Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Coupe?
I really like the look of the new Audi A5 Sportback. Would you have it over the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe? Thinking 2.0-litre diesel for a '171' plate.
Peter Boyle (Dublin 4)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Sounds like an excellent choice. Our Editor, Shane, has driven the Sportback on its international launch recently and rates it. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a little sharper to drive, but the new A5 has caught up some in the dynamic stakes, added to which it's truly gorgeous inside and out. Here are links to his test drives:
Is the Ford Explorer sold in Ireland?
Do you have the Ford Explorer 4x4 in Ireland?
Con Enright (Usa)Oct 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Con,
No, at least not yet. Ford’s ‘One Ford’ policy on models means that there’s a faint chance the next-generation Explorer might make it to this side of the Atlantic, but for now Ford’s biggest SUV in the Irish market is the Edge.
What's happening with the BMW X2?
What can you tell us about the BMW X2?
Martin (Meath)Aug 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It’s going to be a lower-slung, 'coupe' version of the X1 SUV, with a higher price tag and a coupe-like roofline in the mould of the bigger BMW X4 and X6. It’ll mostly carry over the engines and chassis from the X1, which means the entry level model could be the 150hp 2.0-litre 18d engine. We’ll have more details towards the end of September after the car is officially unveiled for the first time at the Paris Motor Show.
A classy car that'll fit in three child seats?
Hi,
I want to fit three car seats (3.5-year-old twins and 1.5-year-old) into the back of a new used car. Estate type of car only - no people carriers! I'm looking at Audi Avants, BMW 5 Series, Volvo V60s - can these fit three car seats in the back? Also am I missing any other make of car with similar class that will last me 10 years+ that will fit the three rug rats?!
Thank you in advance :)
Twins Rule Mac (Cork)Jul 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Valerie,
The problem is that you’re going to struggle in a premium-brand car to find the sort of rear-seat width that you need. The sad fact is that most sporty, expensive estates are designed around four passengers and the middle rear seat is usually an uncomfortable perch that’s often too narrow to comfortabley fit a car seat into.
So, I’d suggest you broaden your remit a little. Of the premium cars, realistically only the Volvo V70 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are going to offer the kind of cabin space you need. If those are too expensive, look instead to the more workaday brands – Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Avensis, Mazda6 and Peugeot 508. You may not get the premium badge you crave, but you’ll get the interior room you need and at a much lower cost.
Does the MINI have heavy steering?
Hi,
Are MINI hatches supposed to have quite heavy steering and controls? My car is fine to drive for me, but I never really noticed until I tried my friend's Volkswagen Passat today and it feels toy-like in comparison in that it has extremely light steering. Both cars are 2009.
James Patrick (Wicklow)Jul 2016 Filed under: hatchback
Expert answer
Hi James,
It's all just down to the way the power steering is set up and yes, all MINIs have quite weighty power steering, designed to feel sporty and make the car feel more agile.
What is the VRT on a Jeep Renegade?
What is the VRT on a 2016 Jeep Renegade Sport?
Chris Smyth (Bansha)Jul 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Chris,
It depends on the total spec of the vehicle but assuming it has the 1.6-litre diesel then I'd say around the €3,000 mark.
Audi A3 TDI or Toyota Auris Hybrid?
Hi,
As our family is fleeing the nest, I am hoping to buy a new or nearly new slightly smaller and economical (possibly hybrid?) car. Changing up from a 2009 Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre high-spec diesel with 98,000km on the clock. Do about 15,000km per year mostly in the city and trips to Wicklow, and odd long trip to West Cork for pleasure.
Not sure if I should go for diesel again, or hybrid. Is hybrid risky and will the residuals drop as newer technology comes onstream? Offered €6K by Audi for my Avensis (poor!) against a brand new A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI diesel (net after discounts and trade in = €25K) or €10k by Toyota against brand new 1.8 Auris Hybrid Luna (€26,225 + €575 + €180 road tax + €575 metallic paint = €16,980). Love the look of the A3 Sportback, but in my heart think Toyota is more practical for a privately run car. I am paying cash so am conscious I might have this car a while, i.e. five years.
Do you think a new car is advisable, or good demo, and also will the Audi be expensive to run?
Thanks,
Linda DJ, Dublin
Linda Dwyer Joyce (Dundrum)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Linda,
€6k is at the bottom end of 2009 Avensis trade in values and your Toyota dealer is possibly boosting your trade in a bit (€10k is definitely top end) to keep you in the family.
I think with 15,000km annual mileage you definitely don't need a diesel - you'll really struggle to make back the extra purchase cost in fuel savings and if you're not doing lots of long journeys you could run into problems with the particulate filter. The Audi wouldn't be expensive to run at all - they're reliable and frugal, but the servicing would probably be slightly pricier than for a Toyota.
As for the Auris Hybrid, I think it sounds like it might be just about right for you, especially as most of your mileage is around town and that's where it works best. You may find it hard to get the best economy out of it on that long run to West Cork, but the rest of the time it should be about right, and super-reliable too.
An ex-demo is always a good idea as you'll get it cheap with minimal mileage, but there are fewer of them around these days.
Relevant reviews on the site:
Is the Golf GTI Performance no more?
Has Volkswagen Ireland stopped importing the GTI Performance? I have been told by Volkswagen that production for the performance model is ceasing (but it still seems to be available to order in other markets). Wondering if this is a temporary measure to help shift the glut of R models available for sale?
Many thanks
Gary Murray (Dublin)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
The answer is partially yes, but it’s nothing to do with R sales, which we are told are actually perfectly healthy. The GTI Performance model is being replaced by the GTI Clubsport, which gets an extra 34hp and some chassis revisions to make the handling even sharper than that of the GTI Performance Pack.
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.
Here are our relevant reviews:
Is my new Mazda CX-5's gearchange ok?
I've purchased a new CX-5, but I find the gear change quite rough; is this normal for a Mazda?
Tom Comerford (Kilkenny )Apr 2016 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
The CX-5 has what we'd call a sporty gearchange, which some may not like. However, in case there is something wrong, you should bring the car back to the dealer and ask them to have a look and, to put your mind at ease, let you try another car to prove that yours is no different.
Let us know how you get on