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How much is the new KGM Actyon in Ireland?

How much is the new KGM Actyon in Ireland?

Sean Farrell (Athlone )

Mar 2025 Filed under: new car ordering

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I'm afraid we don't yet have any pricing information on the car in Ireland. KGM has confirmed that the regular petrol model we tested will not be offered for sale on the Irish market due to high CO2 emissions and the resultant high price.

However, a hybrid version of the Acyton is planned and that should go on sale in Ireland in early 2026. We do not have prices for it as yet. 


What if a Northern Irish owner never properly registered the car?

Hey,

A car has come up for sale in the North but the owner did not register it in the North when he brought it over from GB - he lives in the north. If I bought it and brought it south, do I have to pay all the customs and VAT along with VRT or is it still just VRT?

Dean (Dublin)

Mar 2025 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Dean,

If the car was not imported into the North properly then you may well be liable for custom duties and VAT as well as VRT. You need to determine whether it is considered to be a Northern Ireland vehicle or a GB import.


Toyota bZ4X or Hyundai Kona Electric as a taxi?

Think of getting an EV in the next few weeks for taxi driving around Dublin city (will avail of the grant). I’m caught between the Toyota bZ4X and new Hyundai Kona; any feedback would be appreciated.

Frank (Dublin)

Feb 2025 Filed under: taxi

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

We wouldn’t have considered those to be natural rivals as the Toyota starts at about €43,000 and the most expensive Kona Electric is €38,495 and in truth, the cabin ambience of the bZ4X reflects that – it’s a more luxurious car inside. The Toyota is also more spacious in the back seats, though they have similarly sized boots. The bZ4X is nicer to drive and smoother, though the Hyundai is a little more efficient in real-world driving.

In short, if the price difference isn’t part of your decision, you just need to go and test drive both to see which you prefer, as we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either.


Can I export a car from England via NI to Spain?

Hello,

I want to buy a car from England in 2025 and I want to register the car in Northern Ireland and then I want to register it in Spain. Can I do that and not pay customs and VAT in 2025?

Aurel Vasile (England)

Feb 2025 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Aurel,

I don’t believe there is any way for you to avoid paying VAT on importation into Spain in that manner unless you meet specific residency or relocation exemptions.

And unless you actually use the car in Northern Ireland for a reasonable period of time – and can prove it – the Spanish authorities are likely to view this as a tax avoidance scheme and will also charge you custom duties.


Are both seats powered in the Kia EV3?

Does the Kia EV3 GT-line in Ireland have both front seats powered?

Edwin Richards (Letterkenny, Ireland)

Feb 2025 Filed under: seating

Expert answer

Hi Edwin,

No, it's just the driver's seat.


Which seven-seater to replace our Tucson?

What make of seven-seater would you recommend as a good family car? Need to be able to take three baby seats, needs to be automatic, hybrid and have a good-sized boot. We have a 2022 Hyundai Tucson and the Santa Fe might be an option. Preferably no older than 2021.

Thanks

Mary Higgins (Dublin)

Feb 2025 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

There are loads of examples of the 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe on the market using the plug-in hybrid powertrain, priced from about €40,000 to over €50,000 depending on the model year, mileage, etc. This is a really good car, and far more spacious than your Tucson, but we urge you to go along to a dealer with your baby seats to check out the space inside for them. There is no ISOFIX in the middle seat of the second row, nor in the third row, and it may still be a bit of a squeeze depending on how large your seats are. A dealer shouldn’t mind you trying out the space with your own seats.

Hybrid alternatives at the same price include the Kia Sorento, again as a plug-in hybrid. This shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai and the seven-seat layout, but it might be better suited to your needs as the middle row is better shaped to potentially take three baby seats. Though the middle position has no ISOFIX if that’s important to you. However, the two seats in the third row do have ISOFIX. Nonetheless, using the third row in any of these cars means a tiny boot.

Another option, though rarer on the used market, is the Toyota Highlander. It’s a seven-seater as well, comparable to the Santa Fe in terms of space. It’s similarly priced though, unlike the Hyundai and the Kia, it’s not a plug-in hybrid. That might be preferable depending on whether you are willing to install a home charger.

Another plug-in hybrid option is the Volvo XC90 T8. It has three individual seats in the middle row and, though the central one has no ISOFIX and is smaller than the outer ones, it still is likely to accommodate a baby seat. Worth checking out for sure.

Now, if you’re willing to consider a car or estate instead of an SUV, you’d do well to take a look at the Skoda Superb as it has a really wide rear seat and a massive boot. It’s also much more affordable than the cars above, available as a hybrid and should come with lower running costs.

Come back to us if you need further help narrowing your search down, but we do urge you to go try out a few of these cars for yourself.

Read our Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV review here

Read our Kia Sorento PHEV review here

Read our Toyota Highlander review here

Read our Volvo XC90 reviews

Read our Skoda Superb reviews


Looking to import a Range Rover for my business...

I am looking at buying a 2012 ‘L322’ Range Rover from NI; can I tax it for commercial tax if I have a VAT number and I have my own business?

Michael (Thurles Co,Tipperary)

Feb 2025 Filed under: commercial vehicle

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

To qualify for commercial tax rates, the Range Rover must have had its rear seats removed and a bulkhead fitted. Or be previously classed as an “N1” commercial. You can’t just bring in a regular SUV such as the Range Rover and tell Revenue it’s a commercial, even if you do have a legitimate business.


Which Hyundai for three baby car seats?

What is the best Hyundai car that will take three baby seats for a four-year-old, a two-year-old and new baby safely? Can a Hyundai Tucson fit three baby seats?

Mary Higgins (Dublin)

Feb 2025 Filed under: child or baby seats

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

You won’t get the three rear-facing seats you need in the back of a Hyundai Tucson, no. Obviously you could use the front passenger seat for one of those, but I doubt that’s what you’re asking. The only Hyundai that might manage it is the Santa Fe.


My company is selling the van to me. What do I do?

My company is selling the company van to me as a private individual. What are the steps?

1. Do I send the logbook to Dept of Transport as normal just stating company name as seller and my name as buyer?

2. Do I have to change the van tax from commercial to private?

3. I call insurance to change company insurance to private?

Anything else I have to do?

Dan Gallagher (Sligo)

Feb 2025 Filed under: commercial vehicle

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

Looks like you’re on the right track, yes. The change of ownership may be possible online if the van has the newer digital VRC (vehicle registration certificate - i.e. the logbook) and needs to be done by the company.

If you plan on using the van for any private use whatsoever then yes, you will need to change the motor tax, which is done at your local motor tax office. Note that the rate depends on the engine size of the van and that you’ll need insurance before you can do that.

I’d suggest looking into the insurance before you do anything else, as it can sometimes be tricky finding private insurance on a commercial vehicle.


How much are the different Hyundai Inster colours?

What are the prices on different colours for the new Hyundai Inster Signature?

Caroline D'Alton-Galvin (Tralee )

Feb 2025 Filed under: paintwork

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

The only 'free' colour is called Unbleached Ivory. 

Atlas White or Tomboy Khaki are €295, while it's €595 for either Buttercream Yellow or Abyss Black.

It's the black paint on our test car shown here.


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