Merc of approval for new E-Class
And the good news is that, apart from being cheaper than the model it replaces, the new car is fitted with an array of standard specifications and high-tech features that Mercedes says puts it ahead of anything in the three-pointed-star stable and a leap ahead of its rivals in the luxury segment.
The new line-up boasts what Mercedes sales manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen, says is “a combination of stylish design, competitive pricing, standard specifications, high-tech safety and driving dynamics that redefine standards in the business-class segment.”
Available in three style and equipment lines, Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG, it maintains Mercedes-Benz’s established price-value offering whereby features that previously came only as options are now included as standard. The entry level Avantgarde model will come decked with over €7,000-worth of standard features compared to the outgoing version.
Included in these will be Parktronic parking assist, heated front seats, full leather upholstery, reversing camera, LED static lights, satellite navigation, mirror pack, ambient lighting, stowage pack, seat comfort pack, alarm pack and a ‘connect me’ function. As before, buyers can choose between models with a bonnet-mounted star and louvered grille preferred by traditional E-Class owners, or one with the more youthful, sporty grille inset star.
The first model to be marketed here will be a E220d Avantgarde Automatic version.
Race to try this new Golf GTI
Want to go racing? The new Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR could be the thing for you.
Developed by the Wolfsburg outfit for the TCR Touring Car Championship, as well as 16 national championships, this thing has 18-inch racing rims, a chassis that is roughly 40cm wider than the production Golf, and a striking rear wing also guarantee optimal handling.
An aerodynamic front splitter and carbon rear wing are among the modifications for the racetrack.
Among the features that ensure maximum safety are a racing seat with head protectors, racing safety cage, and an FIA-approved safety tank.
A powerful straight four-cylinder engine, sequential gearbox with shift paddles on the steering wheel, a consistently developed racing chassis — it’s been meticulously prepared. The 2-litre turbo engine with direct fuel injection is the same one used in the top sporting model, the Golf R.
The racing version generates 243 kW (330 hp) and produces 410 Nm of torque.
Happy 90th birthday, CAB
It’s a busy time at CAB Motors of Ballintemple in Cork. Last weekend, the new Ford Mustang was unveiled alongside the Ford Vignale at Cork’s only dedicated FordStore. The opening follows another milestone for CAB Motors which recently celebrated 90 years in business. A main Ford dealer for as long as most of us can remember, CAB Motors was originally established in 1925 at a premises on Copley Street in Cork City.
The dealership, which is Munster’s largest Ford agency, has been owned and run by the Cavanagh family of Fermoy since 1973, when Tom Cavanagh, Conor’s father, bought the business and moved it to its current location adjacent to the Showgrounds in Ballintemple.
Tom served as Dealer Principal until 1988 when he handed the reins to Conor.
In 1999, John Wilkins was appointed General Manager and Director of the company. Speaking about the landmark event, Conor Cavanagh, Dealer Principal, commented that it was some achievement for a company to reach the milestone of 90 years in business.
”Such long-lived success for a company can only come about through a commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service. And that is exactly what we have been serving up to our customers for all of those 90 years,” he said.
