Expert answer

Hi Edward,

That's not so easy to answer definitively, but I suspect the Toyota could be a little cheaper to run. It does depend of course on which version – and year – XC70 you have. The latest GR Yaris costs €790 a year to tax, for your reference.

Unless you're doing track days, wear and tear in the Yaris should be no more than it is in the Volvo and with a new-car warranty you're isolated from high-value maintenance costs for a few years in any case.

The big unknown is insurance, but only you can determine that by ringing around and getting quotes.

We'd be interested in the outcome if you want to drop us a line after.

Expert answer

Hi Lyn,

We wouldn't worry massively about parts for those cars as they're freely available, and there are plenty of garages specialising in Japanese imports anyway.

Insurance is certainly something to look into before you commit to buying. You will definitely have to disclose that the car is a Japanese import, but that doesn't always automatically mean a higher insurance cost. Sometimes it does. Also, watch out for the fact that many Japanese imports do not have alarms or immobilisers – and that point can lead to higher insurance.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It is really difficult to get the official CO₂ and NOx figures for an imported Japanese car unless the seller provides it.

However, in your situation, it probably doesn't really matter as that car would likely be in the highest band for CO₂ (over 191g/km for VRT purposes) and NOx. The NOx levy is actually capped at €600 for petrol-fuelled cars.

Go back in and tell then you can't get the values and so I believe they'll have to put down the highest rates. This means you will pay €600 for the NOx levy and VRT at 41 per cent of the car's Open Market Selling Price (OMSP – the value Revenue believes the car to be worth after importation). There is a minimum fee for the latter, however, at €820 for cars in the highest band.

Unfortunately, as your car isn't quite a classic yet (it will be next year when it turns 30), you will pay motor tax at a rate of up to €2,400 if it is put into the top band for tax at over 225g/km. But that will only be for one year and from 2027 on you can pay classic car tax of just €55.

Don't hesitate to come back to us if you need anything clarified.

Expert answer

Hi Leslie,

It's much better than hybrid Toyotas used to be for sure, though it still makes a bit of racket when you put the accelerator pedal all the way down for maximum performance. And it'll be noisy for short periods of acceleration as well, for example when joining a motorway.

But it's fine when up to speed and even at motorway speeds. And it drops into fully electric mode in stop-start traffic a lot so there's no issue there either.

Go test drive one for yourself before you commit to buying it though.

Expert answer

Hi Fiona,

Any competent mechanic can do that for you – it's not particularly complicated. Just make sure you specify that you want the hybrid system serviced rather than just a generic car service.

Expert answer

Hi Sue,

That's quite a good selection of new EVs you're trying to choose from. Let's look at the facts first:

Exterior dimensions:

Kia EV4: 4,450mm long, 2,820mm wheelbase
Nissan Leaf: 4,350mm long, 2,690mm wheelbase
Toyota C-HR+: 4,520mm long, 2,750mm wheelbase

The wheelbase figures in particular tell us a lot. That's the distance between the front and rear axles and it's an indication of how much interior space a car has. And the Kia EV4 definitely has the most spacious cabin of the three. If you're regularly carrying larger people in the back, it's the one to go for, but it's also notably roomier up front.

Boot space with all seats in use:

Kia EV4: 435 litres
Nissan Leaf: 437 litres
Toyota C-HR+: 416 litres

The Kia and Nissan appear to be more or less identical on this metric, but the EV4's more upright rear means it can handle bulkier loads when you need it to.

Official range (battery capacity quoted as 'usable' figures):

Kia EV4: either 440km for 55kWh battery or 625km from 78kWh
Nissan Leaf: either 440km for 52kWh battery or 622km for 75kWh
Toyota C-HR+: 606km from 72kWh battery

This data reveals that the Nissan Leaf is a little more efficient than the other ones – in that it uses a bit less energy to go the same distance - so it should prove a little cheaper to run. The differences are slight, though. Note there is only one battery option for the Toyota.

Always remember that these are the official range figures the car makers have to quote according to a standardised test procedure, and it's very difficult to replicate them in real-world situations. Saying that, most people don't travel 400km a week, never mind a day, so it's worth considering the versions with the smaller batteries.

Pricing:

Kia EV4: from €39,940 for 55kWh model, €43,275 for the 78kWh version
Nissan Leaf: no Irish price confirmed as yet, but we'd guess €37,000 for the 52kWh model
Toyota C-HR+: from €42,160 (two grades available, but one battery)

Our opinions:

The Toyota and Nissan look similar in that they're curvy crossovers, while the Kia is a conventional five-door hatchback shape, albeit one with interesting design details.

They're all quite different inside in terms of style, though all of high quality and fitted with all the technology you'd need. The Kia is undoubtedly the most spacious feeling.

The Nissan is – marginally – the best of them to drive, with the Kia in second place, though there really isn't a lot between them in that regard.

In summary:

You'll have noticed that there aren't yawning gulfs between the cars – unless interior and boot space are top priorities - so it may well come down to your own preferences and the pricing. We'd highly recommend you go test drive each of them to see which you prefer.

Do let us know which you choose – and why.

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

Most people in your position – i.e. a new driver – consider the cost of insurance when choosing their first car. You'll need to keep the engine size down for that reason, though there are plenty of small-engined cars that should still fit the bill. Just keep it in mind and maybe get insurance quotes before you commit to any car.

I would suggest that you're better off going for a slightly larger car if it's to be used regularly for longer journeys as they are generally more comfortable at motorway speeds. From your list, the VW Golf and Hyundai i30 would be good options, but you could also seek out the SEAT Leon, Peugeot 308 or Mazda3.

I've probably given you more to think about there…

Come back to us with a budget in mind and we'll try to find some specific cars for you to consider.

Expert answer

Hi Eileen,

In terms of simple preferences, I'd rather own/drive the C-HR than the Corolla Cross as I prefer how it looks and how it drives - though they both use the same hybrid system and have largely identical performance and efficiency. The Sport version of the C-HR is a bit cheaper to buy than the Sport version of the Corolla Cross as well.

However, there's no doubt that the Corolla Cross is the larger and more practical car. Its boot holds more than the C-HR's and the rear seats are also a little more spacious.

If those things didn't matter, I'd take the C-HR every time.

Expert answer

Hi Jerry,

We'd not have put the EV3 up against the bZ as a rival, as they're different sizes. The Toyota is a much larger car inside, though the Kia's boot is bigger, oddly. 

Both are smooth, comfortable and refined on the road and have a similar range and energy consumption. The Toyota is a little faster and a little better to drive, but we prefer the dashboard layout of the Kia.

In short, we can't pick a clear winner. If passenger space is a priority, then the Toyota would win, but other than that it's pretty much down to personal taste.

Go test-drive them both and let us know what you think.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

That budget limits the options a little in terms of roominess. With five of you on board, especially if one or two are in boosters or child seats, then you'd definitely need a larger model. The Nissan Qashqai e-Power or the hybrid versions of the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson would be perfect, for example.

Nonetheless, if there are no car seats to contend with then you should pop into a Toyota dealer and ask to check out the Corolla 'Touring Sports' estate and the Corolla Cross. They're both very good cars.

Another possibility is the Hyundai Kona. It's available as a hybrid, is within budget and is way larger than its predecessor inside, so it may well fit the bill.

One of the best options - if you're ok with an SUV shape - is the Dacia Bigster. Even a high-spec hybrid version is within budget for you, the rear has loads of room and it's great value for money.

Finally, the Renault Austral competes with the larger SUVs above and is fantastically spacious. It's slightly out of budget at a starting price of €41,995, but maybe you can do some negotiating...

Let us know if we're on the right track or if you need further help refining your search.