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Is the Opel Ampera-e for Ireland?

When will the Opel Ampera-e go on sale in Ireland?

Seán Ó Dufaigh (Castlerea)

Feb 2017 Filed under: future cars

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

It probably won’t. Opel confirmed at the Paris Motor Show last year that there won’t be right-hand drive production of the Ampera-e and that position has not yet changed. If there’s a sudden jump in demand from the UK and Ireland for electric cars, then Opel may well reconsider, but for now, we won’t be getting it. 


Would you recommend the Merc E 200?

Hi, I'm looking at an E-Class Mercedes-Benz 200, automatic, 151; would you recommend this car?

Regards

Chris

Chris Mulcahy (Cork)

Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

No. The E 200 is, to be honest, a bit too underpowered. We’d recommend, if you can find one, getting hold of the more powerful (and no less frugal) E 220 CDI diesel. Both models are good for reliability, comfort and space, however. 


Are SUVs safer than saloons or hatches?

Are SUV vehicles safer than saloons or hatchbacks?

Tony Morris (Dublim)

Feb 2017 Filed under: safety

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

No, they're not. Admittedly, any larger vehicle that puts the point of impact further away from you is going to be in some small way a little safer, but go to the EuroNCAP crash test website and have a look at the ratings. You'll see that SUVs don't do any better than any other body style. Safety depends on a lot of factors. 


Broken LCD odometer: what to do?

Have a deposit on a car. Some of the LCD lines on its odometer are broken, and you can barely make out mileage. Will it fail its NCT?

David Mac Manus (Waterford)

Feb 2017 Filed under: mileage

Expert answer

Hi David,

It might do. If it's from a dealer I'd demand a repair before you sign on the line. A broken odometer realistically means that you cannot record the correct mileage and therefore it's far easier to 'clock' the car. If they baulk at your request, it's quite possibly dodgy so walk away.  


Has Volkswagen Ireland no Golf info yet?

Hi,

Why on earth is there radio silence from Volkswagen Ireland regarding the new Golf?! In the first time for forever we have an excellent, dedicated car enthusiasts' website for Irish customers where I can read about the new Golf, but Volkswagen Ireland has no information whatsoever on its website or within its dealer network. I am having to use the excellent Volkswagen UK website as a reference yet there is no guarantee what I desire there will even be 'offered' here...

I am in the fortunate position of being able to order my third 'performance' Golf at launch yet am getting that same 'here's what you could have won' feeling seeing the UK launch and generous spec... Maybe it'll be worth the wait this time...

Martin Smith (Waterford)

Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Well, we can't speak for Volkswagen or its IT department, but we have seen the prices (hence how we were able to include them in our review of the new Volkswagen Golf) and they're pretty much the same as before, with slightly better equipment as standard all round, which is actually much the same as UK spec. Any delay in getting the new details on the website are likely down to a delay in finalising the options pack prices and, let's face it, trying to make sure that the last few remaining examples of the outgoing model get sold. 


Is the Opel Mokka X the same size?

I am waiting delivery of a new Opel Mokka X and wish to purchase a rubber fitted boot protector in advance. Most or all of those advertised on Amazon describe them as "2012 onwards". They seem to relate to the model prior to the X model. Are the measurements and shape of the X identical to the previous model?

Declan Corry (Greystones)

Feb 2017 Filed under: aftermarket

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Yup, it's exactly the same car. Opel changed the styling at the front, tidied up the dashboard design and gave it some new engines, but the overall structure, body and dimensions remained the same. 

Read our Opel Mokka X review here


Volkswagen Tiguan or BMW X1?

Volkswagen Tiguan 150hp diesel Comfortline front-wheel drive or BMW X1 sDrive18d Xline: if cost wasn't an issue what would you recommend?

Martin (Meath)

Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Probably the Tiguan, mostly because it's roomier and more comfortable. That said, there's no denying that the X1 is a terrific car and very desirable. Here are our reviews of the versions we have tried:

BMW X1 xDrive20d review

BMW X1 xDrive25d review

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI review


Is a 142 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 possible?

Hi, I believe hat Volkswagen stopped making the 1.4 TSI Tiguan in 2008, but Frank Keane in Deansgrange has this 142 example for sale; how can this be?

Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)

Feb 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

No, Volkswagen didn't stop making the 1.4 Tiguan in 2008, but it was dropped from the Irish price list then as we all went diesel-crazy after the tax change. The car was always available to order, and it's possible that the car you're looking at is a UK import. 


Can you explain the VAT import rules?

I am from Cyprus and I intend to buy a three-year-old used car that is "VAT qualifying" and worth €18,000. The car I'll import from Cyprus.

Please explain the VAT procedure

Andreas Constantinides (Nicosia)

Feb 2017 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Andreas,

If the car is three years old, and thanks to Cyprus being in the EU, you won't have to pay VAT when you import the car, as that's only payable on cars up to six months old. You will need to pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) though, and you'll have just a week from the car's arrival here to inform the Revenue Commissioners of it being here and a month to organise an inspection and pay the charge. If you're trying to reclaim VAT originally paid on the car, then you'll need to get yourself a good accountant as it's a complex process and will depend on whether or not the car is registered as a commercial vehicle. 


ISOFIX mounts in the new Skoda Kodiaq?

Is it true that it will be possible to order three ISOFIX seats in the middle row of the Skoda Kodiaq?

Jill Gordon (Wicklow)

Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats

Expert answer

Hi Jill,

No. There are two standard ISOFIX points in the Kodiaq, in the outer two middle row seats, and a third, optional, point in the front passenger seat. Nothing in the centre rear seat, however, and no ISOFIX at all in the folding third row.