News from the world of Motors
HOW'S TRIXX: With an eye on the Smart market, Opel will unveil its new small car concept, currently named TRIXX( below), at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Powered by the Corsa's 70 bhp 1.3-litre diesel engine, it claims the ultra-compact city car can carry up to three adults and a child - bulky loads as a one-seater. TRIXX features an inflatable back seat, along with three electrically powered "pantograph" doors, two on the passenger's side and one on the driver's side, and a roof hatch that allows you to carry extra-long objects in an upright position.
DESIGNATED DRINKS: Organisers of the Christmas designated driver campaign are claiming success after research found that one in four of those surveyed used designated drivers to get home after a night out. The survey of 1,121 adults by the marketing centre at the University of Limerick showed 67.5 per cent of 18- to 25-year-olds and 76.2 per cent of 46- to 55-year-olds designated drivers when planning a night out.
ROLLS ROYCE CALL: In the year of its centenary, there are an estimated 500 Rolls-Royces in Ireland of various vintages, so an Irish section of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club has recently been formed. Secretary Frank McNabb would like to hear from anyone interested in becoming a member - his address is Frank McNabb, Clarenbridge, Co Galway.
CLASS ACTION: Mercedes is facelifting its C-Class range (below) this summer, featuring a newly sports-tuned chassis, steering and 6-speed manual transmission. There are also changes to the front, along with a new cockpit design. New models, available here from July, will feature a new supercharged four-cylinder 192 bhp engine along with a C 55 AMG developing 367 bhp.
HAYNES GETS A LIFE: Car repair manual specialist Haynes Publishing has launched The Sex Manual produced in the style of the publisher's renowned car guides. Following on from the Baby Manual and Man Manual, chairman John Haynes says: "It pulls no punches - everyone who buys it will know all there is to know about sex."