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. 

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Both are very good indeed, and that’s perhaps not surprising as they’re both basically the same car, using the same batteries and motor. The e-Niro, for us, nudges slightly ahead simply because it’s larger and more practical inside, but the Hyundai is a little sharper to drive, and arguably more stylish on the outside. Worth also considering the Kia e-Soul — again, the same batteries and motor, but stylish both inside and out.

Our reviews to help you decide:

Kia e-Niro review

Kia e-Soul review

Hyundai Kona Electric review

Expert answer

Hi Tahir,

The first thing we'd check is the condition of the battery. It sounds like the system is turning off the engine as normal, but then sensing that it needs to go back on right away. That's unusual, to be honest, as most systems just won't turn the engine off if an issue is detected. I'd advise you bring the car to a good mechanic or auto-electrician to have it looked over.

Our feature, Why won't my car's stop-start system work?, is worth a read as well.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

If the car is on the CO₂ taxation system that came into force in 2008 then we'd need to know a lot more than just its engine size to help you. If it's on the old, by-engine-capacity, system, then it depends on the precise engine capacity: 1,501-1,600cc is €514 a year, while 1,601-1,700cc is €544 a year.

Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.

Expert answer

Hi Margot,

Well, you could go for the alternative option to both — the Toyota Auris Hybrid estate. Lots of space and excellent economy. I’ve put my reputation on the line recommending these to a couple of friends recently and so far, I’ve not been told off for sticking them with a bad car...

Other good alternatives are the Peugeot 308 SW, the Kia Ceed SportWagon, the VW Golf Estate and the Skoda Octavia Combi. The only issue, really, is finding any of these — estate sales in Ireland are so small that you may have to consider an import.

Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:

Toyota Auris Touring Sports review

Peugeot 308 SW review

Volkswagen Golf Estate review

Skoda Octavia reviews

Expert answer

Hi Alison,

We have to give you a slightly cop-out answer on this one as Renault is in the process of launching the new Clio on the Irish market, and so isn’t prepared to confirm pricing and spec details with us just yet. What Renault has told us is: “The Dynamique version of Clio IV was by far our most popular, accounting for almost 9,000 of the 12,000 Clio IV sold in Ireland since 2013.  We’ve built the Clio V range to ensure that the new car has the easy-life features that Clio IV Dynamique owners enjoy, while now including a raft of life-saving active safety features as standard.”

The new Clio will go on sale in Ireland next week, so keep an eye on CompleteCar.ie, and at your local Renault dealer, for more details.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

The M50d has more peak power and torque and is quicker accelerating than the hybrid model, no question. However, the six-cylinder diesel engine is a lot louder and less smooth than the straight-six in the xDrive45e model and obviously, when the hybrid is running in electric mode it is far far quieter again. As you say, the PHEV comes with compromises, and may not be as economical over a long journey where the battery cannot be charged from an external source. 

Read our BMW X5 xDrive45e review

Read our BMW X5 M50d review

Expert answer

Hi Harry,

The most likely culprit is that there’s some electrical item draining the system as you’re driving. Or, possibly if you’re only driving for short hops, the engine is still in its warm-up phase and can’t be shut down by the stop/start. Or, and this is a wild guess, Land Rovers often have flakey electrics. 

Maybe read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature for further understanding. We get a lot of questions like this.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

It’s lovely — plenty powerful enough, decent economy and good refinement. Arguably, the hybrid is the better Auris model, but if part-electric power’s not your thing then the 1.2 is a very good substitute. 

Read our Toyota Auris reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Robert.

Stop-start systems have a mind of their own — literally. They’re designed to only stop the engine when demand for electrical supply within the car falls low enough that it’s safe to do so. So if you’re running the air conditioning, for instance, or have the heat turned up, or if the engine is still in its warm-up phase, then it will either not shut the engine off at all, or will only shut it off briefly. Driving style also plays into it, as does where and when you’re driving. It also depends on the battery condition, so if you’re concerned about the short stop-start times, it’s worth having the health and charge level of the battery checked.

Finally, as we get so many questions on this subject, we put together a quick feature on it for your interest: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?