A new UK motoring survey has shown that many motorists risk incurring additional repair bills and increased running costs by not checking their oil regularly or using the wrong type.

Twenty five 'special edition' Micra 25 cars have been released to celebrate the Nissan Micra's 25th birthday next Monday. Straight from the production line, the procession of brightly decorated 'Micra 25' special edition vehicles will feature at this week's London Motor Show.

RAC Inspections survey reveals 85% of buyers are fooled by shiny paintwork. The latest survey from RAC Inspections reveals that many people think they know a thing or two about cars when looking to buy.

Model: Audi, A3, Sportback
Year: 2008
Price: €31,500
Where: Newmarket Motors, Main St, Newmarket, 029 60100, www.newmarketmotors.ie.

Remember that phrase "soft landing"? It was one that was invented right here in Ireland about a year ago. You don't hear it much anymore though, mainly because it is a makey-upy word without true meaning.

You may not be aware of it but in a year or so's time the road infrastructure of this country will be utterly transformed.

If you are driving abroad this summer take care! French Gendarmes show no mercy to tourists, Germans won't let you insult them down and the Spanish insist on spare spectacles. The roads are good quality and safe, but look out for tolls and be prepared for seriously expensive fuel costs... In fact quite a few of our Continental neighbours have some quirky laws on their statute books, and most of them are far better at enforcement than the casual Irish.

The gardaí do a very good job, it's often said. It's a pat politician's response and is often parroted in the media. Often trotted out when a nightclub owner in Donegal has been fitted up or somebody has been shot, "the vast majority of our gardaí do a very good job".

With environmental considerations coming to the forefront when choosing a new car we take a look at the issue of the environmental labelling of cars thanks to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).

Mike Darcy was born in Macroom, and after leaving school moved to Cork and studied law in UCC. While early in his legal career as a solicitor, DJing was simply a hobby that paid the bills. However Mike eventually decided to join the entertainment business full time and founded Sam's Entertainments- now one of Cork's leading Event Management companies.