Expert answer

Hi David,

Yes, they are different, but it’s not a simple difference. Basically, the ‘classical’ Audi quattro system uses a centre differential, supplied by Torsen, to deliver engine torque to both the front and rear wheels. The system has been hugely updated and altered over the years, both to improve efficiency and to allow for more torque to be sent to the rear wheels (the current version can send as much as 85 per cent of the engine’s power to the back).

The Volkswagen 4Motion system (which is also used on four-wheel drive Skoda models) is a simpler and lighter Haldex system that uses a differential and a series of clutches to send power to the rear wheels. It can disable power to the rears in order to reduce mechanical losses, friction and therefore improve fuel economy. This system has become markedly more sophisticated over the years, but it’s still primarily a front-wheel drive layout that can send power to the rear, while the Audi quattro system is a classic all-wheel drive setup that is always powering all four wheels.

Now, there’s a catch. Some Audi models, mostly the A3, Q3 and A1, use a modified version of the Haldex 4Motion setup, although it’s still badged as a quattro. And there’s a new 'quattro ultra' system coming shortly, which Audi says gives the benefit of all-wheel drive, but with less drag and better fuel economy.

So basically, yes, they are different, but the overall effect – extra traction in poor conditions – is more or less the same. A really keen and sensitive driver will be able to tell the difference between the two in terms of feel and handling, but for the rest of us mortals, they’re effectively the same.

Expert answer

Hi Karina,

You are, if I may say, a smart cookie. Yes, the Insignia is decently solid and pretty reliable, but the fact is that they do get issues with their electrics and, as we all know, ain’t nothing more reliable than a Toyota. Well, almost – have a good look at the Mazda6 estate too, as it's handsome, really good to drive and hugely reliable. A good foil to the Toyota. 

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Hi Marc,

Dealing with insurance companies is like trying to teach a Labrador the entire works of Shakespeare – you can do it, but it’s frustrating and rarely results in the outcome you were hoping for. I think in the first instance, get a letter from your Audi dealer (and make sure it’s the garage YOU want to deal with, not one your insurer is suggesting) and get a letter from them that you can show to your insurer saying that a replacement is the best option. Then prepare to spend a LOT of time on the phone and on email reiterating this to various claim adjusters and customer service bods for probably weeks on end. Eventually, you may get somewhere, but to be honest, the path of least resistance looks pretty tempting here…

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Hi Garry,

It’s a really good car – reliable, roomy and not at all bad to drive. You just need to watch a couple of things – the stereo system can go a bit haywire from time to time (not recognising radio stations, or spitting out CDs, that kind of thing), the third row seats are pretty tight and quite small and the automatic gearbox, although fine to drive, does significantly drive the CO₂ emissions rating up, so check and make sure you can afford the annual motor tax first.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

Well, as far as discounts go, most dealers operate on about an eight per cent margin, so if you're asking for more than a seven per cent discount you're asking for a below cost price. You should get a decent discount for cash right enough, but explore the credit options too - dealers often get bonuses for selling a credit plan so if you can get a good one (at zero per cent interest obviously) and pay it off from your lump sum, it may give the dealer a bit more wiggle room for a discount.

As for the model, with a starter car and the current cost of insurance you need to be looking at no more than a 1.0-litre engine. Happily your budget will easily get you into a Volkswagen up! 1.0, one of the best small cars around (or equally you could go for a mechanically identical SEAT Mii or Skoda Citigo). Can't go wrong really, although if you're looking for other options you could try an Opel Karl (plain but decent), a Renault Twingo (fun but not as well made as the up!) or the Fiat 500 TwinAir (fabulous car, but get an insurance quote first).

Here are reviews of all of those to help you decide:

Volkswagen up! review

SEAT Mii review

Skoda Citigo review

Opel Karl review

Renault Twingo review

Fiat 500 TwinAir review

Expert answer

Hi Con,

Cash. You get the best discounts and the minimum of fuss if you pay for the car up front. PCP plans are great (and hugely affordable), but only really work if you plan to trade your car in for a new one every three years. More traditional hire purchase is probably the best compromise – it’s more expensive than a PCP, but often easier to arrange than a personal car loan from a high street bank and at the end of the loan period you own the car completely.

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Hi Catherine,

To be honest, I wouldn’t. Quite aside from the fact that the Carisma is  dull to look at, sit in and drive, it was also quite unreliable for a car from a major Japanese car maker. There was no end of problems with the engines and worse still, the 1.3 was hopelessly underpowered. If you want a simple, reliable car from around 2002, think Toyota Corolla instead.

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Hi Sean,

Our information is that your Avensis has a timing chain, which should be maintenance free.

Expert answer

Hi Ben,

Well, you can always haggle more and if the dealer isn’t budging, then simply shop around. There are plenty of examples of the C-Max out there to choose from, so don’t get hung up on just the one car if you feel like you’re not getting a good deal. While that does seem like a fair enough price, €17k is top end for a 2012 C-Max, so it had better (a) be perfect, (b) have a full service history and (c) come with a decent warranty.

As for the B-Max, yes there’s quite a big difference. The B-Maxis based on the Fiesta, the C-Max on the Focus so you can see from just that fact that the levels of space on the inside and in the boot are significantly different. Plus the C-Max is a far more comfortable car on a long journey than the B-Max, which can also be sluggish to drive as those sliding doors are actually pretty heavy for such a small car.

As for other cars worth looking at (and I’m assuming you mean against the five-seat C-Max, not the seven-seat Grand C-Max), the Volkswagen Golf Plus offers lots of space and plenty of comfort, as does the five-seat version of the Citroen C4 Picasso.

Here are a few reviews to help you decide:

Ford C-Max review

Ford B-Max review

Citroen C4 Picasso review

Expert answer

Hi John, 

We sent this to Mazda Ireland for comment and here's what was sent back:

"I would advise them to report this directly to his Mazda Retailer for investigation as to the cause of the issue. If it falls under warranty, this would be covered, but in any event, they will do everything to assist rectify the issue."

Let us know how you get on