Will my car stop if stop-start is broken?
Will my car stop if the auto stop-start feature stopped working?
Sherry Smith (Dunn)Jan 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sherry,
It should not, no, though you are likely to get a warning light in the dashboard.
Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature on why that might be happening.
What's the point of the new Toyota Supra?
What's the attraction of a new model Toyota Supra when it is (just) a re-badged BMW and owes nothing to Toyota, nor can claim any of the Toyota reliability?
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Jan 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Well, as ever, beauty (and general appreciation or enthusiasm) is in the eye of the beholder. In fact the Supra is very much a Toyota, even though it does share a lot of BMW parts. The whole car was engineered and developed separately by Toyota and it’s chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada. Basically, BMW and Toyota agreed at the start of the project on a common set of parts, and then went entirely their own ways in terms of design and development. It does feel very different to drive compared to the BMW Z4 — sharper (thanks to the stiffer body structure), but also a little softer and more pliant on the road. It’s actually rather lovely. As for reliability? When we first drove the car Tada told us that it had passed all of Toyota’s quality control and reliability checks, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Are EV range figures based on 100% battery?
Hi,
All the articles I read say that electric car batteries should only be charged to 80/85 per cent. Are the published range figures based on 100 per cent or 80 per cent charging?
Thanks, Philip
PS: For me, electric cars will only become realistic when they have a real world range of 600km.
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Jan 2020 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Well, Tesla already sells a Model S long range that will go for a claimed 610km...
Does the Peugeot e-208 have cruise control?
Does the electric Peugeot e-208 have cruise control?
Michael Moran (Dublin)Jan 2020 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It does indeed. In fact, cruise control will be standard on all versions of the new Peugeot 208, from Active spec on up. Read our Peugeot 208 reviews here
Do I have to fix the stop-start system?
Hi, my auto stop-start stopped working and a symbol keeps on flashing on the dashboard. Will it damage my car if I don’t get it fixed right away? I’ve a Nissan Note.
Sandra Clarkson (Dundee)Dec 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
It shouldn't cause any damage, but it could indicate a weakness in your battery or electrical system, so it's best to have it looked at when you can.
Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature for more information
Where can I view the Volkswagen California?
Where can I view the Volkswagen California camper?
Vic Tejera (Brentwood Ny11717)Dec 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Vic,
Easy — you can see the California at one of VW’s network of commercial vehicle dealers. You can find the one nearest you here.
Or read our Volkswagen California reviews of course.
Can I tax a commercial vehicle as private?
Hi there,
I am looking for an option here. I am soon to change job. The options will be a company car or a car allowance. I would like to think I would be better off with the allowance as this will be a gross amount added to my wages and then taxed instead of a net amount taken directly from my wages. Probably the same amount but in reverse, but with the allowance I won't be down per month. I am wondering how possible it is to tax some commercial vehicles (the ones with back seats) as private vehicles. Is this allowed? Is there any law against this? Obviously this will increase the road tax on them anyway, but it will give me more options as am just considering these as an option.
Thanks.
Brian Murphy (Cork)Dec 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
It’s pretty simple to tax a commercial vehicle as a private car, but it does mean reverting to the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so beware of going over 2.0 litres in engine capacity as the tax cost starts to become prohibitive after that point.
Read our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature on the subject for more.
What do you think of the Merc A-Class Saloon?
Hi,
have you some views of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon? What models are available? Is it value for money? Thinking of buying one for the 201 registration.
Regards,
Pat Conway
Patrick Conway (Fountainstown)Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We have indeed reviewed the A-Class Saloon and you can read our thoughts on the car here. As for whether it’s good value for money, it kind of depends on how you look at it. Compared to other similarly-priced cars — Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, or Opel Insignia for example — it’s not good value as you’re paying the same or more for a smaller car, probably with less standard equipment. That three-pointed star on the bonnet costs a fair bit… On the other hand, viewing the A-Class Saloon as a slightly smaller (but not that much so) alternative to the C-Class saloon — an entirely valid point of view — it’s actually really good value. Models available range from the basic A 180 petrol and A 180 d diesel versions, through A 200 and A 200 d, all the way up to the slightly rabid 300hp A 35 AMG model.
Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia e-Niro?
Which is the best electric car - Hyundai Kona or Kia Niro?
Patrick Garvey (Carrickmacross)Nov 2019 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Both are very good indeed, and that’s perhaps not surprising as they’re both basically the same car, using the same batteries and motor. The e-Niro, for us, nudges slightly ahead simply because it’s larger and more practical inside, but the Hyundai is a little sharper to drive, and arguably more stylish on the outside. Worth also considering the Kia e-Soul — again, the same batteries and motor, but stylish both inside and out.
Our reviews to help you decide:
Mercedes stop-start issue has started...
Hi
I drive a 2014 Mercedes E 220 model saloon and it has start-stop technology, but recently it's just switching the engine on and off at the traffic lights; it's doing this quite often so I have to turn it off. I have heating on as per usual and I have never had this problem before.
Tahir Aurangzaib (OLDHAM)Nov 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Tahir,
The first thing we'd check is the condition of the battery. It sounds like the system is turning off the engine as normal, but then sensing that it needs to go back on right away. That's unusual, to be honest, as most systems just won't turn the engine off if an issue is detected. I'd advise you bring the car to a good mechanic or auto-electrician to have it looked over.
Our feature, Why won't my car's stop-start system work?, is worth a read as well.