Expert answer

Hi Ian,

If the specific model isn’t shown, then you can make a rough back-of-a-napkin calculation based on the CO₂ emissions and the prices that such a car would sell for In Ireland. The 508 1.6 turbo GT-Line’s emissions of 125g/km put it into Band B1 for VRT, which means 18 per cent of the Irish market price. That price is a little difficult to calculate as most 508s sold here in 2019 were diesel, but values seem to run between €25,000 to €30,000 — so, splitting the difference, 18 per cent of €27,500 is €4,950. The NOx levy on top of that will only be €135. 

Obviously all of this is an approximation only.

Expert answer

Hi Fidelma,

A Skoda Kodiaq would be a very good bet — lots of space in the rear seat, plus the option of extra seats in the boot (although those ones are a bit tight for teens), but there’s no hybrid version as yet. Its close cousin, the SEAT Tarraco, will soon be offered as a hybrid, while the new Volkswagen Tiguan arrives next summer.

The Toyota RAV4 is pretty roomy, but there’s no seven-seat option and you might find the rear bench a little narrow for three teens side-by-side. The best thing to do is bring them on the test drive and see if they all fit comfortably.

Peugeot’s 3008 plug-in hybrid could also be worth a look, although you might be better off waiting for the larger 5008 version using the same powertrain. Toyota will be launching its new Highlander seven-seat hybrid SUV in early 2021, but that might be too far away for you. 

It all depends on how much you want to spend, as there are hybrid versions of the BMW X3 and X5, plus the Volvo XC60 and XC90. Come back to us with your budget if you want more specific advice.

Expert answer

Hi Ruban,

Yes, you can. Pretty much all of the home charging points use the standard Type 2 connector, so that will work with any car. Even if you buy a brand-specific charging point, it’ll work with any make or model. 

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Actually, yes, it is. If you’re in the market for a small crossover, the original 2008 was one of the better ones. Aside from a slightly cheap-feeling cabin, it was good to drive, reasonably roomy, well-made and reliable. Good choice.

Read our Peugeot 2008 reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Nithin,

You’re kind of shopping in two separate segments of the market, there — small city cars (such as the Up and the i10) and larger superminis (such as the Yaris and Clio). If it’s one of the small ones you want, then the decision is kind of made for you. The Up is one of our favourites, but there’s no automatic option, so the Hyundai it has to be. No bad thing — it’s an excellent car.

If you fancy something a little larger and roomier, then I’d suggest going for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid — it gets you the automatic transmission you want, plus you’re future-proofing yourself a little with the hybrid powertrain.

Hyundai i10 reviews

Skoda Citigo reviews

Kia Picanto reviews

Toyota Yaris reviews

SEAT Ibiza reviews

SEAT Mii reviews

Opel Corsa reviews

Peugeot 108 reviews

Renault Clio reviews

Volkswagen Up reviews

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Just go to the system settings menu (have a look at your owner's manual) and change the selection from Metric to Imperial.

Expert answer

Hi Emmet,

To be honest, the difference in height between the Fiesta and the Fiesta Active is pretty minimal and so it’s probably not worth the trade-up. The Puma, though, is a different story entirely. Again, in terms of height, the difference isn’t huge, but the Puma’s interior and boot are much larger than that of the Fiesta, and added to which it’s even more entertaining to drive. In fact, it’s one of our favourite cars of the year thus far, so we’d say go for it. Well worth also considering the likes of the new Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008 and the Skoda Kamiq too.

Read our Ford Puma reviews

Read our Renault Captur reviews

Read our Peugeot 2008 reviews

Read our Skoda Kamiq reviews

Expert answer

Hi Gino,

That Ford 1.6 TDCi diesel engine is one of the most common engines around, as it has also been used by Mazda, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen and MINI. It has one major vulnerable spot and that is that sooty, gummy deposits can build up in areas that are supposed to be kept cool and lubricated by oil. If the deposits build up enough, they can block the oil passage and cause component failure — most commonly of the turbocharger. The best way to prevent that happening is with regular servicing (at least once a year depending on mileage) and making sure that you always use a high-quality grade of synthetic oil for the engine.

The 1.6 petrol engine, the 100hp version, is a much simpler unit and it’s pretty reliable, mostly because it’s a much older design. It won’t be as economical nor as punchy in its performance as the diesel, but if it’s reliability you’re looking for, it might be the better option. 

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

It should do, for the outer front passenger seat. Check at the point where the base of the seat meets the backrest for ISOFIX logos (a silhouette of a baby sitting in a car seat) and you should also be able to feel the steel anchoring points at the back of the seat base. 

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

It would have been useful to have more details about the car, such as age and engine, as it varies considerably. I'll deal with the 2013 on model, which is still in production.

All 1.2-litre petrol engines:
 - up to Sep 2014, 180,000km/10 years
- Oct 2014 to Apr 2017, 175,000km/10 years
- from then on, 100,000km/6 years first, then every 200,000km/12 years

1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel: every 180,000km or 10 years

All 1.6-litre diesel engines: 175,000km or 10 years

All 1.6-litre THP petrol engines: timing chain

1.6-litre VTi petrol engine: 150,000km or 10 years

All 2.0-litre diesel engines: every 180,000km or 10 years