Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

It is highly likely that there would be running electronic and software updates on the Kodiaq to try to iron out the early issues reported, though of course there's no guarantee.

I would certainly raise it with your Skoda dealer and ask for a confirmation of your car's build date before agreeing to buy it. E.g. if it's an older car that has been sitting around somewhere, you may wonder if it has been built with the latest updates.

We can't give you any more reassurance than that I'm afraid.

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

The ID.4 isn't a bad shout, but like many cars in the same class, its suitability to your family depends on how many kids you have in car seats. It won't easily fit three across the back. The Skoda Enyaq is very similar.

Other used options in the same ballpark include the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, but come back to us with your budget so we can try to narrow things down properly.

The challenge might be finding a used EV with enough space for your needs, within budget.

Expert answer

Hi Bill,

Obviously a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) makes most sense here as those come with ultra-low CO₂ emissions to help keep the BIK down. Though we would only recommend you buy one if you have a way of charging it up at home or at work on a very regular basis.

If you like your Audi, then the new Audi A5 e-hybrid makes for a good option. It can be had as a Sportback or Avant estate within your budget and it's a really lovely car. The e-hybrid system allows for a long electric range and low emissions, too. Read our review of the A5 e-hybrid for more.

The BMW 330e is another excellent premium PHEV within budget, both as a saloon or Touring estate. It's not as fresh-faced as the Audi A5, but it's still a good car. Read our review of the updated BMW 330e if you're interested.

Our next port of call would have been the Skoda Superb, but for some bizarre reason it's only offered as a PHEV in Combi estate format, so if you don't want an estate, then it's not for you. If you're open to the idea, however, it's a considerably larger car than the BMW and Audi mentioned above, if not as interesting to drive. Within budget, however, is the range-topping L&K variant, which puts the Audi and BMW to shame in terms of what you get for your money. Again, read our review of the Skoda Superb Combi PHEV for more.

Other than that trio, you'll be looking at SUVs in reality, unless you fancy moving to a fully electric car.

Come back to us if you want help narrowing things down further.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

Assuming you might like to use the rear seats, the BYD is the least spacious option of the three as its boot is much smaller. It holds up to 425 litres with its rear seat in place, while the Santa Fe PHEV manages 621 litres in five-seat mode (it's a seven-seater in which you can easily fold down the third row of seats).

The Kodiaq PHEV (assuming you're only looking at the plug-in-hybrid versions of each car mentioned) is a strict five-seater, but it comes with the largest space behind at 725 litres. If can be had in seven-seat guise with a simple petrol or diesel engine if you need the flexibility of the interior.

One major extra bonus of the Santa Fe is that its tailgate reveals the widest opening of the three, though really, the Skoda is likely to fit the bill as well. Their load sill heights are about the same distance from the ground at in and around 760mm.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid not. Skoda Ireland confirmed as much to us. Demand is low and the VRT would make it prohibitively expensive. 

Expert answer

Hi Tomas,

The belt in that engine is 'dry'.

Expert answer

Thanks for the kind words, Parick.

Actually, Skoda already offers an optional USB port in the rear-view mirrors of some of its models.

A few brands have a camera system integrated as well, with footage that can be used afterwards. Tesla is particularly strong on this, but Mercedes, BMW and MINI also have the functionality available, while the previous-generation Citroen C3 also came with something similar. 

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

That recall won't apply to every version of the cars listed sold in every country. 

According to the RSA recalls website, it only applies to two Skoda models sold in Ireland, produced between 2012 and 2014.

You can call your local Skoda dealer if you wish to check that of course.

Expert answer

Hi Elizabeth,

On such a new vehicle, which presumably has a full service history and part of its new-car warranty in place, there aren't many 'cons' we can think of. That's assuming you have access to the car's history and that it has been registered in Ireland already by the dealer.

Ask for all the documentation showing when it was registered and for the full service history, etc. 

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

As I'm sure you know, the 330e was updated late in 2024, so if you can find one of those within budget, you'll appreciate the upgrades. Read our review of the revised BMW 330e here.

We're big fans of the 330e as well. It's difficult to beat its blend of performance, driving dynamics, style and efficiency. Here are a few alternatives to consider, nonetheless:

Mercedes-Benz C 300 e: I love the look of these, and it feels like a proper luxury car inside, more so than the BMW. Its chassis is more comfort-focused though, so you need to choose which you prefer. There's not much to choose between this and the updated 330e when it comes to performance, electric range and space, but the Mercedes is very expensive.

Volkswagen Passat GTE: I suspect this is not what you're looking for in terms of badge appeal, but the GTE is a very decent car. It's much bigger inside than your BMW and exceedingly comfortable, with perky performance when you need it (ok, not as perky as the 330e's). Its electric range isn't great, but fine for short commutes. And this car is more affordable than most on this list.

Skoda Superb iV: Much the same can be said about the Superb as for the Passat above, though the Superb is larger again and it doesn't always come with a sporting badge, which some will like. It's not massively common in the classifieds though.

Volvo V60: Now this is a hidden gem and would be my choice of the lot here, even as a serious fan of rear-drive cars such as the 330e. And yes, it is an estate body style, which you might not have been looking for, but it is such a fantastic, polished car that is great to drive, looks sensational and packs a bigger punch than many will expect.

Give our review of the V60 T6 Recharge a read and go test drive one for yourself to make up your own mind. Same advice really for all of the above cars, but this one stands out.