Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb or Kia Optima?
Hi,
Looking to change car for 2017. Looking at Ford Mondeo Titanium+ five-door 1.5 TDCi diesel, a Skoda Superb +Business Pack 1.6 TDI or a Kia Optima SW (estate) EX 1.7D. I would like something very comfortable and practical (hence the Kia estate, which, to my eyes, does not look like a hearse! - but no other estates need apply), but also something that is very reliable - so something with a long warranty that I don't end up using because reliability issues is not what I'm looking for.
I do 25,000km per year, all 'extra urban' and I'm not a badge snob. Currently drive a Honda CR-V, but would like to go back to a D-segment car again. All the above are well specified as such - of the three what would be your opinion? Great web site!
Many thanks,
John
John Fleming (Killarney)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
I think given the criteria you’ve given us it has to be the Kia. It’s good looking and nice to drive, roomy, comfy and well equipped and above all it has the longest warranty by far. The Ford is great looking and good to drive but the quality isn’t as good as it was on the last Mondeo and while we love the Skoda Superb, it sounds like the Kia would suit you better.
Here are our reviews to help you decide:
What €20,000 MPVs would you recommend?
Hello, we have an 18-month old and have twins due next year. We need a car to fit all the baby seats plus all their buggies and paraphenalia. Will be used for local trips plus for weekend trips back to Cork (from Dublin). Our budget is €20k. What models would you recommend? Imported my current car (Peugeot 407 SW), so not a problem if I need to do that again.
Dan O'Connell (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
I think you’ll probably need to upgrade to an MPV with all those kids and all the kit you’ll need to carry around with you. If you don’t fancy a seven-seater then there’s always five-seat versions such as the Volkswagen Golf SV or Citroen C4 Picasso. Have a look at the likes of a Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens or Toyota Verso too.
Our reviews to help you decide:
Any good three-door SUVs around?
I currently have a 2007 Suzuki Vitara three-door, which I'm planning on replacing in the next year or so. I love the three-door SUVs, but Suzuki/Toyota don't make them anymore, or at least not for this market. Do they make them for other markets and would it be a big deal to bring one to this country? or do I just need to get over it and find something else to love?!
Anna Thomas (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anna,
Yes, it’s an odd one, but the compact three-door SUV has really fallen out of favour and pretty much no-one makes one anymore. There are three we can think of and they’re at the opposite ends of the scale. One is the Suzuki Jimny and that’s not really a realistic option unless you’re planning to drive off-road a lot. There’s the Jeep Wrangler, but it’s quite pricey and not all that practical in three-door form and then there’s the Range Rover Evoque Coupe, which looks nice but again is quite expensive.
I think the best option, if you want something that looks a bit three-door-ish, is to have a look at the new Toyota C-HR, which is a five-door but which has Alfa-Romeo-style hidden rear door handles, so it looks kinda-sorta like a three-door. Read our review of it here.
What do you think of the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Any thoughts/advice on the Volkswagen Tiguan 115bhp diesel?
Martin (Meath)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Nice car and the 115hp TDI engine can handle the strain (although the 150hp 2.0 TDI makes life a little easier). Great quality and lots of space. However, if you're shopping for the cheapest Tiguan, have a look at the new SEAT Ateca - it's mechanically the same but much better value for money. Our reviews:
Which comfortable new SUV should I go for?
Hi.
I'm looking at getting an SUV for medical reasons. I drive country roads 90 per cent of the time so I need something comfortable and reliable. I'm looking at the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5. Which one would you recommend? I also need to take running costs and servicing costs into account. As well as road tax etc. Or is there another one I should consider? I did test drive the Volvo XC60 but found it very heavy.
Thanks.
Marie G (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
If it's running costs that concern you, you should probably consider coming down in price and, a little, in size a bit. Both the Evoque and the Q5 are premium-badge SUVs and while neither is excessively thirsty, both will be expensive to run and service.
I'd suggest, instead, checking out a Honda CR-V - tonnes of space, hugely reliable, comfortable and with the 1.6 I-DTEC diesel engine and four-wheel drive, both frugal and ideal for country roads. Good to drive too.
Other good options are the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Hyundai Tucson or SEAT Ateca?
Hyundai Tucson or SEAT Ateca? I can't decide! Which would you choose and why? I need a diesel, we have two kids and I commute about 150km a day in total.
Thanks
John Murray (Drogheda)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Tough call actually, as there’s very little to separate them. The SEAT is a little nicer inside, in terms of layout and quality, but the Hyundai is a little more spacious. Both the 1.6 TDI engine in the SEAT and the 1.7 CRDiin the Hyundai are a touch underpowered but they’re both solidly good from a point of view of emissions and fuel consumption. It really is too close to call, so perhaps it comes down to styling (arguably the SEAT is a bit more handsome) or warranty (the Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage one is hard to beat). Best bet is go drive them both and form your own opinion, but to help, here are our reviews:
Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi review
Should I wait for the updated Skoda Octavia?
I was planning on buying a new Octavia in Feb and I've just seen the new one. Can get a deal on the old one now or is the new one worth waiting for?
Jim Reagan (Mullingar)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
The new one will be worth waiting for from the point of view of an improved interior and some new options and equipment, but you’re quite right – the outgoing model will be seeing some sharp deals as dealers look to clear stock, so, as there are very few major mechanical changes, it’d be a good idea to shop around for a really good price on the current model. Some links to inform you further:
I like the look of the new Ford Kuga...
I like the look of the new Ford Kuga. Which version is best and what will it cost? Any other cars I should look at?
Dave Peterson (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
If you find the overall aesthetics of a car matter to you then the Kuga ST Line is the best version of the new line-up to go for. It looks especially good in darker colours. We’re also fans of the Volkswagen Tiguan, though it is at the more expensive end of the market. A similarly good looking car, and more affordable, is the SEAT Ateca. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Have you pricing for the Skoda Kodiaq yet?
When will the prices and trim specifications be announced for the new Skoda Kodiaq?
Colin H (Kildare)Nov 2016 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
Very shortly. We'd expect to see a full price list and standard specifications within the next few weeks. We are driving it next week so keep an eye out for the full test drive on the Car Reviews page.
Will I get a Mazda CX-3 or Mazda3 hatchback?
Thinking of purchase a new car. My heart (perhaps not my head) is tending towards a Mazda CX-3 or 3 hatchback. I have a budget of about €22k, as well as trade in of my 06 SEAT Leon. What's the best car for my money? Tend to be in car on my own as second car is MPV for family.
Bucks (Cork)
Niall Buckley (Cork)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
The Mazda3 is the better car, to be honest. It’s bigger inside, much more refined and a little sharper to drive. The CX-3 is nice, but it’s basically a Mazda2 with ambition, so you are essentially getting a smaller car with a smaller interior. Now, I know you say you’re going to be own your own a lot in the car, so perhaps that’s not so important, but even so, the 3 is the superior machine in this case.
Saying all that, we realise that the CX-3 looks fantastic so we'd understand if you were tempted.
Here are our reviews to give you more food for thought:
Mazda3 1.5 diesel hatchback review
Mazda3 2.2 diesel saloon review