Where can I buy a two-tone Mazda MX-30?
Where can I buy a two-tone Mazda MX-30 PHEV?
JJ (OKC)Sep 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi JJ,
I believe the two-tone finish is exclusive to the Edition-R model. That's still listed on the Mazda Ireland configurator so it may be possible to buy one. Contact your local Mazda dealer to enquire.
is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
Is it possible to retro-fit a reversing camera to my Golf?
Can the rear view reversing camera be retrofitted to a MK6 Volkswagen Golf Edition-R? If so how much would it cost?
Eoin S (Dublin)Nov 2012 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
We spoke to Volkswagen Ireland and unfortunately the aftermarket brochure does not have have that option. It may be possible to find a second-hand item and have a mechanic fit it, but it'd have to be someone very good.
Sorry to not have better news for you.
Can you recommend decent seats for my new Volkswagen Golf?
Is it possible to add an Alcantara sports seat into my new Volkswagen Golf Edition-R? If so, how much would VW charge?
Reason I'm asking is that I'm finding the "Comfort" seats quite uncomfortable and after two months on the road I still cannot find a comfortable driving position. The main issue is the side supports on the seat are too far apart. As I'm fairly thin, my back tends to move side to side a lot when turning etc. no matter what position the seat is in. It's driving me mad. My old BMW had sports seats and I never had this problem. It's detracting from what is an otherwise excellent car. I cannot find any seat cushions for my back that will help me fit more snugly. It's gotten to the point where I'm willing to shell out a few hundred if necessary to get a sports seat put in.
Any help appreciated!
Eoin S (Dublin)Apr 2012 Filed under: seating
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
We contacted Volkswagen in relation to your question and 'officially' there does not seem to be a simple solution.
Thankfully there is the unofficial way of doing things and this is something we have experience with having swapped the sports seats in a Mk IV Golf for Recaros from the GTI. A quick search of a certain well-known online auction site reveals that Alcantara sports seats are available, but the shipping costs can prove prohibitive - unless you live near the seller of course.
Our advice would be to contact a large car dismantlers like http://www.traynors.co.uk/ or http://www.eddietorrensinternational.com and see if they have the parts you require. The actual fitting of the seats is just a case of undoing a few bolts and clips with the only problem you might encounter being the possibility of the airbag wiring loom not matching up. This is a simple fix for any auto electrician though and should not cost much to rectify.
We hope this helps.
WIll I buy now to get the best deal on a Volkswagen Golf?
Hi Paddy,
I love the site and your reviews for the irishtimes. Just looking for some advice. I'm buying a new VW Golf for January delivery. First time buying a new car. I'm getting the Edition-R 1.2TSI 105bhp with some options like MFSW, privacy glass and auto lights/wipers. Have you any tips for haggling with dealers?
I've shopped around to about 5 of them and the price in Dublin is much the same - none of them would budge, cost to change for me is about €21k (though I have been offered a better trade in price outside the pale). Also, I was told that Volkswagen are holding a dealer conference in October where some changes are likely to be introduced to the range, and also that VW may increase their 5.9% finance rate - have you heard anything about this or know what kind of spec changes are coming for the Golf? Would I be better off ordering before then and getting the dealer to hold it for me?
Many Thanks, Eoin.
Eoin S (Dublin)Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
I'm glad you like the site. Firstly, let me congratulate you on choosing a nice car. I had a Golf Edition R recently and it was a really lovely car. The spec is really good on that car and you seem to have chosen a nice few options on the car.
There are a couple of things that you mention there and it is tricky to answer them. Volkswagen are unlikely to announce anything from their dealer conference until after their dealer conference. I'm not sure where you get your intelligence but we can certainly investigate. In terms of your deal, the usual advice applies - you need to focus on the cost to change and not how much your own car is worth, which you appear to be doing and given that you aren't changing your car until January it can be difficult for the car dealers to price your trade-in. My advice to you would be to put down your deposit, arrange your deal and make sure that your terms are agreed. If there is any change which would favour you then you can renegotiate, but at least if it turns out to be as you suspect, then at least you will have secured the best possible rate.
The other bit of advice I would give, is if your trade-in came from say, a Peugeot dealer, then go back to the Peugeot dealer and offer him the deal. Most dealers can buy in the car you want and they might offer you a better deal on your trade-in. That would be worth a try.
I hope this helps. Feel free to come back to us if you need more help, we are always here!!
Audi A3 or Lexus CT 200h?
Hi,
I have a 2007 Toyota Auris Terra diesel that I am trading in. It has 87,000km on the clock and is in excellent condition. What it is worth? I was thinking of getting an Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI S line or the Lexus CT 200h S Design. I found the suspension hard in the Lexus. Which would you recommend?
Martina Kerins (Cork)Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
My feeling is that you will be offered between €10,000 - €11,000 for your Auris against either of these new cars and it's likely that your Lexus dealer will offer you the better deal. The Audi A3 is nearing the end of its life cycle, and while I like it a lot, it is due to be replaced so that will mean its value will reduce. The Lexus is really well priced and comes well equipped, but the ride quality is a little patchy at times. The S Design grade has 16-inch alloys so they aren't even the largest alloy wheel available. The car is great value though.
By the sounds of things you want something that is frugal, looks good and is upmarket. To be honest, I would probably have a Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI DSG Edition-R, which has all the toys on it, looks awesome and has just been released on to the market. This costs €26,425.
Alternatively, you could get a good deal on a BMW 1 Series, which is about to be replaced. Let us know if this helps, but I'd choose the Golf, then the Lexus, then the A3.