The Ford Fiesta turns 40
Ford’s starter car has grown up and is celebrating its 40th birthday this year Scarily enough for those of us old enough to remember the Mk1 Ford Fiesta is 40 years old this year. Four decades ago one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world rolled its sleeves up and aimed to build a supermini to take on the Fiat 127, VW Polo and Renault 5. The four-year development programme culminating with the launch of Ford’s second...
Stunt Drive Ireland
Fancy trying your hand at Stunt Driving? I take a trip to Wicklow to learn some stunt driving secrets writes Suzanne Keane I may (or may not be) a stranger to pulling a handbrake turn in a wet car park but when the invitation to visit Stunt Drive Ireland popped into my inbox I couldn’t resist the challenge Arriving at the centre in Co. Wicklow I was greeted by Aoife Byrne – a real life stuntwoman who has been set on fire...
Eternal Love
Smitten motorists tell of the special bonds with their metal pals writes Geraldine Herbert On the whole, I like to think I’m rational, educated and quite a grounded sort of person. I’m not what you would call sentimental, particularly about material objects; I may have more shoes than anyone has a right to own, an ever growing collection of sunglasses and an oversupply of scarves but I have no real emotional connection to any of...
Warning to female drivers to be vigilant
We have a number of steps that you should consider to ensure your safety on the road writes Geraldine Herbert The Gardai are warning female drivers travelling alone to be extra vigilant particularly when stopping on secluded roadsides. The warning comes in the wake of a number of shocking incidents in recent months which include a knife-point high-jacking and a serious assault. So how can you protect yourself? Always...
16 cars worth waiting for in 2016
From Alfa to Lamborghini, 2016 promises to be a bumper year and these are our sixteen most anticipated new models writes Geraldine Herbert Alfa Romeo Giulia The big news for Alfa Romeo in 2016 is the new Giulia, their rival to the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. Due here towards the end of the year it is one of the most anticipated Alfas in years. Top of the range will be the Giulia Quadrifoglio powered by a...
Car insurance costs soar by over 35% in less than two years
Comprehensive cover has spiralled in the last 18 months, so what can motorists do, asks Geraldine Herbert Car insurance is on the rise and motorists are likely, on average, to pay €300 more for a comprehensive policy this year than they did in 2014. Fraud, legal fees, lack of enforcement and regulation of the insurance industry are all being blamed for hikes of over 35% in the cost of premiums. At a time when motorists should be...