Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

We can't answer that definitively, unfortunately, as there is no official word on it. The Karoq is certainly ageing and due replacement, but we agree there's plenty of demand still for a Skoda model in this space that is not only available with electric power. 

Watch this space I guess...

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

That's actually becoming a bit of a challenge as regular cars such as the Mondeo have fallen out of favour with buyers, so the carmakers are slowly doing away with them. At the same time, demand for diesel engines is waning. Nonetheless, here are a few possibilities:

- Audi A5 'Saloon' (it's actually a five-door hatch)
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon
- Skoda Superb (another hatchback and the closest match to the Mondeo today)

That's pretty much it. A leftfield alternative could be the Peugeot 508 SW, which is the estate model. It can be had with a diesel engine still, but the five-door 508 fastback cannot. We reckon it looks stunning.

How do these strike you?

Expert answer

Hi Conor, 

There's a wealth of choice at that price point on the used market really. Here are a few options to consider, many of them early 2025 registrations:

Dacia Duster
Hyundai Kona (the newer model)
MG ZS (newer model)
Nissan Qashqai
Skoda Octavia
Volkswagen Taigo or ID.4 if you fancy going electric

I've added links to our reviews of the cars so you can take a look and see what you like the look of. Come back to us and let me know if we're on the right track here, and your thoughts on each of these as we help you narrow down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

Undoubtedly the Octavia is the most spacious of those three. The Mazda is arguably the most stylish and the Toyota probably the most reliable. Come back to us with full details of each of the cars if you want us to delve further into this with you.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Skoda has already registered 810 of them this year, against 954 registered in the entire of 2024. Here are the figures for further back, for comparison:

2023: 1,325
2022: 746
2021: 925
2020: 939
2019: 1,376
2018: 1,496
2017: 1,746
2016: 1,850
2015: 1,105 (coinciding with the introduction of a new generation)

An increase in the sales of SUVs probably accounts for the overall reduction in the Superb's popularity over the past decade, as has happened with all big cars.

Expert answer

Hi Cathal,

We don't have a written feature or video comparing the Enyaq and Elroq though we've extensive experience in both cars and lots of content on them individually. What would you like to know?

Skoda Enyaq reviews and videos

Skoda Elroq reviews and videos

Incidentally, on the Elroq link above you'll find our embedded social media videos covering the Elroq 85 Sportline, but feel free to ask for more detail on any aspect that interests you. 

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

We'd never consider those cars to be rivals as the Kodiaq is so much larger inside, but if that's your shortlist, we can work with that.

The Kodiaq is a lovely car, but the RAV4 has the edge in terms of reliability. The Skoda isn't inherently unreliable, but Toyota has an exceptional reputation in that regard.

Nonetheless, I highly recommend you go and test drive both cars for as long as possible, as they drive in a hugely different manner. No point a car lasting forever if you don't actually like how it drives.

Do let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Have you tried talking to your own insurer in the UK to get temporary cover while over here? Or to change your cover so that it allows you to drive any car, even in Ireland?

If the Citigo is insured by someone else already in Ireland, then it should be possible to add you as a named driver or change the policy to allow all drivers with a full licence to drive the car.

Finally, if the car is just lying idle in Ireland unused, it may make more financial sense, and less hassle, to sell it and use the funds to hire a car when you need one here.

Expert answer

Hi Alex,

Offline you mentioned you'd like something stylish as well as solid and spacious. One of the first cars that comes to mind is the Audi Q3, which is decently practical, has a premium badge and is plentiful for your budget of about €20,000. I'd urge you to stick with petrol power given your annual mileage of no more than 15,000km.

The BMW X1 would do the same job, but it's very difficult to find one that isn't diesel. Same story with the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring estates, both of which we'd prefer over an SUV. And same thing for the excellent Volkswagen Arteon.

A hybrid-powered Lexus NX would be a good option for you, as would the Mazda CX-5, though neither are as common in the classifieds as the Audi above.

Have a look at some of those and test drive as many cars as you can.

Come back to us if you'd like us to help narrow down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

The Elroq is nicer to drive, though the Atto 3 is noticeably faster and more responsive than the entry-level '50' model as it has a more powerful electric motor. The BYD also gets a bigger battery and longer range, but I suspect that isn't such an issue given your short commute.

I prefer the interior, style and quality of the Elroq, and it has a larger boot.

For my money, it would be the Skoda, though as ever we'd urge you to go test drive both to see which you prefer.