Are paddles standard on the Polo BlueGT?
Hi
Does the Polo 1.4 Blue GT DSG come with paddle gear changers? I know that the 1.2 90hp DSG doesn't. Is it possible to say, roughly, in percentage terms the likely insurance difference between these two models?
Many thanks (and happy new year)
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Jan 2016 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
According to Volkswagen, paddle shifters for the DSG gearbox on that model are not standard, but are available as an option. And a not very expensive option either - only just over €100.
The insurance question isn't really one we can help you with, as there are many more factors to an insurance quotation than just the model of car. We can only suggest that you ring a couple of the bigger companies and ask to get a feel for the price difference.
Which new exec diesel auto saloon to go for?
What compact exec would you choose in a diesel auto as a private buyer? BMW 320d M Sport, Audi A4 S tronic, Jaguar XE Portfolio or Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Or would you go with something cheaper like a Volkswagen Passat Highline DSG 190?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.
Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.
Some relevant reviews for you:
Help me change from Passat to C-Max.
I have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat diesel with 120,000 miles on the clock. I am looking at a 2012 diesel Ford C-Max with 60,000 miles. How much should I expect to pay and would you recommend the Ford?
Many thanks.
Catherine Davis (Louth)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
The Ford's not bad actually, but make sure that it has been fully serviced and that the 1.6 diesel has had a steady diet of high-grade oil.
Your Passat should be worth about €7,000 to €7,500 as a trade-in.
Which new petrol estate should I go for?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 Volkswagen Passat saloon 1.4 TSI, but am looking to change to an estate. The obvious choice is the Passat Estate 1.4 TSI, but is there any other petrol estate I should consider? My mileage doesn't justify the change to diesel.
Thanks.
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Worth checking out the Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G estate, and the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost isn't bad. Also have a look at the Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI although that's only available in Ambition spec.
How can I buy a Volkswagen Golf R Estate?
I have my heart set on a Volkswagen Golf R 'Sportwagen' (estate), but it seems Volkswagen Ireland will not be selling them here. Do I have any real options to buy one, given that importing from the UK is prohibitively expensive considering the exchange rate?
Thanks.
Graham McGarry (Greystones)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Graham,
I'm afraid not - it's simply not a model appearing on the official Volkswagen Ireland price list. You could try sweet-talking a Volkswagen dealer but they'll essentially just have to privately import it themselves so they'll just pass on the same costs to you.
We double checked the situation with Volkswagen Ireland and it confirmed the same.
Such a shame!
I need a small, reliable commuting car.
Hello, looking for a small, economical, reliable car for commuting. I currently have a 1.0-litre Nissan Micra. I do 110km a day, 5-6 days a week.
What would you recommend?
Elaine Henry (Sligo)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
You're kind of on the cusp of being better off with a diesel with that kind of mileage. There are a few cars that are worth looking at. Sticking with petrol? Try a Honda Jazz - small but very spacious, and the 1.2-litre engine is pretty frugal. Want to go for a small diesel? Try a Volkswagen Polo. Want something a little more fun, but still very frugal (albeit not very roomy in the back)? Try a MINI Cooper D.
Can I get Apple CarPlay on my 2015 Golf?
Will Apple CarPlay work on a 2015 Golf with Discover satnav by a software upgrade or would it have to be a hardware fix? I have the media-in cable already.
Simon MacMahon (Navan)Nov 2015 Filed under: satellite navigation
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
If you go to the settings menu and see a menu heading titled ‘App Connect’ then yes, Apple CarPlay will work, but you might need to go to your Volkswagen dealer to get an activation code.
Should I go ahead with Audi A6 order?
Any advice about buying a new Audi A6 diesel in view of the current emissions scandal? Dealers are vague and evasive with answers.
Many thanks
PAT HIGGINS (ROSCOMMON)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
The dealers are, in fairness, being evasive because they don't have the full picture yet. None of us do, to be honest. However, there's no really good reason for not buying an A6. It's an excellent car, very frugal and lovely to drive, and beautifully built too. If it does turn out to be one of the cars on which the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption has been under-estimated, then you will be compensated for any gap - Volkswagen Group has promised that customers will not be out of pocket as a result of all this. So I'd say go ahead - cracking car.
Any advice on 2007 Volkswagen Touareg?
Any advice when looking at a 2007 3.0-litre auto diesel Volkswagen Toureg with 150,000 miles on the clock?
Dan Haslam (Coleraine)Nov 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
What runaround to get for €10,000?
Please advise on best value annual costs for a small runaround. Budget c. €10,000. Anticipate c. 15,000km per annum - some on quite rough country lanes. I anticipate keeping the car for maybe 6/7 years so diesel a prefered option but those I have looked at - from Volkswagen up!/Skoda Citygo/SEAT Mii stable, Hyundai i10, Fiat Panda, Suzuki Alto/Splash all seem to be petrol only.
Thank you
Charles Cooper (Collooney)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Charles,
Yeah, with a small car like that (a) diesel is not generally available and (b) it would push up the price tag so much that you'd never earn the difference back in fuel savings. Of the ones you're looking at, I'd go with withe Hyundai i10 - it's really comfy and spacious for a small car, and should be sufficiently rugged to deal with the roads you're talking about. Plus the five-year warranty should help to keep the running costs down.
Relevant reviews: