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What will I replace my VW Golf R with?

I recently had my 182 VW Golf R stolen. They broke into my home to take the keys, which terrified us all, most especially my kids. Now I need to buy a replacement car. I have no clue what to buy due to the rapidly changing pace of cars from diesel to electric and I cannot hold out until the autumn for the launch of newer cars. What I would like is something no smaller than a Golf, up to any size. It cannot be a flashy car or a targeted car like my Golf R, but not as boring as the typical taxi car either. Believe it or not I would like something as fuel efficient as possible without compromising on build or ride quality. I mainly drive country roads and motorways, with city driving maybe once a week. I find cars like hatchbacks great for getting more stuff in when the seats are down. I would also like the car to keep with the times for the next three years so not diesel.

Hope you can help

Which exec EV to replace my Jaguar with?

I plan on replacing a Jaguar XF diesel next year and would like to move to a “greener” alternative. Are you aware of any PHEVs or pure electric cars that are expected this year in the executive category apart from BMW 530e and Mercedes E 350 de? I would like to go all electric but prices seem very high at the moment. I drive about 40,000km per annum so hybrid diesel or pure electric with good range look to me like the best options. The only executive EVs all seem to be around the €90k mark, which is too high for me.

Polo or SEAT for a little more power?

Trading in a 2007 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, which was around 70hp. New Polo default seems to be 1.0-litre 65hp, actually lower power than 12-year-old Fiesta? Maybe default SEAT ibiza SE is better with its 1.0 MPI EVO 80hp engine. Load of one adult and two children, Offaly/Kildare roads and M4 travel twice a week to Liffey Valley usage.

Thanks

John

Which Merc A-Class has the better chassis?

Hello,

I have read conflicting information from several sources re the type of rear suspension available on the new Mercedes A-Class hatchback. I understand that some get torsion beam while others get multi link, but unable to get a definitive list on those that get the multi link type.

Some say that the A 250 only gets it, another that both the A 200 AMG Line and A 250 get the it. While finally, another source said that if the car is fitted with 19-inch alloys even in lesser powerful engine variants it will get the better rear suspension setup. Any ideas which info is the right one? I am looking to see if it's possible to get the multi link rear suspension on the upcoming A 180 petrol AMG Line or whether it will need 19-inch alloys to make the switch.

John M, Carlow

Volvo XC40, Skoda Kodiaq or Toyota RAV4?

Hi,

Looking to get a new family-size SUV for a couple and a kid, will be doing 15,000km a year. Have narrowed down to Volvo XC40, Skoda Kodiaq or Toyota RAV4. Key things to consider in order of importance - safety, resale value and comfort.

Thanks in advance and appreciate such a great site for Irish car buyers!

New Skoda Kodiaq or Peugeot 5008?

I do 35-40k kilometres per year over motorway and hilly back roads. Considering new 2.0-litre Skoda Kodiaq diesel Ambition or 1.5 Peugeot 5008 diesel Allure. Peugeot has a higher spec including rear view camera and three full seats in second row (no tunnel). Would it have the power and comfort to tackle the high mileage? Other SUV suggestions welcome.