Which Merc A-Class has the better chassis?
Hello,
I have read conflicting information from several sources re the type of rear suspension available on the new Mercedes A-Class hatchback. I understand that some get torsion beam while others get multi link, but unable to get a definitive list on those that get the multi link type.
Some say that the A 250 only gets it, another that both the A 200 AMG Line and A 250 get the it. While finally, another source said that if the car is fitted with 19-inch alloys even in lesser powerful engine variants it will get the better rear suspension setup. Any ideas which info is the right one? I am looking to see if it's possible to get the multi link rear suspension on the upcoming A 180 petrol AMG Line or whether it will need 19-inch alloys to make the switch.
John M, Carlow
John Moran (Carlow)Nov 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
It’s not to do with wheel sizes, but engines and trim grades. The A 250 always comes with multilink rear suspension, while the A 180 d always gets a torsion beam. It’s the A 200 in the middle that has the variance – the Sport models have a torsion beam, the AMG Line cars gain the multilink set-up. We don’t know exactly what the A 180 petrol will do as yet, but we’d guess it will follow the A 200’s pattern, rather than the A 180 d’s formula.
Do VAG TSI engines have timing chain probs?
Hi,
Looking at a 2013 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S tronic. Am I right in saying these engines are susceptible to the timing chain stretching and a hefty repair bill if it does? Would you steer clear of this engine or, generally, any of VAG TSI/TFSI engines pre-2015?
Thanks
Colin McGowan (Dublin)Oct 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
There are well-documented issues with stretching VAG timing chains, unfortunately, and yes, it's very expensive to replace a chain. The problem is usually identified by a distinctive rattling on cold start-up before it manifests itself in engine running issues and there are also chain inspection ports on these engines so, if a car you're looking at has had proper maintenance, you can have the chain inspected.
How often to change Audi Q3's timing belt?
How often should you change the timing belt on an Audi Q3?
Donna Parker (Sydney)Aug 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Donna,
For the first-generation Audi Q3 (pre- and post-2015 facelift), regardless of whether you have one of the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engines or any of the 2.0-litre TDI diesels, the recommended maximum interval (regardless of time) is 210,000 kilometres. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol model uses a timing chain, not a belt.
Petrol Audi A3, BMW 318i or Honda Civic?
Hi,
I'm planning on buying a brand new 2018 Audi A3 1.0-litre TFSI S line Saloon or 2017 BMW 318i M Sport or 2018 Honda Civic 1.0-litre Turbo. Please help me with the questions below since I have no way getting a test drive:
1. Which one is more fun to drive?
2. Are these cars fast?
3. What is more reliable and costs less to maintain?
4. What is the overall best car?
Thanks, Arjun
Arjun De Silva (Kandy)Jul 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Arjun,
OK, let’s take these questions in order.
1: The BMW. The Honda runs it surprisingly close, but you just can’t beat the steering and rear-wheel-drive balance of the BMW.
2: How do you mean fast? They’re not performance models, but thanks to turbocharged engines with decent torque curves, they feel brisk enough in everyday driving. As long as you’re not planning to take on any Ferraris at the traffic lights, they’ll do.
3 & 4 together: The Honda. Nothing is as reliable as a Honda, not even a Toyota, and of the three cars here, while it may lack the premium badge, it also has the roomiest interior, will have slightly lower servicing and maintenance costs and, in the long term, should be more reliable than either of the German cars.
Read our reviews for more:
Timing belt change in 2011 Ford Fiesta?
When does the timing belt on a 2011 Ford Fiesta Zetec diesel need replacing please?
Samie Husseini (Brisbane)Jun 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Samie,
It depends which engine exactly you have in your Fiesta and when it was manufactured. For both the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi engines, there was a changeover in schedule that occurred for cars made later in 2010. Before that, the timing belts in the diesel engines were scheduled to be changed every 200,000 kilometres or every 10 years, but after that, for a brief period of manufacture, it changed to 140,000km (still 10 years) and later again back up to 180,000 kilometres.
We always encourage readers to err on the side of caution with timing belts, so would advise you to consider the 140,000km interval as applicable to your car.
Thoughts on these petrol engines?
Hi,
Is the 1.2 TCe petrol engine in the Renault Kadjar any good? It’s something I’ve been looking at buying (used), but I get the impression from reading various comments and reviews online that it seems rather gutless in terms of power/torque and the economy is just ok. I know the 1.5 dCi is the default choice, but my mileage (roughly 7,000km per year mainly urban) doesn't justify a diesel. Peugeot’s 1.2 on the other hand seems to be excellent and highly regarded. Yet it’s the same size?
Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)May 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.
Honda Jazz or Suzuki Baleno?
I'm trying to decide between the Honda Jazz and Suzuki Baleno. Things that matter to me: rear seat comfort, front seat comfort, space overall, boot space and power.
Manav Abhijit (Ranchi)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Manav,
The Jazz basically has the Suzuki beaten in every metric you’ve mentioned here, except for boot space (the Baleno has a single, solitary, extra litre of boot volume) and, depending on which model you go for, power.
The Baleno can be had with either a 90hp 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 111hp turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol ‘BoosterJet' unit. The Honda comes with a choice of 1.3 or 1.5-litre VTEC petrol engines, with either 102hp or 130hp, but it’s worth remembering that the basic Baleno comes as a mild hybrid, so it has a tiny electric motor that can boost power for a few seconds at a time, and is very economical.
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.