Expert answer

Hi John, 

According to Hyundai, "The 2.0 CRDi automatic features an all-new six-speed self-shifting transmission that is smaller and lighter than any other six-speed automatic offered anywhere in world.

As well as the obvious economy and emissions benefits, the system uses a uniquely-shaped torque converter to reduce its overall size, and features three planetary gears and four pinion differentials.

Although it offers smooth and precise gearshifts throughout the rev range in fully auto mode, the gearbox can also be used like a sequential six-speed manual. A gate-type shift pattern allows the driver to choose between fully automatic or clutchless manual ‘Sport’ modes, which offers even more driver involvement and a more rewarding driving experience beyond the city limits."

I hope this helps.

Expert answer

Hi John,

It was developed in-house by the Hyundai-Kia Group for fitment in a wide range of future vehicles. It is a six-speed unit. The driver can choose from two operating modes - fully automatic or ‘Sport’.  For city driving, fully automatic mode is ideal, while ‘Sport’ mode allows for clutch-less manual gear changes for greater driver involvement - either using the centre console selector lever or the new steering wheel-mounted ‘paddles’ (standard on all automatic models). 

The paddles  enable the driver to change gear without taking his/her hands off the steering wheel.  Pulling the right-hand paddle towards the driver changes ‘up’, while pulling the left-hand paddle changes ‘down’.

Although the six-speed transmission is a regular ‘torque converter’ automatic, it incorporates a unique ‘flat’ torque converter, with three planetary gear sets and four pinion differentials - ensuring, according to Hyundai, ultra-fast, smooth and precise gearshifts throughout the engine speed range - and it weighs just 78kg - 20 kg more than the manual gearbox.

Its layout makes this transmission the most compact six-speed unit currently available anywhere in the world according to Hyundai.  It is 54 mm shorter and weighs 12kg less than a regular five-speed unit and boosts fuel economy by up to 12 per cent.  Like the i40’s six-speed manual, the automatic is a ‘filled for life’ maintenance-free unit. 

Automatic transmission-equipped i40s will feature cruise control and Hyundai’s ‘Active Eco System‘ economy indicator to assist with fuel-efficient driving.

Hope that's enough information?

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

We asked Ciaran Lowe, a former service manager for Nissan Ireland, to answer this one. He told us. "I can understand your reasoning for removing the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) because of the excessive cost of replacement. However, the DPF on diesel vehicles plays an important roll in reducing vehicle emissions. In fact these filters can reduce diesel soot emissions by up to 80 percent, so by removing the DPF it is interfering with the emissions on your vehicle. By re-mapping the ECU it is only tricking the engine management  system to see emissions within spec regarding the DPF system. However even with the ECM re-mapped the vehicle will still fail any future emissions tests. The fact your light is on indicates the system has identified out of range emissions."

I'm afraid the best solution all-round is to seek a used DPF filter.

We've talked to a few people in the industry and short of messing with the actual lights in the dashboard there is no way around this. We can't recommend this route, but it could be done by any auto electrician.

Expert answer

Hi Des,

You've identified two great choices there. With our own money we'd buy the Skoda Superb Combi. It's a cracking estate car with a huge amount of room, great quality, good comfort and the 1.6 TDI engine is refined and economical. Unless you intend to tow regularly I wouldn't worry too much about the performance. This engine may not have a lot of power (105hp), but it has plenty of torque low down in the rev range, which is far more useful in everyday driving.

Admittedly, the Opel will feel faster and it's a nice car too, but make sure you test drive as many alternatives as you can. Where as Skoda only appears to offer one version of the Superb Combi that qualifies for the scrappage scheme, Ford has several Mondeo Estates that do - and it's a great car.

Worth paying a little more for is the brand new Volkswagen Passat Estate. It's a fabulous car and there are several Band A and Band B options.

If you need any more assistance come back to us of course.

Expert answer

Hi there,

Well the obvious choice would be to go and get the latest Renault Laguna Sports Tourer, which could cost you as little as €23,090 under the scrappage scheme with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. This might be a bit over budget though. 

You are almost certainly going to get the best deal from a Renault dealership. The Grand Mégane is another option, but this only comes with a 1.5-litre diesel or 1.6-litre petrol. I am not sure why you would need it to be over 1.6-litre because the modern smaller engines are really good and the 1.5-litre diesel in the Mégane is really very competent. 

Hope that helps - if you need further advice please drop us a line in the comment box below

Expert answer

Hi Peadar,

Firstly it is hardly a surprise that your Saab has served you so well. Those cars are so well-built that they can go on for what seems like forever. I'm sure you realise that you probably won't get much for your Saab, unless of course you were prepared to opt for a new car and avail of the Government Scrappage Scheme, but since you mentioned 2008 cars we will deal with those first. 

My first choice for you would be a 2008 Saab 9-3 Diesel. Since you have enjoyed your previous Saab so much and it has served you so well, I thought that this would be the best place to start. You can have a 2008 model, in Linear Sport spec, with just 44,000km on the clock from a SIMI-approved Saab dealer for €19,950. The emissions are 147g/km so it sits in motor tax Band C, so will cost just €302 per year in road tax. This car is really nicely specced too. Plus, you will most certainly get the best price for your own Saab from here.

Another fantastic car that might not have considered is the Subaru Legacy diesel, a personal favourite of mine. This car has a brilliant engine, is beautifully balanced on the road and nicely equipped too. You would pay around €20,000 for a 2008 model. They don't come up for sale very often and can be hard to find but they are super cars. 

The same sort of money would get you a Volvo S40, although my only issue with this car is that it might feel a little small compared to the others. The S40 1.6-litre diesel has low emissions however, so you will pay just €156 per year on road tax. This car is okay, but I don't think it's anywhere near your best choice here. 

The Avensis is a good solid choice and should be reliable and comfortable, but after having quite an interesting car in the shape of the Saab, you might feel a little bit like you sold your soul with the Toyota. You will save some money though. A 2008 model from a Toyota dealer will cost you under €18,000. Sure this car will be a safe choice, but I think it might bore you a little. 

You will save even more money with a 2008 Skoda Octavia Diesel, which will cost you under €16,000 and just €156 in road tax. They are nicely built too. Or in the case of a Volkswagen Passat, you should best avoid the 1.9-litre diesel and get a 2.0-litre one instead - the 1.9-litre diesel is noisy. So this 2.0-litre diesel with 140hp will cost you €18,500 and will still just cost you €302 per year in road tax. 

Another one to consider, and a very under-rated car, is the Citroen C5. The newer model is really good and comfortable and you could have a 2008 version for around €17,500. Here is one.

If you ask me which of this lot you should buy, I would say the Saab or the Subaru. The rest are fine, but if you loved your Saab then those two will be the most interesting for you. 

I hope this helps! 

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

The Ford Kuga is a great choice and is really good value now as a two-wheel drive version. With the problems we have been having with the weather you can see why people would want to choose the four-wheel drive one. You pay about a €2,000 premium for four-wheel drive and if we are going to continue to have the weather we have been having then it might be worth it. 

We also really like the new Skoda Yeti 4x4. We drove it last week and it is super. You can have one with all the bells and whistles for about €31,000. The new Kia Sportage is really nice looking too and you can get the 2.0-litre "First Edition" model loaded with kit for €31,495. 

There are lots of options around now for the right money. I think out of this lot, I probably would choose the Kuga because it has the best interior and best road manners. 

Come back to us if you have more questions and let us know what you decide upon.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

That's a good shortlist. We've only tried Hyundai's new 1.7-litre engine in a Kia Sportage, but it's an improvement in terms of economy, emissions and refinement over the 2.0-litre engine we tested recently in the ix35. Saying that, the Skoda Yeti is one of our absolute favourite crossovers. In comparison to the ix35, it feels of better quality and is much nicer to drive. The 1.6-litre TDI engine is a good one, though the Hyundai may feel a little quicker.

The Skoda's looks will split opinion, but that one's up to you!

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

That sounds about right. I traded in our own 2002 BMW 318 Touring recently and got €4,000 for it but it was pretty minty and had low mileage. The Coupé is still desirable so you might get a similar figure. Hopefully €3,000 would be your starting point really but I guess it depends on the dealership and the market at the time. 

Give yourself plenty of time to shop around and also to get the DSG version of the Golf (if you're interested in that), which might not be in stock. 

Expert answer

Hi William,

The official fuel economy figures for the 520d manual and automatic are as follows. The first figure in each case is for the manual model and the number in brackets is when fitted with the eight-speed automatic with Steptronic.

Fuel Consumption in EU Cycle

Urban: 

5.9 (6.4) l/100km

47.8 (44.1) mpg

Extra-urban:

4.3 (4.5) l/100km

65.6 (62.7) mpg

Combined:

4.9 (5.2) l/100km

57.6 (54) mpg

CO₂

129 (137) g/km

As you can see there is very little difference. As regards the M Sport model, we don't know how the new version of the 5 Series M Sport rides as yet, but I collect one this Tuesday so I will come back to you on how it drives then.

I hope this helps,