How does the VW Polo 1.0 MPI perform?
I want to know about the performance of the Volkswagen Polo 1.0-litre MPI...
Kushal Goon (Guwahati, Assam)Jul 2018 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Kushal,
Do you mean the current model? If so, then it’s not too bad, but equally not a ball of fire. The most basic 65hp model is… well, it’s not quick, but it’s sure not as glacially slow as the old 55hp version was. Put your foot down hard and you’ll have a wait a bit for momentum to build, but it’s not terrible. Happily, the 75hp version is much better again, and actually feels quite peppy in the lower gears.
Petrol Audi A3, BMW 318i or Honda Civic?
Hi,
I'm planning on buying a brand new 2018 Audi A3 1.0-litre TFSI S line Saloon or 2017 BMW 318i M Sport or 2018 Honda Civic 1.0-litre Turbo. Please help me with the questions below since I have no way getting a test drive:
1. Which one is more fun to drive?
2. Are these cars fast?
3. What is more reliable and costs less to maintain?
4. What is the overall best car?
Thanks, Arjun
Arjun De Silva (Kandy)Jul 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Arjun,
OK, let’s take these questions in order.
1: The BMW. The Honda runs it surprisingly close, but you just can’t beat the steering and rear-wheel-drive balance of the BMW.
2: How do you mean fast? They’re not performance models, but thanks to turbocharged engines with decent torque curves, they feel brisk enough in everyday driving. As long as you’re not planning to take on any Ferraris at the traffic lights, they’ll do.
3 & 4 together: The Honda. Nothing is as reliable as a Honda, not even a Toyota, and of the three cars here, while it may lack the premium badge, it also has the roomiest interior, will have slightly lower servicing and maintenance costs and, in the long term, should be more reliable than either of the German cars.
Read our reviews for more:
Should I go for a hybrid next?
Hi,
I am considering purchasing a second hand family size hybrid such as the Lexus IS 300h, as I am trying to save on running costs. I currently drive a 131 Vauxhall Insignia SRi 2.0 diesel, which is lovely to drive and decently economical. I am changing job, and will be communiting about 100km a day, mainly on motorway (although the M50 is like a car park at rush hour so I don't expect to be getting over 60km/h). This will be our only family car so need decent boot space for the baby and buggy etc. I have about €20-25k to spend, looking for a 151 model. I have read mixed advice about whether to go hybrid, or to stick with diesel for the size of car and amount of mileage I will be doing. Your advice and thoughts are much appreciated.
Many thanks, Emma
Emma Tong (Skerries)Jul 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Emma,
I think a hybrid could well suit you, and with your M50-heavy driving (especially in stop-start traffic) it could prove ideal. The IS 300h is indeed a lovely car — beautifully built and good to drive, but you might find that the cabin and boot are on the small side for your family needs. It could be worth looking at the larger GS 300h (same engine, similar real-world economy) or maybe the NX 300h crossover. If you fancy something a bit cheaper, the Prius is always a good choice, as is Kia’s really rather good Niro hybrid.
Read our reviews for more:
Looking at maybe a new petrol SUV.
Hi,
I'm looking to change my 151 Toyota Corolla 1.4 Luna diesel at the end of this year or early next year. It currently has 93,000km on the clock. About 70 per cent of our driving is on short journeys such as short runs to town of about 10km. Would I be better to stay with diesel or go to petrol? I'm thinking about getting a crossover/SUV, something like a Peugeot 3008, Nissan Qashqai or a Kia Sportage, or would I get better value getting a smaller SEAT Ateca, Suzuki Vitara or Opel Mokka? My children are all adults now and are only around at weekends so our mileage will be decreasing a bit. Any advice would be great.
Thanks
Rob
Roddy McMyler (Kilkenny)Jun 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Roddy,
Well, it sounds definitely as if petrol is the way to go, and as you’ve mentioned the Ateca, that’s a good one to look at. It’s cheaper, by a little, than most of the competition, has an excellent 1.0-litre 115hp turbo petrol engine (don’t be put off by the small engine — it copes just fine) and isn’t ‘smaller’ at all — it’s the same size as the VW Tiguan, thanks to using the same chassis. The same goes for Skoda’s Karoq. A Peugeot 3008 with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine would also be a good choice, but the Sportage isn't currently offered as a decent small petrol version, so we’d give that a swerve. The Nissan Qashqai comes with a good 1.2 turbo petrol, but doesn’t feel as good to drive in that form as the diesel. The Opel Mokka X is just too old a design and feels well out of date, but actually if you can cope with the smaller size, the Suzuki Vitara’s a good shout — good to drive, good looking and hugely reliable.
Read or reviews for more:
Is customs duty included in VRT for import?
Is "Customs Duty" on a non-EU import (e.g. a car from Japan) included in the figure got from the VRT calculator, or is it an additional charge?
Enoch Soames (Bray)May 2018 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Enoch,
No, customs duty, along with VAT, is another charge on top of VRT. Well, actually, VRT is a charge on top of customs duty and VAT. You have to pay the customs and VAT when the car enters the country, and then go and get it assessed for VRT. You can find more details on this from the Revenue website or by reading our How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland? guide.
Nissan X-Trail or Hyundai ix35?
What would your choice be between a 2014 Nissan x-Trail 1.6 dCi and 2014 Hyundai ix35?
Jacqui Samuels (Pretoria)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqui,
I think, assuming price to be more or less the same, I’d go for the X-Trail. It’s a bit bigger than the Hyundai, can be had as a seven-seater (not all were, though, so make sure you check) and the 1.6 dCi diesel engine is a sweeter unit than Hyundai’s 1.7. Plus, and I know this is hardly the most important point, I think the X-Trail is nicer looking.
Best plug-in hybrid on the market?
I have a budget of €30-35k; what is the best plug in hybrid car available in the market now?
Lee Russell (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Lee,
It depends on what you want. I reckon that the best new plugin hybrid on the market right now might be the Kia Niro Plugin, which has very good electric only range, and yet manages to do over 60mpg on long motorway runs. An excellent car. The new Prius Plugin is also very good, but only recently launched so will be beyond your budget unless you buy nearly-new.
If you fancy something a bit classier, the BMW 330e is a really good choice, but bear in mind it’s not as economical as the Kia or Toyota on longer journeys. Here are our reviews for you to read:
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid review
Kia Niro review (not the plug-in model, apologies)
Should I go for a BMW 530d?
I am looking at 2017 BMW 5 Series. Is it worth spending the extra on a 530d over 520d? There is about €8-10k difference on used cars. I do about 25,000km a year of driving. I would love the extra power but do wonder if it is a waste to spend more.
Andy Kelly (Limerick)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
It’s not a waste, as such, but you do need to balance out whether or not it’s worth the extra cash to you. Yes, the 530d has a lot more power and torque, and is smoother than the four-cylinder 520d from a refinement point of view. Balanced against that, the 520d will easily beat the 55mpg mark every day, while the 530d will struggle to do better than around 45mpg, and you’ll be paying a bit more motor tax every year too. So, while we love the 530d, and its six-cylinder smoothness, the head clearly says buy a 520d.
What compact saloons are worth a look?
I love saloons (memories), but my wife says they are too big. What saloon, up to four years old, would look not much bigger than an Opel Astra hatchback?
Frank D (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Well, the good news is that there are plenty of mid-size saloons that are more or less the same size as an Astra — yes, they have a big boot slung out the back, but the difference in overall length is usually only a few centimetres. The best is probably the VW Jetta; it's plain looking, but good to drive and really well made. Ditto the Toyota Corolla. There’s a Ford Focus saloon too, and a really lovely Mazda3 saloon (which is actually nicer looking than the hatchback). There was also an Astra saloon, but to be honest it was a bit awkward looking if you ask me. If you do like the Astra hatch, though, it might be worth seeking one out. Here are a few relevant reviews to read:
What to replace my BMW 330d with?
I currently drive a BMW 330d Touring. It's been a great servant and never missed a beat in the four years I've owned it, but it's coming to the time to move on. With the future of diesel looking at best unsure, what would be your recommendation for a long term replacement?
Typically I like to hold a car for about five years and in an ideal world to buy a one-year-old car. Looking for something practical yet fast, engaging and comfortable. A plug in electric car is out as I don't have and cannot get a power point installed in the apartment complex that I live in. Typically I do only 11,000km per year in this car and 90 per cent of the time is on motorway runs.
David Smyth (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
How about a BMW 320i? Not as powerful as your 330d, of course, but a really lovely engine, and pretty frugal for all those long journeys. Of course, if you’re buying a year-old car then diesel is still a viable option, especially if you’re racking those miles up, so another 330d could well be a good choice. It’s Euro 6 emissions compliant, so even if there are some penalties for diesel models coming down the line, it probably (fingers crossed) won’t be affected.
There are some other options, of course. How about a Lexus GS 300h? Big, comfy, great for long journeys, and 40mpg+, plus you’re future-proofing yourself with a hybrid (not a plugin). The IS 300h is also a good bet, but is a touch small on the inside, hence we’d possibly try and spend the extra to the the GS. Here are a few reviews to read: