New Mondeo or something else for 2018?
Need help. Trying to decide between 2018 Ford Mondeo or Audi A4... or wait for the next Audi A6... or rob a bank for a BMW 520d. What do you think?
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Oct 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
The Mondeo is a fine car, but it has fallen back a bit compared to previous versions and I don’t think it’s really comparable to the current crop of premium-badge saloons, which is a shame. The A4 is very, very good, but if you’re going to have to ‘rob a bank’ to get a BMW 520d then you’re going to have to do the same for the new A6.
That said, there are some very good mid-size saloons around at the moment that are better than a Mondeo, and which can give an A4 a serious run for its money. A Skoda Superb, perhaps? Volkswagen Passat? Mazda6? All well worth a look, and better value all-round than the A4.
Here are a few of our reviews to help you decide:
Which hybrids etc to look for new in 2018?
Currently driving a 142 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0-litre diesel with a view to upgrading in 2018. What hybrids/electric cars/SUVs are worth considering as an alternative, but will still give me the space I need as opposed to driving a box?
I mainly drive around my local town (Waterford) and surrounding areas during the week then at weekends I travel long distances going to hurling/rugby games in and around the Munster region.
Thanks
Ray
Ray Power (Waterford)Sep 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
If you fancy a hybrid, then the best current model is the Toyota Prius. Its looks may divide opinion, but it is exceptionally economical, even on a long motorway run, and it has a roomy, comfortable cabin. Read our Toyota Prius review here.
If you fancy something a little more prestigious, then how about the Lexus IS 300h? Not quite as spacious as the Opel you have, but with exceptional build quality, decent economy and terrific refinement. Read our Lexus IS 300h review here.
BMW”s 330e plugin hybrid is another good contender, as is Volkswagen’s Passat GTE, but they’re both quite pricey and work better in downtown than they do on the open road. As far as hybrid SUVs go, Toyota’s C-HR is lovely, but rather small inside, so it may be worth waiting for Honda to launch its new CR-V hybrid next year. More reviews for you:
How often do I change the belt in my Focus?
After how many miles does the timing belt on a 2015 diesel Ford Focus 1.5 have to be changed?
Rory Waters (Kildare)Sep 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
Assuming you really do mean the 1.5 TDCi diesel in the latest Focus (which was only launched in 2015), then Ford recommends every 180,000 kilometres or 10 years. We's suggest earlier if the car is used in town a lot in stop-start traffic. That applies to all 95hp and 120hp versions, as well as the 105hp ECOnetic model.
Should I stick with diesel for a new Kodiaq?
I am ordering (PCP) a Skoda Kodiaq and want to order the 150hp diesel 4x4. I am seriously concerned, however, about diesel 'issues' and don't want to face any anticipatable difficulties in the short and possibly medium term.
The alternative is the non 4x4 150hp 1.4 petrol version. Have read several of the reviews, see some merits, but fuel economy seems poor and fear the occasions when car might be fully loaded. I appreciate no one can know what stance the government may take on diesel, but do not want equity eroded at end of PCP. I drive about 24k kilometres annually.
Many thanks
Pat
Paul McDonald (Dublin)Sep 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
At 24k a year you’re probably best going for diesel, to be honest. While we’re equally in the dark as regards what the Budget holds in store for us, it seems (at the time of writing) unlikely that any drastic moves are going to be made just yet. There’s also an urban/rural divide in all of this. If you live in the Dublin, and to a slightly lesser extent, Cork, Limerick, Wateford and Galway city areas, then there is a distinct move away from diesel and towards petrol, but in rural areas, diesel is still king.
That said, the 150hp 1.4-litre TSI turbo engine is absolutely excellent, and we’ve found that while it is, of course, less economical than the equivalent diesel, you’re only talking about 1.0 litre per 100km or so in the real-world difference. It’s well worth considering if you’re concerned about future diesel values.
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.
How is the 2014 Ford Fiesta auto?
How is the 2014 Ford Fiesta Zetec automatic and what's it worth?
Kate Mackey (Tralee)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kate,
Well, the Fiesta has always been a good car, and 2014 models were post-facelift versions, so they look a little sharper on the outside and the interior got a boost in quality. Plus there was the option of the EcoBoost engine. Values run from around €8,000 to around €12,000, but, just at the moment, we can’t find a single automatic version for sale…
When to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
When do I change the timing belt on my 2014 Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCi diesel?
Peter Johnson (Cheshire)Jul 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Ford recommends a change every 200,000 kilometres or every 10 years, whichever comes first. We would always advise readers to make the change earlier than that.
Hyundai i20, Opel Astra or Ford EcoSport?
At same lending cost... what to buy and why? Hyundai i20, Opel Astra or Ford EcoSport Titanium Plus?
Jitu Mehta (Rajkot.)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jitu,
Of those three, we’d go for the Astra every time. The i20 is fine, but a little dull. The EcoSport is an awful car so don’t go near it. The Astra, though, is well made, engaging to drive, roomy and economical. Go for the 1.0-litre turbo petrol and you won’t go wrong. Here are our reviews of each:
Which 2008-2009 estate to buy?
What is the estate car to buy around 2008-2009 low tax brands? I was leaning towards Volvo.
Thanks
Mike
Mike Doherty (Cappoquin)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Back as far as 2008 and 2009 sadly you're missing out on the Volvo V60, which is a cracking car and very affordable to run. You could get a bigger V70 with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, but it's a bit more expensive. The smaller V50 estate might be too small for you.
Would you consider a Skoda instead? An Octavia Combi is hugely spacious, reliable, cheap to buy and cheap to run.
We're looking for a good seven-seater.
Hi, we're looking for a seven-seater where we could potentially fit three car seats across the back seat. We currently have a Nissan Qashqai, which we love. A friend recommended a Volkswagen Touran, but says it feels a bit boxy to drive - but that might be the case with all seven-seaters? Our budget is €30k net of trade in (04 Ford Fiesta).
Happy to buy new or consider up to two years' old.
Thanks
Rosalind O'Brien (Dublin)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rosalind,
If you go for the current Touran (which launched two years ago) then no, it's not boxy to drive at all. Rather good in fact. The new Renault Scenic is also quite nice to drive, and if you go up a size, the Ford S-Max is actually slightly nicer to drive than the Mondeo that it's based on. Here are a few reviews for your interest: