Car10

Details of the next-generation GLC compact crossover have been revealed by Mercedes-Benz on the completion of cold-weather testing, writes Brian Byrne . The new car is on a modification of the platform used on the latest C-Class saloon, itself an update of the current GLC underpinnings. The new GLC will be powered by a range of engines, including mild hybrid petrol. The interior will feature similar double digital screens as seen in the latest S-Class. Tech options will include an off-road system using the vehicle's surround-view cameras to show the area under the front of the car while negotiating difficult terrain. The GLC was first launched in 2015, and was facelifted in 2019.  

The Polestar 2 electric car is now available to order in Ireland at a starting price of €54,500, writes Brian Byrne . With three drivetrain configurations, the offering from the Swedish performance brand has rated ranges of between 474km-542km depending on battery and motors chosen. The Polestar 2 is purchased online , but there will be a Polestar Destination retail location in Dublin from later this year, where prospective customers can explore the car physically and talk with experts. A Roadshow taking in Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Galway from 9 May will give consumers the chance to experience the car. Polestar was established as a standalone Swedish premium electric vehicle manufacturer in 2017, by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. The Polestar 2 was launched in 2020.  

Because he died unexpectedly in 1980, there are fewer people around who remember actor Steve McQueen, nicknamed the 'King of Cool', writes Brian Byrne . Reruns of his baseball-hopping performance in The Great Escape probably don't register with today's generations. Which may be why this 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 owned and driven by him until his death didn't sell at auction in the US recently. The reserve price isn't revealed, but the top bid of $164,000 didn't hack it. Looking beautiful outside, the interior shows signs of wear. But the car had a €125,000 refurbishment in 2013 by Kienle Automobiltechnik in Germany.  

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are appealing to women to ensure that they are wearing their seat belts correctly when driving or as a passenger in a vehicle. Research carried out by independent research company Behaviour & Attitudes for the RSA, found that 26% of women admitted to previously having worn the shoulder strap of their seat belt under their arm rather than on their shoulder. Of those surveyed who wear their seat belt under arm, 11% do so always or often and 32% indicate that their female friends wear their seat belt under their arm at least sometimes. Placing the shoulder strap of the seat belt under your arm leaves your upper torso — including your neck, face and head — completely unrestrained during a collision. In such a situation you would be exposed to horrific injury. The research showed that the main reasons for putting the seat belt under the arm were to relieve neck irritation. If you are wearing your seat belt incorrectly it will pr...

Dacia's new Jogger 7-seat car is now in Ireland, offered at a starting price of €23,290, writes Brian Byrne . Powered by a 110ho turbocharged petrol engine, the Jogger comes in three trim levels and is aimed at families who require space and substance at an affordable price. Dacia Dealerships will host a Jogger event on Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th April, where customers will be able to book a test drive and experience the car for themselves.  

The Stellantis Group which encompasses brands Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel, Fiat, Jeep and Chrysler, may be committed to an all-electric future in Europe, but they haven't stopped internal combustion development just yet, writes Brian Byrn e. A new inline six petrol engine with power up to 500hp has been revealed, for use in markets such as the US where electric cars won't become the norm for a much longer time. The 3.0 'Hurricane' will debut as the top engine in a Jeep Grand Wagoneer due to premiere at next month's New York Auto Show. It will be priced higher than the 6.4 V8 that's currently the Grand Wagoneer's top option.  

Ford in Ireland is providing the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind charity with an S-Max Hybrid to help with its work across the country, writes Brian Byrne . The charity's headquarters is in Cork and the S-Max with 7-seat capacity plus the flexibility of putting down the seats to transport dogs on a flat cargo floor makes it an eminently suitable vehicle for the work. The technology in the vehicle means it reduces CO2 emissions by more than 10pc compared to a diesel version. Pictured are John Manning, Henry Ford & Son Ltd (standing), with the S-MAX FHEV and the Irish Guide Dogs team, including ‘Puppies in Training’ Elton (Black Labrador) and Vogue (Golden Labrador); and human team members Eoin Slattery, Technical Training Manager and Allyce Keogh, Guide Dog Trainer.  

Volkswagen will show a concept at next month's Beijing Auto Show which will preview electric successors to the company's Passat saloon and estate for many markets, writes Brian Byrne . The Aero B will build on the ID.Vizzion concept shown in 2018 (pictured above), and show much of what a model called the ID.6 will look like. An ID.7 is expected to designate a wagon version of the car, although the company is still developing an estate-only version of a new ICE Passat.  

Skoda in Ireland is now taking orders for the Monte Carlo version of its new Fabia, writes Brian Byrne . With a starting price of €24,750, the car will be available with 95hp and 110hp versions of the 1.0 turbocharged petrol engine. A dual-clutch automatic will be offered. The variant commemorates the brand’s many victories at the legendary Monte Carlo rally, and features black body details and red accents and carbon-look detailing on the armrests and dashboard.  

Toyota Ireland has announced that online reservations for its new bZ4X electric car have now closed, and further enquiries should be made through Toyota dealers, writes Brian Byrne . It is the first of a new family of electric cars which will all have the bZ designation, representing Beyond Zero. The bZ4X is arriving in Ireland in June and prices start from €43,402. The company says there were more than 2,000 expressions of interest when online reservations opened. Dealers are now taking orders for the remaining allocations of the model to Ireland for this year.  

Continental is now the leading original equipment supplier of tyres to the world's electric vehicles manufacturers, writes Brian Byrne . Seven of the ten highest-volume electric carmakers specify Continental tyres for their products. They include Tesla, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, as well as Kia and Ford. Continental’s research has shown that tyres are responsible for up to 20pc of a vehicle's total resistance and therefore have a significant impact on energy efficiency. Reduced rolling resistance has a clearly measurable positive effect on the environment, as well as ensuring maximum mileage per charge. County Meath native David O'Donnell (pictured above), who leads the original equipment business at Continental Tyres, says the fact that so many manufacturers around the world are equipping their vehicles with the company's premium tyres is proof of Continental's development expertise and the premium quality of their products.  

Volkswagen has finally unveiled the production version of the ID Buzz, which will be available in passenger and cargo versions, writes Brian Byrne . A completely modern electric take on the iconic Bulli which was the forerunner of the Transporter range, the ID Buzz will launch in Ireland in the autumn. Initially it will be available as a 5-seat MPV and Cargo van, with long-wheelbase 6- and 7-seat versions coming later. Pricing and other details available closer to launch.  

The new Peugeot 308 has been voted the Women's World Car of the Year 2022 , writes Brian Byrne . The announcement was made in Auckland, New Zealand, just after midnight in the first capital city location of International Women's Day 2022, 8 March. The award is for both the saloon and the SW Estate version of the car, which last month was voted the Urban and Compact Car of the Year 2022 in the category section of the competition, by the 56 female automotive jurors who organise the competition. It is the first time that Peugeot has received the award.

Renault has finally revealed its new C-segment SUV, the Austral, after months of teasers, writes Brian Byrne . To replace the Kadjar, the Austral will join the Arkana and the new Megane E-Tech Electric in a revitalised lineup of key models. Powertrains will include mild-hybrid petrols in three options of power, a full-hybrid based on a 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol with a total output of 200hp. Other technologies will include the latest version of a 4-wheel steering system, and a full suite of the latest advanced driver assist innovations. Renault also promises a 'crowning jewel' of connectivity and entertainment abilities. More details when Irish arrival and specifications are revealed.

Volkswagen will launch a new Amarok pickup this year, based on the new Ford Ranger global platform, writes Brian Byrne . Ford will build the VW version on its T6 body on frame platform, at a facility in South Africa. The body styles will be completely different, and interiors also apart from similar portrait-style main touchscreens. Volkswagen will use its own V6 diesel, with possible use of Ford gasoline units for markets that need them. The new vehicle will be wider and longer than the previous Amarok.

The second-generation and next-level Ford Ranger Raptor, developed by Ford Performance, comes with enhanced off-road performance, writes Trish Whelan . This is a purpose-built vehicle that balances daily duties with performance never before seen in a pick-up of Ranger’s size. Ford claims it raises the off-road performance bar as a pick-up built for true enthusiasts and can handle severe, punishing off-road conditions.  Raptor blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever. It is the toughest Ranger the company has ever made and comes with a unique chassis when compared to the all-new Ranger. The exterior look features bold, strong styling with flared wheel arches and muscular 17-inch alloy wheels, and an integrated step pad and towbar tucked up high to avoid compromising the departure angle. It also gets enhanced underbody protection.  Power is from a twin-turbo 3.0 EcoBoost V6 petrol engine tuned by Ford Performance to prod...