How much to tax a 2007 Volvo S60R?
Hello, can you please give me advice on how much is car tax on a 2007 Volvo S60R?
James Nolan (Dublin 24)Jan 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi James,
The R version of the S60, the high-performance model, used a 2.5-litre turbo engine and, as it’s pre-2008, it’s on the old engine capacity tax system so that’s going to be €1,080 for a year's tax.
Read our Motor Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for more
Is a 1.0-litre engine ok for a family car?
Hi,
Just wondering if you have much knowledge or feedback on the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines? We are looking for a good reliable family car, but ideally want to go with petrol based on our mileage and daily driving routes. However, I am slightly nervous that a 1.0-litre might lack power and be very noisy or "revy" on motorway drives when travelling at greater speed. The sales people say these turbo engines feel more like a 1.6-litre. But then they are trying to sell so would be great to get some independent feeling on them in your experience. Any in particular you would recommend as there are not as many petrol options in family cars.
Many thanks, Peter
Peter Hogan (Dublin 24)Jan 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:
Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review
Looking to buy a 2016 or 2017 SUV...
I'm looking to buy a 2016 or 2017 SUV, 1.6 to 1.7 diesel, Manual gearbox with cruise control. I'm not too bothered by my most other factors, other than a decent comfortable motorway drive with good fuel economy. Can you advise which are the most fuel efficient SUVs for motorway driving in Ireland within this range? Currently, I'm considering a Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V or Hyundai Tucson.
Thanks, Paul
Paul Keyes (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
The Hyundai or Kia will be more efficient than the 1.6 i-DTEC Honda, but only just and at the expense of a considerable amount of performance — the Honda feels much brisker and is more comfortable than the other two as well. In that size range, it’s also well worth considering the VW Tiguan, especially the current-shape model, which is very frugal in 2.0-litre 115hp form. Some reviews below to help you decide:
What do you think of the 1.0-litre Octavia?
I'm considering buying a 2016 1.0 petrol Skoda Octavia, but my mechanic is sceptical about a small engine pulling a big car. Any advice?
Jan Crowley (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jan,
I'm not sure if your mechanic has actually driven the Octavia with the 1.0-litre engine, but we have and it's brilliant. If you had five adults inside and a boot full everywhere you went, it might not feel too quick, but otherwise it's more than adequate. In fact, we've done a full review and video review of that very car if you want to check it out:
Looking for a reliable family car...
We are looking for some good options for a really reliable family car. Nothing too big as parking in the car park my wife works in is a nightmare as it is very tight. We were looking at a 2014 Nissan Qashqai+2, a 2015 Kia cee'd Sportswagon and might look at the Skoda Octavia. Insignia looks good but it's a monster of a size.
The Qashqai+2 seems expensive for a 2014 model. Would it be a waste? We do mileage of about 11k to 12k a year. Are the cars we looked at above the best options or what others would you recommend and best engine to go for? We want a really good boot and rear seat space for young kids with ISOFIX seating.
Thanks
Tomas Best (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Tomas,
The problem with the Qashqai+2 is that it’s the older model Qashqai, which is nowhere near as sophisticated as the current model. Do you really need the seven seats? If not, then I think that the Kia cee’d Sportswagon is a much better bet — bigger boot than the Qashqai, comfier and better to drive and with that seven-year warranty for peace of mind. A cracking choice.
Also well worth looking at the Octavia Combi and the VW Golf Estate, but make sure you’re going for a petrol engine with that mileage — you won’t need a diesel. Actually, with that in mind, the Toyota Auris Hybrid Sport Tourer estate is also well worth a look. Here are a few reviews to help you decide:
Should I swap my Nissan for a Mercedes?
Hi there,
Thinking of changing my car this year from a Nissan to possibly a Mercedes GLA or B-Class. Are they similar? Can you help me narrow down my decision; should I change or stick with Nissan?
Thanks in advance
Mary Murphy (Clare )Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Do you mean a Nissan Qashqai? The Mercedes GLA and B-Class are, although mechanically related, really quite different cars. The GLA is a compact crossover, similar in size to the Qashqai, but looking rather like a jacked-up A-Class hatchback. That said, it’s nice to drive, well made and very economical. The GLA 180 petrol or 180d diesel are the best models. The B-Class is a high-roofed five-seat MPV, a rival to the likes of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and the Renault Scenic et al. Again, it’s no looker, but it’s not bad to drive, very roomy and again is well-made.
Compared to the Qashqai, they’re both of higher quality in the cabin and slightly sharper to drive, but the GLA is less roomy and the B-Class less stylish (to our eyes). And both will be more expensive to run, as Mercedes servicing costs are higher. Here are some relevant reviews to help you decide, but come back to us again if you need to:
Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Karoq?
Hi there
I’m trying to decide between the Nissan Qashqai and the new Skoda Karoq. Any advice for me please?
Thanks
Patrick Hogan (Galway )Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
While both of these cars make for very good crossovers, having driven both it is the Skoda that feels like the more complete package. For me, the Skoda has a well-rounded look to it, and it has the advantage of being one of the newest cars in the segment. This is also true of the interior, where the Skoda easily surpasses the Nissan. Everything from layout to driving position and even the choice of materials used make the Karoq feel that bit nicer. Even shutting the doors on the Skoda gives a more reassuring thud.
When it comes to driving them, again, the Skoda seems better. The suspension, for example, rides the bumps and surface imperfections better whereas the Nissan can be slightly 'busier.' Nissan does have a good diesel offering as well as new petrol engines, but the same is true of the Skoda. On paper, the Karoq has a higher starting price, but Skoda starts its range with a higher level of standard spec, which is worth considering. The Karoq is likely to be in short supply during 2018, which may impact on delivery times. Nissan currently has some competitive offers, which may help sway you. Personally, I’d go with the Karoq. If you can get one...
What to replace my Renault Scenic with?
I have an ageing Renault Scenic petrol automatic. Apart from poor mpg, it is brilliant - comfortable (I've fitted cruise control) with very good options for load carrying. What do I replace it with?
John Wiloughby (Stroud)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Well, there are lots of good options. If you still like MPVs and like Renaults then the new Scenic is a bit of a cracker. Very comfy, and you can get it with an impressive 115hp 1.2 petrol turbocharged engine that should be rather more economical than what you’ve been used to. And it comes with cruise control as standard now.
Other, similar models worth considering are the Citroen C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, VW Touran, Kia Carens or the Toyota Verso. Here are our relevant reviews:
How economical is the Honda HR-V?
How economical is the Honda HR-V?
John Molloy (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi John,
If you mean the new, current model HR-V, then the 1.6 iDTEC diesel has official fuel economy of 70mpg or 3.8 litres per 100km. That means around 50-55mpg in real world conditions.
Road tax on the Opel Insignia diesel?
What is the annual tax on an Opel Insignia diesel car?
Noel Mccabe (Lucan)Jan 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
Well, it depends on which version of the Insignia you mean, and which year it was made in. As a guide, the current Insignia Grand Sport will set you back €280 a year for the 170hp CDTi 2.0 diesel version, or €200 a year for the 1.6 CDTi 136hp diesel.