I'm importing a Suzuki Jimny from Japan...
If I import a Suzuki Jimny XC from Japan will it need an IVA?
Michele Durban (Uk)Feb 2025 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
The IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is a UK-specific thing and it does not apply to cars brought into Ireland. In any case, the Jimny was sold in the UK and Ireland so there’s nothing unusual with it.
Looking at buying a Suzuki Jimny...
Hi there,
am looking at purchasing a 2024 Suzuki Jimny for private use. I can either purchase the two-seat LCV model and insure and tax it privately or I could go for the more expensive four-seat Sierra import model (Japanese domestic model I believe) that some dealers in Ireland are offering.
Would the imported model have to undergo an NCT rather than a CVRT? And if so, would it fail on emissions as this is why Suzuki no longer sell them as private vehicles I believe?
Derek (Cork)Jan 2025 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
On registration, the imported four-seat Jimny/Sierra would presumably be defined as a passenger car, in which case it would have to undergo an NCT.
So long as the car is "Euro 6" compliant then it will pass the emissions tests. Make sure you check that with the seller and ask for proof or that in writing before you commit to the sale.
Looking to buy a new small car for under €30,000.
I am looking to gift a car to my wife. With a range of 242 offers, I am inclined to buy a new one. She is still taking her driving lessons and needs hand controls to drive the car due to her foot disability.
She needs a small car with two mandatory features: an automatic transmission and adaptive cruise control. I have narrowed down some options with the budget I have for €30k, but confused what to consider: Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris Luna Hybrid, Dacia Sandero Stepaway or MG3 Hybrid? I am open to suggestions but it should have the two mandatory features.
Thanks
Ankit Gulati (Dublin)Sep 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ankit,
Let's go through your list for a start:
Suzuki Swift: Even the top-spec model with loads of options comes in under budget, has adaptive cruise control and can be had with an automatic gearbox. Easy to drive, well-specified, should be reliable, though doesn't feel as substantial as some of the other cars listed. Read our Suzuki Swift reviews here.
Volkswagen Polo: Only the Style and R-Line versions come with adaptive cruise control, but those are slightly out of budget if fitted with the DSG automatic gearbox so unless you stretch the budget this isn't an option. That's a shame as it's probably the best car in this list all things considered. Read our Volkswagen Polo reviews here.
Toyota Yaris: The 1.5-litre hybrid is an automatic by default, and as you've identified, the Luna comes with adaptive cruise control. It's the only version in the Yaris lineup within budget with those items and it's an excellent car. The rear seats aren't huge, but the fronts are fine, it drives fantastically, should be very reliable and the hybrid system is efficient and good to drive. Quite likely the pick of the cars here all things considered. Read our Toyota Yaris reviews here.
Dacia Sandero Stepway: An automatic gearbox is available, and even the most expensive version is well within budget, but this car can't be had with adaptive cruise control - only the non-adaptive type is fitted. Otherwise, it's a spacious and well-equipped car for the money. Read our Dacia Sandero reviews here.
MG3: All versions are automatic and come with adaptive cruise control, so those boxes are ticked. And even the most expensive version is within budget so it's a realistic possibility. It's the most powerful car here, which is probably not important, but it's quite efficient as well. The Yaris is a more polished product, but the MG has a little more space. Read our MG3 reviews here.
Hopefully that's all of help. I'd strongly recommend you and your wife go check out a shortlist of cars in person and test drive them to see which you prefer, as it will come down to personal preference.
Let us know which you go for.
Why differences in Suzuki tax prices?
I have a Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS with a DPF filter from 2009 and the motor tax is €1,250, while the 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS tax is €750. Why, because both are NEPC qualified? They have the same engines. I also found the same 2009 DDiS model on DoneDeal, but registered in a different county and the tax was €750. Where are the differences in prices and qualification from?
Yours sincerely,
Robert
Robert Gambin (Ennis)Nov 2021 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
The €1,250 rate is for cars registered in Ireland before 1 January 2021, with CO2 emissions of 191-225g/km.
The €750 rate has been upped to €790, but it applies to cars registered in Ireland before 1 January 2021, with CO2 emissions of 171-190g/km.
So there appears to be a reason that your car is in the higher bracket. Larger wheels can do that, or maybe it's the difference between the weights of the three- and five-door body styles.
Could I insure an imported Jimny?
Hi,
I have a question in relation to the new Suzuki Jimny. From what I gather it is not being sold in Ireland for emissions reasons. However, if you were to import one from the UK and pay VRT etc would you be able to get Irish insurance? Is it road legal and all that?
Regards,
Robert, Cork
Robert Hincks (Cork)Oct 2020 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Getting insurance will probably be slightly tricky just because there aren’t many Jimnys on the ground here, so it’s not a well-known model for Irish insurers from an actuarial point of view. Then again, it’s no GTI so it shouldn’t be too bad. As for road legality, it’s fine — the Jimny was homologated for Europe, so it’s perfectly legal here.
Tax cost for 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
What is the annual motor tax for a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 Automatic?
Many thanks.
Michael
Michael Ruddy (Cootehill )Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
The engine size is 1,995cc, so it sits in the 1,901cc to 2,000cc band, currently costing €710 per annum.
When to change my Grand Vitara's belt?
When does the timing belt have to be changed on a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 diesel?
Martin Walsh (Kilrush )Sep 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It should be changed every 75,000km or five years, whichever comes first.
VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara?
Looking at VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara... which would you recommend?
Mary Bane (Ennis)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Of the three, it’s probably the T-Cross that we prefer. It is more expensive than the Skoda, but makes up for that by feeling rather more stylish and a little more engaging to drive. Both are very good, though. The Vitara is decent, and solid, but feels a little too cheap in the cabin these days, which does hold it back. Incidentally, if you’re buying new and you’re in the small crossover market, you should also look at the new Ford Puma — it’s the best car in the class by far. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Which nearly-new crossover to get?
I am in the market for a compact SUV (small town SUV). My 17-year-old daughter wants to learn to drive in it also so I need a manual. I think a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine would be the sort of thing. I've driven a Captur, Juke, T-Cross, Kona, Crossland X, ix20 and a Toyota C-HR. The Toyota drove really well but it's pricier and longer. What would you recommend as a 2017/2018 vehicle based on drive and value for money and a learner driver?
Anne Marie O'Byrne (Wexford)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie.
Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable.
Read our Renault Captur reviews
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews
Have you a list of all the hybrids in Ireland?
Do you have a list of hybrids?
Thanks
Tony O'Brien (Shankill, Dublin 18)Feb 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
Currently you can buy the following hybrids on the Irish market: Toyota Corolla, CH-R, RAV4, Prius, Yaris, and there are probably a few run-out examples of the Auris Hybrid out there still in dealerships. There’s also the Kia Niro and the Hyundai Ioniq. There’s the full Lexus range — CT, IS, RC, GS, ES, LS, NX, RX and LC. There’s the Ford Mondeo Hybrid, too. There’s the new Honda CR-V Hybrid, some Mercedes diesel-hybrids and petrol plug-in hybrids, oh and the new AMG 53 six-cylinder mild hybrids.
Suzuki does mild hybrids too — for the Baleno, Swift and Ignis. Then there are the plug-in hybrids — Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq again, plus the Volvo XC90 and XC60 T8 models, along with the S90 and V90; the BMW i8, 330e, 530e, X5 40e, 225xe, and the MINI Countryman S E; there’s also the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug-ins, the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Volkswagen Golf and Passat GTE, the Audi Q7 e-tron and the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne.
I bet I've forgotten some...