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Hi F D,

The Audi Q2 won't actually be called the Q2, it'll be called the Q1. Why? Because Fiat owns the rights to the Q2 badge and won't let Audi play with its ball. So the Q1 will sit beneath the existing Q3, and will be based on the same MQB chassis system that currently underpins almost everything Volkswagen, from Golf to A3 to Passat to Superb. The next Q3 will get a little bigger too, to make some space for the Q1. Expect the Q1 to skew a little more towards an estate, crossover-y body style, leaving the Q3 to be taller and blockier and more SUV-ish.

We have no official word on engines yet but as it's MQB-based expect 1.4 turbo petrol and 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with an SQ1 sports variant using either a tweaked diesel or 230hp petrol turbo. It'll go on sale in 2016 and we'd expect to see a full production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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Hi John,

Only. If. You're. Very. Lucky.

Actually, they're not that bad - probably the best car that Rover ever built, but then you need to place that statement in the context of some of the build quality horrors they did turn out... And besides that, the youngest possible 75 turned 10 this year. The oldest ones are almost old enough to vote by now.

You need to watch for some specific problems. If it's got the 1.8 turbo petrol engine, avoid it - they overheat and do their head gaskets and at that point you may as well just throw the engine away. The 2.0-litre V6 petrol is lovely and smooth but complex and expensive to maintain. The BMW-sourced 2.0-litre diesel is the best powerplant, but it does develop turbo problems and they're heavy on the transmission. You also need to check for worn, saggy suspension and rusty brake pipes.

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Hi Shaun,

Yes it would - there is no difference.

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Hi Gerard,

Short answer: no. While it's generally possible to convert any petrol burning car to LPG, the Insight's complex electronic systems, which manage its hybrid drivetrain, would probably present a major obstacle. 

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Hi Pat,

Depends which model and engine you're talking about. The best TDI diesel front-wheel drive version officially returns 64.2mpg (4.4 litres/100km), while the petrol models (RS variant aside) use as much as 6.6 litres/100km (42.8mpg).

As always, few people will ever achieve the official figures, but it gives you something to compare the Q3 with its rivals.

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Hi John,

If you're buying an Irish car then you'll be very limited in terms of choice. The vast majority of 2010 Ford Focus on the roads in Ireland are powered by the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine, in either 90- or 110hp states of tune). It's not a bad engine with a great performance-to-economy ratio and low road tax. Be aware though, like many engines of this type, it's only really suited to average annual mileage of 20,000km and above - or the majority of its time on a fast-flowing road/motorway. The reason is that its diesel particulate filter (DPF) can clog up and it can be expensive to remedy. There are other components in the engine itself that also gum up if the car is used predominantly for low-speed driving.

Other engines in the 2010 Focus are the 1.8 TDCi diesel and, for low-mileage drivers, the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units. All of these are much rarer. The 1.8 isn't quite as susceptible as the 1.6 diesel to issues, but it's less economical. If you're sure that diesel suits your needs then seek out a 1.6.

Hope that helps

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Hi Irene,

Engine size means less than it used to, especially when comparing a petrol engine to a diesel one. That Hyundai will be more economical and cheaper to tax than the 1.4 petrol Golf from 2008. Saying that, if most of your driving is in town there won't be a big advantage for the diesel, but it should still use less fuel overall.

A larger car such as the i40 is likely to be a bit heavier on things like tyres, but it's newer than your Golf so shouldn't need tyres for a while. 

Hope that all helps 

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Hi Karena,

You're right on the edge for choosing between petrol and diesel. If those miles are mostly on the motorway then diesel may still make sense, but if they're mostly at low speeds then you're right in considering petrol.

Now, the Volvo V40 is a fine choice, but I'm not sure what year you're looking at, as the latest petrol models are powered by a relatively efficient turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, badged either T2 or T3. The EcoBoost Focus is also a cracking car. Try to get a test drive in a few before you decide and come back to us if you need more assistance.

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Hi John,

It depends on the history and condition of course, but somewhere around the €5,500 to €6,000 mark. They're generally worth a good bit less than an equivalent cee'd 1.6 diesel.

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Hi Caoimhe,

Yup, I would too - assuming that you can get a similar quote for insuring the Toyota. That generation of Corolla is actually surprisingly good to drive, and it's far more comfortable and practical than the Corsa, not to mention close to indestructible when it comes to reliability. Plus, I always think it's better to learn to drive on the largest car you can afford to run and insure - it makes things easier when you upgrade in later life.