What to replace by Octavia RS TDI with?
Hi, I'm doing approx. 30,000km per year. I have a 2016 Octavia RS 2.0-litre TDI 184hp at the moment and am going to change over the next few months - pandemic allowing etc! What would you recommend? Are hybrids worth looking at for example?
Mark McNally (Galway)May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
If you’re prepared to wait a bit, there is an all-new Octavia RS coming, which will be available as a plug-in hybrid with 245hp. Now, it will depend on how you rack up those 30,000km as to whether a plug-in hybrid would suit you — if it’s all motorway miles then probably not, but if you do a lot of short-hauls around town, and can charge at home, then it could be ideal.
There’s also the diesel version of the new Ford Focus ST to consider, the new Golf GTI and SEAT Leon Cupra (all sharing their bits and pieces with the Octavia, of course), or what about a Hyundai i30 N — one of our favourite hot hatches? A few reviews to help you decide:
How much to tax my Skoda taxi privately?
I want to tax my car for private use and not for a taxi; how much will it cost me for a year? It's a 2012 Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI Greenline.
David Kelly (Dublin)May 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi David,
Well, regular (as in non-PSV) car tax is worked out on the CO2 emissions. As yours is a Superb 1.6 TDI Greenline, that has official CO2 emissions of 114g/km, and so will cost you €200 a year to tax.
Looking for used automatic car...
Hi, I am looking for a used automatic hatchback petrol car for my wife. She's a learner and would prefer a small automatic hatchback. Would you mind helping me to find the best automatic car from year 2015 to 2017? We went through your reviews and made a list of cars thatsuits our needs. They are Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Mii, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 108 and Renault Clio etc. I was wondering if you could suggest me the best option?
Nithin Mathew (New Ross, Wexford)Apr 2020 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Nithin,
You’re kind of shopping in two separate segments of the market, there — small city cars (such as the Up and the i10) and larger superminis (such as the Yaris and Clio). If it’s one of the small ones you want, then the decision is kind of made for you. The Up is one of our favourites, but there’s no automatic option, so the Hyundai it has to be. No bad thing — it’s an excellent car.
If you fancy something a little larger and roomier, then I’d suggest going for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid — it gets you the automatic transmission you want, plus you’re future-proofing yourself a little with the hybrid powertrain.
Ford Fiesta Active or new Puma?
I am looking at getting a new car, something easy to get into. I have aFord Fiesta automatic (disabled driver) so was looking at an Active model or saving up a bit and going for the Puma (which I like the look of). Both will have to be automatic. Am looking at Fords first before I look at options.
Emmet K (Westmeath)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Emmet,
To be honest, the difference in height between the Fiesta and the Fiesta Active is pretty minimal and so it’s probably not worth the trade-up. The Puma, though, is a different story entirely. Again, in terms of height, the difference isn’t huge, but the Puma’s interior and boot are much larger than that of the Fiesta, and added to which it’s even more entertaining to drive. In fact, it’s one of our favourite cars of the year thus far, so we’d say go for it. Well worth also considering the likes of the new Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008 and the Skoda Kamiq too.
How much VRT and NOx tax on 2016 Octavia?
Hi,
What amount would I expect to pay on the NOx tax if I was to import an early 2016 Skoda Octavia 1.6 diesel 110hp, and roughly how much VRT would I have to pay also, if I didn’t get one with more than 50k miles?
Thanks
Kevin, Kilkenny.
Kieran Hoolahan (Westmeath)Feb 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
Luckily, the 2016 Octavia 110hp 1.6 TDI has an exceptionally efficient engine in terms of NOx, and will only cost you an additional €480 or thereabouts. The rest of the VRT bill should be in the region of €2,000 or so, depending on what options are fitted to the car.
NOx levy on a 2017 Skoda Octavia TDI?
What is the NOx tax on a 2017 Skoda Octavia 2.0 diesel - SEL model, CO2 is 113g/km.
Michael Garde (Midleton)Jan 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
The NOx emissions of that model are 70mg/km, so you’ll have to pay an additional €450 on top of the normal VRT charge if you’re importing one.
Does my 2014 Skoda Octavia need a new belt?
My 2014 Skoda Octavia 2.0-litre has 94,000 on the clock. Do I need to have the timing belt done?
Patrick O'sullivan (Cork City)Jan 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
The 2.0-litre TDI engine's belt should be changed at least every 210,000km, regardless of time.
What's up with my Fabia's stop-start?
I bought a Skoda Fabia and the stop-start doesn't work, plus it says low volt battery. I've been back to the dealer and he hasn't got a clue.
Please help
Sue Williams (Craven Arms )Jan 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sue,
Sounds to us that the battery could be in poor condition. Lots of cars develop issues with their stop-start systems. We get so many questions about it that we wrote a feature about it all - Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
What's the 1.0 TSI Octavia in 'old money'?
The 2017 Octavia is described as a 1.0 TSI. But what is that equal to 'in old money'. I just don't get the newer classification. Can you help me to understand?
Peter Lumsden (Dun Laoghaire)Jan 2020 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Very roughly speaking, its performance is equivalent to an old 1.4 or even 1.6-litre petrol engine with no turbocharger.
You might find our review (with video) of the Octavia 1.0 TSI interesting.
Is motor tax going up in 2020?
Is motor tax going up in 2020 before the budget? I have a 1.4 Skoda Octavia.
Gerry O Reilly (Limerick)Jan 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
No, motor tax hasn’t been changed for 2020, so you’ll pay the same as last year. The only change to the tax system is the introduction of the new NOx emissions tax, but that only applies if you’re buying a new car or importing a used car from abroad.