How can I compare all the electric cars?
Hi,
Is there anywhere one can see all currently available electric cars compared, not just under the usual headings of driving range, charging times, 0 to 100km/h time and overall drivability and practicality, but also the overall running costs (electricity charges, road tax etc.), which can vary when you include battery lease models like the Renault Zoe?
Donal M
Donal Murphy (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
Short answer – no. That’s partially down to the fact that such in-depth comparisons have to take into account the type of mileage you do, the electricity tariff you’re on and more. The best I can suggest is that you have a good long look through our various electric car reviews and then use the cost calculators on both the ESB and SEAI websites to further refine your research:
Will the new Mercedes E-Class have 4Matic?
Will there be a 4Matic option available in Ireland for the new Mercedes E-Class saloon?
Sean Cotter (Newtownmountkennedy)Apr 2016 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
Yes, 4Matic four-wheel drive will arrive in Ireland this September on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic here.
What's the new automatic Tiguan like?
New Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 diesel automatic: what are they like?
Larry Loughnane (Clonmel Co Tipperary )Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Larry,
The seven-speed DSG automatic works very well with the 2.0-litre TDI engine. Around town and in traffic is makes driving relaxed and easy while the long top gear means the engine revs remain low on longer motorway journeys. In fact, the noise insulation in the new Tiguan is very good and you'd almost forget that you're driving a diesel.
I also drove the manual version, and to be fair it drive very well too. If you can afford the price jump to get the DSG automatic though I would recommend it.
What do you think of the new Mercedes GLC?
What is your honest opinion on the new GLC Mercedes 220 Exclusive?
Colm MacBride (Donegal)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
To date, we've only driven the new GLC at the international launch. I drove several versions including the GLC 220d 4Matic (read that review here) and I was very impressed. It seems to be the most comfortable car in the class and also one of the most refined and spacious. Final judgement when we drive it shortly on Irish roads in Irish specifications, but has the potential to top the segment. Will certainly give the new Jaguar F-Paces a run for its money.
Should I go for a new Skoda Superb Combi?
Need to upgrade from a 2008 Audi A4 saloon due to family expansion. Is the new Skoda Superb Combi a reasonable option in terms of drive quality and premium feel?
Mike
Mike Gallagher (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Yes, yes, yes and oh, yes. Basically, it’s almost exactly like an A4 (same engines, same platform, same buttons, switches and touch-screen), but much more roomy (space for three child car seats abreast on the back seat and a massive 600-litre boot) and a lot cheaper to buy. Perhaps a touch noisier than the Audi, and maybe a little less precise to the steering, but you won’t feel short-changed.
Would depreciation be bad on a new DS 5?
Would a new DS 5 depreciate ruinously?
David Sexton (Dublin)Mar 2016 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi David,
Probably. Irish figures are a little tricky to come by, not least because garages tend to artificially inflate advertised prices for used cars, but it seems that a DS 5 will lose at least €12,000 – or around a third of its value – in the first year alone.
How much more for the AMG C 63 Cabriolet?
You did a story on the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Cabriolet recently. Do you have any idea of the likely price premium for a cabrio over the more "basic" C-Class Coupe models?
Also, Mazda will be introducing a targa top version of the MX 5. Again do you have any idea of the likely price difference?
Thank you
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
We don’t have exact pricing details for either as yet, but you can probably figure on paying an extra €1,500 to €2,000 for the convertible in the case of the Merc or the hard-top in the case of the Mazda.
What do you think of the new Toyota RAV4?
What do you think of the new RAV4 from Toyota (the diesel) and what about alternatives?
Thanks
Martin Smythe (Roscommon )Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
A really impressive car, although it is looking a touch expensive compared to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe or Ford Kuga now. It's good to drive, with surprisingly sharp steering and lots of space in the back, plus the promise of rugged Toyota reliability. The Hybrid version is perhaps not as satisfying as the diesel (and is even more expensive again), but is perhaps worth considering if you live and do most of your driving in town. Rivals worth considering are the aforementioned Ford and Hyundai, and also Honda, both HR-V and CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5.
I've added links to our reviews of all these cars above so hopefully that's of help.
Which car for three kids and two dogs?
What's the best car that fits three car seats and two dogs?
Richard Collumb (Dublin)Mar 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Should I go for a new Ford Fiesta EcoBoost?
Hi,
I am interested in buying the new Ford Fiesta EcoBoost 1.0-litre. I am an old age pensioner and badly need a reliable small car. Which car would you advise me to buy: the Fiesta Zetec or Fiesta Titanium? The road tax is cheap either way. I have a 2005 Skoda Octavia 1.4 petrol my local dealer said he would give me €4,400 trade in for. I don't know much about cars so any advice you give me would be appreciated. Or is there something else similar out there I should look at?
Thank you
Billy Mc Elligott (Tralee)Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Billy,
The Fiesta EcoBoost is a really sweet little car, lots of fun to drive, roomy and very frugal. It's a little difficult to know how reliable it will ultimately be in the long-term as the engine itself is a relatively new design and hasn't been around long enough for us to be able to tell exactly how robust it is. That said, Ford's quality record has been good of late, so I'd say it's a reasonably safe bet.
As for which model, it just depends on what your priorities are. A Titanium will have more standard equipment, but it may well be that there's a lot of extras that you simply won't need nor use, so you're probably better off going for the better value of the Zetec.
Other cars that are worth considering would be a Toyota Yaris, Mazda2 and Skoda Fabia. Hope that helps.
Relevant reviews: