How to activate VW App-Connect?
I would like to activate the App-Connect in my 2016 Volkswagen Golf Mk7.
Bartosz Kaczmarski (Dublin)Apr 2020 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Bartosz,
Easily done, normally, but perhaps a little less so at the moment. It will depend on the precise model you have whether or not it’s App-Connect compatible, but a trip to your local Volkswagen dealer, once they’re open again, will sort you out.
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
How to change my Transporter van to private?
I want to change my 2007 2.5 TDI Volkswagen Transporter to private; how do I do it?
Tj Keeley (Roundwood)Mar 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi TJ,
It’s pretty easy, actually. You simply contact your local motor tax office and let them know that you wish to tax the vehicle for private use. They’ll then switch it over to the old by-engine-capacity tax system (€1,080 for a year’s tax for a 2.5-litre) and that’s the job done. You should probably inform your insurers too, although there shouldn’t be any major issues with that.
Should my Polo's stop-start be working cold?
The stop-start system on my 2019 1.0-litre petrol Polo is enabled with a stone cold engine: if I drive 100 yards after a overnight stop the stop-start is enabled. This can't be logical as the diesels all have to reach temperature before enabling it. Spoke to Volkswagen, but can't get a straight answer. I have also driven other petrol Polos and they are exactly the same.
John M (Cork)Feb 2020 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi John,
There's a lot less going on in the exhaust aftertreatment of a modern petrol engine than the equivalent diesel so I suspect the diesel needs the warm-up more. It may also be due to the extra strain on the starter and battery due to the high compression of the diesel engine. When the oil is cold, the friction may be higher, causing a higher strain again.
Either way, it's nothing to worry about.
Which category is the Transporter crewcab?
I am considering importing a 2017/18/19 Volkswagen Transporter crewcab van for personal use. How do I know which category it would fall into for VRT? Is a crewcab van still classed as a van and in Category C or due to five seats is it classed Category A?
Peter Cody (Enfield )Feb 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
It depends on how the interior layout of the van is arranged. If there is no bulkhead or physical separation between the seating area and the cargo area, then it’ll be registered as a Category A vehicle and it’ll be taxed on the full CO2 emissions. If, though, there is a fixed bulkhead or separation between the seats and the cargo, then it goes into Category B, as it’s allowed to have more than three seats but have the passenger and cargo/functional compartments in completely separate units. That should VRT is charged at a flat rate of 13.3 per cent of the OMSP.
Is the Grand California available in USA?
Is the Volkswagen Grand California available in the States?
Robert Kennedy (Mcallen)Jan 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
I'm afraid not.
How much to tax a VW van privately?
How do I calculate the tax if I want to tax a 2.0-litre diesel Volkswagen Transporter privately?
John Fox (Freshford Kilkenny)Dec 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi John,
It goes back on to the old by-engine-capacity tax system, if you’re taxing a van as a private car, so if it has a 2.0 engine then you’re looking at €710 a year.
Trying to get insured on a 2004 Golf...
Hi,
I am a 21-year-old female with a provisional licence and looking to get insured on a car. I have been asking insurance companies and they have given me quotes of roughly €3,000 on a 2004 Volkswagen Golf. Am I better off buying a newer car? Will this bring down the price of insurance?
Alannah C (Freshford Kilkenny)Dec 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Alannah,
Probably not much, no, though insurers seem to be wary of cars over 10 years old. Saying that, when you’re under 30 and on a provisional, you’re the risk factor, not the car. Keeping the engine size as small as possible will help (closer to 1.0-litre is better), but it won’t make a huge difference.
Where can I view the Volkswagen California?
Where can I view the Volkswagen California camper?
Vic Tejera (Brentwood Ny11717)Dec 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Vic,
Easy — you can see the California at one of VW’s network of commercial vehicle dealers. You can find the one nearest you here.
Or read our Volkswagen California reviews of course.
What do you think of the Merc A-Class Saloon?
Hi,
have you some views of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon? What models are available? Is it value for money? Thinking of buying one for the 201 registration.
Regards,
Pat Conway
Patrick Conway (Fountainstown)Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We have indeed reviewed the A-Class Saloon and you can read our thoughts on the car here. As for whether it’s good value for money, it kind of depends on how you look at it. Compared to other similarly-priced cars — Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, or Opel Insignia for example — it’s not good value as you’re paying the same or more for a smaller car, probably with less standard equipment. That three-pointed star on the bonnet costs a fair bit… On the other hand, viewing the A-Class Saloon as a slightly smaller (but not that much so) alternative to the C-Class saloon — an entirely valid point of view — it’s actually really good value. Models available range from the basic A 180 petrol and A 180 d diesel versions, through A 200 and A 200 d, all the way up to the slightly rabid 300hp A 35 AMG model.