What's the 1.0 TSI Octavia in 'old money'?
The 2017 Octavia is described as a 1.0 TSI. But what is that equal to 'in old money'. I just don't get the newer classification. Can you help me to understand?
Peter Lumsden (Dun Laoghaire)Jan 2020 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Very roughly speaking, its performance is equivalent to an old 1.4 or even 1.6-litre petrol engine with no turbocharger.
You might find our review (with video) of the Octavia 1.0 TSI interesting.
My new L200's stop-start is erratic...
Hi,
I have a new Mitsubishi L200 series 6 Barbarian. Done less than 500 miles, mixed driving. The auto stop-start is totally unreliable. Green light comes on first start, goes out, may occasionally flash whilst driving. Over a 40-mile trip the stop-start functioned only once. Worked less than half a dozen times since purchase. Dealer says no fault or error codes.
Any ideas?
Dave Lewis (Portsmouth)Jan 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
I'm surprised to hear that from a new truck where the battery will be in good condition, but stop-start systems regularly don't work as people expect. The system measures loads of variables before deciding whether the engine will be stopped, including the temperature of the engine and even the outside temperature. If it's cold weather, it may not work at all. If you're using items that are a big electrical drain, it may not operate.
Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature
Toyota RAV4 Luna vs. Sport?
What is the difference between a Toyota RAV4 Luna and RAV4 Sport?
Don Murphy (Cork)Jan 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Don,
The differences are around €5,000 in terms of a new car price. The Sport, on top of the Luna, gets built-in navigation, contrast stitching on the dash, blue ambient background light, paddle shifts for the CVT gearbox, power operated driver's seat, heated front seats, 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, sportier exterior styling, contrast-colour roof and bi-beam LED headlights.
Will my car stop if stop-start is broken?
Will my car stop if the auto stop-start feature stopped working?
Sherry Smith (Dunn)Jan 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sherry,
It should not, no, though you are likely to get a warning light in the dashboard.
Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature on why that might be happening.
What's the point of the new Toyota Supra?
What's the attraction of a new model Toyota Supra when it is (just) a re-badged BMW and owes nothing to Toyota, nor can claim any of the Toyota reliability?
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Jan 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Well, as ever, beauty (and general appreciation or enthusiasm) is in the eye of the beholder. In fact the Supra is very much a Toyota, even though it does share a lot of BMW parts. The whole car was engineered and developed separately by Toyota and it’s chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada. Basically, BMW and Toyota agreed at the start of the project on a common set of parts, and then went entirely their own ways in terms of design and development. It does feel very different to drive compared to the BMW Z4 — sharper (thanks to the stiffer body structure), but also a little softer and more pliant on the road. It’s actually rather lovely. As for reliability? When we first drove the car Tada told us that it had passed all of Toyota’s quality control and reliability checks, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Are EV range figures based on 100% battery?
Hi,
All the articles I read say that electric car batteries should only be charged to 80/85 per cent. Are the published range figures based on 100 per cent or 80 per cent charging?
Thanks, Philip
PS: For me, electric cars will only become realistic when they have a real world range of 600km.
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Jan 2020 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Well, Tesla already sells a Model S long range that will go for a claimed 610km...
Does the Peugeot e-208 have cruise control?
Does the electric Peugeot e-208 have cruise control?
Michael Moran (Dublin)Jan 2020 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It does indeed. In fact, cruise control will be standard on all versions of the new Peugeot 208, from Active spec on up. Read our Peugeot 208 reviews here
Do I have to fix the stop-start system?
Hi, my auto stop-start stopped working and a symbol keeps on flashing on the dashboard. Will it damage my car if I don’t get it fixed right away? I’ve a Nissan Note.
Sandra Clarkson (Dundee)Dec 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
It shouldn't cause any damage, but it could indicate a weakness in your battery or electrical system, so it's best to have it looked at when you can.
Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature for more information
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.
Can I tax a commercial vehicle as private?
Hi there,
I am looking for an option here. I am soon to change job. The options will be a company car or a car allowance. I would like to think I would be better off with the allowance as this will be a gross amount added to my wages and then taxed instead of a net amount taken directly from my wages. Probably the same amount but in reverse, but with the allowance I won't be down per month. I am wondering how possible it is to tax some commercial vehicles (the ones with back seats) as private vehicles. Is this allowed? Is there any law against this? Obviously this will increase the road tax on them anyway, but it will give me more options as am just considering these as an option.
Thanks.
Brian Murphy (Cork)Dec 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
It’s pretty simple to tax a commercial vehicle as a private car, but it does mean reverting to the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so beware of going over 2.0 litres in engine capacity as the tax cost starts to become prohibitive after that point.
Read our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature on the subject for more.