What SUVs have three Isofix seats?
What SUVs have three Isofix seats in the middle row? Thinking of putting two Maxi Cosi seats in middle and putting buggy in one seat's position if it's down, as I need the back two seats for children ages five and three. Most SUVs won't take buggy in boot space with seven seats in use. Is this idea viable or a non-runner?
Jim Donovan (Mallow)Jun 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
I think unless you’re going to go for a full-size SUV, such as a Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, you’re going to struggle to find an SUV with three Isofix points in the back. Even the family-friendly Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe only have two outer seat Isofix mounts in the middle row. I’d suggest having a look at the Ford S-Max or Galaxy, or a SEAT Alhambra. These would seem to be the only cars that have the necessary Isofix points and the boot volume you’re looking for.
When will the new Ford Kuga be in Ireland?
When will the new facelifted Ford Kuga be available for order in the Republic of Ireland?
James Mc Loughlin (Cork)Jun 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi James,
The big draw for the updated Kuga will be the availability of Ford’s 1.5 TDCi diesel engine, which will bring the Kuga’s running costs down significantly, not least because it will have a 115g/km CO2 emissions rating. It’ll be here in the autumn, once Ford has finished launching the new Edge SUV, but given the nature of the Irish car market, supply will probably be a bit restricted until January 2017.
How do the various VAG 4WD systems work?
Hi,
I am wondering what the difference is between the quattro four-wheel drive systems Audi use and the 4Motion system Volkswagen uses on its cars and SUVs. Also is there any difference between the four-wheel drive system used by Skoda and the two above? As they are manufactured by the Volkswagen Group I am interested to see if there are any differences other than marketing terminology.
Thanks, David (County Kildare)
David Carney (Moone)May 2016 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes, they are different, but it’s not a simple difference. Basically, the ‘classical’ Audi quattro system uses a centre differential, supplied by Torsen, to deliver engine torque to both the front and rear wheels. The system has been hugely updated and altered over the years, both to improve efficiency and to allow for more torque to be sent to the rear wheels (the current version can send as much as 85 per cent of the engine’s power to the back).
The Volkswagen 4Motion system (which is also used on four-wheel drive Skoda models) is a simpler and lighter Haldex system that uses a differential and a series of clutches to send power to the rear wheels. It can disable power to the rears in order to reduce mechanical losses, friction and therefore improve fuel economy. This system has become markedly more sophisticated over the years, but it’s still primarily a front-wheel drive layout that can send power to the rear, while the Audi quattro system is a classic all-wheel drive setup that is always powering all four wheels.
Now, there’s a catch. Some Audi models, mostly the A3, Q3 and A1, use a modified version of the Haldex 4Motion setup, although it’s still badged as a quattro. And there’s a new 'quattro ultra' system coming shortly, which Audi says gives the benefit of all-wheel drive, but with less drag and better fuel economy.
So basically, yes, they are different, but the overall effect – extra traction in poor conditions – is more or less the same. A really keen and sensitive driver will be able to tell the difference between the two in terms of feel and handling, but for the rest of us mortals, they’re effectively the same.
What family car to buy?
Hi there.
I am looking for some advice regarding cars that fit three children's car seats in one row across the back. I would like to get a seven-seater, but for ease of use would like to be able to put all the children in one row. Isofix is preferable. I rather SUV-like cars, but obviously my budget might restrict me to a people carrier as I know these are more economical. Can you help? I love the look of the Kia Sorento, but don't know if this fits the three seats in the back.
Thank you!!!
Christine O'Mahony (Cork)May 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Christine,
The Kia Sorento should fit three seats across the back, but you should always take along your seats (and preferably your kids too) on the test drive to make sure everything and everyone fits in nicely. Cracking car that Sorento - other good options are the Hyundai Santa Fe or Land Rover Discovery Sport. If you need to go for an MPV the Ford S-Max, SEAT Alhambra or Opel Zafira Tourer are your best bets, but it's worth considering the Volkswagen Touran too - not quite so roomy, but cheaper to run and very pleasant to drive.
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Which cars are best for comfort?
Hi,
Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.
We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs, but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.
Thanks
Kevin
Kevin McCormack (Dublin 8)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
That’s almost an impossible question for me to answer I’m afraid as, as you’ve pointed out, a car that many might consider comfortable and pleasant (the Honda CR-V) is uncomfortable for you. Mind you, you’re right about the C-Class Estate being small inside – it was never the biggest car around.
When will the Volkswagen T-Cross arrive?
Hi, I saw a picture of a T-Cross Breeze at the Geneva Motor Show, a convertible version, which I believe is based on the Volkswagen Polo platform. Have you any idea when either the hard top or soft top version might become available?
Cheers and thanks
P
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Volkswagen has made no announcement as yet, but we are expecting a new Polo-sized SUV to appear on sale in 2017 at some stage. I really doubt there'll be a three-door or open-topped version though.
I need a new car to accommodate my mum.
Hi,
I'm planning on buying a new car to accommodate my elderly mother. She has arthritis in her knees and has limited mobility in her lower limbs. She's 5'5" and uses two sticks, but I also need room for a wheelchair. I originally thought a higher car, e.g. an SUV, but they are too high for her. I'd appreciate any advice or car recommendations.
Regards
Orla Curran
Orla Curran (Galway )Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Orla,
I think your best bet could be to go for a small van-based MPV, such as the Citroen Berlingo or a Volkswagen Caddy Life. They have seating positions that are a bit higher, but not so high as to need to climb up, and there will be plenty of room in the back for a wheelchair. In fact many have been converted with wheelchair ramps and lifts in the back, which may be of some use.
Hope that helps and all the best to your mum.
What new petrol SUVs cost less than €40k?
I hope to change my Kia Sportage soon. I do less than 10,000 kilometres a year so I may go for petrol and an automatic. Give us some SUV options south of €40k.
Thanks
Eamonn
Eamonn McAndrew (Mayo)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
Auto petrol SUVs are hard to find in most manufacturers' ranges, but there are a few you can have a look at - Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI DSG, Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DIG CVT or Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI DSG, for example. All frugal, good to drive and well under €40k even with options.
What cars can fit three child seats in the back?
What cars/SUVs can fit three child seats across the back?
Oonagh Mangan (Innishannon, Co Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Oonagh,
Not many; you really need to be looking at MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso, or the Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhmabra if you fancy something bigger. That said, the recently introduced Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are just about wide enough, but it depends on what seats you're using. Also, larger seven-seat 4x4s such as the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery will take three-abreast, but they're expensive to buy.
Is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class a good buy?
I'm a retired driver with full no claims insurance bonus. I'm looking for a reliable, comfortable and high end car or SUV with about 100,000 miles on the clock plus room for golf clubs and a folding trolley in the boot. I like SUVs because I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get out of cars that are lower on the road (have an older E -Class Merc at the moment). A car that would still look well in about five years' time appeals to me. Can you please advise if a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML 280 would be a good buy?
David Rafferty (Malahide)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes, that M-Class is a particularly nice one, but there's a couple of things to watch for. Mercs of that era can be electrically fragile so beware of anything with a button or a switch and don't dare buy anything without a full and comprehensive service history.
The other thing to worry about is insurance - next year that car will be 10 years old and you'll get hammered for insurance by pretty much all Irish providers. Not a problem for this year but possibly something to keep in mind.