Will future Volkswagens have buttons instead of touchscreens?
Hi,
Do you know if it's true that Volkswagen is putting a/c and heating control buttons back on its vehicles for 2026? I'm not a fan of having everything on screen. Changing basic settings can take my attention off the road for longer than it's safe and it's so easy to press the wrong setting by mistake. Turning off the heated seat when at its highest takes four swipes on my Golf. I don't have voice control. Buttons are far more instinctive.
Thanks.
Teresa (Co. Clare)Apr 2025 Filed under: infotainment
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
There is certainly a move that way, though don't expect all models to change all at once. It would appear that the car makers (not just Volkswagen) have listened to buyers such as you and critics such as us on this, and there will be a gradual reintroduction of some physical switchgear. Organisations such as Euro NCAP and even the EU are closely monitoring this, too, so we have high hopes for a return to less reliance on touchscreens for basic tasks in a car.
Volkswagen's recent show cars that preview forthcoming production models - such as the ID.1 and ID.2 - have buttons as well as a touchscreen.
Is the new Dacia Duster safer?
Hi,
I'd like to purchase a 2019 Dacia Duster petrol, but I am concerned about its EuroNCAP safety rating of 2017. I do not find the latest rating for 2019 version. Could you please advise?
Thanks
Abala, Dublin
A Bala (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Abala,
I'm afraid that the 2019 model is the same one as tested by EuroNCAP in 2017, at this link.
How safe is the Ford EcoSport?
What's the international safety rating for a 2017 Ford EcoSport Titanium?
Debbie R (Joburg)Sep 2017 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Debbie,
The EcoSport got four stars out of five on the Euro NCAP tests, with a 93 per cent adult protection score, 77 per cent child, 58 per cent pedestrian and 55 per cent safety assist. That makes it safe in an accident, but lacking a bit in standard active safety equipment.
Is the Volvo XC90 our safest family bet with seven seats?
We are looking for a large, family SUV, preferably a Volvo XC90, as our priorities are space and safety. It needs to take two car seats and another person in the back, with space in the boot for a pushchair and shopping. Are there any other cars that would be on a par with the safety record of an XC90?
Sue Row (Joburg)Feb 2014 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Sue,
Safety record? Not really. The XC90 was first crash tested back in 2003 when Euro NCAP only gave stars for overall performance and pedestrian impact. At the time, the XC got a full five-star rating (rare at the time). Since then its score has only been matched in the class by the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in 2008, the Volkswagen Touareg in 2004, the BMW X5 in 2003 and, in the past couple of years, the new Mercedes M-Class, the new Range Rover and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Out of those, only the X5 and the Santa Fe come with seven seats (optionally in the case of the X5) and neither can match the space or comfort of the Volvo.
How reliable is the Chevrolet Aveo?
How reliable is the Chevrolet Aveo?
Shirley Campbell (Dublin)May 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Shirley,
Not massively. It’s OK, but in spite of being made in Korea, we wouldn’t recommend it, not least because Euro NCAP found it to be one of the most unsafe cars it’s ever crash-tested. If you want the best in reliability, buy Japanese…
Volvo XC90 or Land Rover Discovery?
Hi lads,
I need a seven-seat car and am looking at a 2005 Volvo XC90 D5 and a 2005 Range Rover Discovery 3 2.7D. Both are similar price and mileage. Which is best for safety, reliability and running costs? And it will never go off-road, just up on footpaths!
Thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
It's not surprising to hear that the car won't go off-road - few do!
In terms of safety, the 2005 Volvo trumps the Discovery with a better Euro NCAP crash test rating.
The Volvo has a marginally better reliability record too, though most Discovery problems (affecting electrics and software) seem to apply to individual cars. Saying that it's worth ensuring its air suspension is in perfect working order. On the XC90 the injectors can play up, and they're expensive to repair, so get suspicious if the car doesn't start quickly.
Evidence points to the Volvo having the lower running costs too, with slightly better fuel economy and of course lower annual road tax due to the smaller engine. Maintenance will be costly enough in both cases, as could be insurance.
In cold hard facts it looks like the Volvo wins this battle Justin, but we'd not be put off the Discovery so easily - it's a great all-rounder as well.
Let us know how you get on.
Skoda Superb, Saab 9-5 or Volvo S80 - all diesel - which one?
Hi lads,
Question for you: 2009 Skoda Superb 1.9 TDI, 2008 Saab 9-5 1.9 Tid or 2008 Volvo S80 2.0 D: all similar price. Safety, reliability and economy are what's important and in that order!
Thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Dec 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
Let's break it down into chunks. First of all, safety. Here are the crash test results from Euro NCAP:
Skoda: five stars on new system
Saab: five stars on old system
Volvo: four stars on old system
Looks like the Volvo loses out there, though it's a safe car by most standards.
In terms of reliability, the Skoda has no reported issues. The Saab doesn't fare so well, with plenty of electrical issues and problems with the suspension. Check for uneven tyre wear and that all the switches are working - every single one. The Volvo is a little better, but has a few known problems, with random electrical gremlins and several recalls. If you're serious about that one get confirmation that the recall work has been completed. Also, it should have its timing belt, tensioners and pulleys changed every four years so best to check that it has been done.
Assuming you're looking at the 105hp Superb, then the combined cycle consumption was quoted at about 5.7 litres/100km (50mpg) and it is a frugal car. The 150hp Saab uses a fraction more fuel (5.8 litres/100km) on the combined cycle, while the 136hp Volvo also uses 5.7 litre/100km.
So in summary, for us it would be between the Skoda and the Volvo. They're both comfortable and spacious, though we'd trust the reliability of the Superb more given the data.
Hope that helps.
How safe is the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen?
How safe is the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen?
Adi Greenberg (Los Angeles)Sep 2011 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Adi,
Our usual point of reference is the Euro NCAP safety tests, but the G-Wagen has not been subjected to them. Our second source of data would be the US NHTSA tests, but again it looks like the Merc was not tested by that organisation.
The latest version of the G-Wagen comes with plenty of electronic driving aids to help with stability and traction, plus airbags, but it's not at the cutting edge of safety in terms of construction.
Sorry to not be able to give a more definitive answer.
How safe are rear seat passengers in a seven-seater?
What is the safety record for rear seat passengers in a seven-seat car?
Shane Oneill (Kildare)Jan 2011 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
I have looked back through the record of Euro NCAP (www.euroncap.com) and there is no major difference between the safety of a third row of seats and the second row of seats.
The modern SUV often has curtain airbags that run the length of the car and these can protect the rear seat passengers in the event of a side collision. There is also a row of seats in front of the third row of seats and this provides extra protection for the third row seats.
Obviously they are closer to the rear of the car in a rear-end collision, but there is very little information about this available.
If there is anything else specific you'd like to know, please do get back in touch.
2007 Toyota Yaris or 2007 Volkswagen Polo?
I am looking at a 2007 Toyota Yaris 1.0-litre Terra with 23,000km or a 2007 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Comfortline with 20,000km. Both can be had for €8,000 cash. It is a first car for my daughter. Which one should I buy?
Chris Fox (Dublin)Oct 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Chris.
The price sounds about right for both cars at that mileage. You would pay quite a bit less if you got something with higher mileage. But that aside I would normally say that you should go for the Polo because it feels a little more substantial and might have a bit more street credibility for your daughter. However, with the Yaris you are still getting the current model, while there is a newer version of the Polo so for the time being it will hold its value a little better I'd expect.
Obviously, safety will be an important consideration, and the Yaris scored higher in the Euro NCAP safety tests, achieving five stars compared to the Polo's four, so perhaps a reason to choose the Yaris.
Toyota Yaris NCAP result
Volkswagen Polo NCAP result
Hope that helps.
What's the Mercedes-Benz Viano like?
Can you tell me anything about the reliability and safety of the Mercedes-Benz Viano? NCAP results are from a test on the 2008 model and we are looking at an 06 or 07. Also I've read about recalls on the Viano so wondering if they are likely to cause trouble or what should be check before buying. Thanks very much!
Leah Donnelly (Dublin)Jul 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Leah,
We're awaiting confirmation from Mercedes-Benz, but we believe that there are few differences between the 2006 and the 2008 Viano tested by the Euro NCAP.
With regards to recalls, it's not unusual for a car to be recalled by any means. What's important is that you check with Mercedes-Benz that the Viano you are interested in has had all relevant recall work carried out already. Here is a list of the recalls for the Viano for your information:
2004:
- Mounting issue for the foot-operated parking brake.
- Engine software problem leading to reduced engine speeds.
2005:
- Brake pedal and master cylinder securing clip.
2006:
- Potential fuel leak.
- Electrical short circuit issue.
- Airbag faults.
2007:
- Fuel leak issues again.
2008:
- More issues with fuel leaks.
- Brake master cylinder replacement.
- Electronics fault.
2009:
- Side airbag issue.
- Parking brake issue.
Please remember that not all Vianos sold in Ireland will be affected by all recalls. Best thing to do is to check the registration of the car you are interested in with Mercedes-Benz.
Let us know if we can be of more help.
We need a large seven seater with boot space.
We are looking for a seven or eight seater MPV for a family with four small kids so we will be using four rear seats daily and often five. Worried that the standard seven seaters don't have enough boot space with all seats in use. Driving in the city mostly so wary of large minibus type vehicles. Also safety and reliability are priorities.
Our budget is about €25K (less if possible!). We are changing from a large estate so are used to a large boot, hence most of the seven seaters I've looked at just don't measure up in terms of boot space.
What would you recommend? Thanks
Patricia McGuire (Dublin)Jun 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patricia,
You're right, most seven-seat MPVs have tiny boots when all seven seats are in use. One car that springs to mind straightaway is the Renault Grand Espace. This has a little more luggage space than the regular Espace. We found one on beepbeep.ie for well under your budget: click here to have a look.
You mentioned that you don't like the idea of a minibus style car, but it's worth checking a few out. The Mercedes-Benz Viano can be had for your budget for instance.
Safety and reliability are your priorities. The Espace scored well in the Euro NCAP safety ratings when it was launched and though there were reliability issues early in its life, these seem to have been ironed out by now.
I realise that's a very limited response. It might be worth considering using a roof box. That would widen your choice a little.
Let me know if we can help any further and what you decide upon. You can reply by logging in and putting a comment in the box below.
How does the Toyota Verso stack up?
Hi,
In relation to a family car, I see you have high praise for the Qashqai+2. How would a 2009 Toyota Verso compare in terms of space, safety, price, etc? Many thanks and good luck with the site.
Brian Keane (Dublin 16)
May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
The reason we have talked about the Qashqai+2 a lot of late is that there seems to be quite a few people asking us about seven seats, but not really wanting an MPV. The Verso is an MPV, so as such is usually compared to its main rivals such as the Ford C-MAX and Renault Scenic.
Compared to the Qashqai+2, the Verso comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine and the Qashqai+2 usually comes with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Verso has more power with 125hp against 104hp in the Qashqai+2. The Verso has faster acceleration (about two seconds faster to 100km/h from rest) and in terms of fuel economy the Verso again is slightly more frugal. The CO2 emissions in are both Band C, with road tax of €302. However the new Qashqai+2 does drop a tax band to Band B.
Both cars have five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings and come with multiple airbags. ESP (electronic stability control) is standard fit on both cars too. The rear-most row of seats would be more generous in the Verso compared to the Qashqai+2 even though they share an almost identical wheelbase. There is also more shoulder room in the second and third row of seats.
In terms of price, a 2009 Verso will cost you about €25,000 - €27,000, while a new Qashqai+2 will cost you from €30,450 for a new one and about €26,000 - €27,000 for a 2009 model.
Both have pretty poor luggage space with the rear-most seats in place, but loads with the third row folded, so it depends how often you intend using the seats.
I hope this helps.