What's a good medium, auto SUV?
What's a good small/medium size SUV that has reasonable tax and fuel consumption, but is also automatic? It's for my wife so not a Nissan Qashqai, too common; Kia Sportage, build quality not too hot; and VW Touran is just too boring.
Any suggestions welcome, but has to be auto.
Eoin Heaney (Ennis)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
Have you tried the new Peugeot 3008? Great-looking, good to drive and comes with an (optional) six-speed auto. The 1.2-litre 130hp petrol turbo engine is the one to go for. Alternatively, you could try and grab a run-out Skoda Yeti (always one of our favourites and built like a tank), or have a look at the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which is striking to look at and really good to drive. Here are our relevant reviews:
Which seven-seater with boot space is best?
Guys - brother is looking for a seven-seater to accommodate a growing family. Needs to have room for buggy or two in the boot if possible. His budget is about €10k. Nothing too big engine wise to keep running costs down. Any advice appreciated - thanks.
Barry Delaney (Dublin)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
The hard bit here is having buggy space in the boot in a seven-seater — seven-seaters keep their extra seats in the boot, so you can have extra seats, or luggage space, but normally not both. Our favourite ones are generally the VW Touran, the Ford S-Max, the Kia Carens, the SEAT Alhambra and the Toyota Verso, but all of those will have the seats/space issue. If they need something bigger, do let us know. In the meantime, our relevant reviews:
Which used MPVs are cheap to tax?
I am looking for a decently sized seven-seater that comes in the cheaper tax band; can you please suggest one (that isn't too expensive or new out as I am looking for second hand)?
Natash Murray (Dublin)Feb 2013 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Natash,
Your best bets are the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, the VW Touran, the Peugeot 5008, or the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi (the current-shape model). All of those slot into Band A for motor tax, as long as you get the 1.6 or 1.7 diesel models.
Does this 2008 Touran sound good to you?
2008 VW Touran with 102,000km on the clock, full service history etc, 1.4 TSI engine: decent car?
Eric Coyne (Cork)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
Yes, very decent indeed. Check the engine carefully for turbo issues (watch for excessive smoke or sluggish power delivery), but with a full service history, that sounds like a good bet to us.
Most efficient MPVs on the market?
What is the best MPV for tax and fuel efficiency?
Brian McEntee (Cork)Expert answer
Hi Brian,
It depends where you’re doing most of your driving. The Toyota Prius+ has CO2 emissions of just 106g/km, and can get 60mpg if driven very, very gently, but it’ll be way too thirsty if you’re doing lots of motorway miles. The best diesel-engined MPVs are probably the 1.6 TDI VW Touran, the 1.6 HDi Citroen C3 Picasso, or the 1.5 dCi Renault Scenic.
What's the best second-hand seven-seat MPV?
I am looking for a seven-seat MPV. What do you think of a 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso Grand manual - or a 2008 automatic? Was told Renaults were unreliable, what do you think? Any other suggestions?
Niamh Clarke (Naas)Apr 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Niamh,
We spoke by e-mail and now I have a better idea of your budgets there are a few good ideas. I think the Ford S-Max is probably my favourite car of this bunch. I quite like this one. It is diesel, looks great and has low mileage. We reckon you could get them down in price a little too.
In relation to the choice between manual and auto in the C4 Picasso, that really is down to personal choice. It isn't the greatest auto ever but it isn't the worst either. You really should try it and see. The EGS box is a little jerky. Personally I wouldn't really fancy it but you should be the judge. This one is quite nice and has really low mileage.
I wouldn't say not to consider Renaults, but they weren't a good vintage at the time, so personally I don't think I would be spending money on a 2007/2008 Scenic. They have got a lot better since then though.
Lastly, you could try a VW Touran. It isn't that exciting but they hold their value really well and are nicely built.
Anyway Niamh, if it were my money, I'd have the Ford S-Max.
I hope this helps.
Safety of occupants in third row of seats
Hello
I am looking at buying a second hand seven seater. When I was checking the compatibility of my car seats with the seven seaters I had in mind (Ford S-Max, VW Touran and Citroen C4) the car seat manufacturer recommends not putting any car seats in the third row.
On further investigation it seems when the third row is in use the safety of people (i.e mostly kids as most adults would not sit in third row) is very poor. Can you shed any light? Besides going for the bigger seven seaters like the Ford Galaxy (which is out due to budget reasons) is there any seven seater safer in this regard? Am I overthinking this, is this the case with most five seater cars or is the boot space a big plus if a car is rear ended?
Linda Keane (Meath)Mar 2011 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Linda,
I can totally understand your concerns. Anyway, to start, here are all the EuroNCAP reports on the cars you were looking at so you can have a good look at them.
Ford S Max / VW Touran / Citroen C4 Picasso
The placement of ISOFIX seats often dictates where child seats should go and in a lot of MPVs there is still only two and these are usually in the outer two seats of the second row. We answered a question on this recently.
This article by JD Power and Associates is good. As regards the rear row, the information is a little unclear on whether there is a greater danger to be in the rear seats in a rear impact, but it is something that we will investigate further. The strength of the modern MPV at the rear is pretty impressive though and as long as the child is front facing they are well protected.