When is the new Nissan X-Trail out?
Any idea when a new Nissan X-Trail will be unveiled and on sale? I know a new Qashqai is coming but heard a new X-Trail will be out too.
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Yes, the new Qashqai has just arrived and is already on sale, and the X-Trail will be following on very shortly (in fact by the time you read this you should be able to order one). Note that it's more an update than an all-new car, though.
Here are our reviews on both:
Skoda Superb vs. Octavia RS diesel?
Hi,
How would you compare, performance wise, the 2.0, 170hp Skoda Superb against the new Octavia RS?
Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
I'm assuming you're referring to TDI diesel versions of both. The Superb is a much larger and heavier car so it doesn't feel quite as rapid, but it's not at all disappointing. That engine has plenty of torque to make it feel usefully quick when you need it to. The Octavia RS, however, is undoubtedly more of a performance car, even in diesel guise. The Octavia feels sportier in general because of its RS interior bits and pieces, low profile tyres and sports suspension too. A review for you:
Tell me more about the Octavia vRS...
What kind of car is the Skoda Octavia vRS?
Dan Burke (Bandon)Aug 2013 Filed under: hatchback
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
It’s a hot hatch (or Combi estate). While it uses the larger (and saloon-style, if you squint a bit) Octavia body, underneath it’s mechanically identical to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, so you get a 200hp, 230hp, or 245hp petrol, 2.0-litre turbo engine (depending on which generation of Octavia RS you’re buying) or a 180hp diesel. It's big, roomy and comfy, but really quick and good to drive. Reliable, too. Oh, and you can drop the v in the RS badge. It’s only called vRS in the UK market, and is just plain old RS here.
2017 Skoda Octavia RS 230 review (post facelift)
Which seven-seat crossover to go for?
Looking for a seven-seaters. Crossovers, maybe? Not Ford S-Max or Galaxy or MPVs. More Hyundai Sante Fe, Nissan Qashqai+2, Mitsubishi Outlander, etc. Any recommendations? Shame the 2008 crossover is compact and not seven seats like I need.
Roy Ferris (Killorglin)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Roy,
Have you considered the new Peugeot 5008? It’s basically a bigger version of the 3008, comes with seven seats as standard and prices start from €28k. Get one with the brilliant little 1.2 turbo petrol engine and you won’t go wrong. Read our review of that car here.
Has the Audi A6 lights improved?
Do facelifted Audi A6 'C5' models still have as weak headlights as the early C5 versions?
Cormac Power (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Cormac,
Interesting one this. To be frank, it was news to us. We don't have a standardised headlight test on CompleteCar.ie (perhaps we should), but a trawl of the Audi-based internet forums does indeed seem to show that many C5 owners do have doubts about the power of their lights, especially on dipped beam.
While we can't find any definitive evidence that the facelifted model is any better, it seems that there are two potential fixes to the problem. One is to replace the standard bulbs with better models - and we've seen German-made Flosser bulbs recommended. Philips also produces a line of higher-output bulbs that may be worth a look. The other issue may be the state of the headlamp lenses, and any problems there can potentially be fixed by a good clean. Cleaning kits are available from most good motor factors. Incidentally, beware an aftermarket upgrade to a HID or Xenon headlight set. If it doesn't conform exactly to the original equipment specification, then there are doubts over the legality of such units and it could potentially lead to an NCT failure.
Can we look at petrol vs. diesel in detail?
Though diesel cars are more expensive to buy, the trade-in value will also be greater, a point that does not seem to be taken into consideration in the diesel vs. petrol debate. The first question a dealer asks is "is it petrol or diesel?", which is generally followed by a turning up of the nose when the answer is petrol.
Practically all motoring correspondents highlight the benefits of diesel without referring to the fact that diesel engines are designed to be driven on long journeys where the engine reaches its optimum temperature, which does not happen on short runs, thereby increasing the potential for engine damage. Thumbs up to you for your very informative question and answer section. How about a full article on diesel-v-petrol taking into account servicing costs and highlighting the potential of engine damage to diesel engines when used only on short journeys?
Michael Corduff (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Many thanks for the compliment. You’re right on the trade-in aspect, although that does seem to be shifting now in the wake of the diesel issue, especially in urban areas. As for the servicing aspect, it’s a tough one for us to look at in a comparison sense, as all garages are different, have different charges and servicing is not a constant. All cars will need to be serviced differently, according to how they are driven.
We have done some diesel versus petrol comparison work in the past though. Have a look here.
Best affordable family car?
What is the best affordable family car to buy?
Mick Mel (Kilkenny)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
Tempting to say a Volkswagen Golf (which is the answer everyone gives), but I’ll be slightly different and say a VW Golf Estate. Classy, lovely to drive, comfy and with a massive boot. Perfect family motoring. Read our Volkswagen Golf Estate review here.
What will I replace my Mazda3 with?
I'd like to replace my Mazda3 petrol 1.6 for a diesel car or SUV; what would you recommend? I'd like something with good fuel economy as I do over 360 miles a week, mostly motorway driving, and lower tax preferably. I have two young children in car seats. I'm looking for something a year or two old, but not a Golf.
Thanks
Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alanna,
If you like the Mazda, then it would be well worth considering an upgrade to the current-shape Mazda3 with the 1.5-litre SkyActiv diesel engine — it's smooth, refined, very economical and with the usual Mazda reliability. A lovely car. Also worth considering are the Honda Civic 1.6 iDTEC diesel or Kia cee’d 1.6 CRDi.
A few reviews for you:
Tell me about the Mitsubishi Spacestar...
Where does the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine in the Mitsubishi Spacestar originate from? Are test drives of it?
Paddy Cronin (Cork)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paddy,
Yes, it’s the 3A90 engine in both 1.0- and 1.2-litre (that’s the 3A92 one) forms and it is Mitsubishi’s own design. There is some relation to the old-shape Smart ForTwo’s three-cylinder engine, as originally it was a joint design between Smart, Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi, but these days only Mitsubishi builds and uses it. We haven’t done a full road test on this model yet, but it’s pretty middling. Cheap and cheerful, but well behind the sophistication curve compared to rivals such as the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen up!. Here's our review of the 1.2-litre Mitsubishi Spacestar.
Is the Volvo V40 a good new buy?
Is the Volvo V40 a good new buy?
John Dignam (DUBLIN IRELAND)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yes, it certainly is. Now, that comes with the caveat that it will be replaced by an all-new model nest year, but the current V40 is still pretty good — handsome, good to drive, comfortable, and well made. It is a little short on cabin space, though, which is worth remembering, and it lacks a good down-sized turbo petrol engine in the mould of Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre TSI as yet.
Here are a few reviews for you: