Renault Kadjar or Kia Sportage?
I have to change my old 2002 Renault Scenic and I'm just wondering which would you recommend I go for: the Renault Kadjar or the Kia Sportage? I would probably be looking at a 2017 model.
Thanks
Camillus Mulcahy (Castlefinn)Jan 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Camillus,
There really isn't a whole lot to choose between them, to be honest - they're both decent crossovers with good interior space and likely both to have a good level of specification. Just don't expect either to have quite as much room or flexibility inside as your Scenic.
The only obvious black-and-white differentiator between them is that the Kia comes with a longer manufacturer warranty, which be useful if you're keeping the car for as long as you have done your current Renault...
How much for my 2004 Renault Scenic?
Hi, I have a 2004 Renault Scenic that is still driving; what will I get from scrappage for it?
Michael Oneill (Shannon Town)Aug 2018 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Renault currently doesn’t have a scrappage offer available, but other brands — including Hyundai, Skoda, Peugeot, Opel and more — do and, depending on which vehicle you’re looking at buying, you can get as much as €4,500 off.
My Renault's satnav isn't quite right!
The speed limit indicator on my inbuilt satnav has never worked properly in that it shows incorrect limits especially 60km/h limits show as 40km/h. The car is 171-registered and has been back to the dealers several times. Renault Customer Service has suggested that they would fund the cost of a stand alone satnav as a solution! This seems to be a problem with the particular model of satnav. What can I do to resolve the matter after 16 months of frustration?
Liam Ennis (Skibbereen)Aug 2018 Filed under: satellite navigation
Expert answer
Hi Liam,
Renault’s satnav software is usually supplied by TomTom, so theoretically an update of the navigation software should do the trick, but there could be an issue that local authorities are altering or moving speed limits and not supplying the information to the mapping companies. You could complain to TomTom directly, and see if that gets you anywhere, but one quick observation — if a 60km/h limit is displaying as 40, is there a chance the satnav is set to miles per hour, not kilometres per hour?
How good is the Clio's air conditioning?
How good is the air conditioning in the Renault Clio Expression?
Joan Gardiner (Athens Greece)Jun 2018 Filed under: comfort
Expert answer
Hi Joan,
It should be fine — French cars tend to have decent air conditioning, not least because it gets exceptionally hot in some parts of France and, as ever, car companies build to what they know. If it’s an older one, though, you might want to have a look at getting the system re-gassed, as with age, air conditioning systems become progressively less efficient.
Thoughts on these petrol engines?
Hi,
Is the 1.2 TCe petrol engine in the Renault Kadjar any good? It’s something I’ve been looking at buying (used), but I get the impression from reading various comments and reviews online that it seems rather gutless in terms of power/torque and the economy is just ok. I know the 1.5 dCi is the default choice, but my mileage (roughly 7,000km per year mainly urban) doesn't justify a diesel. Peugeot’s 1.2 on the other hand seems to be excellent and highly regarded. Yet it’s the same size?
Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)May 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.
Panoramic roof in a Renault Scenic ok?
I am considering buying a Renault Grand Scenic Limited. I have had several Scenics and my experience has always been good. But I am wondering is the panoramic sunroof likely to be a source of problems?
Brendan Scully (Dublin)Apr 2018 Filed under: bodywork
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
It shouldn’t be, and we’ve certainly never heard of any issues regarding the panoramic roof in the Scenic. Now, that said, it’s a lot of extra weight in the worst possible place to have extra weight (up high) and there may be some effect on the torsional rigidity of the car’s structure, so that’s worth bearing in mind. There can always be issues with any car when it comes to sealing and developing leaks in such roofs, but if it’s a fixed roof, rather than one that open, that’s usually less of a problem.
Is a 1.0-litre engine ok for a family car?
Hi,
Just wondering if you have much knowledge or feedback on the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines? We are looking for a good reliable family car, but ideally want to go with petrol based on our mileage and daily driving routes. However, I am slightly nervous that a 1.0-litre might lack power and be very noisy or "revy" on motorway drives when travelling at greater speed. The sales people say these turbo engines feel more like a 1.6-litre. But then they are trying to sell so would be great to get some independent feeling on them in your experience. Any in particular you would recommend as there are not as many petrol options in family cars.
Many thanks, Peter
Peter Hogan (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:
Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review
How much VRT on a Renault Grand Scenic?
Hi,
How much VRT would be due on a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic 1.5 diesel?
Thanks
Hazel Clear (Dunsany)Jan 2018 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Hazel,
It will depend on the total specification, mileage etc, but at a rough guess I’d say you’re looking at around €1,500 in VRT for that.
Should I swap my Nissan for a Mercedes?
Hi there,
Thinking of changing my car this year from a Nissan to possibly a Mercedes GLA or B-Class. Are they similar? Can you help me narrow down my decision; should I change or stick with Nissan?
Thanks in advance
Mary Murphy (Clare )Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Do you mean a Nissan Qashqai? The Mercedes GLA and B-Class are, although mechanically related, really quite different cars. The GLA is a compact crossover, similar in size to the Qashqai, but looking rather like a jacked-up A-Class hatchback. That said, it’s nice to drive, well made and very economical. The GLA 180 petrol or 180d diesel are the best models. The B-Class is a high-roofed five-seat MPV, a rival to the likes of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and the Renault Scenic et al. Again, it’s no looker, but it’s not bad to drive, very roomy and again is well-made.
Compared to the Qashqai, they’re both of higher quality in the cabin and slightly sharper to drive, but the GLA is less roomy and the B-Class less stylish (to our eyes). And both will be more expensive to run, as Mercedes servicing costs are higher. Here are some relevant reviews to help you decide, but come back to us again if you need to:
What to replace my Renault Scenic with?
I have an ageing Renault Scenic petrol automatic. Apart from poor mpg, it is brilliant - comfortable (I've fitted cruise control) with very good options for load carrying. What do I replace it with?
John Wiloughby (Stroud)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Well, there are lots of good options. If you still like MPVs and like Renaults then the new Scenic is a bit of a cracker. Very comfy, and you can get it with an impressive 115hp 1.2 petrol turbocharged engine that should be rather more economical than what you’ve been used to. And it comes with cruise control as standard now.
Other, similar models worth considering are the Citroen C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, VW Touran, Kia Carens or the Toyota Verso. Here are our relevant reviews: