Irish motoring show Xccelerate gets into gear for its third series tomorrow night on TV3 with brand new presenter Kirsteen O’Sullivan at the wheel. JOE talks cars with the Scottish beauty.
Xccelerate is the only motoring programme on Irish television. Produced in Ireland, with Irish cars, Irish locations and Irish presenters – the show keeps the Irish road user firmly in mind. With series one and two proving to be very popular with viewers in 2009 and 2010, the new line up for 2011 will continue to bring fresh and local flavour to motoring in Ireland.
Presented by highly respected Irish Times motoring journalist, Paddy Comyn, alongside well known TV3 sports broadcaster Kirsteen O’Sullivan and broadcaster Alan Ennis, Xccelerate will deal with all types of vehicles from the affordable and practical to the most desirable models to hit the Irish streets in 2011.
The fresh-faced Kirsteen took a moment to chat to JOE about cars.
JOE: What was your first car?
Kirsteen: A really old electric blue Ford Fiesta, which still had a manual choke. She was a rust bucket but she could go! I loved that car.
JOE: What made you choose your current set of wheels?
Kirsteen: I recently traded in the Alfa Romeo 159 for a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. It’s practical with lots of room (road trips with dog in tow) and can handle bumpy coastal back roads (surfing). The cabin’s also really comfy. I would prefer something more eco friendly though and I’m looking around at the moment. I also have a wee Yaris as a runaround.
JOE: What’s on your stereo?
Kirsteen: There’s everything going on from Pearl Jam, Inxs and Fleetwood Mac to the Dixie Chicks, Mogwai and Gemma Hayes. I love listening to music in my car. The louder the better!
JOE: How nifty are you at changing a wheel?
Kirsteen: Truthfully, I could do it if I had to but it’s never happened. The last time was just after I passed my test as a practice run and it went brilliantly thanks. So, very nifty haha.
JOE: The perfect car with the perfect companion would be…?
Kirsteen: I’d be driving an Alfa Romeo 8c Spider and Billy Connolly would be in the passenger seat. He’s funny as hell. When I’d be stuck in traffic he could cheer me up.
JOE: And your favourite drive?
Kirsteen: From Fort William to Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland. The roads are crazy and the scenery is just breathtaking. I did it on the back of a Yamaha 250! The drive to Applecross is awesome too, if you’re interested.
JOE: Obviously you’re a brilliant driver, but what trait in other drivers really grinds your gears?
Kirsteen: I hate drivers who can’t make up their minds and dither. It cracks me up. I love driving fast when it’s safe to do so but dangerous driving like overtaking on bends, crossing over the lines and that kind of thing makes me really cross. We’re fragile in cars. It’s arrogant to take the roads for granted.
JOE: Women can’t drive. Discuss.
Kirsteen: I like you too much to go there. Tata.
Xccelerate airs Tuesday 8 March 2011 at 10.30pm on TV3.
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