Expert answer

Hi Brian,

I’d be very tempted by the new Peugeot 5008, especially the one with the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol 130hp engine. It’s really roomy, comes with seven seats as standard, is good to drive and even with the petrol engine isn’t too harsh on tax. The Skoda Kodiaq is another very, very good seven-seat SUV, but you do have to pay extra for the extra seats. Kia’s Sorento is a big favourite of ours too, but it’s bigger and pricier and has higher tax than the Peugeot or Skoda. Here are our reviews to help you decide:

Peugeot 5008 review

Skoda Kodiaq review

Kia Sorento review

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Hi Aisling,

OK, that’s a very particular set of criteria, and I think realistically only three cars match it — the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Toyota C-HR Hybrid and the Kia Niro hybrid. Of those three, I think that it’s the Kia that comes closest to matching your needs, as the RAV4 might actually be a bit too tall for your parents, while the C-HR might be too tight in the back. The Niro’s actually quite a decent car, although totally unexciting to drive. If that doesn’t matter much to you, go check one out. Here are our reviews:

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review

Kia Niro hybrid review

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Hi Fergal,

The Mondeo is a fine car, but it has fallen back a bit compared to previous versions and I don’t think it’s really comparable to the current crop of premium-badge saloons, which is a shame. The A4 is very, very good, but if you’re going to have to ‘rob a bank’ to get a BMW 520d then you’re going to have to do the same for the new A6.

That said, there are some very good mid-size saloons around at the moment that are better than a Mondeo, and which can give an A4 a serious run for its money. A Skoda Superb, perhaps? Volkswagen Passat? Mazda6? All well worth a look, and better value all-round than the A4.

Here are a few of our reviews to help you decide:

Audi A4 review

Ford Mondeo review

Volkswagen Passat review

Skoda Superb review

Mazda6 review

BMW 520d review

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Hi Ray,

If you fancy a hybrid, then the best current model is the Toyota Prius. Its looks may divide opinion, but it is exceptionally economical, even on a long motorway run, and it has a roomy, comfortable cabin. Read our Toyota Prius review here.

If you fancy something a little more prestigious, then how about the Lexus IS 300h? Not quite as spacious as the Opel you have, but with exceptional build quality, decent economy and terrific refinement. Read our Lexus IS 300h review here.

BMW”s 330e plugin hybrid is another good contender, as is Volkswagen’s Passat GTE, but they’re both quite pricey and work better in downtown than they do on the open road. As far as hybrid SUVs go, Toyota’s C-HR is lovely, but rather small inside, so it may be worth waiting for Honda to launch its new CR-V hybrid next year. More reviews for you:

BMW 330e review

Volkswagen Passat GTE review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review

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Hi Colin,

Yes, the X-Trail has always been a touch noisy, and that hasn’t changed much for the latest version, although it is a little improved. While the Nissan is a really good car with lots of space, decent quality and decent handling, for our money the Skoda has it well beaten, not least because of its cabin, which is more attractive to look at and better-built. The Kodiaq is also slightly nicer to drive, and definitely a little more refined. A few relevant test drives:

Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI review

Nissan X-Trail review

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Hi Paul,

Residuals for hybrids probably depend slightly on where you live — if you’re in a major urban area, then they should be extremely good, in a rural area maybe slightly less so. Anyway, for that budget I’d unhesitatingly recommend the Lexus GS 300h. Smooth, silent, incredibly comfortable, beautifully made and utterly reliable. Hard to beat, really.

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Hi Declan,

Don’t get an X3 then — it has great seats, and is higher up, but has a ride every bit as hard as that of the 4 Series. Would you consider a Lexus? The NX SUV is really very comfy, and softer riding than most competitors, as is the Volvo XC60 (either the new model or the old one) as long as you avoid larger optional alloys and the R-Design pack.

Read our BMW X3 vs. Lexus NX twin test

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

On the Jaguar front, first of all thanks for the compliment. As far as noise goes, I don’t think I’d ever tire of the F-Type’s V6 sounds, but that four-cylinder model is hugely impressive (and very refined) all the same.

As for running a car up and down its rev range, yes, it’s a good idea. Engines perform best (especially in fuel economy terms) when held at constant, low rpm (such as on a long motorway journey), but from a mechanical point of view it’s a good idea, once in a while, to stretch things out, warm things up, and get things moving.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

The best ones to go for are the Volkswagen Golf Estate, Skoda Octavia Combi, Peugeot 308 SW, or Toyota Auris Touring Sports. Our reviews:

Volkswagen Golf Estate review

Skoda Octavia Combi review

Peugeot 308 SW review

Toyota Auris Touring Sports review