CompleteCar
Search Ask Us Anything
Showing 51 - 60 results (out of a total of 259) found for "Engines" in Ask Us Anything

Does this Avensis have a timing belt?

Does a 2008 Toyota Avensis D-4D have a timing belt?

Kieran Boyle (Nenagh)

Mar 2018 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

The 2008 Avensis D-4D engines, both 2.0 and 2.2-litre, have timing chains, not belts. Up to 2006 the 2.0-litre engine had a timing belt.


I think RWD cars should use winter tyres!

Why are winter tyres not mandatory on rear-wheel-drive cars? I’m on my second Mercedes and know to switch to winter tyres each year. I rarely see other rear-wheel-drive cars doing the same yet such vehicles are uncontrollable in icy conditions - much worse than front-wheel drive. This is a serious safety issue not just for owners but other road users. I can guarantee someone will get killed if action is not taken. I suggest campaigns but also really dealers have an onus to notify buyers. Perhaps you could highlight as well.

Thanks

Sean

Sean Burgess (Nenagh)

Mar 2018 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I agree to a certain extent with this, but not completely. Rear-wheel-drive cars with their engines up front (as with your Mercedes) really struggle with traction in icy conditions, but front-wheel-drive cars are no better when it comes to braking and turning in the same conditions so if such a law was to be brought it, it really should apply to all cars, as winter tyres provide much more grip whether you're accelerating, braking or turning.

However, despite the crazy week we've had here in Ireland with snow and ice, long term weather stats clearly show that we don't get enough cold weather in most parts of Ireland (i.e. the temperature below seven degrees C) to warrant forcing everyone to change to winter tyres. Above seven degrees C, winter tyres are not as good as all-weather/summer tyres and they wear much quicker.

The Irish motorist already feels hard done by in terms of taxation and running costs so I don't think any government would bring this in here, but to be honest, I don't think they should, either. It really should be up to the individual. And that's coming from someone that has expereinced how brilliant winter tyres can be. Other opinions area available...


Does the Kia Stinger need lots of servicing?

I notice in the detailed UK specs for the Kia Stinger (which otherwise appears like a wonderful car), it says, both for the 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre petrol engines, that the service interval is a mere six months. This seems weird when many new cars with powerful engines have a two-year service interval, at least for the first service. What do you think?

Thanks Philip

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Feb 2018 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

I spoke to Kia Ireland about this and though it won't be offering the 2.0-litre petrol model for sale here, it did confirm that service intervals for the 3.0-litre model will be 15,000km or once a year. The 2.2-litre diesel is 30,000km or once a year.


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 Hogan (Ballina)

Jan 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:

Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI review

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review

Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo review

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost review


Is the Volvo XC90 a good family buy?

Hi lads,

I've 16, 15 and 5 year olds and another one on the way. I have a Volvo S80, but will need to change. I don't like MPVs as the rear seats are too close to the back of the vehicle so if you have a tip I'd be worried about the back two. I saw a 2010 Volvo XC90 the last day in a car park and it had two child seats in the back, two in the middle and a 15-year-old by the window and the two parents. I asked them what did they think of it. They said they had a Discovery before but found the Volvo more family oriented, safe and reliable. Would you agree? What else would you consider?

Oh, I've a daft labrador as well that would have to go in the boot!

Thanks

Justin McElwee (Galway)

Jan 2018 Filed under: family car

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

The old-shape XC90 is definitely a good choice and yes they’re reliable (as long as you get one with a full service history and keep it looked after properly). They can be a little expensive to run, though, with big thirsty engines and high motor tax rates. It would definitely be worth considering the likes of a SEAT Alhambra or Ford S-Max as well, if you’re looking for lots of seats and space, or even a Volkswagen Caravelle or Shuttle if you want the absolute maximum in terms of seats and cargo room. Definitely room for the labrador in one of those, even if you don't like the look of the MPVs...


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...

Skoda Karoq 1.5 petrol review

Skoda Karoq 1.6 diesel review

Nissan Qashqai 1.6 diesel review

Nissan Qashqai 1.2 petrol review


Tell me about the Toyota Auris 1.2...

Hi,

My friend is considering buying a new Toyota Auris 1.2 Turbo petrol and was asking me for some advice. Is this engine the same as the Puretech one made by Peugeot, as I know Toyota and PSA share some engines, etc? Or is it made by Toyota themselves or is it a BMW engine? I would almost rather if it was much the same as the PSA Puretech one, but is this so?

Kieran, Waterford.

Ciarán Holohan (Waterford)

Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

 

No, it’s actually Toyota’s own design of engine, and is quite closely related to the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit in the Yaris and Aygo. It’s pretty clever actually — able to switch from Otto cycle to Atkinson cycle (which helps to save fuel) and back again. It’s a good engine to drive, if you’ve not tried one, smooth and reasonably powerful (only 114hp but a decent 184Nm of torque).

Read our review of the Toyota Auris 1.2 here


Petrol Golf, Civic or Toyota Auris Hybrid?

Unsure what to buy, I am torn between three cars, the Honda Civic Smart Plus, VW Golf Comfortline and the Toyota Auris Hybrid Luna Sport. All are petrol, doing 1,000km a week so looking for most economical and within reason an all round good car.

Thanks.

Declan Dore (Tralee)

Nov 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

It’s actually really hard to pick a winner out of those three. The Auris Hybrid is a good choice, but works best if most of your mileage is in town. At 1,000km a week, it sounds like you’re doing longer journeys than that. Between the Golf and the Civic? Both have excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines, but I think on balance we’d come down on the side of the Civic. It's roomier inside than the Golf and has  (slightly) better reliability prospects in the longer term.


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,

Yes, so far the 95hp TSI engine is only available with the DSG automatic gearbox, but I suspect that will change as the range expands and develops next year. As for the non-turbo engines, the 65hp is pretty weedy, but the 75hp is perfectly fine. Not the quickest car around, but entirely serviceable on the open road. If you still don’t fancy that, how about a new SEAT Ibiza instead? It’s mechanically the same car, really well-made and good to drive, and in SE or FR trim, you can have the 95hp turbo engine with a manual gearbox.


Latest exhaust tech in Skoda's 1.6 TDI?

Hi,

Does the relatively new 1.6 110hp diesel engine in the Skoda Octavia have the new manifold in head technology that's meant to make real world emissions lower and make the EGR valve more durable or do you have to have the 1.6 diesel 120hp engine up, say in the Volkswagen Passat, to have this more modern technology?

I'm not really interested in the 2.0-litre diesels as I'm still a relatively young male driver and I believe you pay too much of an insurance penalty for this engine size.

Thanks

Kieran, Thomastown.

Kieran Hallligan (Thomastown)

Aug 2017 Filed under: diesel

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

Yes, the 1.6 TDI engine in the Octavia should have manifold-in-head tech. All EA889 derivative engines, built from 2013 onwards, have manifold-in-head construction, and that goes for 1.6 as well as 2.0 diesels.


-->