Transport Minister Dempsey s priorities

Transcription

1 Volume 11 Issue 2 Winter Transport Minister Dempsey s priorities MOTORING The official Magazine of the AA Win a weekend away at AA Hotel of the Year All-new Laguna: the family car goes chic

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3 Pat Kiely, Managing Director, AA Ireland WELCOME to the winter edition of AA Motoring. The AA has put forward a detailed submission to the Department of Transport on what we see as important priorities in the years ahead. In this we have laid great emphasis on road safety measures. Ireland is making progress, but that progress is tragically slow and it is clear that more needs to be done. We have also stressed the importance of developing rail based public transport alternatives, especially in our cities. Transport 21 provides funding for new Luas lines and a Metro service for Dublin. We have urged the government to carry out feasibility studies now for the eventual provision of Luas lines in Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway. At the very least potential routes should be identified and preserved. Public transport is not adequately serving the public. This is clearly shown in Dublin, where only 20% of people use it for their morning commute while 56% use private cars. The proportion is no better in the other cities. This is not self-indulgence on the motorists part. Existing public transport services are stuffed to capacity morning and evening, and we simply must make more services available. In these pages, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey outlines his priorities for the coming years. It is encouraging to see important commitments like the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority being included. The AA is willing to work with the Department and its agencies to help ensure that we get to grips with our Transport crisis. We insist on fair treatment for motorists, but we all recognise that private car use cannot solve our problems. Road safety continues to be a major concern for all of us. There are important changes coming, including the installation of a network of speed cameras on the roads and significant reforms of driver training and driver testing. The AA has been closely involved in these developments and we continue to watch them closely. We very much want to hear your views on any issues discussed in the magazine or on any aspect of AA policy. If you have any comments or questions, please contact publicaffairs@aaireland.ie or write to Public Affairs Department, AA Ireland, Maryland House, 20/21 South William Street, Dublin 2. Finally as we move into the dark evenings may I take this opportunity to wish all our members a safe winter on the roads. This is a dangerous time of year. Road conditions can worsen without warning and with reduced visibility even during the daylight hours we all need to be more aware of vulnerable road users like school children, pedestrians and motorbikes. There is a greater responsibility on us as motorists to take extra care. New York shopping 8 Road links on target 5 Road Test: Lexus LS600h 7 Minister for Transport 10 tells us his priorities New AA Handbook & Atlas 13 Road Test: Laguna III 14 AA Hotel of the Year The AA s submission to the 21 Department of Transport BMW s biofuel answer 23 Road Test: Skoda Fabia 26 Road Test: Mercedes C-Class 24 Parallel Record proposal 29 Driving in winter 33 Insuring the best result 35 Metro & Luas Projects-update 36 CONTENTS ENQUIRIES: Published by Goldstar Media, John Farrell, AA Editor. Tel: Cranford Centre, Montrose, Dublin 4. aamotoring@aaireland.ie Tel: Fax Colm Burns, Publisher. Tel: goldstar@indigo.ie Views expressed in road test articles are those of reviewers and not of AA Ireland. Road Test: Jeep Compass 38 New standards for self catering accommodation 41 WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 3

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5 INFRASTRUCTURE Road links on target Project completions have been thin on the ground since our Spring/Summer issue, but progress is nevertheless being made on the larger road-building programmes across the country. Routes such as the N7 and N8 are getting large new sections and anyone driving on the existing routes can t help but notice the enormous amount of work going on. The Gorey bypass is a vital link on the N11 from Dublin to Rosslare Harbour BY the end of the decade, it s envisaged that motorists will be able to drive on high-quality dual-carriageway or motorway from Dublin to Cork, to Limerick and to Galway. A full bypass of Gorey was opened 4 months ahead of schedule in early July. The route, 22km long and removing 10,000 vehicles per day from the busy Wexford town, was opened by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey and its benefits will not only be enjoyed by those travelling on the vital N11 link from Dublin to Rosslare Harbour, but also those visiting holiday towns in Courtown, Ballymoney and Ardamine. A lot of people don t realise that the N11 is actually part of the Trans- European Road Network (TERN) and has the distinction of being designated Route E-01. This designation has been used in some signage on newer sections of the N11, the first time a European route name has been used on Irish signage. As national routes in Ireland go, the N11 has been at the forefront of new development, hosting one of Ireland s first stretches of dualcarriageway between the Newtownpark Avenue junction and Foxrock Church on south Co. Dublin in the 1950 s. Bypasses have been made of villages and towns like Stillorgan, Cabinteely, Shankhill, Bray, Kilmacanogue, Newtownmountkennedy, Ashford and Rathnew - meaning no traffic on the N11 passes through any towns in Co. Wicklow. Wexford towns due to be bypassed include Inch, Camolin, Ferns and Enniscorthy - Enniscorthy s bypass route is currently at the preliminary design phase. The other big opening lately was the N1/M1 Border Dundalk project in early August. This project signified the completion of upgrading of the N1 Dublin-Belfast route on the Republic side, with a new dual-carriageway crossing the border seamlessly into Co. Armagh. Currently, the dual-carriageway ends just short of Newry but work has commenced on linking it with the existing Newry bypass. Upgrading of the route from Newry onwards is expected to commence soon, with financial help from the Irish Government as outlined in Transport 21. Projects close to completion include the N5 Charlestown bypass, which will improve access to Ireland West Airport near Knock, and the N51 Navan Inner Relief Road, a short but important project to take Athboy-bound traffic out of Navan town and the N3 from a dedicated roundabout. This project should help alleviate traffic on the N3 while Meath s motorists wait for the completion of the M3, still some years away and as controversial as ever. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 5

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7 ROAD TEST Lexus LS600h It may seem odd to describe a 139,000 car as a bargain, but that s exactly what the new Lexus LS600h is. Driving a hard bargain THE new Lexus LS600h uses Lexus now-famous hyrbid drive system that combines a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine with a powerful electric motor and a rechargable battery stack. The combination gives the 600 the performance of a 6.0-litre V12 but the economy and emissions of a 3.0-litre diesel. And the bargain bit comes from the fact that thanks to current government policy, if you buy a hybrid vehicle, you get 50% of the Vehicle Registration Tax rebated. Without that, your LS600h would cost north of 160,000. Externally, the 600h can be distinguished from its conventional brother by mean-looking triplelens projector headlights and a blue-rimmed badge at the back to mark out the fact that it s a hybrid. The basic body shape is the same, but the 600h can be had as a super-luxury longwheelbase model. And it s in this stretched version that the real luxury begins. The sculpted rear seat is designed for two occupants, separated by a massive armrest containing more buttons than a shirt factory. The left-hand rear passenger even gets a fully reclining seat, complete with footrest and built-in massage function. Believe me, it s the best seat in the house. Mind you, LS600h is a delight to drive, combining the traditional Lexus virtues of nearsilent refinement and exceptional build quality with the brisk performance and miserly economy of the hybrid system. We even managed to get the 600h up to 30kmh before the battery was drained enough that the computer decided to restart the engine. Smoothness is the keyword when driving the LS. It shuts out the world beyond the windows and allows you to make long journeys, that would be arduous in lesser vehicles, in complete comfort. The figures are a combined 445bhp from the engine and electrics, a 0-100kmh time of 6.3secs,a combined fuel economy figure of 9.2- litres per 100km and a CO 2 emissions rating of 219g/km. Which means that the LS600h allows you to have your luxury cake and eat it. Save the Earth and have an on-board massage at the same time? Now that s what I call a real bargain WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 7

8 TRAVEL We New York shopping WITH Christmas just around the corner, more and more Irish people every year look further than ever for seasonal bargains. No longer are some satisfied with an 8 December jaunt to the Big Smoke no, for hundreds of Irish, only the Big Apple will do. AS AMAZING as it might seem, the pre-christmas trip to New York City is fast-becoming a yearly pilgrimage for many Irish shoppers and while the 5+ hour plane journey can be gruelling, it s often worth it. But what s the best way to get between those temples of commerce. Century 21, Woodbury Common and Jersey Gardens are household names to those in the know but what s the best way to convey you and your platoon of shoppers around? Well, it s easy to dismiss the car. Unless you crave stress, driving in NYC is definitely a bad idea for the tourist. New York s famed grid-pattern streets suddenly become inexplicably confusing, courtesy is optional and to describe parking as a nightmare is like calling Central Park a big garden. New York is not like the rest of the US and the motorist is an endangered species. No wonder, with some of the best public transport in North America, you re spoiled for choice. The subway comes to mind for the tourist, but not just for the regularity of service. The subways in New York are clean, well-run and air-conditioned, which is a boon in the summer. Not only that, but since many stations are just beneath streetlevel, getting to the platform is a lot quicker than in cities like London, where the descent to your train is at cortege-speed. The best value for anyone using the service heavily either over one day or a number of days is the Unlimited Ride Metrocard. A one day card costs $7 and a 7 day card costs $24 which is great value for anyone wanting to get around the subway system and see all that New York shopping. Woodbury Common in upstate New York has been open to bargain-hunters since 1985 but it s only in recent years that Irish tourists have flocked to it in droves. With 220 stores over 72,000 square metres, more than one trip might be required. The simplest way to get there is by bus; Gray Line operate a $39 return service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal near Times Square, travelling time is a little over an hour. You can also take the train from Penn Station in New York to Harriman Station but bear in mind that you ll have to change trains and get a taxi from the station to Woodbury Common. The pretender to Woodbury Common s outlet shopping crown is Jersey Gardens which, as the name suggests, is across the border in New Jersey. This is very important to those in the know, as the State of New Jersey has a much lower sales tax rate; just 3.5% compared to New York s 8% rate. It s over 390,000 square metres in size but actually has fewer shops. Ikea are next door but unless airline baggage limits change soon, that Klippan sofa will have to stay where it is! Don t get carried away with the purchases though; Revenue keep a close eye on returning shoppers. The value limits for gifts entering the country is 175 per person over 15, 90 for those under 15. And as long as you bring back no more than 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, you ll be able to avoid Irish taxes. Sales taxes are, of course, payable in the US and these are nonrefundable however duty-free purchases from the US are treated under the same rules. For more information on visiting New York, click on 8 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007

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10 INTERVIEW Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, shares his priorities for transport IN JUNE this year something particularly pleasant happened to me. The Taoiseach asked if I would become the Minister for Transport in the new Government. After 10 years serving as a senior Government Minister during which time I held the positions of Minister for the Environment, Education and Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, I was delighted to take up this new challenge. 10 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007 THIS is an exciting time to be the Minister for Transport. Never before has Ireland had such ambitious plans in the area of transport. With the Government s 34 billion investment programme under Transport 21 we are on course to revolutionise travel for everyone in this country. With Transport 21 the country will become a better place to work, live, visit and invest in. We are going to tackle a quality of life issue by giving people back precious time time for living, time for family and friends and time for business. This transformation is underway right now and it will make a difference to us all. In my time as Minister for Transport I want to push ahead with

11 the various projects identified under Transport 21 so that they are delivered on time and on budget. I want to see shorter travelling times, improved road safety, real choice for hard pressed commuters and reduced congestion. I want to see better roads and better public transport. Commuters deserve options. Car owners should I want to see shorter travelling times, improved road safety, real choice for hard pressed commuters and reduced congestion have the choice of leaving their cars at home and taking reliable public transport to work. We all want to see an end to city centre congestion and long traffic delays along the city s main arteries. In the short term while work is underway to upgrade the M50 and to build major new infrastructure such as the Metro and the new Luas lines, commuters will all feel the pain. I can t silver coat that. But it will be worth it. By 2015 we will have a world-class transport infrastructure that we can all be Dublin Transport Authority Given the complexity and scale of the public transport plans for Dublin contained in Transport 21, I am committed to expediting the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority the body that will have overall responsibility for surface transport in the Greater Dublin Area. Sustainable Transport In order to get the maximum benefit from the major investment that Government is making in public transport it is clear that we must alter our personal travel behaviour. I plan to examine a range of measures to facilitate this change in thinking about travel. I want national programmes in place such as work proud of. place travel plans, a campaign to Under Transport 21 the Luas Roads alter the nature of the school run services in Dublin will be substantially improved by projects such as the joining of the Green and Red Luas lines, extending the Luas to Docklands, Citywest, Cherrywood, Lucan, etc. Rail services will be improved by reopening the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Claremorris, opening the Cork-Midleton rail service, providing a commuter rail service between Galway and Athenry, opening the Navan rail line, etc. Opening Metro North from St Stephen s Green to Swords via Dublin Airport will be an exciting event for all of us. As will the opening of Metro West connecting Tallaght and Ballymun through Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown. These are the kinds of major infrastructure projects that form the backbone of Transport 21. Similarly bus services under Transport 21will be improved by reforming bus licensing to facilitate the optimum provision of services by providing a level playing field for all market participants and continuing to The development of a high-quality route network will deliver major benefits for our competitiveness, balanced regional development and the safety of our roads. Among the projects that I want to see completed under Transport 21 are: The five inter-urban motorways connecting Dublin to Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The Atlantic Road Corridor The Border Road Corridor connecting Dundalk to Sligo via Enniskillen. Road safety I will continue to support the work of the Road Safety Authority. I plan to actively promote safety education programmes such as the safe school routes programme, a national cycle route and a Dublin coast walk and cycle route. I will shortly introduce a new road safety strategy that will set ambitious targets and a clear road map for reducing tragic deaths on our roads. and a national cycle network. To this end I aim to launch a public consultation process before the end of this year around the theme of sustainable travel and transport. I want to hear what the public has to say about how we should best go about tackling our over dependence on cars and to help people make the shift to public transport. I want to set out a clear action plan on the issue of sustainable travel in the first quarter of 2008 with ambitious targets and priority programmes. Conclusion These are just some of the areas in which I will be concentrating my efforts over the coming months and years. In Transport 21 we have an excellent programme for change. I intend to get on with implementing it. There will be short term pain as the projects are being built but it will be worth it. We have made a great start and it has built a momentum for delivery. develop QBCs in Dublin and the regional cities. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 11

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13 NEWS New AA Handbook & Atlas THE ultimate motorist s reference the AA Members Handbook has been updated. The new edition is packed full of information to make it Ireland s most useful car accessory, covering the country from top to bottom. Members have always valued the AA Handbook, which is full of interesting and useful information about driving in Ireland. Says Membership Director Dennis Fisk. However we were consistently told that what people used most was the map section, so we have decided to develop that idea and the current edition provides a full road atlas of Ireland. The new Handbook now contains 80 pages of maps. It is presented in a glovebox sized spiral-bound format to make it easier for motorists to use. The glovebox encyclopaedia contains a great deal of information about the AA and its services to members. There are contact details for AA Rescue and AA Roadwatch, and there is information about AA technical services, travel, motor and home insurance. There are also conversion charts and tips for maintaining your car. AA attends to 160,000 breakdowns every year, and the top ten causes of car problems are also listed which will hopefully help members to avoid getting stuck on the side of the road. There is the AA guide to responsible driving, tips for car maintenance and a range of other bits of information that we hope members will find useful. The Handbook is only for members and is not released to the general public. It is being posted to all of the AA s personal members, and your complimentary copy is enclosed with this edition of AA Motoring. NO ONE KNOWS MORE ABOUT 4x4 Stuarts Garages Ltd, Greenhills Road, Dublin 24. Telephone: WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 13

14 ROAD TEST Laguna. Le sequel. Laguna has always been a big seller for Renault since it first launched in None however has been as well designed or as well put together as the newest version, which is on sale here since the end of October. But then this new model is much more than just another new car from the French carmaker: It s a statement of intent a promise of things to come. THE company has set some very ambitious targets for itself and its model range over the next few years, and its newest design will lead the charge to meet these goals. Chief among these is a commitment to get every one of its new models into the top three of their segment where build quality and reliability is concerned. And positive evidence of both is abundant in the new Laguna. Indeed, Renault reckons the new model is of a high quality never before seen at their Sandouville factory in France. And proof of their confidence comes in the offering of a three-year 150,000km warranty that s a full twelve months more than any other Renault. Crucially, they are also confident the new design will secure a gold-standard 5-star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating, just like its predecessor. The new hatchback is longer, wider and taller than the current model, though you d hardly notice it from the outside. 14 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007

15 Laguna III Inside however, it s a different story. Here, the extra headroom is immediately obvious, as is the better shoulder room and the extra space around the driver s knee area and in the pedal box. The styling inside is also far superior to the current model with high quality materials being used in all the right places. The dashboard is particularly attractive as it rolls wave-like from one side of the car to the other. The new two-colour instrument panel is also a welcome improvement while the integrated audio system is a model of understated elegance. High-spec versions are also to get Renault s new sat-nav system. What hasn t changed, thankfully, is Laguna s first rate driving position, which has been successfully carried over to the new model despite heavy reworking of the seats to free up more space. The new car is also just as quiet as before though they ve managed to get the ride to feel far more luxurious. Overall, the interior is brighter, roomier and better designed than the Laguna II, and Renault are to be commended for managing to move the car up a grade in terms of comfort and feel without compromising qualities such as quietness, ride and handling that have made Laguna so popular over the years. The new range is to be far wider than the outgoing one with a much extended engine line-up featuring in three body styles: hatchback, Sports Tourer estate and, eventually, a Coupe version. The hatchbacks will be first to arrive followed by the Sports Tourer early in the New Year. It will be the end of next summer however before we see the Coupe, which promises to be a real stunner. The very attractive looking estate version looks far sportier than the hatchback despite being highly functional. Innovative ideas here include a singlebutton system for dropping the rear seats to form a flat load platform and some clever storage compartments to keep cargo from rolling around. You can also store the rear parcel shelf beneath the load floor, while the option of an opening tailgate window for easier access to the load area, will be welcomed by many. Not all engines will be available from the start however. In fact the 1.6-litre petrol, which is expected to be the most popular choice of engine in Ireland, won t be available until next March at the tale end of next year s peak selling period. The good news however is that, to compensate, Renault Ireland intend launching with a 1.5-litre diesel priced LOWER than the current 26,600 being asked for the current 1.6-litre petrol version. They say they will hold that price until the new 1.6-litre petrol becomes available. Once it does, the diesel s price is expected to increase by about 1,500. That makes the 110bhp 1.5-diesel particularly good value even for those who wouldn t normally buy a diesel and has the potential to boost sales to record levels. The other engines available from launch include three versions of a 2-litre turbodiesel rated at 130,150 and 175bhp, and two 2-litre petrol options: one normally aspirated rated at 140bhp and a 170bhp turbocharged unit. Prices for these have yet to be announced. 15 WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE

16 Thinking of buying a car? Call Phone lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Apply online at Terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. A facility documentation fee of applies. This fee will be charged with the first repayment. Security may be required. AA Finance is an alliance between Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and AA Ireland Limited. AA Finance loans are underwritten by Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Financial Regulator. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. Registered office: Bankcentre, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Registered No AA Ireland Limited trading as AA Insurance is regulated by the Financial Regulator.

17 NEWS Super Golf gets a turbo treatment THIS is the Volkswagen Golf GT, a car that uses some clever technology to wring 2.0-litre performance from a 1.4-litre engine, with emissions and fuel consumption comparable to a 1.6. The engine is, essentially, VW s familiar 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol four-cylinder unit, but in GT form, its power is increased to 170bhp by fitting both a supercharger and a turbocharger. Why? Because the two systems work sequentially, with the engine-driven supercharger boosting the power at low RPM, when the turbo would be breathless, and the turbo kicking in at higher RPM when the supercharger would needlessly drain the engine s efficiency. It adds up to performance figures comparable to a 2.3- litre multi-cylinder petrol engine (0-100km/h in 7.9sec, a maximum speed of 220km/h) but economy and emissions figures that closely match VW s existing 102bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine (7.4-litres per 100km on the combined cycle, 178g/km of CO 2 ). The same engine is also available in the Jetta saloon and Touran MPV in 140bhp form, and will also be available in next year s new Tiguan 4x4. The Golf GT is priced from 30,275. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 17

18 HOTELS Range Rover The AA Hotel of the Year 2007 is Harvey s Point Country Hotel, Co. Donegal. This is the most prestigious award in the Irish Hotel industry and it was announced recently at a ceremony in the Guinness Gravity Bar in Dublin. The ceremony was attended by leading figures in Irish Tourism, including Minister Seamus Brennan. Harvey s Point Country Hotel is AA Hotel of the Year 2007 A Swiss / Irish success story, Harvey s Point Hotel has grown from simple beginnings to become a jewel of the north west and one of the finest hotels in Ireland. Owned by couple Marc Gysling and Deirdre McGlone, Harvey s Point was established by Marc s brother Jody who fell in love with the little corner of Switzerland in Donegal when he found it on the shores of Lough Deirdre, Marc and staff receiving their award 18 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007 Eske in Since then Jody and his brother Marc relocated from the Alps and were joined by local girl Deirdre McGlone to develop the Hotel business. Now married with kids of their own, Marc & Deirdre have continually invested in the Hotel and its facilities. Business has flourished based on the combination of Swiss efficiency and Irish hospitality, and on an unceasing commitment to quality. We were very pleased and proud to be chosen for this very special award. Says Deirdre. This is the first time the AA s top award has been won by a hotel in the north west. It s a huge compliment to the work that we have put into Harvey s Point, and I also hope that it shows that the north west region is coming into its own. Deirdre herself has no doubt as to where the credit for the award goes. Most of all it is down to our wonderful staff. She says. We have a marvellous group of people working with us and its great to see them get the recognition that they deserve. Harvey s Point Country Hotel is located on the shores of Lough Eske just 5 km from Donegal town. Over the years the owners have made a series of major investments to develop the business, and the result is a magnificent 74 bedroom building which is home to one of the best

19 hotels a guest could ever hope to find. Despite becoming ever more successful and ever busier, Harvey s Point has the qualities in its management and staff that the best hotels in the world strive for. Faultless, friendly service awaits you in one of the most beautiful settings to be found in Ireland or in Switzerland. We work very hard to reach and maintain our standards. Says Deirdre. Marc was a chef originally, and we are very proud of what we have achieved in the restaurant. Small wonder, for the restaurant has become enormously popular in the north west. It has attained a 2 Rosette standard for excellence from the AA, and business is thriving. Sunday lunches have been known to have over a thousand customers. In picking the Hotel to receive the Award the AA are looking for a sustained effort to achieve excellence. That efforts comes of course from the staff and management, but the AA also looks at the ongoing commitment to investment, to developing further and to continuous improvement. Harvey s Point is a hotel that has put down deep roots into its community, becoming a major employer in the area, and with the vision and commitment of Deirdre and the Gyslings it is set to be a leading light in the tourism industry in the north west for many years to come. The AA Hotel of the Year award was introduced in 1992 and is awarded to Hotels that are recognised as being outstanding examples in their particular market. Winning Hotels are innovative and always set high standards in Hotel keeping. This is AA Ireland s most prestigious accolade and also the first time that a Hotel in the North West COMPETITION Win a weekend away in Harvey s Point Country Hotel To win 2 nights bed & breakfast and an evening meal at the AA Hotel of the Year simply answer the question below: Question: When was the AA Hotel of the Year award first introduced? A) 1992; B) 2005; C) 2007 Text GOLD and your answer A, B or C to Or send your answer on a postcard to AA Motoring Competition, 56 Drury Street, Dublin 2. Closing Date is 31st December Text message cost 1.00 incl. VAT (Operator charges may apply). Terms & Conditions: Subject to availability 2) No cash alternative, 3) cannot be used in conjunction with any other Harvey s Point or AA offers. AA competitions are not open to staff of the AA, their immediate family members or associated companies Region is in receipt of the same. Previous winners of this award, include the following: Dromoland Castle, Kellys Resort Hotel & Spa, Killarney Park Hotel, The Merrion Hotel, Hayfield Manor House Hotel, Sheen Falls Lodge and Aghadoe Heights WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 19

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21 POLICY AA makes detailed submission to the Department of Transport The AA has made a series of recommendations to the Department of Transport for inclusion in its threeyear strategy document which is currently being drafted. There are 15 separate recommendations for inclusion in the new Strategy, grouped under four headings. THE AA has emphasised road safety and the delivery of projects contained in the government s infrastructure plan Transport 21. The AA also stressed the need for better control of speed limits and reforms in the way that public transport is delivered, especially in Dublin. Dublin s public transport has been characterised by a disappointing lack of co-operation and even rivalry between the existing agencies. This has frustrated efforts to co-ordinate the different agencies into one cohesive public transport system. Transport 21 provides for an investment of 14 billion in the Dublin area. If the taxpayer is to achieve full value for that investment then it is crucial that the new Authority should have clearly defined executive control. Issues like integrated ticketing, for example, have not been effectively delivered despite being promised for many years. While traffic problems are most acute in our largest city, the same forces are at work in the regions. The AA is urging the government to act now to secure the future provision of Luas style services in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Each of these growing cities suffers just as much as Dublin because of the public transport deficit. It is important to identify and preserve future Luas routes now. These services will inevitably be required and will be much more expensive to provide if developments have been allowed to block preferred route alignments. Road safety continues to be a major priority. With the new system of automated speed cameras due to be introduced soon (as reported in AA Motoring last year) it is imperative that the system is open, transparent and well audited, and the AA has made specific suggestions in that regard. With the Department of Transport now responsible for the maintenance of secondary roads, the AA has called for a national quality audit of secondary roads. This important part of the road network has tended to be neglected in favour of trunk road development in recent years. Other suggestions include the roll-out of driver s education and road safety education for transition year students, who are clearly a very important audience. At the moment large numbers of our young people emerge from our education system with virtually no knowledge of road safety matters and this is clearly a missed opportunity. The AA also suggests that the NCT should be obliged to record and make available car mileage data to help prevent the fraudulent tampering of car odometers. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 21

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23 ECO-MOTORING Pure Dynamite There is a common worry amongst enthusiastic drivers at the moment, when confronted with the evidence that driving our cars is harming the planet. And it's that governments are going to legislate cars off the road, or at least remove all enjoyment from driving. WELL, rather surprisingly, BMW may have the solution to the problem. And while you re more likely to picture a BMW when someone mentions a saloon with a more powerful engine than an economy car, BMW believes that such things are not mutually incompatible, and has launched its Efficient Dynamics programme to prove it. What if I were to tell you that you can buy, right now, a car that matches a Toyota Prius Hybrid for both fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions yet is as enjoyable to drive and stylish as a Mini Cooper? In fact, it is a Mini Cooper; the new Mini Cooper D which uses a 1.6-litre 110bhp diesel engine, combined with a stop-start system and a brake energy regeneration function to bring down its consumption and emissions figures. In fact, the Cooper D returns a scarcelybelievable 72.4mpg equivalent of 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle, and emits just 104g/km of CO 2. Best of all, by early next year, you won t be able to order any new Mini without these systems, as Efficient Dynamics spreads to the rest of the range. From 2008, all manual-gearbox equipped BMW 1 Series and 3 Series models will come with the same suite of environmentally-friendly technology. We ve sampled a 118i with the Efficient Dynamics fitments, and it s quite brilliant. It returned 5.9l/100km on the combined cycle and emitted 140g/km of CO 2 while remaining fun to drive. But BMW s policy is that Progress must not be limited to small niches in a manufacturer s model range. Efficient Dynamics has started with the most obvious, compact models, but it s spreading fast to other parts of the Munich range. The X5 SUV is due to get a hybrid powertrain, and prototype 7 Series limos are already racking up mileage in Germany fuelled by hydrogen gas. So worry not. If a certain corner of Munich has anything to do with it, you ll be able to save the planet and still paint a smile across your face on your favourite stretch of road. BY NEIL BRISCOE WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 23

24 ROAD TEST Mercedes C-Class Glamour galore While Mercedes-Benz cars have traditionally sold on the values of reliability and quality rather than a sporty and engaging driving experience, the mandarins of Stuttgart have clearly decided that it s time Mercs had a bit more than just customer satisfaction on their side. AND there s no doubt that the all-new C has a deal more chutzpah than the old version. Especially if you opt for Avantgarde trim, which ditches the traditional radiator grille with the famous three-pointed star standing proud on the bonnet, and instead gives you a broad coupe-like grille with the star of Stuttgart front and centre. Inside, the story is very much traditionally Mercedes- Benz. The cabin is a model of simplicity with clear dials mounted in front of the driver and a comprehensive trip computer inset into the centre of the speedo. The quality levels are exceptionally high, with expensivefeeling switches and plastics, and that old-fashioned Merc feel will be just as good when you come back in ten years time, it will all look and feel just like new. Behind that striking grille of our C220 CDI test car sat a 2.2-litre 170bhp diesel engine driving through a six-speed auto. Aside from a noticeable clatter at idle, it s a smooth, refined unit that provides very fleet-footed performance. Combine that with economy and emissions figures of 6.1-litres per 100km and 156g/km of CO 2 and you really start to wonder about the sense of buying a petrol-engined version. But the C-Class s trump card is its handling and ride. The steering is exceptionally communicative and well weighted, allowing you to place the car in corners with confidence and precision. The ride is taut and firm, as befits a saloon with a sporting brief, but never jolts or rattles you. Add to all of that a spacious boot, comfortable seating front and rear and a reasonable level of standard equipment, and you have a very tempting package. Especially when you consider Mercedes reputation for high safety levels, which the C-Class embraces with a passion, including seven standard airbags and the option of the Pre-Safe system that predicts an unavoidable accident and warms up the car s safety systems in anticipation. Our test car costs a stiff 51,425 basic, but C-Class ownership starts at 43, AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007

25 Thinking of buying a car? Check out the National Consumer Agency's free Guide to Buying a Car This Guide contains information and tips on : How to decide which car to buy. How to check the condition of a car. How to do a background check on a car. How you might pay for a car. What are your legal rights when you buy a car. Copies of the booklet are available, free of charge, to download at or by ringing the National Consumer Agency on * * Note that the rates charged for the use of 1890 (LoCall) numbers may vary among different service providers

26 ROAD TEST Skoda Fabia In a word, Fab. How refreshing it is to find a company that takes more than a little pride in doing something simply and doing it well. That company is Skoda and while the cars it makes are never at the cuttingedge of innovation, they're always good to drive, well made, practical and reliable. AND that is a template that the new Skoda Fabia slots rather neatly into. Like its predecessor, it is a five-door family hatchback (there is no three-door version) with an engine range of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols and 1.4-litre diesels. Rather surprisingly, given its all-new body and revised engine line-up, the new Fabia uses the same basic chassis as the old one, although tweaks have been made inside to liberate more space. And space there most certainly is. The boot is large, square and suffers from minimal suspension intrusion. The rear seat has room for six-footers even when tall people are in the front seats and up front there is stretching and lounging space for all but the tallest. The dash design is plain, but the ergonomic layout of the controls is fine, the instrument dials are clear and attractive and, if some of the plastics used are palpably cheap, then at least there s nothing wrong with the way they re bolted together. The most popular engine for the Fabia will doubtless be the 70bhp 1.2- litre three-cylinder, which has just enough power to keep things feeling lively, and goes about its business with a pleasantly sporty rasp from the exhaust. The Fabia is no GTI but its smooth chassis settings means it s a delight to drive, with well-controlled body motions and excellent ride quality. For the record, the Fabia bhp gets from a standstill to 100kmh in 14.9sec, and returns average fuel consumption of 5.9-litres per 100km (47.8mpg). It emits 140g of CO 2 per km. And while it is never likely to star on a schoolboy s wall, or enjoy the patronage of Hollywood celebrity, the mere fact that the Fabia is a solidly-built and reliable family car is good enough for us. NEIL BRISCOE 26 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007

27 Join the AA Health Drive As an AA member you already trust us to keep you motoring. Now, in partnership with VIVAS Health, we re also offering cover and protection for your health and your family s health. With the AA Health Plan and AA Health Plan Plus, you get: A choice of two comprehensive health insurance plans to suit your needs Access to more hospitals, more treatments and more choice Student discounts up to age 23 Laser eye surgery, teeth whitening & Allen Carr s Easyway To Stop Smoking The only health insurance plan to offer cash back on car safety accessories PLUS ask us for a quote between now and Jan 31st and you will be entered into a draw for a FREE executive health screen worth over 450! To make the move to the AA Health Plan, call us now on or go to AA Health Plan and AA Health Plan Plus are arranged by AA Ireland and is underwritten and administered by VIVAS Health. AA Ireland Limited trading as AA Insurance is regulated by the Financial Regulator. VIVAS Insurance Limited, trading as VIVAS Health is regulated by the Financial Regulator. Terms & Conditions of competition available on request. No purchase necessary in association with

28 Q-Park at your service Q-Park car parks are conveniently located throughout Ireland. Our parking hosts are on hand to take care of you and your car, and to help you avail of our special products and services. Jump Starter Umbrella MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS CENTRALLY LOCATED AT: Cork Carrolls Quay 353 (0) City Hall 353 (0) Grand Parade 353 (0) Dublin Q-Park Clerys (24 Hour) 353 (0) ILAC Centre 353 (0) Four Courts Users Quay 353 (0) St. Stephen's Green / Royal College of Surgeons (24 Hour) 353 (0) Belvedere College 353 (0) Setanta Place 353 (0) Dawson Street 353 (0) Exchange Hall, Tallaght (24 Hour) 353 (0) Bloomfields, Dun Laoghaire 353 (0) St. Vincents Hospital 353 (0) Galway Railway, Lough Atalia Road (24 Hour) 353 (0) Information Monitor Heart Defibrillator Kildare Whitewater 353 (0) Kilkenny Ormonde Street 353 (0) Laois Church Street, Portlaoise 353 (0) Buggy Hire Tyre Pump Limerick Harvey's Quay, Henry Street 353 (0) Cruises Car Park, Denmark Street 353 (0) Mayo Royal Theatre Car Park, Castlebar 353 (0) Shoe Shine alcohol tester Alcohol Tester Offaly New Main Street 353 (0) Waterford The Quays (Granville Hotel) 353 (0) Special Evening/Overnight rates from 5pm to 11am next day. For further information please contact the Car Park Manager, or Parking Host who will be happy to help you. Car park services may vary from each location.

29 NEWS Parallel Records for non-national Licences The AA has put forward a detailed proposal to deal with the growing problem of non-national drivers evading the Irish penalty points system. The proposal will create a parallel record of a driver s behaviour in Ireland and this will bring out-of-state licences within the scope of the Irish penalty points system. RECENT statistics show that one in four driving offences are not being dealt with because the driver has a licence issued by another country and is therefore not covered by Irish penalty points. Data released recently shows that almost 440,000 drivers have received points since their introduction in 2002 but 108,000 of these drivers do not hold an Irish driving licence and so the points cannot be applied. The foreign licences include those from Northern Ireland, the UK, Eastern Europe and further afield. It is also possible at the moment to put forward a non-national licence holder as the driver when an offence is committed even if the real driver holds an Irish licence in order to avoid penalty points. This is undermining the points system. Under the AA proposal, when a driver first comes to the attention of the Garda for a road traffic offence then a record is taken of the foreign licence number. That reference is then used to create a parallel record of the driver s behaviour in Ireland. The Parallel Record is then used in all future prosecutions. Penalty points are applied to the record in the same way as they are applied to Irish driving licences, and the sanctions which apply in respect of various driving offences are the same. As with an Irish licence if the parallel record accumulates 12 points within any three year period then that individual is prohibited from driving in the Republic of Ireland for six months. Likewise if a ban of any period is handed down by the courts then that ban applies to the parallel record. In effect this means that the foreign licence becomes every bit as accessible and usable for the Garda as an Irish licence. Produce a foreign licence to the Garda and the parallel record can be readily called up. The AA is satisfied that no legal obstacle exists to the proposed new system, which will govern the behaviour of non-national drivers in Ireland without affecting our international obligations. Car Matching Services have no connection with AA Caveat Vendor let the seller beware. Recently a number of AA members have complained of receiving calls from a company styling itself Car Match or Vehicle Match and often claiming to be endorsed by the AA. These calls come when a person puts an ad on line or in a publication to sell a secondhand car. The caller invariably offers to match the car up to a database of potential buyers, and they typically seek to charge in the order of 100 for this service. Neither AA Ireland nor AA UK has any relationship with any such company and we do not endorse any such service. We would advise members to be very cautious about using a service like this, and if the caller claims to be AA approved then this is deliberate misrepresentation. The AA would like to hear from any members who received such calls recently. Suzuki s new look This is the Suzuki Kizashi 2, a new concept car that shows the design direction that the Japanese firm intends to take as it tries to move away from its perceived image as a maker of small, cheap cars. Suzuki is staying tight-lipped at the moment, but the styling of the Kizashi 2 could be the same as the next-generation Grand Vitara. Or, it could easily be Suzuki s attempt to create a high-end rival to the likes of the Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7. The deep, bold radiator grille will also be seen on the crucial replacement for the Liana hatchback, with which Suzuki wants to take on the likes of the Ford Focus, VW Golf and Toyota Auris. Suzuki also has plans for a Mondeo-sized saloon and an MPV competitor to the Renault Scenic. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 29

30 Get home on time for once with etrip, the all toll road and parking tag. etrip can be used on all toll roads, M50 Westlink, Eastlink, Dublin Port Tunnel, M1, M4, M8 and * designated car parks nationwide. Are you ready for the M50 Westlink Freeflow in 2008, visit etrip.ie to find out how using an etrip tag can save you time and money. So do your loved ones a favour visit and sign up now * Please check our website for up to date information on car parks. etrip Services Ireland Ltd, Tel lo call info@etrip.ie

31 NEWS Make Electric Stability Control standard on all new cars Ireland has the worst record in Europe for rolling-out a life saving vehicle technology called Electronic Stability Control (ESC), according to a survey of 25 EU countries published in May ESC is a European invention that enhances a vehicle s braking system, and makes it much easier for drivers to control the car when a skid occurs. It is relatively cheap and simple to fit ESC to new cars, yet across the European Union, market failure has meant that this life saving technology is not being offered to car buyers. In the US, legislators have incentivised its use and the US is now pulling ahead of Europe in the roll-out despite the fact that the technology originated here. All new cars in the US will have ESC as standard by Europe is falling behind the States, and Ireland is falling behind Europe. ESC has significant potential both to avoid crashes and reduce their consequences. A range of studies in Europe, the USA and elsewhere show that ESC can reduce passenger car singlevehicle crashes by as much as 35%. The technology is offered under different brand names by different manufacturers, but is yet to be fitted as standard or even offered as an option on all vehicles. ESC is being offered on many cars sold in Ireland as an overly-expensive optional extra and the take-up has been relatively poor. The AA recommends that, as was done with seatbelts in the past, the fitting of ESC should become compulsory. While this may come about at EU level eventually there is no reason why Ireland should not take the initiative and make it compulsory here. Big discounts on motor and home Insurance for AA members Spider makes a classic comeback FANS of classic Italian motoring have reason to rejoice as Alfa Romeo has just re-introduced a classic nameplate to the Irish market; the Spider. The new two-seat convertible is based on the acclaimed Brera coupe, and uses a 190bhp 2.2-litre petrol engine. The fabric roof is electrically powered and folds away behind the seats in just 25sec. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and the Spider is priced from 52,000. Those looks, though, are priceless. AA MEMBERS can avail of substantial discounts on Motor and Home insurance policies from AA Ireland as part of their membership benefits package. Motor insurance customers are entitled to a discount of up to 25% off standard rates. The amounts vary depending on the details of the insurance required, but based on average insurance premiums it can work out at approximately 100 off rates that are already among the best in the market. Likewise, for Home insurance, the Member s rate allows for a discount of up to 20% on standard rates. Again based on current average premiums this works out at approximately 80. For both Home and Motor, AA prices are already excellent and the quality of cover provided is second to none. Contact AA Insurance at for more information and a detailed quote. Speed freaks Its an old complaint, but the AA is again warning the government that speed limits are still not being set correctly in many locations around the country. Setting speed limits has been the legal responsibility of the local authority since Despite good intentions this has led to all sorts of problems, with inconsistencies and anomalies to be found all over the network. There are very minor country roads which absurdly carry 80 kph speed limits. There are also stretches of the national road network which carry freakish 60 and 80 kph limits. This brings speed limits in general into disrepute. We are now preparing for the introduction of automated speed cameras to be installed and operated by a private company. When that happens at some stage next year it will cause major problems and will lose the support of motorists if we cannot, finally, get the setting of speed limits on a consistent and logical basis. The AA has recommended the development of uniform criteria for the setting of speed limits, and has warned that consideration will have to be given to re-centralising this power away from individual local authorities if the process cannot be shown to produce clear, consistent and appropriate limits. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 31

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33 MOTORING The days have shortened into Autumn with a return to long nights, traffic jams and gloomy skies. Irish winters tend to be long and dark, with mixed weather conditions. The AA is warning motorists to be prepared for a long dark winter ahead. Dark nights, dangerous roads WINTER is dangerous on the roads. Poor weather and poor visibility can be killers. It is not just the icy mornings that are treacherous. There will be wet and windy days, misty mornings and long dark evenings. The message is to slow down and take extra care. The AA rescue service is at its busiest in winter. Morning cold starts and weak batteries will see thousands of motorists getting into difficulties. Most problems can be fixed quickly, but there are checks that the motorist can make now to prevent breakdowns and to prepare for the worst that the weather can throw at us. The Car Check the tyres. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm but the AA recommends that tyres be replaced before tread depth is down to 2 mm. Worn tyres are dangerous as the car loses its grip on the road. When the tyre treads are too thin to disperse water on the road surface, aquaplaning occurs which can be lethal. Check also for any signs of damage to tyre walls or wheel rims which can be caused by wear and tear as tyres hit kerbs and stones. If a battery is weak then winter is when it will show up. There are more demands on the car s electrics during winter. The extra loads of heating, rear screen demisters, lights on in both the mornings and the evenings all take their heavy toll. Half of all AA call outs are due to faulty batteries or electrics. Check regularly that all lights are in working order. Dipped headlights should be in almost constant use. Check the screen washer and the coolant level regularly and top up as necessary. This is not just to prevent freezing it also prevents the build up of corrosion in the cooling system. The Driver The golden rule is drive slowly. Braking distances increase dramatically on wet roads so stay well back from the car in front. Ice is a silent killer. On very cold days it can linger under bridges and in shady spots. Beware of black ice you can t see it but reduced road noise tells you its there. We don t often have heavy snow in Ireland. According to Met Eireann statistics the average number of days when snow lies on the ground is just under 5 per year, and in recent years it has been even less common. But we do get plenty of wind, gloomy days and rain. On stormy days, look out for wind blown debris especially on secondary roads. There could be a lethal hazard just around the next bend. The AA also warns that winter is a time to watch out especially for vulnerable road users cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Winter tips: Drive slowly! Braking distances are longer in poor conditions, giving the driver less time to react. Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists! Poor visibility puts vulnerable road users at even greater risk. Never use boiling water to clear a frozen windscreen it can damage the glass. Keep a can of de-icer handy instead Carry your AA membership card at all times it covers you if you even if you are a passenger in someone else s car. Having your car winter checked by your garage can be a worthwhile investment. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 33

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35 INSURANCE Insuring the best result The Personal Injuries Assessment Board now deals with all injury compensation for motor accidents. PIAB Service Centre THE cost of motor insurance has fallen steadily over the last four years. While there are various reasons for this, including improvements in road safety, one of the key factors has been the establishment of the PIAB. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) was set up in It deals with all personal injury claims arising from motor, public liability and employers liability accidents. This was done in response to the enormous legal costs associated with personal injuries; costs which fed directly through to increased premiums for all motorists. It also sought to address the long delays which were typical in compensation cases. If you have a motor accident and wish to claim for compensation due to a personal injury you must now make an application to PIAB. The levels of compensation are the same as the courts but are awarded within a faster timeframe and without associated litigation costs. PIAB is an independent statutory body set up by the government to: assess how much compensation is due to an injured party reduce costs and fees involved in the administration of personal injury claims reduce the amount of time it takes to finalise a claim for compensation How do I apply to PIAB? LoCall and the staff at PIAB will assist you in preparing your application. An application consists of: A completed application form A medical assessment form completed by your treating doctor Receipts and vouchers for any financial loss you may have incurred, together with any other documentation you may consider relevant to your claim Copies of any correspondence with the Respondent (the person you hold responsibility for your injury) following your injury Payment of 50 by cheque, postal order, credit or debit card How is an Assessment Made? PIAB bases its assessment on the medical report submitted by your treating doctor. They may also require and arrange an independent medical examination. The claim is then assessed based on all medical evidence provided and having regard to the Book of Quantum (a guide to compensation levels for particular injuries available at Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am 8pm Address PO Box 8, Clonakilty, Co. Cork LoCall The Service Centre Team will assist you with the application process over the phone and can send you copies of the relevant documentation. PIAB Forms are also available for download at Normally an assessment comprises General Damages (compensation for pain and suffering resulting from injuries which you sustained in your accident) and Special Damages e.g. wages, medical bills, out of pocket expenses and property damage. In serious cases there may also be future loss of wages, expenses etc. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 35

36 INFRASTRUCTURE Metro & Luas PROJECTS-UPDATE In November 2005 the Government published Transport 21. The plan and its funding envelope covers the period right up to Among the most important projects contained included are the seven new Luas lines and two new Metro projects for Dublin. Delivering these is the responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency. THE Luas Red and Green Lines are working well. Over 90,000 passenger trips are made every day on Luas and this number is continuing to increase. Construction has already commenced on two of the new lines. Luas Line B1 (Cherrywood Green Line Extension) will extend the Luas Green Line to Cherrywood and Bride s Glen. This line is scheduled to come into service in The opening date for the Luas Line C1(Docklands) extension is This line will serve the IFSC and the Point Depot. The various other Luas projects are at different stages of development. Luas Line A1(Citywest) will link with the existing Luas Red Line and extend the service to Saggart. It is expected that construction work will start on this line in mid-2008 and the opening date for passenger services is also scheduled for The proposed Line BX (City Centre Link Up of the Red and Green Lines) is proving more difficult to deliver. The delivery of this project and Metro North in the city will involve significant disruption during construction and this will need careful planning. Public Consultation has begun on Luas Line F (The Lucan Line) which will link Dublin City Centre with Lucan. Two options have been selected and extensive consultation will continue through to the Spring of This line is scheduled for completion in The extension from Cherrywood to Bray (Line B2) now has a selected route and will include a spur to connect with the Dart at Bray, subject to local funding being provided. This project is scheduled for completion in 2015 but may well be delivered faster than that. Metro North which will link Saint Stephen s Green with Swords, serving Dublin Airport, is one of the flagship projects under Transport 21. It will be similar in concept to Metro systems in many European cities. Considerable work has already taken place on this project and Metro North is scheduled to come into service in Metro West is an orbital Light Rail system which will link the important towns of Tallaght, Clondalkin and Blanchardstown with Metro North. A route has now been selected after extensive public consultation. This project is due for completion in AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007

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38 ROAD TEST Jeep Compass For those of you still thinking that a 4x4, any 4x4, must surely be huge, wasteful and environment-damaging, well, Jeep has some more surprises. The new Compass is about the same size as a Ford Focus estate, uses a 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine that returns 6.5- litres per 100km and emits a pretty low 177g/km of CO 2. Way to go BEST of all, it s the most affordable Jeep model ever sold in Ireland. Currently, the Compass is available in only one trim level; Limited, which has as standard full-time four-wheel drive, heated leather seats, cruise control, air conditioning and Electronic Stability Program. That s a lengthy list of standard kit, yet the Compass list price is a relativelyaffordable 33,995. The Compass takes the classical Jeep styling cues (round headlights, seven-slot grille) and works them into a modern, stylised shape. The dramatically-sloping rear pillar and heavily blistered arches take a bit of getting used to, but it s certainly distinctive. A shame though, that the same cannot be said for the interior. Despite that equipment list, the cabin looks rather oldfashioned, although the quality of its construction cannot be faulted. It s also comfortable and decently spacious, so that is more compensation for the lack of style. To drive, the Compass is entirely conventional. It s primarily a front-wheeldrive vehicle, with the electronics only sending power to the rear wheels if slip is detected. You can lock the system into permanent 50:50 split four-wheel-drive for negotiating tricky terrain (at which the Compass is surprisingly adept) but it will revert automatically to front-wheel-drive at speeds above 16kmh. The 2.0 CRD diesel is actually a Volkswagen engine that Jeep uses under licence and it's a fine unit with muscular power delivery and good refinement when cruising on motorways or dual carriageways. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard. With it s exceptional value for money, the Compass is a hard car to overlook in the compact SUV segment, especially as it comes from one of the greatest names in the history of motoring, not just off-roading. For the money Jeep is asking, it s pretty much unbeatable, no matter what you might think of American SUVs. BY NEIL BRISCOE 38 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007

39 NEWS Westlink toll to increase in January THE National Roads Authority has announced a 10c price increase for motorists using the M50 toll bridge on Dublin's West Link from the beginning of next year. The toll will go up from 1.90 to 2 in January - an increase of more than 5%. This announcement will hardly please the M50 s regular users, who have seen the road become a patchwork quilt of traffic cones and roadworks while the bridge itself becomes ever busier and ever less efficient. The NRA has also announced that from next August, when barrier-free tolls are scheduled to be introduced, drivers who do not have pre-paid tags in their vehicles will have to pay up to 50% more to use the Westlink bridge. The Westlink bridge has been a continual source of frustration for motorists. It has become a byword for congestion on the busiest road in the country, with up to 100,000 vehicles using it daily. Last year the Government announced that it was removing the barriers at the toll booths to allow for free-flowing traffic, with tolls instead being collected electronically. While many people viewed this as a positive development, the AA has been less enthusiastic about it. This is because the motorist will still be paying expensive tolls even if we are not throwing coins into buckets any more. Collecting a toll electronically is costly, and that cost is going to fall on us as motorists. It would be far better if government found an alternative mechanism for raising the money and removed the toll altogether. In the AA s view even an increase in petrol taxes would be preferable. As part of the pricing strategy designed to force motorists to adopt electronic tags, the toll charge will be 2 when paid electronically, 2.50 if the motorist registers the car s licence plate number in advance and 3 in the form of a bill sent in the post if they do neither. It is not yet clear how the system proposes to deal with out-of-state registration plates or exactly how they propose following up defaulters. One thing that is clear is that the new system will be a quite ludicrously expensive to operate; a cumbersome and complicated method of collecting a new tax. The increase to 2 comes into effect next January. The increased charges for non-electronic payments are scheduled to come into effect when the barriers are removed next August. The Amazing Civic Type-R. See it now at: CLONSKEAGH MOTORS MAIN HONDA DEALERS LEASING SALES SERVICE PARTS CLONSKEAGH ROAD DUBLIN 14 TEL FAX info@clonskeagh motors.com website: WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 39

40 Five star treatment - as well as peace of mind. For premium breakdown assistance when motoring abroad, Five Star European Breakdown Cover from the AA is the only choice. With 24 hour English speaking assistance, emergency repairs, towing and garage repairs all covered, you really are never alone. To arrange cover right now, call (01) or buy online at AAireland.ie. You ve got a friend

41 LEISURE A home away from home, self catering accommodation Glenboy Country Home Glenboy, Oldcastle, Co Meath Glenboy offers self-catering facilities in a restored stone barn which is within walking distance of Oldcastle Town and close to Loughcrew megalithic tombs. Furnished in a traditional style, the four bedrooms are attractive. One of them is on the ground floor and fitted to accommodate the less able. The spacious living room has a wood burning stove, and the adjoining sun lounge leads to the garden and barbecue patio. A generous welcome pack awaits guests and organic food, bicycles, airport pick up, cleaner, babysitting, can be provided by prior arrangment. Telephone info@glenboycountryaccommodation.com Tankardstown Slane, Co Meath The self catering facilities at Tankardstown comprise of one and two bedroom units in a 19th century stone built stable yard. These have been converted to a very high standard with luxury and privacy in mind and comfortable lounge space and well fitted kitchens. Situated close to Slane Castle, village and Newgrange Neolithic tomb. An added advantage is the availability of gracious rooms of the adjoining house for private events. Telephone trish@tankardstown.ie Rolf s Holiday Cottages Baltimore Hill, Baltimore, West Cork Rolf s Holiday Cottages are situated within walking distance of the pretty fishing village of Baltimore. The four cottages are built around the inner courtyard and garden of a 300 year old farmhouse which has an award winning Wine Bar, Café and Restaurant. Each of the cottages is traditional in style with modern fittings, which include two bedrooms, bathroom, fully fitted kitchen/dining room, a cosy sitting room with open turf fire, TV and patio garden. Riverside Holiday Homes Killarney Road, Killorglin, Co Kerry Riverside Holiday Homes comprise of four luxury houses. The houses are situated on the edge of Killorglin town, the gateway to the world famous Ring of Kerry tour, making it a perfect base. Each house includes three en suite luxury bedrooms and are tastefully decorated and elegantly furnished with all modern conveniences. Telephone Fax: info@rolfsholidays.eu Telephone info@riverside-killorglin.com. Website WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 41

42 Kildare Village HOME TO OVER 40 OF YOUR FAVOURITE BOUTIQUES VIP Shopping for AA Ireland Members at Kildare Village outlet shopping less than one hour from Dublin. Discover previous seasons collections from prestigious brands at prices reduced by up to 60%, all year round including Molton Brown, Bally, Reiss, TSE, Calvin Klein Underwear, Designers Guild, Kenneth Turner, L.K. Bennett and many more. This winter, to mark the 20th anniversary of Andy Warhol s death, Kildare Village brings you a private collection of iconic Warhol prints, on display at the Village for a limited time. Open 7 days a week. M7 Motorway, Exit 13 T: +353 (0)

43 HEALTH Healthly Options AA Ireland is now offering Health Insurance in a new partnership with VIVAS Health. This is a new development for the AA and is part of the commitment to provide more and better services to members. IRISH people have an optimistic view of their personal health, with the average adult scoring themselves 7.8 out of 10, according to a recent report*. This is may be due to the fact that Irish people are looking after their own health and their families health more than ever before. Irish people visited their GP on average 4.4 times per annum in 2006 up from 4.2 times in 2005 indicating that people are taking their health needs more seriously. As the figures show, people are becoming more health aware and so having the right health cover is more important than ever. A good health insurance plan should offer comprehensive cover on inpatient hospital cover as well for outpatient benefits. Top Tips for choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan Always check the excess of the plan for both inpatient and outpatient cover Look at the student rates and what the cut off age is for a student Check the number of hospitals and treatment centres covered on your plan Look at the type of hospital your plan entitles you to and the type of bed in that hospital Ensure there is adequate cover for A&E abroad If switching health insurer, there should be no loss in cover or no reserving of waiting periods as long as you are switching to a comparable plan You don t have to wait until renewal to switch health insurer There are two plans on offer from AA; AA Health Plan and the AA Health Plan Plus. Both offer great rates and comprehensive cover. The AA Health Plan will cover you for a semi-private room in a private hospital, while the AA Health Plan Plus covers you for a private room in a private hospital. The two new AA Health Plans will also include VIVAS Health s unique lifestyle benefits including cover for laser eye surgery, teeth whitening and dental veneers, as well as money back on the cost of attending an Allen Carr Easy to Stop Smoking cessation programme. AA members can also benefit from a range of unique benefits, available for the first time on the Irish market, including money back on a range of car safety accessories as well as a stress-management helpline. The family friendly health insurance plans will also help you save money on your health insurance costs. These plans are significantly cheaper than comparative competitor plans as well as offering increased discounts for students and apprentices up to the age of 23. Dennis Fisk explains how easy it is to switch your health insurance to another provider: Over 88% of VIVAS Health customers rated the switching process as very easy. There is no break in cover or reserving of waiting periods and there is also no need to wait until your renewal date to switch over. Switching insurer is as simple as picking up the phone, or applying on-line. There is no medical questionnaire to complete, you simply advise your prospective insurer that you want to change cover, and they will look after everything else. The AA health insurance plans are brought to you by AA and are underwritten by VIVAS Health. For more information, please call or log onto our website * Pfizer Health Index, 6th April 2006 WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 43

44 NEWS Introducing AA Business Insurance The AA is now providing insurance for businesses of all sizes. AA Business Insurance has put in place a new team of people to deal with business needs and there are a number of key advantages. Cover can be provided over the phone without the need to fill out a proposal form, there is an interest free payment plan and the team also offers free risk management advice. Although premiums have fallen significantly in the last few years, the cost of insurance is still a big overhead for businesses. Employer s liability, public liability and general insurance are basic requirements but as with motor insurance the quality and types of cover on offer varies. It can deal with non-standard risks which can be problematic when you are looking for insurance. The AA can also offer guidance on insurance needs to SMEs in all industries. Key features include: Full Accidental Damage cover on property Business Interruption cover Employer Liability up to 13 million Public Liability up to 6.5 million Money in Transit or on Premises - 10,000 Computers cover, including breakdown In addition, we are committed to providing a top class service to all our customers and a few notable points about this service are: 24 hour quote turnaround No Proposal Form We provide Risk Management Advice to you Free of Charge We offer 0% Finance option should you require it Price is certainly an important consideration but it also important to make sure that the cover that you have suits your individual business. AA Business Insurance can assess your particular needs and make sure that you get the cover and the service that you require. There is also an experienced team of claims handlers in place to deal with any claims that arise. The service is likely to appeal particularly to small and medium sized businesses like shops, offices, commercial property and motor fleets. Traders such as plumbers, carpenters and electricians should also get in touch as the AA has a very competitive offering which will provide comprehensive cover including tools and materials. Contact AA Business Insurance at Christmas present from Volkswagen Volkswagen has just launched the first compact SUV in its history, the Tiguan. With a name that VW says is a combination of Tiger and Iguana, it s very definitely designed for the great outdoors. At first, the available engine options will be a 150bhp TSI 1.4-litre petrol and a 140bhp TDI 2.0-litre diesel, with other versions to follow on next year. A six speed manual gearbox is standard, as is electronically-controlled Haldex four-wheel-drive. For those who need to traverse serisouly difficult terrain, there is the option of a reprofiled front bumper that allows the Tiguan to climb steeper slopes than normal. No Irish prices have been announced, but the first cars should be appearing in dealerships by Christmas. 44 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007

45 LEISURE Major Award for Killeen House Killeen House, Bushypark, Galway is the winner of the AA Guest Accommodation of the year award. It s a major award for the staff at Killeen House and in particular for proprietor Catherine Doyle. Pictured Catherine Doyle (left) and Helen Power (right) of Killeen House with Mr Seamus Brennan TD Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism The award is the most prestigious that can be won by a Guesthouse, B&B or Farmhouse, and this is a category where Ireland has a long history and tradition. Its something that we do uniquely well; from the earliest days of our modern tourist industry the real Irish welcome in a real Irish home has been the major source of our deserved reputation as the land of the Cead Mile Failte. Killeen House is a charming 19th century house nestled on the shores of Lough Corrib on 25 acres of private grounds and gardens reaching right down to the shores of the Lough. Guests at Killeen House will be delighted by the warm hospitality and dedicated service of the staff. It is a fine example of the very best in Irish B&Bs and a very deserving winner. Located about 4Kms from Galway city on the N59 (Clifden Road) the house has a prime location. It is an ideal base to explore The Burren, Connemara and Aran Islands or to take a swing at some of the local golf courses. All this adjacent to the bustling and vibrant Galway City. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished, each in a different period. There are Art Nouveau, Edwardian and Regency styles and delightful bathrooms. The hospitality is wonderful and the terrific breakfast will certainly set you up for a day in the West. Irish guesthouses have become gems and Killeen House is a case in point. The superb quality of accommodation rivals the best hotels and yet it is done with an intimacy and homeliness that sets it apart. The AA Guest Accommodation of the Year Award recognises those qualities. It was announced at the AA Hospitality Awards ceremony in the Guinness Gravity Bar in Dublin. The ceremony was attended by leading figures in Irish Tourism, including Minister Seamus Brennan. The AA Hotel of the Year 2007 is Harvey s Point Country Hotel, Co. Donegal (see page 18). The winner of the AA Courtesy and Care Award is the Lake Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry; the AA Business Hotel of the Year is the Clarion Hotel Dublin IFSC, and the AA Bean an Ti of the Year is Breeda Cullinan of Sliabh gcua Farmhouse in Co. Waterford. WINTER 2007 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE 45

46 MOTORING It s a numbers game The Irish vehicle population has now swelled to 2.3 million. There are now 2.3 million vehicles on Irish roads according to Department of Transport statistics. This means that the vehicle population in the country has doubled in just over twelve years; an astonishing rate of growth by international standards. The figures are contained in the latest Irish Bulletin of Vehicle and Driver Statistics. Vehicle numbers grew by 7.4% in 2006, with 233,700 new and 82,400 imported used vehicles being registered for the first time. Sales figures for 2007 are again robust. There was clearly some boost provided by maturing SSIAs with sales up by just over 5% on last year. Three out of every four vehicles on the road are private cars; and of course the growth in car use is very clearly seen. A point that the AA continually has to make to government is that the long lines of traffic jams snaking their way Long lines of traffic snake their way through our towns and cities every day into our towns and cities every morning are not principally caused by car numbers. The traffic problem stems from the fact that public transport has lagged way behind, leaving hundreds of thousands of commuters with no choice but to drive to work. The gap between petrol and diesel is narrowing. 68% of vehicles use petrol, 32% diesel. Those using biofuels or that are biofuel capable are not yet showing up in the statistics but that may well be one of the changes that we see in the coming years. There were 681,800 car tests carried out by NCTS in The overall pass rate was 95%, but 42.2% of cars needed to be retested before passing after defects were discovered first time around. The driving population is also on the increase. There are now 2.45 million current Irish licences, and this does not count out-of-state licences in use. 431,900 licences, a whopping 18% of the total, are provisional. This proportion should start to fall as improvements to the driving test system mean that more tests are conducted and the waiting time is reduced. There were 158,700 driving tests conducted in The overall pass rate was a fairly meagre 52%. Once again it is interesting to note that the group most likely to pass the test were young males. This appears strange because accident records show young males to be by far the highest risk group on the roads. It seems clear that there is a difference between driving ability, as measured by the test, and driving behaviour on the open road. The full set of statistical tables is available for download from the Department of Transport s website at 46 AA MOTORING MAGAZINE WINTER 2007

47 Looking for BUSINESS INSURANCE? Take our Premium & Cover Challenge Cover by phone Better rates Better Cover 0% Finance Business Insurance Call

48 Please drive responsibly on and off-road. THE WISEST MEN FOLLOW THE 5 STARS FOR A SAFER PASSAGE. FREELANDER 2, BEST IN CLASS, AWARDED 5 STARS FOR ADULT OCCUPANT PROTECTION BY EURO NCAP. ALL-NEW FREELANDER 2 Six-speed Automatic now available in TD4 Official fuel consumption figures for Freelander 2 range L/100km (mpg): combined 7.5 (37.7) 11.2 (25.2), urban 9.2 (30.6) 15.8 (17.9), extra urban 6.2 (45.5) 8.6 (33.0). CO 2 emissions: g/km. Model featured is for illustrative purposes only. Clare: Liam Cleary Car Sales, Kilrush Road, Ennis. Ph: Cork: Johnson & Perrott Land Rover, Mahonpoint Retail Park, Cork. Ph: Drive Motor Group, Blarney Business Park, Mallow Road, Cork. Ph: Donegal: McGinley Motors Ltd, Pearse Road, Letterkenny. Ph: Dublin: HB Dennis Airside, Airside Motor Park, Swords. Ph: Spirit Motor Group, Arena Road, Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18. Ph: Stuarts Garages Ltd, Greenhills Road, Dublin 24. Ph: Galway: Bradley Land Rover, Dublin Road, Galway. Ph: Kerry: McElligotts Tralee Ltd, Listowel Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ph: Kildare: Chapmans of Kildare, Dublin Road, Kildare, Ph: Kilkenny: Young s Land Rover, Waterford Road, Kilkenny, Ph: Limerick: Singland Motors, Dublin Road, Limerick, Ph: Meath: Newgate Land Rover, Newgate, Navan, Co. Meath. Ph: Waterford: Auto Boland Ltd, Butlerstown Roundabout, Cork Road, Waterford. Ph: Westmeath: Autoworld Casey, Athlone Business Park, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Ph: Wexford: Trinity Motors, Trinity Street, Wexford. Ph: Wicklow: Sean Behan Ltd, Dublin Road, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ph: