What will I replace my Mazda3 with?
I'd like to replace my Mazda3 petrol 1.6 for a diesel car or SUV; what would you recommend? I'd like something with good fuel economy as I do over 360 miles a week, mostly motorway driving, and lower tax preferably. I have two young children in car seats. I'm looking for something a year or two old, but not a Golf.
Thanks
Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alanna,
If you like the Mazda, then it would be well worth considering an upgrade to the current-shape Mazda3 with the 1.5-litre SkyActiv diesel engine — it's smooth, refined, very economical and with the usual Mazda reliability. A lovely car. Also worth considering are the Honda Civic 1.6 iDTEC diesel or Kia cee’d 1.6 CRDi.
A few reviews for you:
How good is the Volkswagen CrossPolo in windy weather?
How good is the Volkswagen CrossPolo in windy weather? I do a lot of motorway driving and like the look of this car but wonder how sturdy it would be on the open roads in the very windy weather we get.
Thanks
Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paula,
Despite appearances, the CrossPolo is less than 30mm taller than the regular Polo hatchback. We don't expect it to be significantly different to the Polo on the road.
We've not yet driven this car, though we're due to within weeks so keep an eye on the site and if anything changes we'll let you know.
What pressure should I inflate my tyres to?
Hello,
I drive a Renault Vel Satis 2.0 Privilege Hatchback. The tyres are 225/55 on 17-inch wheels. Please let me know the recommended tyre pressures, front and rear.
Thanks
DERMOT FAGAN (ATHLONE)
Jul 2010 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Renault have come back to us with the information.
The pressures in are front: 2.1 bar (30 psi)and rear 2.0 bar (29 psi) on the 225/55 R17s.
If you do a lot of motorway driving then these should be 2.2 bar (32 psi) front and 2.0 bar (29 psi) rear.
I hope this helps.
What fuel economy should I get in my 1.3 diesel Astra?
Hello, I drive a 2008 1.3-litre diesel Astra with a six-speed gearbox on a fairly normal driving pattern: start, stop, traffic-jams etc. and M50 motorway driving (in which I use the cruise control). What sort of fuel economy should I expect?
Thanks
Alec Cowan (Tallaght)Expert answer
Hi Alec,
First, the disclaimer: a huge number of factors will influence your average fuel consumption, including the route you take; whether your tyres are inflated correctly; if you're driving around with a boot full of golf clubs; and of course how you drive.
All that aside, a good rough estimation is to split the official combined and urban economy figures. This varies for every car but I think you should use about 6.0 litres/100km - which is 47mpg in old money.
Let me know if you want a few basic tips on how to improve your economy and how to measure your consumption precisely.