EVERY WEEK, WE bring you all the latest news you need to know from the motoring world. The big car news this past week involves new legislation to make our roads safer and the new Ford Edge and Kia Niro.
New car write-off legislation
Minister for Transport Shane Ross has brought forward new legislation to the Government that will force insurance companies and importers to inform the Department of Transport of any category A and category B write-offs.
A category A write-off is a vehicle that is mechanically written-off and not permitted to be put back on the road and a category B write-off is a vehicle not permitted to be put back on the road but which may contain salvageable parts.
Currently, vehicle insurers can voluntary submit notification details regarding total vehicle write-offs to the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF), part of DTTAS in Shannon. On receiving these details, records relating to such vehicles are ‘locked down’ on the NVDF so that no further transactions can be recorded against them, i.e. renewal of motor tax or change of vehicle ownership. The ‘locked down’ status of these vehicles can only be altered upon confirmation from the insurance company involved in the original notification that the incorrect vehicle write-off categorisation had been relayed to the NVDF.
Under the new proposed amendments to this current Road Traffic Bill 2016, certain statutory obligations, accompanied by appropriate and proportionate sanctions, will be placed on both vehicle insurers and importers of category A and B vehicles.
This is good news for car buyers who may unwittingly purchase a car that had been previously written-off and it is a much-needed step in making our roads safer.
The Ford Edge hits our shores
The Edge is Ford’s largest SUV to date and joins the Kuga and EcoSport to complete its SUV line-up – and the Irish order books are now open.
Speaking about the Edge, Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland said:
Offering cutting-edge style with commanding presence and high specification including Ford Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the Edge will tick all the boxes for Ireland’s growing number of SUV owners.
In Ireland, the Edge is offered with a choice of two 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines. One powerplant offers 180hp with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a max speed of 200km/h, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The other option is a 210hp Bi-turbo unit that does the 0-100km/h dash in 9.4 seconds with a top speed of 211km/h and is mated to a six-speed PowerShift automatic gearbox that can be operated via steering standard wheel-mounted paddles. Both engines feature Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and deliver 5.8 litres/100km (or 48.7mpg in old money) and 149g/km CO2, placing it in tax band C, which is €390 per year.
The Ford Edge is available in two series (both five-door): Titanium and Sport. The Edge Titanium series includes 19-inch alloys; front and rear parking sensors; handsfree power tailgate and Keyfree system; Ford DAB navigation system; active noise cancellation; rear view camera and illuminated scuff plates.
In addition to above, the Edge Sport series includes 20-inch alloys; adaptive steering system; Sony DAB navigation system with 12 speakers; unique front, rear and side sports bodystyling with dark exterior detailing and alloy pedals.
The Ford Edge Titanium 180hp is priced from €55,700 and the 210hp version from €60,350. The Ford Edge Sport 180hp is priced from €57,450 and the 210hp version from €62,100.
Kia Niro Irish prices announced
The new Kia Niro is a hybrid crossover that sets out to offer the practicality of a crossover with the high fuel efficiency of an advanced hybrid powertrain.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented:
The Kia Niro offers buyers a compelling blend of crossover practicality with the cool, modern styling for which Kia is famous, and an efficient new hybrid powertrain to keep running costs down.
The Niro’s mild hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.6-litre GDI engine, a lithium-ion polymer battery pack, a 32kW electric motor and a six-speed double-clutch transmission. It emits just 88g/km CO2 (combined), which places it in tax band A2 which is €180 per annum and fuel consumption is a claimed 3.8 litres/100km.
Prices in Ireland will start from €30,495 excluding the current the €1,500 VRT relief for hybrids. Standard equipment is generous and will include Sat Nav with Android Auto, full leather heated seats, dual air-con, Lane Keep Assist, LED front and rear lights, privacy glass and rain sensors.
The Kia Niro will go on sale across Europe towards the end of October 2016 and will come with Kia’s seven-year, 150,000km warranty as standard.
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