Can I change my Peugeot 3008's speedo?
Can the speedo on the new Peugeot 3008 SUV be changed from mph to kph and back?
John Freeman (Newry)Aug 2017 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yes, just go to the system settings menu (have a look at your owner's manual) and change the selection from Metric to Imperial. It takes a couple of seconds, but best to do it when you’re stopped rather than driving.
Why are cars not properly changed to RHD?
Hi! Hope you're well and hope you don't mind having a read of my rant to see what you think.
I'm wondering lately what is it with car manufacturers, in particular European ones, who in recent years have decided to skimp on doing full right-hand-drive conversions on their cars. For example, in the current Skoda Octavia, the bonnet release is on the left, as it was designed to be. The access buttons for the stereo are also to the left for easy access by the driver. If you take a look at the right-hand-drive model though you see the handbrake, bonnet release and stereo controls still placed for the left-hand-drive market. Same applies to the latest Golf; Volkswagen has been doing that with the Golf since the MK3 model.
And marques outside of VAG are also guilty - in particular Renault and Peugeot stand out as prime offenders for this - so much so as not bothering to convert the wipers to the right side. It looks so lazy - and I presume it's saving a meager sum on each car sold. You'd know this is the case as the premium brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes still go to the trouble of doing the conversions properly - but what's frustrating is that Skoda was doing proper conversions until recently. Their MK2 Octavia, sold until 2013, had it done properly. So it's a shame to see it going in the wrong direction.
Is there any way you could run this by your people in the motoring industry? I love new cars, but I'm sure most people would be willing to pay the extra €100 per car or whatever it is to have it as intended for the market. I'm sure some acknowledgement of it might make them reconsider. The poor attempts at the minute look very, very shoddy and I wish they'd give us the same attention as they do the left-hand-drive world.
Thank you for reading. I know - first world problems right?
Colin Moynihan (Waterford)Aug 2017 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
Yup, first world problem right enough, and actually not a new phenomenon at all. The old left-hand-drive-right-hand-drive swapover has been done better and worse by various car makers down the years, and it varies hugely from model to model. Anyone who’s driven a Mazda RX-8, and found the handbrake digging into their left thigh, for example, will have no doubts that even the Japanese, in spite of their right-hand-drive home market, often design cars for left-hand drive and then switch things around on the cheap.
Generally speaking, there should be no safety issues from the switch (wipers, as you point out, should really be swapped across and I can’t think of a model in recent years that hasn’t had that) although there was the old issue with the second generation Renault Megane that used a rod to switch the brakes across and which could still be activated by a passenger poking their shoes into the footwell…
As you point out, some buttons, switches, etc are often left the same and it’s all down to the investment needed to swap them around and the likely return on sales from right-hand-drive markets. Car makers do the maths very carefully, and while you’re right that it might only be €100 a car, that’s a multi-million up front investment, and one with no guaranteed return.
Incidentally, if you think it’s bad now, wait until after Brexit — if the UK car market slips, then the business case for right-hand-drive cars will fall further still.
Looking for a practical compact estate...
Hi,
I'm looking for a small estate the back seats of which fold completely flat. Which models, to your knowledge, best fit this requirement?
Thanks, Tom Nelson
Tom Nelson (Maynooth)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
The best ones to go for are the Volkswagen Golf Estate, Skoda Octavia Combi, Peugeot 308 SW, or Toyota Auris Touring Sports. Our reviews:
What's wrong with our Peugeot 207?
Hi,
Our Peugeot 207 has a problem that the mechanics can't get right. When engage (D) Drive, it loses power even when you step on the accelerator. However, when you engage (R) Reverse, it has all the power.
What could be the problem?
Henry Buwembo (Kampala)Jul 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Henry,
You've not told us which engine your car has, but there are a few known issues with the 207 that it might be:
- The catalytic converter can break up internally, damaging the oxygen sensor, leading to poor performance.
- Engine coolant temperature sensor becomes faulty, causing poor performance, especially when cold.
- Turbocharger failure (on diesel models) due to build-up of sludge in oil supply pipe.
I must admit, I don't think it sounds like any of those, but it does sound like an electrical issue with a failed sensor from your description. It's very difficult to assess such things from afar.
My advice would be to bring the car to a different mechanic as a starting point.
Which new seven-seat SUV for 2018?
Hi,
I currently drive a Land Rover Discovery Sport, five-seater diesel and I am thinking about changing in 2018. We would ideally like to stay in the SUV market, but our new car will need to have seven seats. The Discovery Sport does come as a seven-seater, but wondering what other options are out there for a total budget of €50k approx either in or out of the SUV bracket?
Thanks
Enda Daly (Galway)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Enda,
There's a growing number of options for seven-seat SUVs. The new Skoda Kodiaq is excellent and €50k would buy you one with a lot of toys. The Kia Sorento is also in that price bracket and is big, roomy and hugely comfortable. Ditto the Hyundai Santa Fe. Peugeot's incoming new 5008 is worth a look too. Here are our reviews of them all to help you out:
Looking for something fun and petrol...
Hey guys, looking to upgrade from a 2008 Honda Civic Type S for something a little more comfortable for long journeys but still quite fun and cool. Any advice?
I abhor diesel engines and any help is appreciated!
Peter White (Mayo)Jun 2017 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
If you want a mix of fun, comfort and not diesel, it’s kind of hard to beat a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Superb performance, practical and comfy cabin and 45mpg if you drive it gently.
Other good options are a MINI Cooper (a touch noisy on longer journeys, but with very good seats), a Ford Fiesta ST (hands down the best hot hatch currently on sale, but perhaps lacking a little in comfort), or a Peugeot 308 in GT spec with the 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine.
Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008?
I am looking at buying a car similar to a Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008; can you comment on either or which would be better?
Anne Mcelhone (Sligo)May 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anne,
The Captur, which has just been updated, is one of the best selling small crossovers around and it’s not hard to see why - it’s gorgeous, a really good looking car. Roomy enough inside too, and with a pair of excellent engines (either a 900cc turbo petrol or Renault’s long-serving 1.5 diesel). The downsides are that the cabin is quite plastic and it’s only very ordinary to drive.
The Peugeot 2008, by contrast, is rather more agile and sharper to drive, and also has some excellent engine options, especially the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo unit. It’s also a little roomier than the Captur in the back, even if it’s arguably less handsome on the outside. On balance, it would be the Peugeot that we’d prefer, but you should also have a look at the likes of the new Suzuki Vitara (good to drive and very ruggedly reliable) and the Honda HR-V (a little larger and more expensive, but with exceptionally good quality on its side).
Which SUV for kids with €30k to go for?
Good morning guys,
I need some advice on cars or SUVs! I am looking for a family vehicle as I have three kids under five. So that means car seats. I have a bad back so I need height and I need boot space for a buggy. My budget is €30k and I already have a Renault Grand Scenic that does the job, but is ugly to be honest. I live in Kildare and do drive on bad roads. I do have an option to buy in the UK and bring the car over, as well.
Can you recommend anything?
Thank you
Donna
Donna Phelan (Maynooth )Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Donna,
The current Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are both just about wide enough to take three child seats across the back, or you could try the SEAT Ateca or Volkswagen Tiguan too (this has the widest back seat of all those). The Skoda Kodiaq is brilliant, but it’ll be outside your budget if you want a diesel, or, if you can hang on until the summer, the new Peugeot 5008 is coming, which has three ISOFIX points in the back, and should come in for under €30k.
Relevant reviews:
Thinking of getting a new Peugeot 3008...
I'm thinking of trading in a 142 Hyundai i40 Tourer for a new Peugeot 3008, but would like your opinion on what model would best suit me. I like my comfort, have no children, just my wife and myself, but will sometimes have my 5, 6, and 2 other young grand-kids to bring somewhere, but not all together. Appreciate your opinion. Val
Val Glynn (Claremorris)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Val,
The 3008 is an excellent car and there’s just about enough space in the back for three child car seats in a row (although if that’s your ultimate priority, then wait for the 5008, which is due on sale in July). Of the range, Allure spec seems to be the best balance between price and equipment, and the best engines are the 1.2 turbo petrol (if you’re doing low to medium mileage) or the 1.6 BlueHDi diesel (if you’re doing lots of long journeys).
Some relevant reviews:
Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi Allure review
We'd like an SUV with three ISOFIX points.
Hi,
We are looking for a car, ideally an SUV that will have three ISOFIX seats for three children under the age of three. This is proving hard to find; do you know of any?
If not, can you suggest a suitable MPV with an SUV look?
Thank you
Jacinta, Cork
Jacinta O'Mahony (Cork)Feb 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jacinta,
Mostly, SUVs with three ISOFIX points in the middle row are the really big ones - Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 and so on. The good news is that Peugeot is about to launch the new 5008 and that has three ISOFIX points in the middle row, but it won't be on sale until July in Ireland.