The new Outlander Commercial is a unique blend of sporty dynamics, superb versatility and immense comfort. That makes it the ideal choice for a business 4×4. It can take a large storage load, yet its footprint is smaller than that of most family estates.

Thanks to the brand new 2.2L MIVEC clever clean diesel engine with variable value technology (a world first), the new Outlander Commercial gives you more power (156 BHP), excellent fuel economy (40MPG) and lower C02 emissions.

It’s priced at €29,995 ex VAT (€35,995 including VAT & VRT) and qualifies for €310 annual road tax.

Showcasing a number of innovative Mitsubishi technologies, the Outlander delivers a driving experience, which sets it apart from the crowd.

It is attention to detail that gives the Outlander its beautifully proportioned appearance. Every design feature, from the integrated LED wing mirror indicators and deep-set fog lights, to the integrated horizontal taillights and sleek roof rails, showcase its unique identity.

Engine / Transmission:

• 6-speed SST “dual clutch” automated manual gearbox offering quick, smooth, fuel-efficient gear changes, with selectable ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ modes. 

2.2L DiD Outlander 4 Wheel Drive Automatic

Power:                          156bhp @4,000rpm

Torque:                         380 Nm

Capacity:                      2,179cc

Transmission:                Automatic SST

Emissions:                    189g/km

Fuel Economy:             7.2L / 100km (combined cycle)

Environment:

• One of the greenest ‘per passenger’ CO2 vehicles on the road (26g/Km).
• World first passenger car application of variable valve timing with a diesel engine, reducing fuel consumption, lowering emissions and improving smoothness and reliability.
• Extensive use of plant resins (not plastic) in construction.
• Over 95% of the Outlander is recyclable.

Standard Equipment:

The new Outlander range comes with over 40 safety, comfort and styling features as standard, making it one of the best equipped vehicles in its class.

SAFETY

• Active stability and traction control
• Front, side and curtain airbags
• Hill start assist
• Emergency stop signal system
• ABS with EBD
• Rain sensor wipers

STYLING

• 18” alloy wheels
• Electric / heated / folding wing mirrors with LED indicators
• Front fog lights
• Leather steering wheel
• Leatherette / fabric seats

COMFORT

• Bluetooth handsfree phone system with voice recognition
• Cruise control
• Air conditioning
• Remote audio controls

Safety:

The Outlander features Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) energy dispersion crash safety structure and has targeted a five star rating in the Euro NCAP tests. Further improving safety, all Outlander’s come with “girdle reinforcement occupant survival cages” built into the body, whiplash reducing seats, six airbags, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, an evolved version of the M-ASTC Active Stability and Traction Control system, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop signal System and ISOFIX anchors for child seats.

Pedestrian protection measures include energy-absorbing, crushable front bumpers and a cushioning bonnet, made from special polyurethane. 

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind officially launched their annual fundraising car draw at the Cork City Ford Centre on Forge Hill. The winning prize in the 2012 draw is a brand new Ford Focus valued at €20,000 kindly donated by Ford Ireland.

A number of Irish Guide Dog’s staff and their dogs took time out from their busy schedule of training the guide dogs of the future to attend the launch. All eyes were on the candy red Focus which is sure to be a huge hit with the public. Tickets for the car draw will be on sale at events and in shopping centres nationwide from now till the draw on December 1st.

Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said, “We are delighted that Ford Ireland has given us such a great prize. This year’s car draw will go a long way to help boost our fundraising income at a time when we need it most. The public’s response to our Ford Focus raffle in 2011 was very positive and this year we hope to raise €120,000 to help fund our services.”

Speaking at the launch Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director for Ford Ireland said, “We’re really pleased to be able to support a charity that makes such a positive difference to people’s lives, especially at a time when raising funds is such a challenge. Many people are seeking the life changing benefits of a guide or assistance dog, and we want to help Irish Guide Dogs meet that demand.”

Tickets can be bought on the charity’s website at www.guidedogs.ie or from volunteers who are selling the nationwide. Tickets are €5 each and the draw will take place on Saturday, December 1st.

For more information about where tickets will be on sale, go to www.guidedogs.ie or call 1850 506 300.

Facts and Figures:

• o        National charity whose headquarters & Training Centre is based in Model Farm Road, Cork
• o        Currently, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind supports 350 working guide and assistance dog partnerships in Ireland
• o        It will cost just over €4 million to run the organisation in 2012
• o        The organisation raises 80% of its annual income through fundraising and voluntary donations
• o        It is supported by a network of over 100 volunteering branches and many hundreds of volunteers across the country
• o        We trained 183 people in 2011 – the highest number to date
• o        It takes 2 years to train a guide or assistance dog, who will go on to work for approximately 8 years
• o        It costs approximately €38,000 to breed, train and support a single working dog partnership for the duration of its working life
• o        All services are offered free of charge

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Any queries, please advise.

In response to customer demand, Jeep Ireland has just launched its brand new range of commercial vehicles. The entire Jeep range is now available in commercial form, including the Jeep Wrangler (SWB) and Wrangler Unlimited (LWB); the Jeep Compass in range-topping 4X4 Limited specification; and the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee in both Limited and Overland versions.

Jeep Compass Commercial
The Jeep Compass Commercial is powered by a 163hp 2.2-litre CRD engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and an on-demand all-wheel transmission which bestows the Compass Commercial with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg and a maximum payload capacity of 470kg within its 1,269-litre load bay. The Jeep Compass Commercial is also extremely well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels; cruise control; UConnect Bluetooth with music streaming; electrically-adjustable leather-trimmed seats; climate control and advanced stability control all standard from just €26,015 (excluding VAT).

Jeep Wrangler Commercial
The Jeep Wrangler Commercial is equipped with a 200hp, 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder “VM Motori” turbo-diesel engine and a rugged all-wheel drive transmission which, in Unlimited six-speed manual guise, offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,200kg, a load bay capacity of more than 1,000 litres and a maximum payload of 633kg. A five-speed automatic is standard on SWB and optional on the LWB Unlimited models. Available only in Sahara specification, the Jeep Wrangler Commercial is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels; body coloured mudguards; UConnect Bluetooth with music streaming; climate control; ESP and Hill Descent Control as standard from €29,272 (excluding VAT).

Jeep Grand Cherokee Commercial
Powered by the acclaimed, 245hp, 3.0-litre, V6 “VM Motori” turbo-diesel engine, the Jeep Grand Commercial boasts a five-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated all-wheel drive drivetrain (including Selec-Terrain chassis control and self-levelling shock absorbers) as standard. With a payload of 677kg, a load capacity of more than 1,500 litres and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Commercial is an immensely capable workhorse but, at the same time, it is also extremely luxurious and refined with electrically-adjustable, leather-trimmed seats; dual-zone climate control; keyless entry/start; xenon headlamps; cruise control; 18-inch alloy wheels; a reversing camera and a premium touch-screen infotainment system as standard. The Overland model adds 20-inch alloy wheels; Quadra-Lift air suspension; a panoramic sunroof; ventilated front seats; radar-controlled cruise control; satellite navigation and a Nappa Leather/ wood trimmed cabin. Prices for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Commercial start at €44,378 (excluding VAT).

The New Ranger made history when it became the first pickup truck to be awarded a maximum 5 star safety rating by safety testing body, Euro NCAP.  The Ranger achieved one of the best overall scores ever awarded by Euro NCAP; its 5 Star rating reflects a strong performance in adult, child and pedestrian protection

New Ranger is offered in two cab bodystyles – Double and Regular – along with an extensive list of practical features that are available in four series choices. Both cab styles are among the roomiest in the segment. The compact pickup is available in a 4×4 drivetrain.

Totally new from the ground up, Ranger was designed and developed to be best-in-class or amongst the leaders in every area important to customers, especially those who use it for both work and leisure purposes.  Ranger now delivers more payload and class-leading towing capability and, at the same time, is fitted out with innovative and comfort features that a dual user has come to want and value.

Designed and developed by a global team headquartered in Australia, the new Ranger platform takes advantage of global Ford assets, particularly robust engines and six-speed transmissions proven in tough commercial-vehicle usage. The design and product development teams also had full access to Ford’s global capabilities, testing facilities and extensive pickup truck knowledge.

The collaboration was crucial in developing the all-new Ranger. Everything is new – engines, gearboxes, frame, suspension, steering system, brakes, chassis, exterior sheet metal and vehicle interior. The list continues with brand-new features for safety and passenger comfort.

“Our engineers have done a great job in developing the all new Ranger – it really is the complete package,” commented Ciarán McMahon, Ford Ireland’s Commercial Vehicle Sales & Marketing Manager. “We wanted to give customers a tough truck that they can truly rely on whether in high waters, on challenging terrains, or just commuting to work – with the new model, all of that is there and much more.”

Exuding power and confidence in a styling that the designers call “21st Century Tough”, the taut and muscular Ranger is equally at home on a construction site or outside an upmarket restaurant. Its front end features a short overhang with the signature three-bar grille, a global Ford truck design cue.

The windscreen has been raked back for a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, while the traditional square form of the truck has been sculpted to give the vehicle a more modern and aerodynamic look. Larger headlamps, bigger mirrors and stamped-in wheel lips provide an integrated look across all series and contribute to an aggressive and sporty stance.

Designers also raised the beltline significantly, along with the rails of the load box, giving the Ranger a substantive presence on the road while increasing its functionality with the deeper box. The Regular Cab has the biggest box volume in its class at 1.82 cubic metres while the Double Cab is among the top with 1.21 cubic metres.

At 5,359 mm long and 1,850 mm wide, the new Ranger is bigger than the previous-generation model, but remains easily manoeuvrable on narrow city streets and during parking, thanks to a responsive steering system requiring no more than 3.5 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock – one of the best in the segment.

Poised to be a leader in innovation, the new Ranger comes with smart technologies that make the pickup easier, safer and more fun to drive. On selected models with Bluetooth®, USB and iPod® connectivity, there is voice control over the radio, CD, iPod, USB, electronic air-conditioning and mobile phone. Dual-zone climate control and cruise control are available on the high series while selected models offer a five-inch colour screen with satellite navigation.

The all-new Ranger has been engineered and tested to ensure it can stand up to the toughest challenge. It can tow more, carry more, wade deeper and climb higher than many competitors.

In fact, Ranger’s towing and water-wading capabilities are right at the top of the segment. Ranger can tow up to 3,350 kg on selected models while the 4×4 can wade through 800 millimetres of water even when fully laden. It also boasts outstanding payload capacity of more than 1,340 kg on some Regular Cab variants, as well as excellent ground clearance of up to 229 millimetres.

For those aiming to go off the beaten track, Ranger’s superior off-road capability has been enhanced by an all-new compact front differential, a new upgraded rear axle and lower overall ratios. A robust electronically controlled transfer case – for both manual and automatic transmissions – allows drivers to shift on the fly from 4×2 to 4×4 high anytime via a knob on the centre console.

“The all-new Ranger is the culmination of four years of hard work by almost 500 engineers in Australia and around the Ford world,” said McMahon. “The Ranger has been designed, engineered and produced to lead in its segment. It is capable, comfortable, powerful, fuel-efficient, safe – and it is a pickup that anyone will be proud to own and confident to drive.”

The new Ford Ranger is available in four series: XL, XLT, LTD and Wildtrak with the following powertrains: 2.2 TDCi 125PS and 150PS; and 3.2 TDCi 200PS. 

Prices:*

- Ends -

* Prices exclude delivery and related charges.

Peugeot Sport has revealed the new 208 R2, which will open the road for competing cars at Tour de Corse (May 10 – 12), the fourth round of the 2012 Intercontinental Rallye Challenge. Peugeot Sport driver Stephane Sarrazin and co-driver Benjamin Veillas will drive the hot hatch ahead of the field at the event before staying on in Corsica for a week of testing after the rally.

To comply with regulations, Peugeot Sport has fitted a brand new 1.6 litre 185bhp engine to the 208 R2. This new engine is based on the 1.6 VTi power unit that will be available on some versions of the new Peugeot 208, due for launch in Ireland this summer and will come with variable valve timing (VVT) for the intake and exhaust.

Engineers worked to reduce the weight of the body shell to bring down the centre of gravity, optimise where the weight is located and reduce the inertia of the car with short overhangs. A long wheelbase ensures excellent stability and provides the 208 R2 with outstanding road holding. The strengthened shell incorporates a multi-point, welded roll cage and marks a real step forward in terms of safety compared to rival roll cages thanks to a new manufacturing process.

The 208 R2 will also feature a newly developed gearbox. A five-speed, manual, sequential gearbox with the lever mounted on the steering column is fitted and represents a significant evolution for a car of this class in which the gearshift is usually mounted on the floor. The lever is much shorter and positioned higher to allow a more direct and precise shift.

Hydraulic steering allows greater precision and greater feedback of information particularly on loose surfaces whilst the wishbone suspension improves traction and performance.

The newly developed engine, carefully designed aerodynamics, low bodyshell weight and new gearbox all work together to result in significant fuel consumption savings, to keep the costs of competing to a minimum.

The gravel and asphalt versions of the R2 will both be available in kit form or in fully built form from November 2012 from Peugeot Sport.

Xavier Peugeot, Product Director for 208, said, “The 208 carries over the spirit of the 205 and the 206 plus the functionality of the 207 in a thoroughly modern package. With the 208 R2, Peugeot Sport has created an ideal and affordable rally car for someone who wants their first taste of rallying or to simply enjoy their passion.”

The Peugeot 208 R2 will be the first of three sporting versions of the new 208 that Peugeot intends to reveal in 2012, one of which will be a replacement for the current 207 Super 2000 rally car.

No-one needs to be reminded about the high cost of a fill up. In this state fuel prices are an all time high, with the AA reporting  that the average price of unleaded  was 164.9c per litre and 159.9c per litre for diesel for the month of April .This equates to a  E100  fill up for the family hatchback while business owners are looking at E130+ to top up a 4X4 or pick up. People are studying fuel consumption figures like never before and it was very opportune  that Ford recently offered me a test drive in the Kuga 4X4 Commercial.  

With the Kuga Van, Ford is promising one of the most visually appealing commercial vehicles on the road. It also has good value, good cargo space and impressive economy.  The new van has all the looks and specification of the stylish Kuga Zetec SUV, but with a strong workhorse ethic and  all-wheel-drive capability.  

DESIGN

Bringing Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ language to new levels, the  Kuga is based on Ford’s acclaimed C-car architecture – well proven in both the Focus and the C-MAX.  With Kuga, the designers and engineers have successfully integrated key driver and passenger requirements for a niche model into the distinctive new design. 

Stylish, well-balanced and with good proportions, the dynamic Kuga provides spacious accommodation for driver and passenger despite being based on a compact footprint.  A high quality interior has been designed to complement the exterior to offer a highly practical and contemporary vehicle. The conversion from car to van is very subtle as the side windows look exactly like the passenger version with privacy glass.  Like the passenger version there is a five door body and lift up rear hatch.

Standard specification includes ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), 6 airbags as part of Ford’s Intelligent Protection System, air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, 6-speaker remote radio CD, electric heated door mirrors, front fogs, trip computer, keyless start with Ford Power button, body colour rear spoiler and leather steering wheel. The Kuga has best-in-class NCAP safety ratings, with a 5 star rating for adult occupancy protection.

 ON THE ROAD

The Kuga is powered by a 2.0 turbo diesel engine  Maximum power is quoted at 134bhp and a torque figure of 236lb/ft (pulling power. Maximum speed is 180 kph (where legal) and the 0-100km takes 10.6 secs. Average fuel consumption is quoted at 6L/100km (46.3 mpg).At veterinary work the figure is likely to average 8.5L/100km.

Largely as you’d expect a Focus-derived SUV to be, really, though its dynamics are better than might be anticipated given the challenges of making a tall, relatively heavy vehicle of this kind athletic. It’s particularly impressive for its fuss-free agility, direct steering, lack of roll and the relatively high speeds you can reach before understeer sets in, or would if the ESP was disengaged.

Despite the need to be pretty firmly suspended to achieve such a deft way with bends it rides comfortably too, though sharper bumps are more likely to be well rounded-off rather than fully absorbed. The bodyshell feels impressively robust over rutted tracks and the suspension operates with impressive quiet, too.

FOR THE VET 

The all wheel drive Kuga van ticks a lot of boxes for veterinary practitioners.  With its good ground clearance and all wheel drive it will the ability to do a lot of off road duty, this side of jungle track. It is a compact vehicle and yet it has a fine cargo space that will accommodate all or nearly al the veterinary paraphernalia. It is priced competitively at €26,104 (inclusive of VAT – excludes delivery and related charges)

 And the annual road tax of E310 like all light commercials. Optional extras included on my test car: Detachable trailer coupling – €560 and Bluetooth voice control – €380

If you need more traction than your car van provides or more economy from your off-roader, the Kuga maybe the van for you.

Payload = 567kg

Max laden mass = 2130kg

Braked towing weight = 2100kg

Mazda Ireland launched the all-new CX-5, the Japanese brand’s compact SUV offering. Priced from €25,195*, the first shipment of CX-5’s arrives in Mazda dealers nationwide over the coming week. 

The all-new CX-5 is the first product to embody Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, which will be offered with a choice of two engines with three power outputs: 2.0-litre SKYACTIV 165ps petrol and 2.2-litre SKYACTIV 150ps or 175ps diesel.  All engines feature i-Stop, Mazda’s stop-start technology.

Customers can choose from manual and automatic transmissions, 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and three equipment levels – Executive, Sport & Sport SE.  

Thanks to Mazda’s new SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, the Mazda CX-5 is engineered to deliver best in class CO₂ emissions of only 119g/100kms from the 2.2L diesel engine, placing it in Road Tax Band A (€160). The all-new CX-5 also is ahead of the competition in delivering exceptional fuel economy of 4.6L/100kms (61.4mpg).

Mazda’s SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY also delivers CX-5 with a new chassis, new transmission and a lightweight body, aimed at the goal of delivering driving enjoyment and performance, inspired by Mazda’s legendary MX-5 roadster. 

“The all-new Mazda CX-5 is a hugely important car for the Mazda, marking a renaissance for the brand in Ireland. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY delivers lower cost motoring to the consumer whilst still offering the  superior level of driving dynamics which Mazda is renowned for”, comments Steve Jelliss, Director Market Support, Mazda Ireland. “The all-new CX-5 allows us to compete in the growing compact SUV segment in Ireland and invites attention from both existing Mazda and competitor owners”.

WHILE the number 13 scares lots of people and Friday the 13^th some even more, come January 1^st next Ireland’s car buyers will have no choice in their new car having the number 13 on the plate — for every day of its life!

Many in the motor industry see this as a real problem and expect car sales to suffer as buyers simply put off their purchase until 2014.

But Mark Grainger, founder of Clearmotors.ie — the free car sales website — has a suggestion that could turn the problem into a real opportunity for buyers and sellers alike.

The Kildare businessman believes that if we turned around the digit 3 in the 13 plates we would end up with a once-off ‘1E’ registration that would not only solve the problem of the unlucky 13 — it would make the 2013registration a collectors’ item and, in fact, boost sales next year.

Cleverly, he also suggests that only the number plate would have the 1E designation, as in 1E-D-1234 — with all the car’s paperwork and registration details carrying the normal 13-D-1234 designation.

That way there’s no extra administration needed — just a general consensus that all 13-rigistered cars will have the 1E plate.

Mark Grainger — who has been working in the motor trade for the past 25 years and is also Sales Director and co-owner of Dunleas of Kilcullen — set up Clearmotors.ie  two years ago in an effort to allow people to sell their cars, vans and 4x4s for free.

So far it has enjoyed considerable success and has received more than 200,000 hits already this year.

 The site will always offer free advertising for private sellers and — though it will eventually charge dealerships for their advertisements — is allowing dealerships advertise free-of-charge for the whole of 2012

Increased market share of 12.3% sees Volkswagen breathing down Toyota’s neck for top spot in 2012

 Volkswagen Ireland continued its impressive start to 2012 by claiming the No 1 position in the Irish motor industry during April with 867 registrations, a market share of 12.9%.

So far this year Volkswagen Ireland has registered 6,513 vehicles representing a market share of 12.3%, up 0.5% (on 2011). This performance places Volkswagen Ireland immediately behind Toyota and increasingly closing the gap.

Commenting, John Donegan, Head of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen Ireland said, “We are delighted with our performance during April and credit must go to our dealership network and their exceptional efforts. With a gap of just 200 registrations between Volkswagen Ireland and top spot we will be doing our utmost to continue this strong performance in the second quarter of 2012 and maximize a strong order bank.”  

Volkswagen Ireland’s strong performance is against the backdrop of an overall motoring industry that year to date is 7.2 % down on 2011 with April down 22% on April 2011.

Mazda Ireland launched the all-new CX-5, the Japanese brand’s compact SUV offering. Priced from €25,195*, the first shipment of CX-5’s arrives in Mazda dealers nationwide over the coming week. 

The all-new CX-5 is the first product to embody Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, which will be offered with a choice of two engines with three power outputs: 2.0-litre SKYACTIV 165ps petrol and 2.2-litre SKYACTIV 150ps or 175ps diesel.  All engines feature i-Stop, Mazda’s stop-start technology.

Customers can choose from manual and automatic transmissions, 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and three equipment levels – Executive, Sport & Sport SE.  

Thanks to Mazda’s new SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, the Mazda CX-5 is engineered to deliver best in class CO₂ emissions of only 119g/100kms from the 2.2L diesel engine, placing it in Road Tax Band A (€160). The all-new CX-5 also is ahead of the competition in delivering exceptional fuel economy of 4.6L/100kms (61.4mpg).

Mazda’s SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY also delivers CX-5 with a new chassis, new transmission and a lightweight body, aimed at the goal of delivering driving enjoyment and performance, inspired by Mazda’s legendary MX-5 roadster. 

“The all-new Mazda CX-5 is a hugely important car for the Mazda, marking a renaissance for the brand in Ireland. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY delivers lower cost motoring to the consumer whilst still offering the  superior level of driving dynamics which Mazda is renowned for”, comments Steve Jelliss, Director Market Support, Mazda Ireland. “The all-new CX-5 allows us to compete in the growing compact SUV segment in Ireland and invites attention from both existing Mazda and competitor owners”.