The Ford Ka was always going to be a hard sell – not because of its own merits, but because the first generation model was my beloved first car. How could another possibly live up to Little Ben? Little Ben was affectionately called ‘the bubble car’ by my sister. Other names for it were...
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The Citroën DS5 is now available with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The French car manufacturer says the gearbox in the Euro 6 Blue HDi 180 ‘adapts to driving style’. It added: ‘The gear ratios of the new gearbox and associated accelerator pedal maps adapt to driving style, enabling the motorist to shift from an...
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Take ‘30 seconds of quiet’ to observe your surroundings was the request from Mercedes-Benz sales manager Ciaran Allen before motoring journalists got a chance to sit into the new C-Class at its Irish launch on Wednesday. He said options like Head Up Display and a 360 degree camera elevate the new ‘baby Benz’ to...
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A punitive taxation system is compromising road safety by keeping older cars on the road and putting advanced safety systems out of reach of many drivers. That is the view of many in the Irish motor industry and they are calling for such safety features to be tax exempt. This battle isn’t new –...
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Peugeot is ‘guaranteeing a thrilling ride’ for those who slide behind the wheel of the new Peugeot RCZ R. The 1.6-litre 270bhp turbocharged petrol two-seater sports coupe is the most powerful road car the French car manufacturer has ever sold. Peugeot says the RCZ R is a record breaker in its category for the...
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The versatile Seat Alhambra MPV is now even more luxurious with the arrival of the SE trim. Standard features in the new spec include leather upholstery and 18” alloys. The car also offers sports suspension front and rear, as well as heated sports front seats with lumbar support. Meanwhile, automatic rear sliding doors with...
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Looking at the big and muscular shell of the Volvo XC60, agility is not the first word that comes to mind. However, that tank-like exterior of this compact SUV belies a certain nimbleness on the road. Inside, our test car was an oasis of luxury with a gorgeous cream leather interior (not the best...
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Nissan is aiming for the heart of the family hatchback market with the new Nissan Pulsar, which launches in the autumn. The Japanese car company says the five-door hatch ‘distils Nissan’s innovation and dynamism into an exciting new package’. It adds: ‘The Pulsar’s introduction highlights Nissan’s ambition and to deliver intelligent design and technical...
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