Audi A3 or Volkswagen Golf, for space?
Which car has the most interior space: the Volkswagen Golf or the Audi A3?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Aug 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
They are essentially identical in size on the inside, with the same front and rear legroom and only a fractional difference in headroom. The A3 hatchback has a slightly smaller boot in three-door form (365 litres), but the five-door model (called the Sportback) has the same 380-litre boot as the Golf. The A3 saloon does have a bigger boot though, at 425 litres.
Why are cars not properly changed to RHD?
Hi! Hope you're well and hope you don't mind having a read of my rant to see what you think.
I'm wondering lately what is it with car manufacturers, in particular European ones, who in recent years have decided to skimp on doing full right-hand-drive conversions on their cars. For example, in the current Skoda Octavia, the bonnet release is on the left, as it was designed to be. The access buttons for the stereo are also to the left for easy access by the driver. If you take a look at the right-hand-drive model though you see the handbrake, bonnet release and stereo controls still placed for the left-hand-drive market. Same applies to the latest Golf; Volkswagen has been doing that with the Golf since the MK3 model.
And marques outside of VAG are also guilty - in particular Renault and Peugeot stand out as prime offenders for this - so much so as not bothering to convert the wipers to the right side. It looks so lazy - and I presume it's saving a meager sum on each car sold. You'd know this is the case as the premium brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes still go to the trouble of doing the conversions properly - but what's frustrating is that Skoda was doing proper conversions until recently. Their MK2 Octavia, sold until 2013, had it done properly. So it's a shame to see it going in the wrong direction.
Is there any way you could run this by your people in the motoring industry? I love new cars, but I'm sure most people would be willing to pay the extra €100 per car or whatever it is to have it as intended for the market. I'm sure some acknowledgement of it might make them reconsider. The poor attempts at the minute look very, very shoddy and I wish they'd give us the same attention as they do the left-hand-drive world.
Thank you for reading. I know - first world problems right?
Colin Moynihan (Waterford)Aug 2017 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
Yup, first world problem right enough, and actually not a new phenomenon at all. The old left-hand-drive-right-hand-drive swapover has been done better and worse by various car makers down the years, and it varies hugely from model to model. Anyone who’s driven a Mazda RX-8, and found the handbrake digging into their left thigh, for example, will have no doubts that even the Japanese, in spite of their right-hand-drive home market, often design cars for left-hand drive and then switch things around on the cheap.
Generally speaking, there should be no safety issues from the switch (wipers, as you point out, should really be swapped across and I can’t think of a model in recent years that hasn’t had that) although there was the old issue with the second generation Renault Megane that used a rod to switch the brakes across and which could still be activated by a passenger poking their shoes into the footwell…
As you point out, some buttons, switches, etc are often left the same and it’s all down to the investment needed to swap them around and the likely return on sales from right-hand-drive markets. Car makers do the maths very carefully, and while you’re right that it might only be €100 a car, that’s a multi-million up front investment, and one with no guaranteed return.
Incidentally, if you think it’s bad now, wait until after Brexit — if the UK car market slips, then the business case for right-hand-drive cars will fall further still.
Looking for a practical compact estate...
Hi,
I'm looking for a small estate the back seats of which fold completely flat. Which models, to your knowledge, best fit this requirement?
Thanks, Tom Nelson
Tom Nelson (Maynooth)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
The best ones to go for are the Volkswagen Golf Estate, Skoda Octavia Combi, Peugeot 308 SW, or Toyota Auris Touring Sports. Our reviews:
Looking for something fun and petrol...
Hey guys, looking to upgrade from a 2008 Honda Civic Type S for something a little more comfortable for long journeys but still quite fun and cool. Any advice?
I abhor diesel engines and any help is appreciated!
Peter White (Mayo)Jun 2017 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
If you want a mix of fun, comfort and not diesel, it’s kind of hard to beat a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Superb performance, practical and comfy cabin and 45mpg if you drive it gently.
Other good options are a MINI Cooper (a touch noisy on longer journeys, but with very good seats), a Ford Fiesta ST (hands down the best hot hatch currently on sale, but perhaps lacking a little in comfort), or a Peugeot 308 in GT spec with the 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine.
Should we upgrade to a BMW 320d Touring?
Hi,
We currently have a 2001 Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.4 petrol and are looking to upgrade. A potential option is a 2007 BMW 3 Series 320d SE Touring. Do you think this is a good option? We are happy to commit to the extra tax and insurance as we feel this will balance out with savings on fuel.
Would you agree? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
Kay Clyne (Mayo)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kay,
Yes, you should see a considerable saving on fuel, probably in the order of 10mpg at least, depending on how and where you drive. It is worth noting, though, that you will also be looking at considerably higher maintenance and servicing costs, as the 320d is much more sophisticated and high-tech than your Golf and, without careful, regular attention from a specialist they can start giving serious trouble.
Five best estate cars in Ireland?
Hi,
Hope you're well, Have you done a '5 best estate cars in Ireland?' I did search but couldn't see anything.
Martin Smith (Mayo)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
We haven’t actually done that, as yet, but here’s a quick rundown of our favourites:
1. Skoda Superb Combi: massive, roomy, cavernous, spacious, replete with space — whatever way you want to put it, the Superb is the best estate around simply because you can fit the most amount of stuff into one. Looks good too, and is exceptionally comfortable. Not the sharpest thing to drive, but you won’t really care.
2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate: really good looking, massive boot, staggeringly high quality cabin, comfortable, smooth 2.0-litre diesel and surprisingly good to drive.
3. Volvo V90: another one that’s surprisingly good to drive, with sharper steering than you’d expect. Gorgeous interior, exceptionally comfy seats and the only problem is that the boot isn’t quite as big as it should be. Exterior styling does kind of make up for that, a little.
4. Volkswagen Golf Estate: not the obvious choice perhaps, but adds extra space (lots of it — a 605-litre boot) to the Golf’s usual other qualities of quality and classiness. An ideal family car and more affordable to buy and run than an average SUV.
What'll I do with my petrol Mazda5?
Hi,
According to every car salesman I speak to I am apparently in an unfortunate situation. I currently own a Mazda5 Exec, 1.8 petrol seven-seater with 127,500km on the clock, which I no longer have a need for. So, I am considering trading it in, but I'm also considering selling it privately (as I may get more money for it that way). The best trade in price I have been quoted so far was €4,450 against a 2011 Ford Focus TDCi and the worst price I've been quoted was €2,500 against a 2012 Opel Astra GTC (worth €11,750).
What I'm hoping to buy is a good reliable small car (hatchback style) that is economical to run and tax and that will last me a long time. I test drove a few in the past few weeks and unlike my past car purchases I'm in no hurry to buy. I am considering buying a car from Northern Ireland with the sterling being rumoured to becoming equal to the Euro soon enough.
The Astra GTC has caught my eye, but going by some reviews I've been reading it may not be the best fit for me. Some other cars I would consider are Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus or SEAT Leon, but I'm open to persuasion.
Basically, I don't need a seven-seater anymore, so I want a stylish, modern, economical smaller car to get around in. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Del.
Derek Bailey (Dunleer)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
OK, you haven’t told us the year of your Mazda so that makes it a little hard to value, but seeing as it’s the 1.8 petrol I’m going to guess that it’s around 2006-2007. If so, then I’d say that the €4,400 trade-in offer is actually pretty good.
As to what car to get, if you’re looking for a small hatch then it’s very hard indeed to look past the Volkswagen Golf. It’s one of the world’s best-selling cars for a reason, and as long as you buy one with a full service history and keep it looked after, you should get plenty of years of reliable service out of one yet.
Ditto for the mechanically identical SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia. The Opel Astra GTC is a fine car in many ways — handsome, good to drive, decent quality, but it was hamstrung by poor diesel engines (other than the range-topping 2.0-litre) and unless you’re looking at the 1.4 petrol turbo model, it’s possibly not the best purchase.
The Focus is definitely a good buy, and that TDCi diesel is frugal to run, but you just have to be slightly cautious about diesel power right now. If you’re not doing big miles, you’d be better off with a petrol car.
Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca petrol?
Hi guys,
My wife drives a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 petrol with 80,000km on the clock. Her work will be based in Naas from August this year. We're looking to upgrade her car, we don't reckon she warrants diesel and have narrowed it down to the Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca (1.2 and 1.4). We have about €20k to put towards it (including what she'd get for the Golf). Reliability and running costs are important. We've had two kids since she bought the Golf so she's looking for something a bit roomier.
Which of the above would you say is the better option and is there anything else we should consider (she doesn't like the Golf SV)?
Much appreciated
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
We really like the Ateca, and the 1.4 turbo petrol engine really suits it, so that’s the one we’d advise you to go for. There’s an updated version of the Qashqai coming very shortly, so bear that in mind if you’re looking at the Nissan — you might be able to get a better bargain on a run-out model.
Alternatives to the Golf GTD Estate?
Hi,
If possible please can you do a 'Five of the best' report for compact estate cars in Ireland? I desire and am ready to order a Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate as am currently on my second GTD, but need more space. I want to carry on the Golf GTD customer journey, but alas, this perfect solution for me and my family is 'not available in Ireland...' Therefore I need to look elsewhere so would appreciate your opinions if possible? It appears SEAT and Skoda have this category to themselves.
Martin Smith (Knocklyon)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It is a shame that the GTD Estate isn’t imported into Ireland by Volkswagen as it’s a cracking car, but the sad fact is that the market for compact estates is so small, and high performance compact estates smaller still, that it’s probably not worth Volkswagen’s while. That said, the GTD Estate is effectively imported in the guise of both the Skoda Octavia RS TDI Combi and the SEAT Leon ST 2.0 TDI 180hp FR — of those two, we’d go for the Skoda, as it’s marginally sharper to drive than the SEAT, looks great and is simply massive inside.
Other options are the Opel Astra Sports Tourer in SRi spec with the 136hp 1.6 CDTi diesel engine — not as powerful as the Skoda or SEAT, obviously, but a great car and terrific to drive. Lovely interior too. Or you could try the Ford Focus ST TDCi Estate, which is brilliant fun to drive, but sadly is again on the personal import list.
Lastly, there’s the option of going second hand or nearly new and buying something along the lines of a BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant.
I need a car for just one year...
I need a car for one year. What has the best resale value and what year should I be looking at if I am to sell it in 2018 and recoup the best part of my investment, i.e. not lose any more than I would if I were to hire the same model and year car for 12 months? If that makes any sense.
Helen White (Meath/Dublin/Kildare)Apr 2017 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi Helen,
Long-term hiring can often be a good idea, as opposed to buying a car and riding the waves of depreciation, but if you prefer buying then your three best bets are the Toyota Auris, Volkswagen Golf and Hyundai Tucson. All of these cars are in huge demand second hand, and as long as you keep the condition good, you should be looking at depreciation of no more than around 20 per cent of the original purchase price.