What new MPV would you recommend for us?
Hi,
We are in the market for an MPV/SUV. We hope to buy by the end of March next year. We have a budget of €19-20k plus our 2010 2.0-litre Volkswagen Passat Highline. The car should have three full rear seats and a good size boot.
What would you recommend?
Des Wynne (Dundalk)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Des,
It depends on just how big a car you need, and if you need a full seven-seater. The Volkswagen Golf SV, for instance, has the space for three seats across the back, but doesn't have the folding seats in the boot of the bigger Touran. Both are excellent cars, but you'll save a considerable amount of money by going for the SV. Others worth considering are the Toyota Verso (available in both five- and seven-seat forms), Citroen C4 Picasso (ditto) and the Kia Carens (only a seven-seater).
Peugeot's 5008 and Ford's C-Max are also worth a look, but if you need something bigger, if basically boils down to two choices - Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra.
Petrol or diesel for the Ford Mondeo?
What is your view on the Ford Mondeo diesel vs. Mondeo petrol?
Cyril Gleeson (Birdhill, Co. Tipperary)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Cyril,
Actually, the current 1.5 EcoBoost petrol model is rather a nice thing. It’s a very smooth, quiet engine and has just about enough poke to shift that big body around, and actually ends up feeling slightly sweeter than the diesel to drive. Economy works out at around 40mpg in most conditions, so it’s not too thirsty and if you’re not doing really big mileage every year, it’s definitely worth considering.
Would diesel, hybrid or PHEV suit my needs?
Diesel, hybrid or PHEV? I do a 200km round trip commute most days. A mix of 140km motorway and 60km small rural roads and stop-start city traffic. Other days I could do 300/400km of which 25 per cent would be city type traffic. Is diesel still my better option? For a PHEV I could plug in at home or at my destination most times.
Declan Brady (Cavan)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
It’s a tough one. Generally I’d say for the moment, diesel is still best for that kind of mileage, especially day-to-day. A model with a good stop-start system should help keep the consumption down in heavy traffic (Mazda’s system on the 6 2.2 diesel is especially good) and those long motorway miles are just what diesel was designed for. A plugin hybrid is really for those doing short urban journeys most days, with only an occasional long trip, so I don’t think any would be really suitable for you. It would be worth looking at a new-shape Toyota Prius hybrid though – we managed to average 60mpg in one recently over the course of a week, including several long motorway runs, so it’s worth thinking about.
Is the Ford Explorer sold in Ireland?
Do you have the Ford Explorer 4x4 in Ireland?
Con Enright (Usa)Oct 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Con,
No, at least not yet. Ford’s ‘One Ford’ policy on models means that there’s a faint chance the next-generation Explorer might make it to this side of the Atlantic, but for now Ford’s biggest SUV in the Irish market is the Edge.
Audi S3 or Mercedes C-Class - both cabriolets?
Hi,
Could I ask you to compare the Audi S3 Cabriolet with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet for about the same money? Both are quality cars. The Mercedes possibly more polished and stylish. The Audi has four-wheel drive, is faster and smaller.
Thank you, Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
You’ve pretty much summed it up there. I guess it depends where your priorities lie – performance or comfort. There’s no doubting the sheer thrust of the 300hp Audi, but I would suggest that if it’s performance you crave, skip the Cabriolet and buy the Saloon, which is much better to drive. If it’s the open top that you fancy, then go for the Mercedes, forget about performance (although the Merc is hardly a slouch in that regard) and instead revel in the comfort.
Read our Audi S3 Cabriolet review
Merc GLA, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series or new Golf?
I have just moved to Luxembourg for two years I am looking for a new car (it has to be new), 2.0-litre or close to it. Looking for a two-year lease deal or wondering about buying Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf or 1 Series BMW. Relative to Ireland, which car is best value to buy?
Brendan McDonagh (Luxembourg)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Well, bearing in mind we have literally no idea what the market or running costs are like in Luxembourg, we reckon that a 2.0-litre Golf sounds like the best option there, especially if funds would stretch to either a GTI or GTD.
Read our Mercedes-Benz GLA review here
Read our Audi A3 Saloon review here
Read our Volkswagen Golf GTI review here
Which is the most comfy car on Irish roads?
1) Which is the most comfortable car on Irish roads considering seating, seat height, and road bumps (mainly interested in medium/large cars)?
2) Have you any reports on the Toyota Prius?
Pat Walsh (Claremorris, Mayo)Sep 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Here’s our review of the new Toyota Prius.
And as you’ve mentioned Toyota, you could do worse than start with a current Auris or Avensis if you’re looking for something with a comfortable ride on Irish roads. Other good options are the Citroen C4 Picasso or, if you fancy something a little more premium, a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Any advice on family estate cars?
Any advice on family estate cars? Around a €12k budget, covering about 15,000km per year. Anything to particularity avoid?
Jim O'Neill (Carlow)Sep 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
Nothing to avoid, in particular, but lots of good ones to try out. Start with a Mazda6 Tourer, or a Ford Mondeo Estate, or a Skoda Superb Combi. If you want to save a bit of money (but not compromise on space) go for a Skoda Octavia Combi, if you want something with a bit of class go for an Audi A6 Avant (pricey but the 2.0-litre TDI keeps running costs down).
I'd like a classy five-seat commercial please...
Hey!
I'm in the market for a new executive commercial vehicle - but it needs to have five seats. Loophole a go go... The obvious choice is the Land Rover Discovery, but I understand they are being phased out and so my leasing company won't offer it as an option. Things like an L200 / Ranger / Hilux / Navara are a little TOO commercial for my tastes...
The Pajero Executive is nice, but the equipment, engine and layout all seem older than I am. The Touareg is a nice bus, but seems expensive compared to the rest and I've heard so-so reports in terms of value for money. Any ideas what else I should look for? Do Volvo / BMW / Audi do a five-seater that classes as commercial?
Al The Commercial Vehicle Looking Guy (Dublin)Sep 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Al,
BMW, Audi and Mercedes don't do an in-house commercial option, but you can get an aftermarket conversion, of course.
One option worth looking at is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A really nice car, good to drive and Agnelli Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin do a five-seat commercial conversion with prices starting around the €45k mark.
There's also the Toyota Land Cruiser 'Business' model, but it's a bit more expensive, at €57k. Utterly indestructible though and hugely comfortable.
Just make sure you've properly taxed it if you're planning on using it for domestic or family motoring as the fines for using a commercially taxed vehicle for that are pretty stiff.
What's happening with the BMW X2?
What can you tell us about the BMW X2?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)Aug 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It’s going to be a lower-slung, 'coupe' version of the X1 SUV, with a higher price tag and a coupe-like roofline in the mould of the bigger BMW X4 and X6. It’ll mostly carry over the engines and chassis from the X1, which means the entry level model could be the 150hp 2.0-litre 18d engine. We’ll have more details towards the end of September after the car is officially unveiled for the first time at the Paris Motor Show.