New Land Rover Discovery or BMW X5 for 171?
Do you think the new Discovery will be worth waiting for? It's that or a new BMW X5, but I'd like to get the car for the 171 plate
Jake Murphy (Naas)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jake,
It's a little hard for us to tell as we haven't driven it yet. It sure looks good and Land Rover's on a roll of good product lately. We'll be getting an early test drive in a few weeks so hang in there and we'll be able to tell you more then. In the mean time, here are a few articles that might interest you:
Volkswagen Tiguan or SEAT Ateca on PCP?
I love the look of the new Tiguan and SEAT's crossover. With about €350 a month to spend on PCP, which would you go for in Jan?
Jane O'Sullivan (Kildare)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jane,
It’s a tough call, because there’s no doubt that the Volkswagen Tiguan looks and feels classier and more upmarket than the SEAT Ateca, but it is also considerably more expensive. With my sensible hat on, I’d have to say go for the SEAT – it’s a fine car and much better value. Here are some test drives to help with your decision:
Passat GTE or BMW 330e suitable for me?
I do about 12,000km a year in and around Dublin, using the M50 a bit. Would a hybrid like the Passat GTE or BMW 330e suit me or should I go for diesel? Buying a new car in the new year!
Michael Quin (Sandyford)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I’d suggest that a Passat GTE or 330e would be about perfect with that kind of mileage and usage. It will help, of course, if you have a driveway where you can fit a charging point, but once the batteries have drained and you’re running on normal hybrid power, both of those cars will average better than 40mpg. Here are our reviews:
Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Coupe?
I really like the look of the new Audi A5 Sportback. Would you have it over the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe? Thinking 2.0-litre diesel for a '171' plate.
Peter Boyle (Dublin 4)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Sounds like an excellent choice. Our Editor, Shane, has driven the Sportback on its international launch recently and rates it. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a little sharper to drive, but the new A5 has caught up some in the dynamic stakes, added to which it's truly gorgeous inside and out. Here are links to his test drives:
What new MPV would you recommend for us?
Hi,
We are in the market for an MPV/SUV. We hope to buy by the end of March next year. We have a budget of €19-20k plus our 2010 2.0-litre Volkswagen Passat Highline. The car should have three full rear seats and a good size boot.
What would you recommend?
Des Wynne (Dundalk)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Des,
It depends on just how big a car you need, and if you need a full seven-seater. The Volkswagen Golf SV, for instance, has the space for three seats across the back, but doesn't have the folding seats in the boot of the bigger Touran. Both are excellent cars, but you'll save a considerable amount of money by going for the SV. Others worth considering are the Toyota Verso (available in both five- and seven-seat forms), Citroen C4 Picasso (ditto) and the Kia Carens (only a seven-seater).
Peugeot's 5008 and Ford's C-Max are also worth a look, but if you need something bigger, if basically boils down to two choices - Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra.
Petrol or diesel for the Ford Mondeo?
What is your view on the Ford Mondeo diesel vs. Mondeo petrol?
Cyril Gleeson (Birdhill, Co. Tipperary)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Cyril,
Actually, the current 1.5 EcoBoost petrol model is rather a nice thing. It’s a very smooth, quiet engine and has just about enough poke to shift that big body around, and actually ends up feeling slightly sweeter than the diesel to drive. Economy works out at around 40mpg in most conditions, so it’s not too thirsty and if you’re not doing really big mileage every year, it’s definitely worth considering.
Would diesel, hybrid or PHEV suit my needs?
Diesel, hybrid or PHEV? I do a 200km round trip commute most days. A mix of 140km motorway and 60km small rural roads and stop-start city traffic. Other days I could do 300/400km of which 25 per cent would be city type traffic. Is diesel still my better option? For a PHEV I could plug in at home or at my destination most times.
Declan Brady (Cavan)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
It’s a tough one. Generally I’d say for the moment, diesel is still best for that kind of mileage, especially day-to-day. A model with a good stop-start system should help keep the consumption down in heavy traffic (Mazda’s system on the 6 2.2 diesel is especially good) and those long motorway miles are just what diesel was designed for. A plugin hybrid is really for those doing short urban journeys most days, with only an occasional long trip, so I don’t think any would be really suitable for you. It would be worth looking at a new-shape Toyota Prius hybrid though – we managed to average 60mpg in one recently over the course of a week, including several long motorway runs, so it’s worth thinking about.
Is the Ford Explorer sold in Ireland?
Do you have the Ford Explorer 4x4 in Ireland?
Con Enright (Usa)Oct 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Con,
No, at least not yet. Ford’s ‘One Ford’ policy on models means that there’s a faint chance the next-generation Explorer might make it to this side of the Atlantic, but for now Ford’s biggest SUV in the Irish market is the Edge.
Audi S3 or Mercedes C-Class - both cabriolets?
Hi,
Could I ask you to compare the Audi S3 Cabriolet with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet for about the same money? Both are quality cars. The Mercedes possibly more polished and stylish. The Audi has four-wheel drive, is faster and smaller.
Thank you, Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
You’ve pretty much summed it up there. I guess it depends where your priorities lie – performance or comfort. There’s no doubting the sheer thrust of the 300hp Audi, but I would suggest that if it’s performance you crave, skip the Cabriolet and buy the Saloon, which is much better to drive. If it’s the open top that you fancy, then go for the Mercedes, forget about performance (although the Merc is hardly a slouch in that regard) and instead revel in the comfort.
Read our Audi S3 Cabriolet review
Merc GLA, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series or new Golf?
I have just moved to Luxembourg for two years I am looking for a new car (it has to be new), 2.0-litre or close to it. Looking for a two-year lease deal or wondering about buying Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf or 1 Series BMW. Relative to Ireland, which car is best value to buy?
Brendan McDonagh (Luxembourg)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Well, bearing in mind we have literally no idea what the market or running costs are like in Luxembourg, we reckon that a 2.0-litre Golf sounds like the best option there, especially if funds would stretch to either a GTI or GTD.
Read our Mercedes-Benz GLA review here
Read our Audi A3 Saloon review here
Read our Volkswagen Golf GTI review here