Expert answer

Hi Denise,

The minutiae of equipment specs are something of a mystery, but thankfully we know some helpful chaps at Volkswagen Group Ireland and they told us that:

"The Sports Pack adds 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and tinted windows to the Comfortline.

If a customer was to opt for a standard Highline over the Comfortline with Sports Pack, they would get the following additional standard equipment:

Interior

Leather multi-function steering wheel

Sports seats incl. Alcantara/Global upholstery

"Piano Black Mesh" decorative inserts

Carpet mats, front & rear

Ambient lighting

Exterior

Deep Red tail-light clusters

Electrically folding exterior mirrors

Additional chrome mouldings on front grille

Functional

Auto-dimming rear view mirror

Auto headlight activation

Rain sensor

Fatigue Detection

Please note that tinted windows come within the Comfortline Sports Pack, but are not standard on Highline. These can be added to the Highline as an option individually or as part of the Highline Sports Pack."

Does that help?

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The Octavia RS is a much sportier car overall with a more driver-focused chassis (though firmer and less comfortable). However, the new D4 Volvo engine is superior in every way (assuming you mean the new 181hp four-cylinder one tested here). 

So, personally, I would have the Skoda look, spec and chassis, but the Volvo engine and running costs!

Depends what's important to you...

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Right, first off; good choice. Well, sort of. The 3 Series is the good choice - it's handsome, beautifully built, sublime to drive and, crucial these days, extremely economical. 

But, you've picked the wrong one in our opinions. Well, at least you've picked the wrong diesel. True, the 318d's torque and power figures look impressive, but the fact is that, on the road, it feels barely any quicker than the cheaper 316d and the 316 is sweeter and smoother to drive. So go for the 316d, save yourself a few bob and have the nicer engine.

As for extras, go for nice leather, an upgrade to the Business stereo pack and (though this splits opinion) get the all-important M Sport styling upgrade.

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

In reliability terms, there doesn't seem to be much to worry about. The Rexton is one of those rare cars that's never been recalled for a manufacturing fault and the ancient Mercedes-based turbodiesel engines are long-lived and simple, mechanically speaking. Likewise, even though the cabin looks and feels cheap, it seems to be well screwed together.

The problems though are two-fold. One, the Rexton really is very crude. In terms of engine noise, performance, handling, ride quality and just about everything, it feels at least a generation, sometimes more, behind the best of the European, Japanese and Korean rivals. And sadly, we can't give you too many pointers on safety. The Rexton has never been crash-tested by EuroNCAP so we have no objective data on it, crash-wise. You pays your money, you takes your chances...

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

I'm afraid the news is not great. The Alfa 156 was a cracking car when new, but age has not been kind to them and they suffer significant issues with worn and broken suspension and axles, and the electronics and engines can play merry hell too. If the car has been exceptionally well cared for and looked after, then it might be worth a punt, but if you detect even the slightest signs of abuse or lack of care, walk away. A full service history is essential and if you hear any knocking or clonking noises from the suspension on a test drive, forget it. Likewise, if any warning lights on the dash stay on or any electrical components don't work properly (or at all), do not purchase.

Sorry!

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

In the UK, the SRi is the sporty model in the Insignia range (without going for the full-vat VXR model) and is the third level up from base, ahead of the ES and Exclusiv. It should come with 17-inch alloys, lower and sportier suspension, a leather covered steering wheel, front foglights, sporty bucket seats and, depending on the engine, the brilliant 'Flexride' adaptive damping system.

Bluetooth is an option on the SRi - it only comes as standard when you trade up to the Tech Line model - but you can connect your iPod to any Insignia through the standard aux-in socket. You just need to buy the right cable. They cost around €15-20 from any good electrical retailer, though of course the iPod can't be controlled by the car when connected that way.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yes, that engine was fitted with a particulate filter from 2004 onwards.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

We really liked the Kia Sportage when it came out (here's our original Irish test drive) and though it's due a facelift next year it's still one of the most appealing small SUVs out there, not least because of its seven-year warranty. It also has a good 1.7-litre diesel engine now.

Anything else you need to know?

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

Yes! Yes! Oh god yes!

Sorry, got a bit carried away there, but the MX-5 is just such a sweet car, and reliable too.

There are really only a couple of areas to keep an eye on. Obviously, they're a sports car and tend to get driven accordingly so watch for accident damage. 

The hoods are good but can build up mildew if the car isn't driven regularly. If the hood has been replaced make sure the heated rear window has been properly connected up.

Finally, the alloy wheels can corrode so check them carefully.

But that's about it. Enjoy!

Expert answer

Hi Dympna,

Really nice car, the Soul and one that's often overlooked as every other car maker rushes out its own compact crossover. The cabin can feel a little cheap in places and it's a bit noisy compared to the likes of the Peugeot 2008, but other than that, it's a canny buy. Not only do you get Kia's excellent seven-year warranty, but you also get a chassis that was tuned by sports car legends Lotus. A good buy.

Hope that helps