What's happening with the Mk8 Golf?
Hi,
You mention in the Renault Megane article that an 'all new Golf debuts later this year.' Do you have any more details please as to whether this is a facelifted MK7 or will it be a Mk8?
Martin Smith (Dublin)Jul 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It'll be more of a thorough facelift, but Volkswagen may well decide to break out the Mk8 badges. Expect to see a major interior update with a big central touch screen (with gesture control) and some new and updated engines - including, possibly, a new family of 1.5 TDI three-cylinder diesels.
Is the Golf GTI Performance no more?
Has Volkswagen Ireland stopped importing the GTI Performance? I have been told by Volkswagen that production for the performance model is ceasing (but it still seems to be available to order in other markets). Wondering if this is a temporary measure to help shift the glut of R models available for sale?
Many thanks
Gary Murray (Dublin)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
The answer is partially yes, but it’s nothing to do with R sales, which we are told are actually perfectly healthy. The GTI Performance model is being replaced by the GTI Clubsport, which gets an extra 34hp and some chassis revisions to make the handling even sharper than that of the GTI Performance Pack.
Why do the Audi A3's and Golf's tax differ?
Why is the tax between an Audi and Golf such a difference for a 1.6 engine? Seems odd!
Colin Morrissey (Lucan)Apr 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
It depends which models you mean. I presume you’re looking at an Audi A3 and a Volkswagen Golf, which share a 1.6-litre diesel engine. On the base model of both cars, the quoted CO2 figure is exactly the same – 99g/km. It could be that you’re looking at an A3 Saloon, which, with the optional 18-inch alloy wheels, has a CO2 figure of 109g/km, or possibly even the A3 Saloon quattro 1.6 TDI on 18s, which has a whopping (in comparison) figure of 130g/km. Extra equipment (or indeed a complete four-wheel drive system) and bigger wheels all have an effect on consumption and therefore emissions, you see...
Is an older Golf a good first car?
Hi,
I'm buying my first car and need some advice on what I should get. My budget is about €3,500 and I'm looking for a car with a 1.2- to 1.4-litre engine. At the moment a 10-year old Golf seems like the most reliable option.
Thanks, Conor
Conor Quinn (Dalkey)Apr 2016 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Conor,
A Golf is a great idea, but it would also be worth looking at the Toyota Auris too - it's not as sweet to drive as the Golf, but even more reliable. One word of warning though - both cars come with, at smallest, 1.4-litre engines, so you could run into trouble with insurance if you're only starting out as a driver. Have a shop around for premiums first as you may have to find something with an even smaller engine.
Which compact MPV suits us best?
Hi,
My wife, daughter Daisy (four years old) and myself are thinking of updating our 2005 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 with 105,000km in the next few months. We recently test drove a 2012 C-Max 1.6 diesel Titanium with about 40,000km on the clock. It was a nice car at €17,500 with a €2,000 trade in for our own so really €15,500. I said we were paying cash, but we could not get more discount. Do you think that’s a fair offer or do you think I could haggle more, as most websites say Ford will barter with you?
Second question. The Ford B-Max seems to be cheaper than the C-Max. Apart from the sliding doors and height of the cabin on the B-Max, is there any other difference? To a layman they both offer the same inside and out. I have read and seen reviews for both cars and there are no major negatives there.
Third Question. We are thinking of trading up and not spending more than €15,000. What is the best option realistically for us in your opinion? Should we consider a different vehicle altogether? We like the higher ride in these cars because it's easier for both adult and child to get in.
Regards,
Ben O’Connor
Ben O Connor (Dundrum, Dublin)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
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:
Should I be worried about a late NCT?
Considering buying a 2007 Volkswagen Golf. On the Cartell.ie check it showed that the NCT due in 04/15 was not completed until 04/16; should this be a cause for concern?
Sandra, Clonmel
Sandra Mulcahy (Clonmel)Apr 2016 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
Yes, very. Someone who’s not completing their NCT on time is someone who, for whatever reason, is not looking after their car properly. Avoid.
How can I compare all the electric cars?
Hi,
Is there anywhere one can see all currently available electric cars compared, not just under the usual headings of driving range, charging times, 0 to 100km/h time and overall drivability and practicality, but also the overall running costs (electricity charges, road tax etc.), which can vary when you include battery lease models like the Renault Zoe?
Donal M
Donal Murphy (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
Short answer – no. That’s partially down to the fact that such in-depth comparisons have to take into account the type of mileage you do, the electricity tariff you’re on and more. The best I can suggest is that you have a good long look through our various electric car reviews and then use the cost calculators on both the ESB and SEAI websites to further refine your research:
Should I buy a new diesel or petrol Golf?
Looking out for a new car, in particular the Volkswagen Golf. I travel Cork to Dublin on a weekly basis - would you recommend the Golf Highline 150hp TSI DSG petrol or 150hp TDI DSG?
Aidan Mackey (Blarney)Mar 2016 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
I think with a weekly Cork-Dublin run you should probably go for the diesel. Much better long-run economy.
I'm struggling with buying a petrol car...
Hi,
Trying to buy a replacement for my 1999 Avensis and the scarcity of petrols and abundance of diesels on the market baffles me. I don't think it wise to buy diesel for my standard drive of eight miles to work and home and same six days a week with road trip round 300 miles just six times a year.
This is supposedly "economical" and "green driving" even though in London it costs more for a permit going into city with diesel car and trends in London have historically impacted directly on us in three to five years. I would love to know of a diesel car 2008-2011 (for cheap tax) with no necessary DPF that I have to worry about, or will I stick to petrol believing that in five years time petrol is a more saleable/popular engine than diesel is? Then there might be a hybrid to suit. Volkswagen, Japanese or any good 1.4+ hatch or saloon suggestions?
Thanks,
Pauline.
Pauline Anne Connor (Galway)Feb 2016 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Pauline,
You're absolutely 100 per cent dead right - diesel is not for everyone and especially not for those with overall low mileages and short commutes. And as the recent emissions scandal has shown us, diesel exhaust can be staggeringly bad for your health.
As for finding a diesel without a DPF filter, I'm not sure you'll be able to. In order to meet the particulate emissions legislation under EuroV and EuroVI regulations you pretty much had to have one. Some people have, of course, removed the DPF to avoid maintenance issues, but then you're just spewing out a plume of highly carcinogenic soot particles as you drive...
So, I think your best bet is to go for a compact turbocharged petrol engine or, just maybe, a hybrid. The Toyota Prius would potentially be ideal for your daily drive, but could be a bit of an over-thirsty pain on that six-time-a-year longer journey. Try instead a car fitted with the Volkswagen Group's excellent 1.2-litre TSI turbo petrol engine (Golf or Skoda Octavia are the best ones), a Ford Focus with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine or maybe an Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo. Here are a few relevant reviews for you to consult:
Is the 1.0-litre engine enough for the Astra?
Hi,
I'm considering buying the new 1.0 litre petrol Opel Astra. I live in West Cork and most trips would be local most days between five miles and fifteen miles and a trip to Cork (50 miles) every couple of weeks. My present car is a 1.6 diesel Golf, but I want to move away from diesel. Do you think the small engine of the Astra would be enough for my needs?
Thanks.
Mark Kearney (Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Based on personal experience (and as someone who grew up in West Cork) I'd say yes - the Astra 1.0 is really sweet to drive and should easily crack 45mpg in daily driving. The only thing to watch for is the small fuel tank, which means you'll be filling up on those journeys back from Cork.