarraco XPERIENCE gains a freshly designed matte chromed front grille and new optional machined 20” alloy wheels in Nuclear Grey, helping to reinvigorate the SUV’s look and bolstering its exterior design.

The plug-in hybrid version of the brand’s

flagship delivers a maximum power of 245PS (180kW), making it the most powerful Tarraco produced to date and can reach up to 730km.

The SEAT Ibiza and the SEAT Arona are two key pillars of SEAT’s range of vehicles. Both models deliver a refreshed look to the exterior design and a revo-

lution inside. The SEAT Ibiza’s exterior design is updated, now including 100% LED headlights as standard, as well as the model’s name embossed in handwriting.

In addition, the SEAT Arona receives a new XPERIENCE trim, to present a more rugged urban SUV appearance.

SEAT continues to expand its line-up and deliver even greater options to meet customers’ requirements.

All new Dacia Jogger named Best Value Car of the Year

Only months since its official launch, the all-new Dacia Jogger is fast filling up its sizeable boot with silverware having been named the ‘Best Value Car of the Year’ at the Parkers New Car Awards 2023.

The all-new Dacia Jogger is available at Donagh Hickey Motors in Rathmore. The award reaffirms the continued success of Dacia in providing drivers with well-equipped, good quality vehicles at the best value for money on the market

“When times are tough, people tend to focus on getting the best value they can," Keith Adams, Editor, Parkers, said. "Here's where the Dacia Jogger

does so well – it offers an astounding amount of bang for not much buck. Though it’s based on the Sandero, the Jogger has been stretched significantly to offer bags of interior room and seven very usable seats, making it the perfect car for large families. It makes us wonder how they do it for less than the price of a mid-range Ford Fiesta – it’s a well-deserved winner.”

The all-new Dacia Jogger combines the versatility of a sport tourer and the comfort and rugged style of an SUV. It is available with seven seats and in three trim levels – Essential, Expression, and Extreme SE. All versions are generously equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, and rear parking sensors as standard across the range. Jogger’s practicality is further enhanced with 23 litres of storage space, the ability to remove the third row of seats and the availability of modular roof bars.

The latest September Irish car sales figures have revealed that the Hyundai Tucson is Kerry's favourite car.

The Tucson is a stand-out performer, maintaining its position as the most popular car in Kerry every month this year. So far, 297 versions of the car have been registered in Kerry this year by Adam’s of Tralee. That compares to 123 Kia Sportages, the Hyundai’s nearest rival in the sales chart.

Hyundai is also positioning itself as a

leader in advanced electric vehicles, including 19 versions of the World Car of the Year - winning IONIQ 5 and 55 Kona Electric, registered in Kerry year-todate.

The Hyundai range of pure electric vehicles continues to grow, with the addition of the IONIQ 6 four-door streamliner coming to market soon.

December

at

The high-riding SUV features Toyota’s most advanced Hybrid Electric and safety technologies yet.

It will be available to view at Kelliher’s Toyota from November and orders can be placed for a 2023 delivery.

The Corolla Cross has been sold in other markets for some time, particularly the USA, its Irish debut will also be the car’s European debut.

The Corolla Cross will be available as a hybrid model only in Ireland, and two

Toyota

be available, both using a 2.0-litre

engine and developing, with the hybrid system, 197hp. The two

consist of a front-wheel-

a four-wheel-drive

With the most up to date hybrid electric technology, best in class carrying capacity, Toyota’ s famed low cost of ownership, dynamic styling and unbeatable used market trade ability, the new Corolla Cross will transform the family SUV market,” said dealer principal Tim Kelliher.

will be in our showroom in December. Prices and delivery time will be announced shortly.

Celebrating 25 years of Škoda Octavia Estate

One of Škoda’s most enduring and popular models, the Octavia Estate, celebrates a significant milestone in 2022.

The variant, which has been a perennial best-seller for the brand, made its first appearance 25 years ago this September – as a concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The latest version of the ground-breaking car is on show at Liam Lynch Motors in Farranfore.

“The first generation of the modern Octavia laid the foundation for the success of one of Škoda’s bestsellers,” Noreen Scanlon, who is on the sales team at the Farranfore garage, said.

"We have one here in stock and invite people to come and see it and test drive the car and see for themselves how roomy it is.”

Although officially called a concept, the show car was effectively the finished production model. The striking purple Octavia illustrated Škoda’s commitment to expanding its range and broadening its customer base into new markets. Designed by a team led by Dirk van Braeckel, which had created the Octavia hatchback a year earlier, the concept previewed the

unveiling of a barely altered production version six months later at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show.

The estate marked a return to the large sector for Škoda after a 26 year absence.

Its distant predecessor, the 1961 Octavia was a ground-breaking design that helped set the template for the modern-era estate car.

The modern Octavia was designed and engineered under Volkswagen Group ownership. Following massive investment from the Volkswagen Group, the Škoda plant at Mladá Boleslav was the most advanced car factory in Europe at the time. Featuring one of the largest presses in the world, the fully modernised plant was capable of stamping out a complete side section of the Octavia estate in one piece.

Such was the demand in the early stages of production, Irish customers had to wait until 1998 for right-hand drive models to finally arrive in showrooms.

ONE: The original Škoda Octavia of the 1960s led to the inspiration to the new car 25 years later.

TWO: The concept version of the Škoda Octavia Estate was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Three new electrified models join Mazda

The all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV introduces the company’s first plug-in full hybrid technology to the European SUV market.

The most important model it has introduced for over a decade, Mazda’s new flagship represents everything that the company has built into its DNA over the last one hundred years, from outstanding exterior and interior design to the finest Japanese craftsmanship, the latest innovations in human-centric technologies and a world-class powertrain.

For customers interested in pure electric only, the Mazda MX-30 has received its first update since launch.

Charging times have been significantly reduced getting drivers back on the road quicker. Fast charging at DC chargers of 50kW or more

will charge the battery from 20% to 80% in 26 minutes. A new 11kW On-board charger will speed up AC charging on capable three-phase chargers to a reduced time of 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The Mazda2 Hybrid will join the lineup, offering a self-charging hybrid powertrain for the first time. Featuring a 0.76kW battery, the Mazda2 Hybrid will be capable of driving in full electric mode for short distances without the need to plug into charge points.

All are now available to order at Aherns Mazda Castleisland. Stock will be limited so order yours today to ensure early 2023 delivery.

Sixth generation Astra arrives in Castleisland

With 15 million predecessor model units sold and building on 40 years of rich success, the much-anticipated sixth-generation Opel Astra has now arrived at Aherns Opel showrooms in Castleisland.

Dynamic as never before, the confident all-new Opel Astra has been proudly designed, developed and manufactured at Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

Available from launch in three trims – SC, SRI, Elite – and in both petrol and diesel guise, matched to manual and automatic transmissions, power ranges from 110hp to 130hp.

A plugin electric hybrid 180hp variant

will follow in the coming months, with a more powerful 225hp version expected thereafter.

The all-new sixth generation Astra sports the new brand face, the latest evolution of the distinctive Opel Vizor. A leap in time has taken place in the interior of the new generation Astra, where the absolute highlight is the next generation of the Pure Panel first introduced in the Mokka.

The Hyundai Tucson

From Killarney South Africa to contest a Kerry rally

South African Ashley Haige-Smith has placed a surprise entry for the Banna Beach Resort Kerry Winter Rally.

A driver with a wealth of international rally experience, Smith will make his Irish rally debut in Kerry in two weeks, subject to both Motorsport Ireland and South African Federation approval. His appearance in Kerry is a prelude to a full season of Irish rallying in 2023 and is made possible by motorsport management firm ProVision Motorsport. This is the same team that masterminded the late Manus Kelly’s great run of success in 2017 and 2018 including his win in the Rally of the Lakes.

“Haigh-Smith’s international experience includes starting five rounds of the World Rally Championship in 2011 and 2012. He has also contested seven French championship events and was a regular in South African rallies,” said a club spokesperson.

“However, he has not competed in a rally since 2017, instead concentrating on rallycross. His home racetrack, just outside his native city of Cape Town, is called Killarney International Raceway so we are sure he will feel very much at home here in Kerry.”

M-Sport Ford promise to send Nagle off in style

Paul Nagle’s teammates at the M-Sport Ford World Rally team have promised to give the Aghadoe man the best possible send off in Spain next weekend.

Last week Nagle announced his retirement from the World Rally Championship and the October 20 to 24 Rally RACC Catalunya - Rally de España will be his last outing as a factory co-driver. His driver Craig Breen announced this week Cavan man James Fulton will replace Nagle from Rally Japan in November.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Paul for all of the hard work and effort he’s put in for both Craig and the team this season. He’s a great character and will definitely be missed.

“We all agreed it would be best for James to get a rally under his belt before head-

ing to Monte Carlo next year, we did the same with [teammates] Gus Greensmith and Jonas Anderson in Monza last year and it reflected in a strong result for them on the Monte this year," said Richard Millener, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Principal.

“Paul still has one more rally to go yet though, so for now, it’s full focus on Rally Spain and let’s send Paul off with a great result!”

It marks the end of a glistening career for Nagle who leaves the sport with five overall World Rally Championship victories and 18 WRC podiums to his name.

“Paul and I had been talking about this for a while, and I can completely understand his thinking. He’s been competing at the highest level for a long while and he wants more time with his family, but it’s still going to be strange without him,” added Breen.

FAREWELL: Paul Nagle

famous

How to reduce your motor insurance costs

While motor insurance premiums have reduced in the past 12 months there is still ample opportunity to save money.

All motor insurance rates are now dictated by Big Data. This means the more concise the data the better the quote. Did you know for example that there are 220 pieces of data behind each vehicle registration number? All these sets of data are taken into account when quoting your policy.

While certain data cannot be amended such as your Eircode or your registration number, it is vitally important that the correct details are used and there are other factors which will assist such as the following:

DISCOUNTS: Most motor insurers have discounts for low mileage, your spouse/ partner having a second car, being claims free and loyalty discounts.

DRIVERS: Ask about adding your partner/spouse to the policy, some insurers

allow up to 15% discount for insured and partner driving. For younger drivers adding a parent can reduce the quote substantially.

VEHICLE COVER: For older vehicles, ask about third party fire and theft cover but I would insist that windscreen is always included. Windscreen cover can be as low as €20 but a replacement windscreen can cost many hundreds to replace.

PAYING IN FULL: Consider paying in

Renault’s new 100% electric Mégane E

Renault has confirmed specification of the all-new Mégane E-Tech 100% Electric, which is available to pre-order now priced from €37,495.

It's the first of a new generation of electric vehicles built on an advanced Renault platform, styled within the brand’s ‘sensual tech’ design language and the first model to wear the new Nouvel’R logo.

With an electric driving range of up to 450kms the all-new Mégane E-Tech also features a class-leading digital experience with a 32cm dashboard display, 22 centimetre multimedia display, and Android Automotive Operating System with integrated Goog-

le services.

To make it even simpler for customers to make the transition from a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle to the all-new Renault Mégane E-Tech, Renault will supply and installation of a Mobilize home charging solution. This ‘turn-key’ package – available as an additional cost - allows customers to enjoy their new electric vehicle ownership experience with the minimum of fuss and maximum convenience.

full for your policy. All insurers charge for instalments and this can be up to 8% of your premium.

VALUE & EXCESS: It is important to value your vehicle accurately and enquire about increasing your claims excess to reduce the quote.

OCCUPATION: Review this annually for all drivers.

DRIVE SAFE: Might be obvious but staying penalty point free will ensure you have the best rates available to you.

SHOPPING AROUND: While shopping around is advisable it is important to

understand that direct insurers only sell their own products. Simple yet necessary covers like “driving other cars”, windscreen or bonus protection may not be included in the standard quote.

USE A BROKER: As experts in motor insurance we know how to get the best rate for each of our customers and our software enables us to search the market of over 15 motor insurers, Irish and international. Aside from understanding the discounts that can be achieved using the correct data we also achieve bulk discounts from insurers for certain risk profiles.

Zero percent finance on all new Suzuki cars

Dineen O'Donoghue Motors will soon celebrate its first anniversary as Kerry’s Suzuki dealer.

Appointed in January this year, the Glenflesk garage was first opened in 1998, initially as a SEAT franchise followed by Mitsubishi and now Suzuki by Padraig Dineen and Michael O’Donoghue.

The new dealership has a five-car showroom which is 120 sq. metres in size along with a sales office, service reception and customer waiting area. Full aftersales support is available on-site too with a 140 sq. metre four bay workshop

facility, 90 sq. metre parts area and full valeting facility.

To celebrate one year in business the garage is offering zero percent finance on all new cars ordered between now and January 1.

“I think this is very important for times we live in,” Padraig Dineen said.

The Suzuki Vitara is proving a big hit locally but the dealership is also expecting a good reaction to the all-new S-Cross.

“It was launched in April but the new car is only making its way to the dealers now,” he added.

John Healy of Healy Insurances.

Padraig Dineen of Dineen and O’Donoghue meets Declan Maquire of Suzuki Ireland during his visit to Killarney earlier this year.