New Vito appeals to a wider marketplace

The new Mercedes-Benz VITO which was recently launched on the Irish market replacing a model whose sales topped the 500,000 mark world-wide since it was first introduced in 1995. Compared to its predecessor, the new VITO range will appeal to an even wider marketplace comprising, as it does, three model categories in three body lengths, two wheelbases (3.2m and 3.43m) and two roof heights.

Panel vans, which form the backbone of the range, are available in three body lengths defined as Compact (4,748mm), Long 4,993mm with overhang) and Extra Long (5,223mm). Other versions are the Combi combined van/crew carrier designed for those needing to transport personnel and equipment within the same vehicle. The safety features standard on the new VITO are seen by Mercedes-Benz as a major selling point. These include all-round disc brakes and an ESP electronic stability programme with ABS anti-lock brakes, ASR acceleration skid control, EBF electronic brake force distribution and BAS hydraulic brake assist. Three-point seat belts are standard with tensioners on both front seats. A full size driver’s airbag is standard with additional airbag options depending on model and customer choice. Longtitudinally-mounted engines and rear wheel drive enhance traction and boost frontal safety. Rigidity and torsional characteristics have been improved while front deformation boxes absorb energy in the event of a collision. Load lashing points and protection grilles also enhance driving safety.

VERSATILE
Extremely versatile, thanks to the choice of body lengths and roof heights offered, VITO panel vans have load space varying from 4.65 - 6.49 cubic metres, loading lengths from 2.2 - 3.0 metres and a payload up to 1.14 tonnes. Load width between wheel arches of 1,277mm, big enough to carry 8x4 sheets, means three Euro pallets can be carried. All fit easily through the VITO’s twin side sliding doors and lift-up rear tailgate. Hinged rear doors are also offered with 180/270 degrees opening angles. Additional space beneath the front seats increases maximum load length by 200mm.

SWEEPING FRONT
The VITO’s Mercedes-Benz pedigree is revealed in an eye-catching design whose features include a sweeping frontal appearance, a more dynamic side profile and an imposing rear end in which large, vertical strip taillights is the distinguishing element. Inside, a new instrument panel houses new heating and ventilation controls. A dash-mounted gearshift ensures ease of movement within a comfortable cabin fitted with ample storage spaces. Comfort features include an fully adjustable steering column and front seats with driver’s armrest with controls to vary the height and angle of seat back and cushion. Other features include immobiliser, remote central locking, CD player, electric windows, rear wash wipe, double passenger seat, fog lamps front and rear.
The new VITO panel van and Combi range available here comes in a choice of three 2.148 litre diesel engines with CDI common direct injection in three power outputs: 109 CDI (88bhp), 111 CDI (109bhp) and 115 CDI (150bhp) all with six-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic gearbox is available for 111 CDI and 115 CDI models. Prices begin at

Autumn launch
for new Skoda Octavia

The solid progress achieved by Skoda since the marque was reintroduced here a decade ago is set to continue with the planned late-Autumn arrival of their new Octavia.

Currently being presented to international media, the new Octavia is solidly aimed at the family buyer. In design terms, it has evolved from the current version Skoda having opted for subtle style changes whilst still retaining the overall appeal of its predecessor of which over 1 million models have been produced since its launch in 1998.

KEY FEATURES
Key features of the new Octavia include a further improvement in interior spaciousness with added rear leg room due to its longer wheelbase.

LOWER LOADING
A larger luggage compartment with lower loading ledge is provided extendable to more than twice its volume when rear seat backs are folded. A full-size spare wheel, extra illumination, shopping satchel hooks, luggage net and ample lashing points are amongst the features housed beneath its boot lid.
Inside, a relaxed and cosy atmosphere is created thanks to a redesigned instrument layout and central console. New upholstery and decorative trim, a new four-spoke steering wheel plus a host of clever storage compartments, including a cool box cum driver’s armrest on top line models, add to its amenities.

PETROL AND DIESEL
Power for the new Octavia comes from four petrol and two diesel engines. Petrol versions are of 1.4 litres/75 bhp, 1.6 litres/102 bhp and 115 bhp and a 2.0 litres/150 bhp capacity. Diesel models with PD ‘pumpe deuse’ fuel injection are a 1.9 litres/ 105 bhp and 2.0 litres/140 bhp. All engines have five or six-gear manual transmission. Six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option with twin clutch DSG transmission for diesel engines.

three trim specs
The new Octavia comes in choice of three trim /specification levels - Classic, Ambiente and Elegance - in nine metallic and three non-metallic colours. Billed as the most technically advanced Skoda ever to hit the market, its high-tech features include self-centering electromechanical servo steering, a new chassis with multi-element

CRUMPLE ZONES
Additional safety elements include crumple zones front and rear, disc brakes all round, improved lighting and visibility, reinforced doors and pillars and the widespread use of soft and flexible materials and impact absorbing head rests. Build quality is enhanced due to the widespread use of laser welding while its aerodynamic qualities are underlined by a 0.30 drag coefficient.

competitive price structure
Though prices will not be announced until the time of its arrival planned for the 2005 market, their Sales Manager Colin Sheridan promises ‘a competitive price structure that will deliver all-round value for

New VW Caddy launched here

The new Volkswagen Caddy, regarded as one of the most significant new vans to arrive here this year, has now been launched on the Irish market.

Load area can be accessed from the rear through two asymmetrically split large wing doors and from the side through a standard kerb-side sliding door. Initially, for production reasons, all models will be supplied with twin sliding doors with no extra charge for the second sliding door. Rear doors can be ordered with windows and a rear wash/wipe is standard on rear windows.

FAMILY VERSION
The new Caddy is available immediately in panel van format. Later in the year, a 5/7 seat family car version badged ‘Caddy Life’ will be offered. Only diesel powered versions are offered in Ireland. Available immediately is 2.0 litre direct injection ‘pumpe deuse’ engine developing 70 bhp/140 Nm of torque at EUR14,540 (ex works) including VAT and VRT. Soon, a 1.9 litre TDi Pumpe Deuse version developing 104 bhp/250 Nm of torque will be added at EUR15,540 (ex works) including VAT and VRT.

Behind the wheel, the new Caddy is a delight to drive. Billed as the ‘big little van’, its generous fore/aft seat adjustment provides ample room for the six foot plus driver and passenger. Handling is light and responsive thanks to the addition of electromechanical power steering as standard - a feature which delivers first class manoeuvrability whilst stationery and at slow speed and finger tip feel when out on the open road.

Standard equipment are ABS, Traction Control, Engine Brake Assist and Driver’s Airbag. Other practical features include an abundance of storage compartments, instrument panel pen and document trays, cup holders plus a generous overhead shelf for storing bulky items like protective clothing or suchlike.

CAR LIKE DASH
A newly designed car-like dashboard, easily reachable by driver and passenger, houses heating and ventilation controls and a factory-fitted, touch-button stereo radio and CD player. Outside, generously proportioned rear view mirrors (which the Caddy shares with its bigger,award-winning stable mate, the Volkswagen Transporter) add an additional sense of safety and control.

Commenting, Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles Sales Manager, Paul Burke said “the new Caddy raises the bar in the city delivery van segment. Its attractive exterior, added spaciousness in cargo and cabin areas, attractive facia,

The Dawn of the Volvo Age – New Volvo S40

The backdrop was a 20ft high waterfall of rocks and foliage from which 8 tonnes of water gushed and surged 15ft in a torrent cascading down in an explosion of light and sound, supported by a spectacular light show, dry ice, smoke and flames. Through this maelstrom the new car, in silver, was gradually revealed in all its glory.
Some of Ireland’s finest musicians from the String Quartet and the Cafe Jazz Band added to the drama with the music accompanying the birth of the new car and Handel’s Water Music complementing the entire showcase.
Ireland was chosen by Volvo to showcase the new S40 and it is the company’s first major reveal in this country for 14 years. As well as the star of the show, two other Volvo S40’s and V50’s were hidden in the show park until after the reveal and were then available so that guests could touch and feel the new car.

Volvo S40 from €28,500
Volvo V50 from €30,300