INTO OUR MOTOR QUIRKS
cost of car ownership remains a predominant concern. The report found 47 per cent of respondents reported an increase in their insurance premium, significantly up from 38 per cent in 2023.
While the cost of living crisis prompts drivers to modify their driving habits, the results indicate a reluctance to compromise on car purchases. On average, Irish consumers replace their car every 4.84 years, spending an average of €18,000 on their last purchase, an increase of 10 per cent from €16,370 the previous year.
The report also found price remains the primary concern for 66 per cent of car buyers, emphasizing the ongoing focus on affordability in the purchasing process. It underlines a growing demand for transparency, with 95 per cent of buyers preferring used cars with a full history check.
In 2023, Carzone witnessed a significant tilt towards sustainability, with the Hyundai Kona leading the electric vehicle (EV) segment.
The BMW 5 Series and Hyundai Tucson were the most searched in the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and Hybrid (HEV) categories, highlighting a shift towards alternative fuels. Diesel, led by the Volkswagen Golf, remains popular for its fuel efficiency.
SUVs dominated, but estates made a comeback, reflecting a demand for space. Black was the preferred colour, with 2020 models being the most sought-after, indicating a balance between modern features and value. This trend underscores a market embracing innovation while valuing tradition. The study reveals
63 per cent of participants have switched cars to accommodate a growing family, with safety being the paramount consideration, surpassing space, affordability, and fuel economy.
THE Triumph Tiger 1200 is getting a number of updates and enhancements for this year, including performance upgrades to the engine and transmission.
Visually, there aren’t a lot of differences. New colours include Carnival Red for the Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer. The Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer are now available in Matt Sandstorm.
Triumph has also redesigned the seat, giving it a flatter profile and creating more space for the rider to help reduce fatigue during longer rides. GT Pro and
Explorer models get more ground clearance now as the footpegs are lifted and moved inwards.
Performance remains unchanged, with an output of 150hp at 9,000rpm and 130Nm at 7,000rpm.
Its unique T-plane triple crank and uneven firing order give the engine a distinctive sound, and its shaft drive reduces the amount of maintenance required during ownership.
A new Active Preload Reduction feature lets riders reduce the rear suspension preload as the Tiger 1200 slows to a stop. Doing so lowers the seat height by up to 20mm simply by pressing the ‘Home’ button on the switch cube for one second.
Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent said: “The updates to the Tiger 1200 range for 2024 will deliver an even more refined ride, broadening its global appeal.
By listening to customer feedback and integrating some of the new enhancements already revealed in the new Tiger 900, this range of updates come together to deliver a significant improvement to the riding experience.”
Modifications to the 1,160cc triple engine are applied to the crankshaft, alternator rotor and balancer to improve engine inertia.
Other calibration changes inside enhance smoothness and responsiveness at lower speeds. A new clutch setup also claims to make it smoother when engaging first gear.
There’s a comprehensive technology package available on the GT Explorer and Rally Explorer that includes a Blind Spot Radar System that has been developed in partnership with Continental.
Other trick bits include a keyless ignition system, steering lock and fuel cap, a 7-inc TFT instrumentcluster and a dedicated smartphone app.
Heated grips and seats are standard on the GT Explorer and Rally Explorer, a hill hold function to help when pulling away on inclines and Adaptive Cornering Lights to provide better illumination when carving through the bends at night.