Is a 1.0-litre engine ok for a family car?
Hi,
Just wondering if you have much knowledge or feedback on the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines? We are looking for a good reliable family car, but ideally want to go with petrol based on our mileage and daily driving routes. However, I am slightly nervous that a 1.0-litre might lack power and be very noisy or "revy" on motorway drives when travelling at greater speed. The sales people say these turbo engines feel more like a 1.6-litre. But then they are trying to sell so would be great to get some independent feeling on them in your experience. Any in particular you would recommend as there are not as many petrol options in family cars.
Many thanks, Peter
Peter HoganJan 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:
Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review
Looking to buy a 2016 or 2017 SUV...
I'm looking to buy a 2016 or 2017 SUV, 1.6 to 1.7 diesel, Manual gearbox with cruise control. I'm not too bothered by my most other factors, other than a decent comfortable motorway drive with good fuel economy. Can you advise which are the most fuel efficient SUVs for motorway driving in Ireland within this range? Currently, I'm considering a Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V or Hyundai Tucson.
Thanks, Paul
Paul Keyes (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
The Hyundai or Kia will be more efficient than the 1.6 i-DTEC Honda, but only just and at the expense of a considerable amount of performance — the Honda feels much brisker and is more comfortable than the other two as well. In that size range, it’s also well worth considering the VW Tiguan, especially the current-shape model, which is very frugal in 2.0-litre 115hp form. Some reviews below to help you decide:
Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Karoq?
Hi there
I’m trying to decide between the Nissan Qashqai and the new Skoda Karoq. Any advice for me please?
Thanks
Patrick Hogan (Galway )Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
While both of these cars make for very good crossovers, having driven both it is the Skoda that feels like the more complete package. For me, the Skoda has a well-rounded look to it, and it has the advantage of being one of the newest cars in the segment. This is also true of the interior, where the Skoda easily surpasses the Nissan. Everything from layout to driving position and even the choice of materials used make the Karoq feel that bit nicer. Even shutting the doors on the Skoda gives a more reassuring thud.
When it comes to driving them, again, the Skoda seems better. The suspension, for example, rides the bumps and surface imperfections better whereas the Nissan can be slightly 'busier.' Nissan does have a good diesel offering as well as new petrol engines, but the same is true of the Skoda. On paper, the Karoq has a higher starting price, but Skoda starts its range with a higher level of standard spec, which is worth considering. The Karoq is likely to be in short supply during 2018, which may impact on delivery times. Nissan currently has some competitive offers, which may help sway you. Personally, I’d go with the Karoq. If you can get one...
Should we stick with petrol or go diesel?
Hi there,
We do annual mileage of about 11 or 12k. During the week the daily mileage is only about 20 miles or so and on slower roads so speed only about 80km/h max. We would do bigger mileage some weekends on motorway. My question is, would we run into problems with a diesel car? We currently have petrol but looking to update to a bigger car with a 1.4-1.6-litre range. However, there are very few petrol car options it appears suitable for family size. All the options seem to be diesel, which is fine, but I have heard that there can be mechanical issues if mileage and speed is not sufficient. Is that true?
Any advice much appreciated. What car options would you recommend to look at if going petrol or diesel?
Tomas Best (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Tomas,
Yes, it is an issue and could potentially be a very serious issue with your kind of mileage and driving profile. The problem is that you need to generate heat in the exhaust system to keep the diesel particulate filter clear, and low mileages and low speeds just don’t do that. You can get around that, a bit, by doing a regular long motorway or main road run, keeping to a low-ish gear for a while, but that’s not convenient for everyone.
Basically speaking, I think you’re best sticking with petrol if at all possible and there are some big-car petrol options out there if you look around and get a little lucky. Try and track down a Skoda Octavia with the 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine, perhaps? Or maybe consider a Toyota Prius — they’re pretty big inside (although the boot is not massive).
Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i10?
Which car is better for easy and safey driving for a new learned driver: the Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i10?
Sai Ram (Srikakulam)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sai,
Both are good from the point of view of being reliable, simple, affordable and easy to drive, but of the two, we’d go for the Swift as it has much sharper, more reactive steering that will give you a much better idea of what’s happening at the front wheels. It's also a little more spacious inside and technically competes with the Hyundai i20. Read our reviews here for more information:
Can I turn of traction control in a Captur?
Can I disable the traction control on a Renault Captur Dynamique S Nav 120? Driving in snow is very difficult.
Loraine
Loraine Turner (Staffordshire )Dec 2017 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Loraine,
As far as we’re aware you can’t turn off the traction control in a Captur. Like, at all. Sorry.
Economy of a 2016 Toyota Corolla 1.4?
Economy of a 2016 Toyota Corolla 1.4?
Mick Cox (Ballina)Expert answer
Hi Mick,
The official fuel consumption for a 1.4 D-4D diesel Toyota Corolla is 4.1 litres per 100km, or 68.8mpg. That would suggest that you should see 50-55mpg in normal, daily driving.
Which engine in a 2018 VW Polo?
Can you please explain the engine choice in the new 2018 Volkswagen Polo? Wondering are the naturally aspirated petrol options 65hp and 75hp only suitable for city driving? I understand the TSI petrol 95hp are only available in automatic, is this true? I do mostly city and country driving with the occasional motorway trip. At the moment I drive a 1.4 diesel 75hp Peugeot 207 and want to go for petrol as my yearly mileage is only 6,000 kilometres. Which petrol engine do you think would be the best for me?
Regards,
Catherine
Catherine Connolly (Galway )Nov 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Petrol or diesel in a new Mondeo?
Living in Dublin and drive under 10,000 miles per annum, does a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol make more sense than a 2.0-litre 150hp diesel? Does a new 181 model make sense versus a circa 161 at €10k less? Seems to be a better selection of 151-162 models in Northern Ireland - is this a good option to pursue?
Thank you
Mike
Mike Barry (Dublin)Oct 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Is that a Mondeo you’re looking at? Yes, with your mileage and driving conditions, a 1.5-litre EcoBoost makes total sense. In fact, if it is the Mondeo, it’s the nicest engine in the line-up. It’s definitely a good idea to have a look up North — there are some very good cars around, and you can save several thousand Euro, but just be wary of vehicle history and make sure you do a very thorough history and background check (with someone such as Cartell.ie) before you hand over any money.
Which hybrids etc to look for new in 2018?
Currently driving a 142 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0-litre diesel with a view to upgrading in 2018. What hybrids/electric cars/SUVs are worth considering as an alternative, but will still give me the space I need as opposed to driving a box?
I mainly drive around my local town (Waterford) and surrounding areas during the week then at weekends I travel long distances going to hurling/rugby games in and around the Munster region.
Thanks
Ray
Ray Power (Waterford)Sep 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
If you fancy a hybrid, then the best current model is the Toyota Prius. Its looks may divide opinion, but it is exceptionally economical, even on a long motorway run, and it has a roomy, comfortable cabin. Read our Toyota Prius review here.
If you fancy something a little more prestigious, then how about the Lexus IS 300h? Not quite as spacious as the Opel you have, but with exceptional build quality, decent economy and terrific refinement. Read our Lexus IS 300h review here.
BMW”s 330e plugin hybrid is another good contender, as is Volkswagen’s Passat GTE, but they’re both quite pricey and work better in downtown than they do on the open road. As far as hybrid SUVs go, Toyota’s C-HR is lovely, but rather small inside, so it may be worth waiting for Honda to launch its new CR-V hybrid next year. More reviews for you: