Dede Sophie

It is one of the highest villages in the world . It was once the highest polling station in India, before losing the numero uno position to Tashigang. It is one of the highest motorable villages in the world. Spiti valley’s Kibber holds many such accolades, but the one that makes it really special is the fact that it home to the endangered snow leopard. Located in the high Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 14, 200 feet, Kibber is primarily an agrarian village. The famous Ki monastery of Spiti valley is located just a few kilometers away and the high altitude villages of Tashigang, Langza , Komic and Hikkim are located close by. Kaza, the main city in the region is located about 20 kms away. To a first timer, Kibber is special for its Tibetan style stone and brick houses, its high altitude landscapes, its pretty little meadows that come to life during the summer months and the star studded night sky.  But, if you look closer, you will see the wild riches of Kibber. Surrou

Almost 70 years after the model was first produced, Mercedes-Benz is launching the latest version of the Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster, writes Brian Byrne. It’s not for many — the €238,395 opening price tag will see to that — but it does represent for some the latest iteration of their dream car. The soft-top roof can be opened and closed at speeds of up to 60km/h. At start, the entry engine outputs 381hp, and two 4.0 V8 biturbo engines are available with 476hp or 585hp — 0 to 100 km/h times of under four seconds in each case.  A Formula 1-inspired hybrid with an electric motor at the rear axle will follow. Fully variable all-wheel drive is standard. Dream on.  

Peugeot’s new 308 small family car is the latest version of the hugely successful nameplate with more than seven million worldwide sales over the generations – the first unveiled in 2007 as a replacement for the 307, the second in 2013 (voted European Car of the Year 2014), and the third in 2021 which saw the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain, writes Trish Whelan.   The new 308 is built on a multi-power platform developed to incorporate a petrol engine along with an electric motor whilst preserving space on board and boot volume. Particular attention was given to weight reduction and balance to make sure the driving experience is as rewarding as possible.  The 308 has always been one of the best-looking small cars on the market but with this latest model the Lion brand has dared to change the body shape quite dramatically. Peugeot were very brave in their design continuing the model as a hatchback and bucking the current trend of upscaling cars to crossovers or SUVs.  The result is a ca

Hyundai has released more details of its second generation Kona compact crossover, in style moving forwards in reflection of its onward EV progress, writes Brian Byrne. The car was announced at the end of last year. A careful design of the front end helps the new car achieve a very creditable drag coefficient of 0.27. The electric version shows off a full-width LED daylight running light across the top of the bonnet. The car is significantly longer than the current car, a bit wider and with a longer wheelbase which provides more room inside. The extra length means more cargo capacity. Depending on market, engine options will include petrol, hybrid and the familiar EV powertrain which will carry over from the current car.