Has Volkswagen Ireland no Golf info yet?
Hi,
Why on earth is there radio silence from Volkswagen Ireland regarding the new Golf?! In the first time for forever we have an excellent, dedicated car enthusiasts' website for Irish customers where I can read about the new Golf, but Volkswagen Ireland has no information whatsoever on its website or within its dealer network. I am having to use the excellent Volkswagen UK website as a reference yet there is no guarantee what I desire there will even be 'offered' here...
I am in the fortunate position of being able to order my third 'performance' Golf at launch yet am getting that same 'here's what you could have won' feeling seeing the UK launch and generous spec... Maybe it'll be worth the wait this time...
Martin SmithFeb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Well, we can't speak for Volkswagen or its IT department, but we have seen the prices (hence how we were able to include them in our review of the new Volkswagen Golf) and they're pretty much the same as before, with slightly better equipment as standard all round, which is actually much the same as UK spec. Any delay in getting the new details on the website are likely down to a delay in finalising the options pack prices and, let's face it, trying to make sure that the last few remaining examples of the outgoing model get sold.
Is the Opel Mokka X the same size?
I am waiting delivery of a new Opel Mokka X and wish to purchase a rubber fitted boot protector in advance. Most or all of those advertised on Amazon describe them as "2012 onwards". They seem to relate to the model prior to the X model. Are the measurements and shape of the X identical to the previous model?
Declan Corry (Greystones)Feb 2017 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Yup, it's exactly the same car. Opel changed the styling at the front, tidied up the dashboard design and gave it some new engines, but the overall structure, body and dimensions remained the same.
Volkswagen Tiguan or BMW X1?
Volkswagen Tiguan 150hp diesel Comfortline front-wheel drive or BMW X1 sDrive18d Xline: if cost wasn't an issue what would you recommend?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Probably the Tiguan, mostly because it's roomier and more comfortable. That said, there's no denying that the X1 is a terrific car and very desirable. Here are our reviews of the versions we have tried:
Electric parking brake on new Honda Civic?
On the new 1.0-litre Honda Civic; does it have the new type parking brake?
Paul Donnelly-Swift (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: brakes
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
The new Civic? Most versions will have an electronic parking brake, but we'll get the final specifications for Ireland in the next few weeks. In the meantime, read our first drive of the new Honda Civic here.
What's the best electric car right now?
Which is the best electric car in relation to performance and most importantly cost to buy and running cost?
Alma Bermingham (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Alma,
The Nissan Leaf is the most affordable electric car, but the cheapest versions have limited range (less than 160km on a single charge). The new Renault Zoe has a brilliant claimed range of 400km, but that's quite pricey for a small car. The BMW i3 is probably the best electric car around at the moment, but is very expensive, sadly. So, I think the best one for affordability and useable range is probably the Hyundai Ioniq. It gets an easy 200km in real-world driving, it's roomy and not too expensive. Read our test drives of each below:
Which €25,000 crossover to go for?
Hi,
I am looking at buying a second-hand (161 or 162) SUV, value approx €25,000. I drive 80 miles a day on fairly good roads for work, and mainly rural roads. Have had test drives on both the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar and they are both a bit big, although the Renault Captur is too small.
Any suggestions on "inbetween" sizes? Don't have kids so big boots and roomy cabins are not important. More interested in sturdy and reliable.
Thanks
C Power (Wexford)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there,
Have you thought of a Toyota C-HR? Size wise and reliability wise it would seem to suit you perfectly, and it's also sweet to drive with a really nice cabin. It's technically a brand new model but Toyota registered a lot in late 2016 as dealer demos so you ought to be able to pick up a bargain 'nearly new' if you shop around. Otherwise I think your best bet would be a Skoda Yeti.
Which new car would suit a family of four?
I drive a Volkswagen Passat and want a new car that will suit a family of four. Any advice?
Fionn Ni Fhlatharta (Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fionna,
Well, to be honest, I would have thought that a Passat was an ideal car for a family of four. What you need is four roomy seats and and a a big boot - and the Passat has those. If you fancy something that looks a bit more like a family car, and here I mean an SUV or an MPV, then stop for a tic and have a think. Are you buying an image? After all, a ‘normal’ saloon such as a Passat (and the Mazda6, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai i40 and Kia Optima all make good alternatives) is generally speaking just as good at family duties and has lower overall running costs. Worth thinking about, at any rate.
Here are some of our reviews to get you thinking:
Ford Fiesta 1.2 or Peugeot 208?
142 Ford Fiesta 1.2 or 151 Peugeot 208 1.2? Both have high mileage. Asking the same money. Which is best, in your opinion?
Tom Nelson (Maynooth)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Both are good cars, but we’d say the Fiesta has a slight edge in terms of quality and of driving experience.
What's the price of a new Skoda Fabia?
What should be the price of a new 171 Skoda Fabia Combi Stylel 1.0MPI 75hp?
Mary Murphy (Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
The list price for that car, as new, is €18,495.
Which car for space behind the driver?
I am looking for a car that has enough room for a car seat behind the driver's side even when the driver seat is pushed way back. My partner is very tall and in our Peugeot 407 we cannot fit a second baby seat.
Please help.
Natasha Doran (Arklow)Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Natasha,
Try a Skoda Superb - they have tonnes of rear space, which should give plenty of room even with the driver's seat shoved right back. Big boot too, plus they're reliable and nice to drive.