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Hi Ray,

You'll pay 13.3 per cent of the 'Open Market Selling Price' (OMSP - the Irish used value as estimated by Revenue).  It would obviously depend on the year and condition as to what that value would be. As an example, a 2009 Touareg commercial would be worth around €13,000 to €15,000. 

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Hi Brendan,

According to the figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 57 Passat 1.4 TSI models were sold in 2015 (53 saloons and four estates) and 42 so far this year (37 saloons and five estates). There were also two Passat GTE plugin hybrids registered so far this year, which also use the 1.4 TSI engine.

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Hi Orlaith,

Most UK cars should come with a main analogue speedometer (the physical dial bit) with both mph and km/h markings. The good news is that the digital speedo display between the main instruments can be adjusted from the settings menu. A quick glance at the owner's handbook should see you right. 

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Hi Katalin,

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Hi Gary,

The answer is partially yes, but it’s nothing to do with R sales, which we are told are actually perfectly healthy. The GTI Performance model is being replaced by the GTI Clubsport, which gets an extra 34hp and some chassis revisions  to make the handling even sharper than that of the GTI Performance Pack.

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Hi David,

Yes, they are different, but it’s not a simple difference. Basically, the ‘classical’ Audi quattro system uses a centre differential, supplied by Torsen, to deliver engine torque to both the front and rear wheels. The system has been hugely updated and altered over the years, both to improve efficiency and to allow for more torque to be sent to the rear wheels (the current version can send as much as 85 per cent of the engine’s power to the back).

The Volkswagen 4Motion system (which is also used on four-wheel drive Skoda models) is a simpler and lighter Haldex system that uses a differential and a series of clutches to send power to the rear wheels. It can disable power to the rears in order to reduce mechanical losses, friction and therefore improve fuel economy. This system has become markedly more sophisticated over the years, but it’s still primarily a front-wheel drive layout that can send power to the rear, while the Audi quattro system is a classic all-wheel drive setup that is always powering all four wheels.

Now, there’s a catch. Some Audi models, mostly the A3, Q3 and A1, use a modified version of the Haldex 4Motion setup, although it’s still badged as a quattro. And there’s a new 'quattro ultra' system coming shortly, which Audi says gives the benefit of all-wheel drive, but with less drag and better fuel economy.

So basically, yes, they are different, but the overall effect – extra traction in poor conditions – is more or less the same. A really keen and sensitive driver will be able to tell the difference between the two in terms of feel and handling, but for the rest of us mortals, they’re effectively the same.

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Hi Christine,

The Kia Sorento should fit three seats across the back, but you should always take along your seats (and preferably your kids too) on the test drive to make sure everything and everyone fits in nicely. Cracking car that Sorento - other good options are the Hyundai Santa Fe or Land Rover Discovery Sport. If you need to go for an MPV the Ford S-Max, SEAT Alhambra or Opel Zafira Tourer are your best bets, but it's worth considering the Volkswagen Touran too - not quite so roomy, but cheaper to run and very pleasant to drive. 

Here are our relevant reviews:

Kia Sorento review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Land Rover Discovery Sport review

Volkswagen Touran review

SEAT Alhambra review

Ford S-Max review

Opel Zafira Tourer review

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Hi Tony,

There's no major recurrent fault for the flywheel on a Q5 specifically (although dual-mass flywheels generally come in for a lot of reliability criticism across all brands), but there was a recall for Volkswagen Group 2.0 TDI diesel engines a while back to replace faulty flywheels, so it's worth checking to make sure that's been done. If it doesn't show up in the service history, get in touch with Audi Ireland customer services, as they should be able to find out if a specific vehicle has or has not had the work done. 

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Hi Rob,

Well, as far as discounts go, most dealers operate on about an eight per cent margin, so if you're asking for more than a seven per cent discount you're asking for a below cost price. You should get a decent discount for cash right enough, but explore the credit options too - dealers often get bonuses for selling a credit plan so if you can get a good one (at zero per cent interest obviously) and pay it off from your lump sum, it may give the dealer a bit more wiggle room for a discount.

As for the model, with a starter car and the current cost of insurance you need to be looking at no more than a 1.0-litre engine. Happily your budget will easily get you into a Volkswagen up! 1.0, one of the best small cars around (or equally you could go for a mechanically identical SEAT Mii or Skoda Citigo). Can't go wrong really, although if you're looking for other options you could try an Opel Karl (plain but decent), a Renault Twingo (fun but not as well made as the up!) or the Fiat 500 TwinAir (fabulous car, but get an insurance quote first).

Here are reviews of all of those to help you decide:

Volkswagen up! review

SEAT Mii review

Skoda Citigo review

Opel Karl review

Renault Twingo review

Fiat 500 TwinAir review

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Hi Colin,

It depends which models you mean. I presume you’re looking at an Audi A3 and a Volkswagen Golf, which share a 1.6-litre diesel engine. On the base model of both cars, the quoted CO₂ figure is exactly the same – 99g/km. It could be that you’re looking at an A3 Saloon, which,  with the optional 18-inch alloy wheels, has a CO₂ figure of 109g/km, or possibly even the A3 Saloon quattro 1.6 TDI on 18s, which has a whopping (in comparison) figure of 130g/km. Extra equipment (or indeed a complete four-wheel drive system) and bigger wheels all have an effect on consumption and therefore emissions, you see...