Expert answer

Hi Martin,

There are a few options for sure, starting with the plug-in-hybrid Audi A6, if that's not larger than you're looking for. There are plenty around within budget. Most are the less-powerful '50 TFSI e' model, though there are a few sportier editions as well, including the '55 TFSI e' variant. None of them will feel as agile as your BMW, but they're not bad cars at all.

If you've not been put off by your BMW's issues, then the 530e M Sport is a logical next step up. Again, not as agile as the 3 Series, but a fabulous car by any other measure. You could just about afford the Touring estate model as well.

From Mercedes you could get into the C 300 e instead. They're not as common as the others here, but the C-Class is a comparable size to your 330e, yet it has a dramatically more modern interior.

Finally, if you're open to estate cars, the Volvo V60 is an excellent option. It's powerful, great to drive, stylish, well-made and has a decent electric range. It would possibly be the one we'd choose from this selection.

If you want us to help narrow down your search, don't hesitate to come back to us again. Here are a few of our relevant reviews:

Audi A6 50 TFSI e review

BMW 530e review

Volvo V60 review

Expert answer

Hi Edel,

Not many cars have the same windscreen demister that Fords do, so you may have to compromise on that. Most at your budget will have heated seats and auto lights though.

You can afford a 2023 Audi Q3 with a manual gearbox and there are plenty around within budget whether you want a diesel or a petrol engine.

For the same price, you'd get a year newer Mazda CX-5, again with a manual gearbox if you want it, and the option of petrol or diesel power.

The Mazda will be the better-equipped of the two and the more enjoyable to drive.

Then it just comes down to which you prefer the look of (the Mazda wins that one hands down).

Expert answer

Hi Igor,

Unless you need the long-distance economy of the diesel, we'd suggest you stick with the 2.0-litre petrol model. It should cost less to maintain in the long run and the 2.2-litre diesel has a known issue with its timing chain.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

I can confirm it is a metallic paint. It says as much in the brochure here.

Expert answer

Hi Wim,

This list of driver-assistance systems applies to the Mazda6e: Smart Brake Support Front/Rear (SBS), Distance ＆ Speed Alert, Forward obstruction Warning (FOW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Door Open Warning (DOW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Secondary Collision Warning (SCR) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

There's no specific mention of a system that keeps the car in lane when it's not an emergency situation, but then again, we've only had access to pre-production models so far and the car is not yet on sale.

Xpeng is rolling out a significant upgrade for the G6 at present that, depending on specification, would make it a little more advanced than the Mazda as it stands.

Expert answer

Hi Eve,

First up, the car must be registered in Ireland much sooner than that after arrival - it's supposed to be done within 30 days.

There are a few UK companies that allow customers buy decent warranties, but moving the car to another country and re-registering it is likely to invalidate such a thing. You could try calling them up to check. Warrantywise is one of the better-known firms.

In Ireland, there don't appear to be as many options. MAPFRE provides such warranties to its business clients to offer their customers when they buy their cars, but does not deal directly with individual owners. Car Simple does sell warranties to individuals, but only for cars that are under eight years old, so they wouldn't cover your car.

Best bet is to talk directly to one of the UK providers to get a steer on whether the car can remain under warranty when you move it to Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

We've not conducted our own detailed real-world range test on this car. According to the official figures, the most efficient version can do up to 753km on the WLTP cycle. 

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Depending on the exact specification, Audi quotes 648-713 kilometres on the official WLTP cycle. We'd expect at least 500km in most circumstances so long as conditions aren't freezing and the car isn't weighed down with people and luggage.

It massively depends on how it is driven and how fast etc. as well. There really is no definitive “real-world” figure no matter what anyone tells you. That's why we have a test such as the WLTP to compare one car against another, as imperfect and as unrealistic as it is.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

New Audi prices may be the same across all its dealers, but each and every one of them will do deals differently, especially when there's a trade-in involved. No harm shopping around.

We know that Audi has an extended warranty, and it's briefly mentioned on Audi Ireland's website, but there's no further information about its cost that we can see. We've sent a message to our contact there to get an answer on that one for you. We'd certainly advocate for extended warranties on high-end cars.

Finally, only you can decide on which of the A6 Sportback e-trons you like, but do you need to absolutely max out the range you can get from the car? Enough to live without the reassurance of quattro four-wheel drive? If so, then perhaps invest in a set of winter tyres and wheels to use when you need them.

I'd just go for the quattro and accept it won't be quite as efficient.

Expert answer

Hi Alex,

Offline you mentioned you'd like something stylish as well as solid and spacious. One of the first cars that comes to mind is the Audi Q3, which is decently practical, has a premium badge and is plentiful for your budget of about €20,000. I'd urge you to stick with petrol power given your annual mileage of no more than 15,000km.

The BMW X1 would do the same job, but it's very difficult to find one that isn't diesel. Same story with the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring estates, both of which we'd prefer over an SUV. And same thing for the excellent Volkswagen Arteon.

A hybrid-powered Lexus NX would be a good option for you, as would the Mazda CX-5, though neither are as common in the classifieds as the Audi above.

Have a look at some of those and test drive as many cars as you can.

Come back to us if you'd like us to help narrow down your search.