Contact Gerry Boud
Write to Gerry Boud at:
Sunday World,
Independent House,
27-32 Talbot St,
Dublin 1
or Email gerry.boud@sundayworld.com
Crucial tips to keep you safe while on the road
- EYESIGHT: When did you last have an eye test? If you have not had an eye-test in the past two years - GET ONE. Do you have protective eyewear in your car, i.e. Sunglasses?
- HEARING: When was it last checked? Do you wear earphones (MP3) regularly and do you monitor volume
- MEDICINES: Do you understand that some can render you incapable to drive? Do you self-medicate with over-the-counter medicines? If you are on prescription medicines, do you know if they reduce your capacity to drive? Always check with your doctor /pharmacist.
- ALCOHOL: Don't drink and drive. Don't take the chance. Never be a passenger with someone you suspect of drinking. Life's too great- designate! Be careful the morning after!
- DRUGS: Driving under the influence of drugs is inexcusable and could be fatal. Don't be a passenger with anyone you suspect of having taken recreational drugs.
- EMOTIONS: Don't take your anger, frustration or irritation onto the public road as they can lead to mistakes and mistakes lead to
- accidents. Take time to compose yourself before you drive. Remember euphoria can be as dangerous as anger whilst driving.
- FATIGUE: The killer that never sleeps - until you do. Never drive when tired. If you fall into a micro-sleep and nod off at 100 km/h, you'll travel 100 metres in just four seconds, unconscious. That is the length of an average football pitch! Don't ignore the early warning signs of fatigue: yawning, poor concentration, tired eyes, restlessness, drowsiness, slow reactions, boredom, over-steering.
- The danger times are between 10pm and 6am and 1pm and 4pm. If driving, take a break at least every two hours. During which you should eat a snack, drink a caffeinated beverage and take a nap for 15-20 minutes.
- ATTITUDE: Do you enjoy the thrill of danger? Do you like to impress others? Do you disregard your own safety? Is your ego greater than your ability?
- RULES OF THE ROAD: Do you know them? If you don't know the Rules - what are you doing on the pitch?
Courtesy Institute of Advanced Motorists of Ireland.
Also Check Out
Car World
gerry.boud@sundayworld.com
SPORT STAR
Kia cracker is a fuel-efficient SUV that confirms place in big league
KIA'S third generation compact Sportage SUV is as different as chalk and cheese to the car it will replace here later this year, boasting a unique new look that signifies a dramatic shift in style direction.
The second generation Sportage, introduced five years ago, made the breakthrough for the Korean brand in Europe, attracting thousands of new customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia.
It achieved global sales in excess of 860,000 units of which more than 2,500 were sold in Ireland.
With sleeker styling, more refined engine technology, better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, the new breed of SUVs are rapidly blowing away the bad name brought about by big SUVs.
The Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, VW Tiguan and Peugeot 3008 are some of the top-notch crossovers that have done that.
Now come October the Kia Sportage will be the latest to fight for a place alongside these newly established young guns.
Platform
Adopting the company's latest design language, under the direction of former VW/Audi designer Peter Schreyer and already seen on the larger seven-seater Sorento and Soul, the new five-seat Sportage shares the same platform with its sister model, Hyundai's ix35, and is longer, lower and wider than previous generations
It is also significantly sleeker and lighter than the previous model, with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.37 (down from 0.40) and weighing 91kg less.
Leg and shoulder room have been considerably increased as has the cargo area. The longer wheelbase has also improved ride quality.
With its prominent front end, highlighted by Kia's now familiar "tiger nose grille", clamshell bonnet, bold reverse-angle C-pillar, plunging roof line and tapering side windows the latest Sportage looks a lot more solid and aggressive.
The bigger interior too is a huge leap forward over the outgoing car. The new Sportage will be available with two diesel power units, a 115 bhp 1.7 litre and a 136 bhp 2.0 litre.
Emissions
The 1.7D will be available in 4X2 only while the 2.0D will also offer both 4X2 and 4X4 models.
Both power units offer significantly reduced CO2 emissions.The 1.7 engine falls into the B band (€156 annual road tax) while both the 4X2 and 4X4 2.0D models fall into the C band (€302 road tax ).
Kia Ireland will launch with the 2.0D in October with the 1.7D following in time for the January 2011 market. Local specs and what they say will be "competitive pricing" will be announced closer to launch date.
On the road there was plenty of smooth power from the 2.0 litre diesel engine with its huge amounts of low down torque. It felt gutsy and powerful to drive, handled well and there was a decent balance between low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed control.
It gripped well, negotiating the many twists and turns on the roads around Budapest.
Unfortunately there was no 1.7D available, so more on that another day.
Absolutely Fab-ulous supermini from Skoda
JUST arrived in Ireland is the latest version of Skoda's ever popular supermini, the Fabia, showing off a new face that brings it into line with the rest of the Czech car maker's line-up.
The reworked front end features a new grille, headlamps and a revised bumper arrangement while other revisions include new spec and a new engine line-up.
New engines include a new 1.2 TSI, 85bhp, 4-cylinder petrol unit that uses the latest direct petrol injection and turbo charging technology to produce more power while consuming less fuel (5.2l/100km or 54mpg).
A more powerful 1.2 TSI 105bhp is also available with a 7-Speed DSG automatic transmission.
Two new diesel engines are offered in the form of 4-cylinder, common-rail 1.6 TDI units that produce 70bhp and 90bhp and consume on average 4.2l/100km (67mpg).
Emissions have also been significantly reduced with Band A emission category achieved by both diesel options and the 1.2 TSI 85bhp petrol.
Later in the year Skoda will launch the sporty 1.4 TSI Fabia RS delivering 180bhp through a 7-Speed DSG Automatic transmission.
Prices start from €12,265 for the 1.2, 60bhp Classic model.