New Kia Sorento or Land Discovery Sport?
Which is the better car keeping value for money in mind: a 2015 Kia Sorento automatic AWD Platinum or a 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport Automatic HSE?
Mike Kemmy (Limerick)May 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Actually, and please note that this is a dyed-in-the-wool Land Rover fan saying this, I'd actually go for the Kia. It's one of the best mid-size SUVs around, hugely comfortable and nice to drive and it's much better value than the Land Rover. Although the headline prices are quite similar, the Kia's much better equipped as standard. You'd have to spend well over €50k to get a Discovery Sport up to the same spec as the Sorento.
Relevant reviews:
What big SUV do you suggest for me and my boys?
I'm looking for a new SUV. I have three boys into sports so need boot space as well as cabin space and it also needs to be an automatic. What do you suggest?
Liz Corbett (Galway)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Liz,
A few key choices here - compact: Skoda Yeti or Mazda CX-5; medium: Honda CR-V or Kia Sorento; and large: Land Rover Discovery or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Of the lot, I think overall our pick would be the new Kia Sorento. It's big, comfy, spacious, has seven seats and is really well made.
Relevant reviews:
How do you rate the Subaru Forester?
How do you rate the Subaru Forester? I wouldn't use the back seats, but I do like comfort and a nippy response.
Pat Lough (Co.donegal)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
As luck would have it I have the latest version of the Subaru Forester on test this very week. It's powered by the 148hp 'boxer' diesel engine, which also has 350Nm of torque. Paired with the 'Lineartronic' automatic transmission it's surprisingly responsive. That's a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and it seems to do a great job of keeping the engine at its optimum operating speeds for a variety of situations. We've not fans of these gearboxes when fitted to petrol engines, but they work well allied to diesel and in the Forester it's a good match.
Officially this Forester 2.0D XC Lineartronic does 0-100km/h in 9.6 seconds, but even at motorway speeds it has plenty of go and it happily cruises above 120km/h.
In terms of comfort, the Forester scores well too. The suspension is quite soft and absorbent so bumps are dispatched with ease and it's relatively quiet on the motorway. The upright seating position is comfortable too.
Shame you don't need the back seats, as they're massively spacious.
Further reading:
Subaru Forester review (2013 manual model)
Multitronic or S-Tronic for an Audi A6 TDI?
Hello, I am interested in buying an Audi A6 2.0-litre TDI diesel. The thing is I need some advice on if I should go for the 142 reg with the Multitronic auto box or the 151 reg with the S-Tronic auto box. I've heard some bad stories about the Multitronic gearbox and would be wary of some big bills down the line. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Mary Walsh (Cork)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
I'd tread carefully where the Multitronic box is concerned. While the serious issues that plagued it pre-2006 have been mostly sorted, it's still not trouble free. Oil changes are needed at regular intervals if it's to be kept in good order.
I do reckon, if funds allow, you'd better off going for the S-Tronic gearbox, which seems to have a much stronger reliability record.
What will we upgrade our Opel Corsa to?
We have an Opel Corsa and need something higher in the same price range. What do you recommend?
Kathleen Mcfadden (Cork)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kathleen,
When you say higher, do you mean an SUV or an MPV? Either way, you're going to have to spend more. In the world of automotive pricing, extra height equals extra cash.
If it's an MPV you fancy, try a Citroen C3 Picasso (especially the attractive Code Edition) or a Hyundai ix20. Or the more expensive Opel Meriva if you fancy staying with the Opel family.
Opel has an equally good small SUV, the Mokka although if funds allow it's best to buy new and get the new 1.6 diesel version. Other good small SUV options are a Peugeot 2008 or MINI Countryman.
Have you tested the new Ford Mustang 2.3?
Will you be testing the Ford Mustang Ecoboost 2.3-litre automatic? If so, when? I am interested in the handling, performance of the engine, road tax, fuel economy and insurance costs.
Sean Cotter (Newtownmountkennedy)Mar 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
We are driving the new European-spec Ford Mustang next month so keep an eye on our reviews page for the full lowdown.
What will I replace my Lexus GS with?
Hi, I currently drive a Lexus GS 300. I love it but the tax is too expensive. I have about €25k to spend and I was thinking of the Audi Q3, but it has to be automatic. Is there any other model you would suggest? My car is over 10 years old, so other car dealers are offering the scrappage deal. What would you suggest?
Cathal O'Donnell (Tara)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Q3 is nice and all but the Q5 is definitely superior so perhaps think of going for a nearly-new Q5 instead of a brand new Q3? There is no official scrappage programme at the moment, but some car makers are offering self-funded scrappage deals - Opel, Nissan, Toyota and Ford among them. Audi isn’t though, so you may need to re-think your brand if you fancy a trade-in leg-up. That said, even with the tax, a Lexus is still a Lexus so you should get a decent trade-in offer.
What's the tax on Nissan's X-Trail?
What car tax do you pay for a Nissan X-Trail automatic?
Paul Sheehan (Waterford)Mar 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
If you mean the current model X-Trail, then you're looking at Band B1 (€270 per annum) or Band B2 (€280 per annum) depending on the spec of the car.
Have you read our review of the Nissan X-Trail?
Should I change my Polo's timing belt?
Do I need a new timing belt for a 1998 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 automatic with 10,000 miles on the clock?
Declan Finucane (Dublin)Feb 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Even though your Polo has such low mileage, rubber timing belts perish over time so it's recommended that they are changed regardless of mileage. Volkswagen recommends that the 1998 Polo 1.4's belt is changed at least every four years.
Better safe than sorry
Can you tell me about the new Audi TTS?
Hi, I was wondering if you would know what the spec of a new Audi TTS in Ireland is. I am finding it hard to get info.
Thomas Hourigan (Nenagh)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Thomas,
I've just emailed you the full PDF brochure from Audi, but the spec highlights are:
Priced from: €63,350 on-the-road (€2,600 extra for S Tronic automatic)
Standard:
- 19-inch five-arm alloy wheels
- Metallic Paint as standard
- Fine Nappa Leather upholstery with S embossing
- Extended Leather Package
- Super Sports Seats
-LED Headlights
- Anti-Theft Alarm
- Virtual Cockpit (S Model Specific with rev clock front and centre)
- Audi Drive Select
Hope that's of help