Expert answer

Hi Carol,

You'll struggle to get a premium-badge model from 2024 on for that budget so we'll focus on hybrid SUVs instead, which are plentiful.

In fact, if the year really matters to you, there are even a few new-car options open to you, including the Dacia Duster and MG ZS.

Go back to 2025 and others to consider are the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma, or you may find the more spacious Renault Arkana as well.

If size matters, you will probably have to go back to 2024, and an excellent choice would be the Nissan Qashqai e-Power, or even the Hyundai Kona Hybrid if you can find one.

Here are our reviews of those cars to help you decide, but do come back to us if you need help in narrowing things down further, and always take the time to test drive as many cars as you can yourself:

Dacia Duster Hybrid review

MG ZS Hybrid+ review

Nissan Juke Hybrid review

Ford Puma reviews

Renault Arkana reviews

Nissan Qashqai reviews

Hyundai Kona Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

Both are fantastic cars, but the EV2 definitely has a higher 'hip point', meaning you sit higher up and it's easier to get in and out of it. The Kia is also a fraction more comfortable on the road.

But... if you like the Renault 5, you should really check out the Renault 4 EV as well, as you sit up higher in that and it shares a lot with the 5.

Either way, make sure you go and test drive both cars to get a feel for them - and we'd massively appreciate a (private) message via the Contact Us page to let us know which one you go for.

Expert answer

Hi Jean,

We don't believe anything has changed on that front to help alleviate the situation.

The 12-volt battery in Toyota hybrids is not charged by an alternator turned by the engine as it would be in a traditional petrol engine. Instead, its charge is maintained by the hybrid system itself, via a DC-DC converter, though this is not done particularly quickly – and can only be done when the car is 'running' (even with the engine off, but with 'READY' showing in the instruments).

Unfortunately, during lots of short journeys, with relatively more opening and closing and other drains on the battery, there isn't enough time for the system to keep up with the discharging of the 12-volt battery. This is exacerbated by the fact that these cars use a much smaller-capacity battery than an equivalent petrol car would to start with, so they have a lot less in reserve.

It's not ideal, but the advice is to make sure the cars get a longer run periodically.

Expert answer

Hi Des,

You're not doing anything wrong. Most cars actually have a two-stage remote locking system confirmed by different flashing-light patterns. The second press activates the deadlocking, meaning the interior door handles cannot be used to open the car.

In some cars it's the other way around - the double-press deactivates the deadlocking.

Leave a side window open when you lock the car to test for yourself if the interior door handles are working when you press the fob once so you know for sure which way around the Opel logic is.

Expert answer

Hi Tonya,

Unfortunately, you left out the model year, and that's crucial, as we found similarly described cars in the classifieds priced from about €3,000 up to €11,000. Come back to us and let us know the year for a more precise estimate.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Assuming you don't need the bigger boot of the ID.4, then I'd suggest that the Elroq is a superior car in every other way. It drives better, has a far nicer interior and doesn't have the ID.4's ridiculous electric window switches. The Elroq is newer as well in terms of technology and development, so its software and infotainment are better resolved and it's more refined.

The only thing I would say is that the Sportline model may ride on low-profile tyres that detract from comfort a little, so make sure you drive it over poor roads to ensure you're happy with it before you commit.

Drop us a message (in private) via the Contact Us page to let us know how you get on.

Skoda Elroq reviews

Volkswagen ID.4 reviews

Expert answer

Hi Ashley,

In principle, that should work, though Revenue is specifically looking out for people trying to circumvent VAT and import duty on such cars and there is no fixed three-month period. The wording says, “a reasonable amount of time” and that Revenue will take it on a case-by-case basis.

I suspect that, if it saw the name of the person registering the car in Ireland anywhere near the original paperwork in England, it would suggest that VAT and import duty are payable.

VRT should be minimal or zero depending on the value of the EV after importation regardless of where the car is coming from.

Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

Those cars are remarkably well-matched in terms of performance and interior space. They're both comfortable enough on the motorway and easy to drive around town as well. There's very little to choose between them.

While we do prefer the exterior appearance and interior design of the Dacia, the Opel does come with a longer warranty, so if you're planning on keeping the car for a long time that is certainly a factor to consider. Saying that, Dacia's cars are generally quite durable so we'd not be overly worried about it.

For us, the Duster just edges it, so I recommend you take both for as long a test drive as you can, including some motorway driving, to see which you prefer. 

And do us a favour - drop us a (private) message via the Contact Us page to let us know which you go for and why.

Expert answer

Hi Diana and thanks for this message.

I'm a little perplexed by it though as we quite strongly believe that hybrids are not electric cars and should not be classified as such. The latest SIMI figures on this page state a 52 per cent increase in the number of EV registrations, and that is indeed fully electric cars. That figure does not include hybrids of any sort.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

The new Cadillac showroom is not yet ready, but the cars are on display next door to the Audi showroom in Sandyford in Dublin.

Have you read our detailed review of the car?