MG3 or Mazda2 hybrids?
Cna oyu compare the MG3 'self-charging' hybrid and Mazda2 self-charging hybrid for both town and distance travel?
Mary Pierse (Dublin)Oct 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
The MG is undoubtedly more powerful, as the numbers suggest, but the Mazda doesn't feel appreciably slower at all, and the Mazda is nicer to drive both in town and out of it. The MG is a little 'softer' on the road perhaps, meaning it's a fraction more comfortable over bumps, but there's not much in it.
Overall I prefer how the Mazda drives and it feels like a higher-quality product. The MG hits back with its low price and it's also a little more spacious.
They're both very economical cars with little to separate them in that way.
I highly recommend you drive both for yourself before deciding.
Why no Mazda logo on my MX-5?
Why does my 1991 MX-5 SE not have a Mazda emblem on the front?
Richard Bowie (Pickering On)Aug 2023 Filed under: bodywork
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
Is it an import from Japan or elsewhere? Or is it a special edition? It's not unusual for imported cars and special editions to get different bonnet badges.
What to replace my Mondeo with?
Please point me in right direction. I have a 2018 Ford Mondeo and would like to change in January 2022, so I need some advice. I like diesel. What three cars should I be test driving? Around the size of the Mondeo with five doors. Help!
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge, Co. Kildare)Jun 2021 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
OK, at the very top of your list should be the Skoda Superb. It’s massive inside, hugely comfortable, has a huge boot, is well made and has an excellent 2.0-litre TDI 150hp diesel engine. It’s well worth checking out the 150hp TSI petrol too though — it's smoother, quieter and nearly as economical unless you're driving at motorway speed all day.
Next go and check out the Mazda6. Now, there’s no five-door fastback version, but there is a hugely handsome Touring estate model, and it’s very good to drive. Tremendous interior quality too. Only problem? Mazda has dropped diesel engines from its line-up, but the 2.0-litre petrol is an excellent unit, and surprisingly economical.
Finally, you could go for one, last Mondeo. It’s coming to the end of its production life right now, but it’s still a firm favourite of ours, and with it being on run-out, you’ll get some proper bargains if you want to buy one of the last ones.
Is the Mazda3 expensive to fix?
Hello,
Is the 2007 Mazda3 expensive to repair compared to VW Polo, Skoda Fabia, etc?
Thanks
Vishwanath Bijapur (Dublin)Jan 2021 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Vishwanath,
It really shouldn't be, especially not if you're using non-official parts, which most people would do for cars of that age.
VRT for a 141 Mazda3?
Hi,
How much would be the VRT for a 141 Mazda3 2.0?
Adaora Iroh (Co Carlow)Nov 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Adaora,
OK, if you bring it in right now, and get it VRT’d before January 1st, then the VRT cost should be in the region of €1,700. After January 1st, that will go up a little as, with CO2 emissions of 119g/km, and adding the extra calculation that Revenue will now be making to equalise emissions figures taken from the old NEDC test with the new WLTP test (which bring’s the Mazda3’s figures up to 144g/km) then it will be in a 19 per cent VRT band, rather than a 17 per cent. That would most likely bring the VRT payable (including the NOx levy) to around €1,900, but all of that will of course depend on the individual car, its specification, condition and history.
Read these articles for more information:
Any more Ford Mondeos coming?
I've been a Mondeo driver forever. All good, no problems.
Do you know if the Mondeo will stay on sale in the Irish market? Dealers are coy about disclosing the full facts.
If I cannot have a lovely new Mondeo, what do you recommend? I like diesel and the Mondeo size suits me. Give me a few suggestions, please. My mortgage is now paid so I could go up a grade as a special treat...
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge, Co. Kildare)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Sadly, for all us Mondeo fans, it will die in its current form soon (most likely in the next 18 months or so). Now, it will be replaced, but most likely not by another saloon, but a crossover of some description instead, sitting above the Kuga in the current Ford range, and likely with a seven-seat option.
Happily, there are still a few proper, full-sized four-door saloons around for you to choose from, and they’re good ‘uns. Our list starts with the Skoda Superb (massive inside, smooth to drive, handsome to look at and really good quality) and the VW Passat (all of the above but not quite so big inside). The Mazda6 is a big favourite of ours, too, not least because it’s so engaging to drive, and has such high quality and reliability levels, but Mazda is dropping the diesel engine option, so you might want to snap one up soon, before they’re all gone.
If you fancied going down the hybrid route, then Toyota’s excellent Camry is well worth a look, and there’s the Opel Insignia (probably one of the most underrated cars on the market) to consider too. If you fancy something a little moore stylish, check out the very slinky Peugeot 508.
You could go up a grade, as you suggest, to the likes of a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, but the problem is you need to spend a LOT extra to get one with decent spec, so our recommendation would be to stick with one of the mainstream brands.
Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:
Cost of a new Mazda MX-5?
What would be the total cost of a new Mazda MX-5 GT and will there be any for sale here in Ireland before the end of the year?
The Mazda dealers and Mazda Ireland are not very upfront with this information. You would think that they would be hungry for sales and especially on a model that is the flagship of the brand.
Anthony Byrne (Cork)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
My contact within Mazda Ireland responded:
"There is currently one MX-5 in stock from what I can see here and it happens to be a black RF GT. Otherwise dealers can order an MX-5 in as special order to whatever colour and spec the customer would like. The prices for a GT (roadster / RF) are as follows if a customer was to purchase one now. Prices will go up by €270 by November, however:
Roadster GT - €33,645
RF GT - €36,145
Mazda MX-5 pricing and details can be found on Mazda.ie."
Can you give us 2021 pricing on these EVs?
Hi,
Curious to know what the difference will be on BEV pricing under the new VRT rules compared with current pricing (which has €5,000 VRT rebate). Would be interesting to see old vs new pricing on a few e.g. Mazda MX-30, Peugeot e-208, Honda e, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3.
Thanks, Kieran Donnelly
Kieran Donnelly (Cork)Oct 2020 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
Our understanding is that the €5,000 VRT rebate will continue for electric cars with an OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) of under €40,000 and will be tapered from that to zero rebate for cars with an OMSP of over €50,000. Hence, most of the cars you mention shouldn't see much of a price change, though we don't yet have sight of how the rebate changes for cars with an OMSP of between €40,000 and €50,000.
For reference:
The Mazda MX-30 currently costs from €30,495 including SEAI grant and VRT rebate.
The Peugeot e-208 currently costs from €27,334 including SEAI grant and VRT rebate.
The Honda e currently costs from €29,995 including SEAI grant and VRT rebate.
The Nissan Leaf currently costs from €29,890 including SEAI grant and VRT rebate.
The Tesla Model 3 currently costs from €47,990 including SEAI grant and VRT rebate.
When to change my Mazda3's belt?
Hi there.
I have a 2011 Mazda3 1.6 diesel. Just wondering when the cam belt should be changed.
Many thanks
Paul
Paul Bugden (SALISBURY)Jul 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
A 2011 car should be the later eight-valve engine, with 116hp. Its belt should be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.
Toyota Avensis or Mazda CX-5?
I am driving approx 52k yearly in a 1.6-litre diesel 161 VW Passat with 125,000km on the clock. Thinking of changing to a 171 Mazda CX-5 2.2 with 62,000km or a 161 Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre with 98,000km. Which is the better option or is there another I should be looking at?
Mags
Mags Smith (CARRICK-ON-SHANNON)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mags,
OK, there’s a bit of a balance to be struck, here. The Avensis would, normally, be a good, solid choice and of the two cars you’ve mentioned, it’s the more economical overall. However, we’re always slightly wary of cars that may have been used in the past as taxis, so you’d want to carefully check the history on that one, using Cartell.ie, for example.
The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favourite cars, but if it’s a 2017 model you’re looking at, then you’d want to make sure that it’s the second-generation CX-5 — not that the older car is bad or anything, but the newer version is a deal more sophisticated and refined, so worth stretching the budget for. The current version arrived in Ireland during 2017. It would be a bit thirstier than the Avensis but of the two it would be our choice.
Others worth looking at? Honda’s CR-V is always an excellent choice (massively roomy, hugely reliable), VW Passat (go for the estate), or the Skoda Superb. Here are a few our reviews to help: