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Hi Tamas,

Well, it depends on which version of Zafira each one is. From the detail you’ve given there on the tax costs, I’d suspect that the 141 car has the 2.0 CDTi diesel engine, the 129g/km of CO₂ emissions of which would put it in Band B2 for a €280 tax cost. Is the 161 car a 1.4 turbo petrol? Because that version’s 156g/km emissions put it just into the €570 Band D. Or the discrepancy could be down to one having an automatic gearbox, instead of a manual. Without more details, I’m afraid, we can’t be sure. 

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Hi Patrick,

We have indeed reviewed the A-Class Saloon and you can read our thoughts on the car here. As for whether it’s good value for money, it kind of depends on how you look at it. Compared to other similarly-priced cars — Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, or Opel Insignia for example — it’s not good value as you’re paying the same or more for a smaller car, probably with less standard equipment. That three-pointed star on the bonnet costs a fair bit… On the other hand, viewing the A-Class Saloon as a slightly smaller (but not that much so) alternative to the C-Class saloon — an entirely valid point of view — it’s actually really good value. Models available range from the basic A 180 petrol and A 180 d diesel versions, through A 200 and A 200 d, all the way up to the slightly rabid 300hp A 35 AMG model. 

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Hi Patrick,

We’d go for the slightly later, slightly more expensive Outlander, and sacrifice a couple of options. That update was a major one, not just on the styling front, but on the mechanical front too. The second-generation Outlander PHEV was more refined than before, and there were some significant improvements to the electric part of the powertrain, which make it both a bit quicker under electric-only power, and a bit more economical overall. 

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Hi Sharon,

It should do — air conditioning was standard on all Astra models by that time, but there is always the possibility that a rogue, down-specced, model got through the net.

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Hi Richard,

The 162 Opel Astra 1.6 CDTi diesel uses a timing chain, designed for the life of the engine, instead of a timing belt.

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Hi Jason,

That engine uses a timing chain.

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Hi Rebecca,

Well, we can’t guarantee that there will be no parts issues, as despite being broadly the same car, there are bound to be a few market-specific differences between the two cars. Also, you’re not going to be able to get parts in your local Opel dealer, so if they’re going to go ahead with it, then I think joining a good owners’ club would be a good idea — always a great source of information, parts and help. As for legality, it should be fine, but you will need to check that the engine used in the South African market will meet 1990-era European emissions standards. 

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Hi Jonathan,

Timing chains are designed for the life of the engine, so they do not come with a scheduled change interval. Make sure the oil changes are regular to keep the chain in good condition. 

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Hi Chris,

The answer here is Skoda Superb. Nothing else, at least nothing else affordable, has the sort of rear legroom to truly allow a very tall driver to get comfy in front of a rear-facing infant seat, and the Superb has the kind of massive boot that every parent of two growing kids will truly need. They’re not expensive, either — go for the second-generation or later model (which first launched in 2009, although the current version, launched in 2015 is nicer still) and you’ll be onto a winner, just make sure to get one with a full and comprehensive history and make sure that it’s not been previously used as a taxi (many have). Even better — get the Combi estate for maximum practicality. 

Read our Skoda Superb reviews for more

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Hi Katarzyna,

You can, but there are two things standing in your way — first you will have to tax the van as a private vehicle, and that means you may end up paying more every year than the flat-rate €333 commercial vehicle road tax rate. Secondly, you will need to make sure you tell your insurer that the van is being used for private, social, domestic and pleasure use, as that may have an impact on your quote and coverage. 

Read our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature for more