BMW Ireland has confirmed that the new BMW X3 is going to be even better value than its predecessor. At €45,810 before delivery charges, the new X3 is actually €4,170 less than the outgoing model. Yet the new model is equipped as standard with Nevada leather upholstery, two-zone air conditioning, iDrive controller and colour display.

The Ford Transit, consistently Ireland's best selling van, turns 45 this month. The first Transit went into production on 9 August 1965 and, since then, six million Transits have been sold across Europe. Here in Ireland, almost 120,000 Transits have been sold and, down the years, they have played a significant part in this country's economic development, covering more than five billion kilometres in the process!

As part of the year-long celebration of Jaguar's 75th anniversary, the Jaguar design team has created the XJ75 Platinum Concept, a one-of-a-kind design project. The XJ75 Platinum Concept is the company's first demonstration of the design customisation potential of the striking new XJ luxury salon, emphasising the Jaguar's dramatic interior and exterior styling themes.

Irish stay-at-home holiday-makers could be putting their lives at risk with heavily-laden vehicles and under-inflated tyres, according to some tyre companies. They claim that the average family car will have to transport an additional 201kg in passengers and luggage, compared to the typical 'driver-only' car journey.

Drivers are being urged to wise up to the dangers of tired driving, as research shows that the vast majority admit driving while tired, and drivers don't know the difference between fact and fiction on tackling sleepiness at the wheel.

Iveco has launched its EcoDaily Electric van and chassis cab in Ireland, combining all the features of the well-known van range into a model producing zero tailpipe emissions. The fully electric 3.5 and 5.2 tonne models are designed, engineered and manufactured by Iveco. This means they benefit from a full Iveco warranty plus the support of Iveco's worldwide dealer network.

Mazda is recalling more than 200,000 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles from the 2007 to 2009 model years because of faulty power-assist steering pumps and pipes. Last week Mazda alerted the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the recall, according to a report in Automotive News.

Cork dealers Bandon Motors, CAB Motors in Ballintemple and Cavanaghs of Charleville have claimed the prestigious Ford Chairman's Award for their sales and service performance last year. Dealer principals Conor Cavanagh (CAB), Bob Clarke (Bandon) and director Liam Herlihy (Cavanaghs) collected their Awards from Ford of Europe Vice-President Ingvar Sviggum at a ceremony this week in the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin.

There is something good looking about the 5008, something that has been missing from the more recent Peugeot models. It is spacious yet compact on the road. I drove Peugeot's only engine offering, the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel version recently.

Ford in Ireland has announced details of a new scrappage incentive programme for Ireland's best-selling car, the Ford Focus. The deal is available from participating Ford dealers and customers will now be able to scrap their old car for a brand new Focus Style 1.6 diesel, 3-door for just €16,315 or the 5-door model for just €16,935.