choosing new car

Hi there,

Is the new facelifted Mercedes-AMG E 53 going to come to Ireland? What will be the estimated cost if so?

Thanks

Hi,

I have a question regarding the new BMW 128ti. Having recently ordered a BMW M Sport 118i auto, I am now in a quandary due to the announcement of the 128ti. I have spent a long time driving many cars and ended up making my decision to purchase the BMW 118i. Preferably the car would have had a little more performance (and economy for the level of performance), I waited around a year in the hope that a petrol 120i would become available (diesels are not an option for me), but nothing has yet been announced even though they exist in other markets.

Before placing my order I tried the M135i and, other than the raw power difference I far preferred the driver engagement of the 118i M Sport. I can only put this down to the 200kg or so weight difference? I live in a rural area and most of my driving is on small twisty, hilly lanes with some nice back roads, I rarely drive on main roads or motorways. So suspension compliance and driver engagement are important to me. My BMW dealer has immediately suggested I could change my order to the 128ti once it becomes possible, but it's early days with no hard facts on cost or a test drive available - I have already sold my car so it's a push bike and motorcycle only at the moment.

I would be very appreciative if you could spare some time to consider my position and would value your thoughts on the 128ti versus my ordered car. Having read your account of your experience with the 128ti, i thought you would be the best person to help.

Very best wishes

Tim

Hi.

I'm thinking of changing my Volvo. Can I ask how the XC40 and the XC60 plug-in hybrid models are set up? Am I correct in understanding that the electric motor and the petrol engine in the PHEV XC40 both drive the front wheels whereas in the XC60 the electric motor drives the rear wheels, so that four-wheel drive would be available when the electric and petrol engines are used in combination? Also, can I ask a separate question about "self driving". In the modern Volvos, they just talk of a lane keeping aid. Does this function in the same way as what was labelled Pilot Assist in models of a couple of years ago?

Thank you

Philip

Hi there guys.

Can you help me with selecting my next car? Currently have a 161 BMW 420d Gran Coupe with 50k km on the clock (GB import bought from a main dealer in Dublin). Do 10k km per annum. City center living, on street parking. Very happy with the car - love the drive experience but now it’s a bit small in the back for toddler passenger and all our baggage etc. Looking to change in next couple of months, with a hybrid in mind.

Disappointing range of options though for any of the estate/MPV cars I fancy, e.g. BMW Touring or Volvo XC60. Looks are important but driving experience and space are key. As is easy parking into tight spaces! Did drive a Skoda Superb wagon recently and loved all the gadgets, but felt the ride was spongey. Budget is €45k including trade in/private sale. Open to going the import route again as choice and range much better for hybrids.

Any insight would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi,

I love MINIs and I wanted to trade my 2019 T-Roc 1.5 for a Countryman SE All4, the new facelifted one and the reason is I want to get better fuel economy and the joy of driving. But then my wife suggested I look at the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which is much more practical, especially as we have an 18-month-old girl and soon another boy coming on the 20th of November. So, can you compare the RAV4 to the Countryman: which will be the best on fuel consumption? My average T-Roc consumption is 7.1 litres/100km.

Thank you so much.

We are a senior couple living in a long country lane in Ireland. We drive four long journeys per year. Our nearest large town is 15km away. We would like a car that is comfortable, good on long journeys and short journeys, low on fuel costs, tax and maintenance. And fit at least three grandchildren for school runs.

Hi,

Just wondering is the DS brand no longer on sale in Ireland now? No website and doesn't seem to be any sales for the brand on official motor stats.

Thanks

Mark

Looking at VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara... which would you recommend?

We are moving from the UK to Ireland soon and are gobsmacked (for the want of of a better word) to find that our two trusty vehicles, the 2005 Chrysler Grand Voyager (diesel) and 2005 Mercdes C-Class Elegance (petrol) are going to cost in excess of €6,000 jointly to tax! The cars are not even worth a fraction of that, so we sadly have to replace them (in this throw-away world we have always been proud to keep our vehicles beyond their life expectancies).

So, what car can you recommend for a family of six, that would be able to tow a horse box, but would be the cheapest to tax as we relocate to the Emerald Isle?

Jo Sheedy

Surrey, UK

Hi,

I'm currently looking at 1.5 petrol Honda Civic or 1.5 Volkswagen Golf. Which would be the better choice? Doing mostly motorway miles, 15,000 per year. Also which one would have more room in the back for two kids?

Thanks.