When does the Ford Edge go on sale in Ireland?
Any idea when the Ford Edge is going on sale in Ireland?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Ford won't give us an official launch date, but suffice to say it's not until 2014.
How much is the VRT on a 2008 Honda Accord?
How much is the VRT on a 2008 Honda Accord 2.2 diesel emitting 137g/km with 70,000 miles (113,000 kilometres) on a 58 plate? And why don't Revenue list them on the web site for VRT quote?
Thanks
Derek Wall (Clonmel)Feb 2013 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
Revenue's online VRT calculator is very poor and tricky to use at the best of times. There seem to be loads of different 2.2-litre diesel Accords if it's to be believed and some of the calculations are nonsense, putting the car in the top 36% VRT band instead of the 19% band, where it should be. The best way to clarify the situation is to contact Revenue direct.
However, you can do some calculation of your own. Based on asking prices of similar cars on sale in Ireland, the maximum OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) of this car now is say €20,000. That means a maximum VRT bill of €3,800 (19%).
In reality Revenue should value this car much lower, bringing the bill down considerably.
Let us know if we can help any further.
How can a 1.6-litre diesel engine manage a car like the Mondeo?
I wish to get the 1.6-litre diesel engine explained to me. The Ford Focus has a 1.6d and now the Mondeo has a 1.6d engine. Can both do a good job? One is small car, one is large and heavy. Is 1.6d a good engine generally?
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Feb 2013 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
This engine downsizing is prevalent and not just by Ford, and it has been made possible thanks to advances in engine technology, such as high pressure fuel injection and turbocharging.
A close look at what's offered by Ford Ireland reveals that the Mondeo 1.6 TDCi is the 115hp version, where as the Focus can be had with that and a cheaper 95hp unit. The raw data reveals that the 115hp Focus does the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds - a second faster than the Mondeo with the same engine. Likewise, the Focus is more efficient with lower emissions and fuel consumption - though the differences are not as big as you might think.
Essentially, it boils down to the engine's torque output. This engine produces 270Nm from as low as 1,750rpm, which is more than enough to deal with a car the size of the Mondeo. Naturally a 2.0-litre diesel with the same technology will be more impressive again, but the 1.6 is just fine.
For the record, we find that Ford's 1.6-litre TDCi engine has a very narrow power band, but once you learn to keep the engine within that it never feels slow. Obviously, driven like that it won't come close to its official fuel economy figures.
Hope that all helps.
Do UK driving lessons count in Ireland?
I have just returned from the UK and I have had circa 30 hours driving lessons altogether. I cannot afford to take a further 12 lessons. Is there any way around this?
John
John Bowen (Cork)Jan 2013 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi John,
Well, the Road Safety Authority specifies that you must take 12 hours minimum of professional instruction before you can apply for your test, but they don’t specify that it must be done in Ireland. As the UK is recognised as a competent authority for driving standards (our licences are interchangeable etc) they might just accept that your existing 30 hours has you covered. Give them a ring on 1890 40 60 40 and ask.
Please compare the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in two-wheel drive guises
Can you compare the BMW X3 sDrive and Audi Q5 with front-wheel drive?
Gerry Broder (Loughrea, Co.galway)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
I'm afraid we've not driven the X3 sDrive. For those not in the know, that's the rear-wheel drive version of the BMW. It's offered in Ireland in '18d' format only, which means a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. It comes in manual and automatic guises and in SE or M Sport trim levels with on-the-road prices starting from €43,690.
Non-quattro Audi Q5s are powered by a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as well. While there are more trim levels offered (base, SE and S Line) this car can not be specified with an automatic transmission. On-the-road prices start from €41,760.
For the record, with a manual gearbox, both cars are in Band B2 for tax purposes though the X3 uses marginally less fuel on the combined consumption cycle (5.1- vs. 5.4 litres/100km) and it's a second quicker accelerating to 100km/h at 9.9 seconds.
Hope that helps in some way
When does the new Toyota RAV4 arrive?
When is the new Toyota RAV4 going to be on sale in Ireland?
Fady Yazbeck (Dublin)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fady,
Toyota Ireland has confirmed that the new RAV4 arrives in March. We'll be driving it then.
When did the current BMW 7 Series go on sale?
When did the new model BMW 7 Series go on sale in Ireland? Was it late 2008 or 2009?
Eamonn Curley (Naas)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
We asked BMW to be sure and this model hit the market late in 2008. Last year (2012) it came in for a 'LCI' (Life Cycle Impulse) update - facelift to you and I.
The UK and Ireland are more or less aligned as far as BMW is concerned.
Hope that helps.
Is the new Golf Plus available now in Ireland?
Is the new Volkswagen Golf Plus available now in Ireland?
GEORGE FORD (KINSALE. CO. CORK)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi George,
We spoke to Volkswagen Ireland and it confirmed that yes, it is. Prices start at €23,175 for the Golf Plus Trendline 1.2 TSI 85 and rise to €29,355 for the Life 1.6 TDI 105 DSG version.
Engines are 1.2 TSI petrol in 85- and 105hp guises or 1.6 TDI diesel in 90- and 105hp outputs. DSG automatic available with both 105hp engines. Trim levels are Trendline or Life.
Hope that helps
How do I check that a car's mileage is genuine?
How do I check if a car's mileage is genuine or if it has been altered?
Thank you...
Philip Dawson (Dublin)Jan 2013 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
There are several vehicle history check companies operating in Ireland. We'd recommend Cartell.ie. It offers a range of options depending on your budget and it's highly dependable.
Let us know how you get on.
What's the official fuel consumption of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
What is the fuel consumption of the Hyundai Sante Fe 2.2?
Davy Lambe (Tullamore)Expert answer
Hi Davy,
There are four versions of the Santa Fe sold in Ireland, all with the 2.2-litre diesel engine. Here are the figures:
- Comfort 2WD manual: 5.9 litres/100km (48mpg)
- Executive 4WD manual: 6.1 litres/100km (46mpg)
- Executive 4WD automatic: 6.7 litres/100km (42mpg)
- Premium 4WD automatic: 6.8 litres/100km (41.5mpg)
If it was the older model you're interested in please come back to us.