DRIVE TALKING

What’s hot on the road

NEW CITROEN SUV ON SALE

CITROEN’S new C3 Aircross compact SUV goes on sale on Monday. It boasts classleading space, connectivity and technology, including grip control, hill descent control, and wireless charging for compatible smartphones. From €20,695 for the 1.2-litre 82hp petrol version in Touch trim, rising to €26,195 for the 1.6-litre 100hp Blue HDi diesel model in Flair trim.

BREAKDOWN OF AA FIGURES

AS a member of the AA for best part of 30 years, I’m surprised by a new easytrip survey that reveals only 1 in 10 here has breakdown cover, especially since 35% also said they had a breakdown incident in the last 12 months. Top of the league were flat or damaged tyres, flat batteries, mechanical problems, keys lost or locked in the car, and electrical faults. Easytrip offers cover from €3.99 a month and you’ll find details on easytrip.ie.

BOTTOMS UP WITH FORD

FORD has developed a robotic bottom to lift from and return to a seat 25,000 times in just three weeks to simulate a decade of use. Based on the weight of an average large man, it is designed to test potential wear and tear. As for the name, well, inevitably it’s the ‘Robutt’.