Can you list the most reliable cars?
What are the most reliable cars in Ireland?
Stan Quinn (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Stan,
We've answered that exact question on a few days ago for another reader. Here's the answer.
Thinking of down-sizing to a Suzuki SX4.
Thinking of downsizing to a second hand Suzuki SX4. Any thoughts on fuel consumption/reliability or other things to look out for? Looking at a 2008-2010 model.
Thanks, Tom
Tom Tyner (Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
A really good car the SX4 - it's hugely reliable and if you can track down a 1.9 diesel 4x4, you'll find it has genuine go-anywhere capability.
The more common 1.6 petrol is a bit thirstier though, with official economy of 42mpg and you'll struggle to match that in daily driving. The boot is also a bit on the small side. Worth looking for deals on the current SX4 S-Cross - a really good and very underrated car.
Which diesel Volkswagen Golf to go for?
Volkswagen Golf Mk7: 1.6 or 2.0 diesel? Have you reviewed the Mk7 1.6 diesel Golf? What are your thoughts on a 2013 1.6 vs 2.0 diesel?
Peter Power (Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
The 2.0 TDI Golf is something of a canny buy - it's much punchier than the 1.6, yet comes with only a small penalty in motor tax and running costs, and in fact is good enough to undermine the case for buying the overtly sporting GTD.
That said, if you put the effort in, the 1.6 can be significantly more economical and, obviously, is cheaper to buy. In daily driving, unless you're really pushing hard, its performance is entirely adequate. You can read what our road test editor, Dave Humphreys, thought of the 1.6-litre BlueMotion model here.
As for the 2013 model, that was the MkVI Golf and it's still a fine car - reliable, comfy, spacious and nice to drive, but you will notice a palpable difference in quality and comfort between it and a MkVII.
Will the Volkswagen Golf be updated in 2016?
Is Volkswagen planning a facelift for the Golf this year?
Gary Murray (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
Yes, but it's not due to arrive until late this year. It'll likely have only very small exterior changes (expect a more Passat-like front end), but there will be some bigger changes to the interior, including a new centre stack with the option of a big, Tesla-like tablet-style touchscreen with 'Gesture Control.' We may also get sight of the new family of 1.5-litre turbo petrol and turbodiesel engines this year (although they're more likely to be reserved for the all-new MkVIII Golf in a couple of years' time), but we'll definitely get to see the ultimate hot Golf - a four-wheel drive 420hp version of the Golf R designed to take on the Ford Focus RS.
Which higher up car to go for like my Corolla?
I own a 2007 Toyota Corolla Terra and I am thinking of changing. I would like a car that is higher off the ground, like the new Hyundai Tucson, but not that big. What other cars similar in size to the Corolla would you suggest?
Jim
JIM WHITE (NAVAN)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
There are a number of other potential options you could look at, but seeing as you've been a Corolla driver, I'm guessing you want something that's going to match the Toyota for reliability. So, in that case, have a look at the Honda HR-V or Skoda Yeti. Both are taller than a normal hatch but not so big as a Tucson and both are really well built and reliable.
Relevant reviews:
Which is the smoothest automatic model?
Which is the smoothest automatic model under 1.5 litres?
Sally Mulford (Greystones)Feb 2016 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Sally,
Generally speaking, automatics and small engines don't go well together, but there are a few good ones. Any Volkswagen Group cars using a combo of either 1.2 TSI or 1.4 TSI petrol with the DSG gearbox should be pretty smooth and there are some Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D diesels around with self-shifters. The Auris, while not exciting, is certainly smooth and comfy.
Actually, your best option could be to go hybrid or electric. The Honda Insight has a 1.3-litre hybrid powertrain and is an automatic and is surprisingly good to drive. Or what about the Nissan Leaf? If the roughly 160km electric range suits your lifestyle, there's nothing smoother than an electric motor.
Should we go for a new Kia Sportage?
I was wondering if it would be a wise move to trade in our old Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 1.8 petrol for the brand new Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel. I was very impressed by the high spec model in the showroom.
Mary Bruton (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
It could well be a good idea. If you like the looks and the cabin of the Sportage, there's no questioning that it's a sensible, reliable and frugal car. Well priced too. Read our Kia Sportage review here.
Have you a review of the Skoda Superb Combi?
Hello,
Do you have a review of the 2016 Skoda Superb Combi L&K?
Eric Walsh (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
We've not driven the new Superb estate in L&K guise as yet, but read our review of the Skoda Superb Combi from the international launch and you'll get a good feel for it we think, as the test cars were well-specified.
What's the best supermini right now?
What's the best small family car or supermini of 2016? In terms of value for money, economy, driveability.
Don Naughton (Galway)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Don,
I'd say it's a tied vote between the Honda Jazz (amazingly roomy and reliable, but a bit pricey), the Skoda Fabia (as solid a choice as the day is long) or the Ford Fiesta (brilliant to drive and has a wonderful EcoBoost petrol engine).
Relevant reviews:
Have you reviewed the Ford Focus Titanium?
I'd like to see reviews of the Ford Focus Titanium.
Rita Sheridan (Claremorrr)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car