Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

You've not mentioned if you need a big car or not, but you could get into a nearly new Dacia Jogger for that budget if space and seating are a priority. We reckon it's a good car.

There are plenty of examples of the Ford Puma around as well, though that's more a 'mild hybrid' than a full hybrid.

If you don't need a huge vehicle, then an almost-new Peugeot 208 Hybrid could be a good bet as it would be under warranty for quite some time to come – and it's a lovely car in any case. You may even get into the new-look Peugeot 308 Hybrid actually, which is a nicer car again.

Same story with the Nissan Juke Hybrid in terms of size. Quirky but very likeable.

If you want something bigger, and you're willing to go back a few years, you'll find hybrid versions of the Hyundai Tucson in budget, which is a great car.

Let us know if we're on the right track if you want help narrowing things down further, but either way, the best advice we can give you is to go and test drive as many cars as possible for yourself.

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 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 Seraphina,

Either of those cars should serve your needs well, especially if you remove the rearmost seats from the Jogger to allow space for your dogs (it's an easy thing to do).

However, the Bigster – aside from being the newer and more impressive vehicle overall – comes with the added advantage of a higher driving position and so-called “hip point” so it should prove to be easier to get in and out of.

About the only downside to the Bigster that I can think of is that its boot lip at the back is higher up than the Jogger's, though that'll only affect small dogs or those that struggle with jumping up.

I highly recommend you pop along to a Dacia dealer for yourself and take both for a test drive.

Expert answer

Hi Marcus,

The graphics do look like an actual street map, but it's not.

Expert answer

Hi Ernie,

The Mokka is certainly higher off the ground than, say, the Opel Corsa, but I'm not sure the door opening would be wide enough to make getting in and out comfortable for you.

I highly recommend you pop along to an Opel dealership so you can try the car out for yourself.

If you're not set on getting an Opel, may I suggest you also take a look at the Dacia Duster? It's a little larger, has more ground clearance and comes with a wider door opening. It's more affordable than the Mokka, too.

Do let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

That budget limits the options a little in terms of roominess. With five of you on board, especially if one or two are in boosters or child seats, then you'd definitely need a larger model. The Nissan Qashqai e-Power or the hybrid versions of the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson would be perfect, for example.

Nonetheless, if there are no car seats to contend with then you should pop into a Toyota dealer and ask to check out the Corolla 'Touring Sports' estate and the Corolla Cross. They're both very good cars.

Another possibility is the Hyundai Kona. It's available as a hybrid, is within budget and is way larger than its predecessor inside, so it may well fit the bill.

One of the best options - if you're ok with an SUV shape - is the Dacia Bigster. Even a high-spec hybrid version is within budget for you, the rear has loads of room and it's great value for money.

Finally, the Renault Austral competes with the larger SUVs above and is fantastically spacious. It's slightly out of budget at a starting price of €41,995, but maybe you can do some negotiating...

Let us know if we're on the right track or if you need further help refining your search.

Expert answer

Hi Bill,

It appears to be on the Dacia Ireland website now.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

No, all engines offered in the Bigster to date use timing chains instead.

Expert answer

Hi Conor, 

There's a wealth of choice at that price point on the used market really. Here are a few options to consider, many of them early 2025 registrations:

Dacia Duster
Hyundai Kona (the newer model)
MG ZS (newer model)
Nissan Qashqai
Skoda Octavia
Volkswagen Taigo or ID.4 if you fancy going electric

I've added links to our reviews of the cars so you can take a look and see what you like the look of. Come back to us and let me know if we're on the right track here, and your thoughts on each of these as we help you narrow down your search.