Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

We really like the Ateca, and the 1.4 turbo petrol engine really suits it, so that’s the one we’d advise you to go for. There’s an updated version of the Qashqai coming very shortly, so bear that in mind if you’re looking at the Nissan — you might be able to get a better bargain on a run-out model.

SEAT Ateca 1.4 TSI review

Nissan Qashqai review

Facelifted Nissan Qashqai preview

Five best mid-sized SUVs and crossovers in Ireland

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:

SEAT Ateca 1.4 TSI review

SEAT Ateca 2.0 TDI review

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line review

Expert answer

Hi Yvonne,

I hate to make your life harder but... There's no difference, at least not mechanically speaking. The Sportage and the Tucson share the same engine, chassis and electronics package - all that's different is the styling and the cabins. Arguably, the Sportage is a little more engaging to drive than the Tucson, but it's a very narrow difference. And while the Sportage has a longer warranty, it's limited to 150,000km - the Hyundai's five-year warranty comes with unlimited mileage. 

It basically boils down to buying whichever one you prefer the look of... Here are our reviews to help you along:

Hyundai Tucson review

Kia Sportage review

Expert answer

Hi Rose,

The thing is that they're totally different cars. The Sandero is a small and very, very cheap, hatchback - about the size of a Ford Fiesta, but not as good to drive. It's cheap, cheerful and gets the job done, but that's about it. By contrast, a Skoda Yeti is a crossover SUV, much bigger than a Sandero, with a far larger cabin and boot, and is much better built and nicer to drive. It depends what you need - a cheap runaround? Or something more sophisticated?

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Totally different cars so it's quite hard to compare them directly. The ix35 is one of the better crossover SUVs - it's roomy and very nice to drive and hugely reliable too.

The Mondeo was always one of the best large saloons around, and that fourth generation model was a good one - solidly built (although you need to keep an eye out for niggling electrical problems) and really great to drive. Plus, both the cabin and boot are massively spacious, even more so than those of the ix35.

So it depends what your priorities are. Like a high-riding car and fancy something with 4x4 styling? Get the ix35. Not bothered about SUVs but want something truly rewarding to drive? Get the Mondeo.

Expert answer

Hi Adrienne,

OK, let me take that section by section...

(A) Most small crossovers use 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so you're going to average between 40- and 50mpg in any of them. Ignore the official consumption figures - they're not representative of real-world driving.

(B) Standard spec on most will include at least air conditioning and probably Bluetooth, but the items you've listed will push prices up into the €25-30k region.

(C) Kia, Hyundai and Mitsubishi have the best warranties on the market at the moment - seven, five and eight years respectively. Ford, Renault and Peugeot all offer five-year warranties too, while Fiat offers a four-year one. Most others have three-year cover. In terms of reliability, Japanese and Korean brands will almost always beat their European and American competitors.

Of the cars you're looking at, I'd say the strongest contenders are Honda's new HR-V, the Jeep Renegade, the Peugeot 2008 and the Kia Soul. All well worth a look.

Relevant reviews:

Honda HR-V review

Jeep Renegade review

Peugeot 2008 review

Kia Soul review

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

We asked the current Nissan importer and got a pretty stock answer:

"This is under continuous review - it is likely that Infiniti will be launched when the decision is taken that the demand, conditions and the model line-up are right for the Irish market."

From our point of view, the new Q30 and forthcoming Infiniti QX30 are steps towards that happening, but we believe that Irish new car sales would have to top 150,000 units a year consistently before it would be considered. Competition is already tough here and Infiniti hasn't done all that well over in the UK.

Expert answer

Hi Con,

Running boards or side steps are usually to be found in the accessories brochures for most SUV and crossover models, but it's worth checking out aftermarket suppliers to, such as Halfords, because you might get something at a better price. Normally, we wouldn't recommend going aftermarket, but for non-mechanical or safety items, it should be fine.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

The Audi Q2 won't actually be called the Q2, it'll be called the Q1. Why? Because Fiat owns the rights to the Q2 badge and won't let Audi play with its ball. So the Q1 will sit beneath the existing Q3, and will be based on the same MQB chassis system that currently underpins almost everything Volkswagen, from Golf to A3 to Passat to Superb. The next Q3 will get a little bigger too, to make some space for the Q1. Expect the Q1 to skew a little more towards an estate, crossover-y body style, leaving the Q3 to be taller and blockier and more SUV-ish.

We have no official word on engines yet but as it's MQB-based expect 1.4 turbo petrol and 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with an SQ1 sports variant using either a tweaked diesel or 230hp petrol turbo. It'll go on sale in 2016 and we'd expect to see a full production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Almost certainly a Nissan Qashqai. Early Mk1s are hovering around the €6k mark now, but beware of high-milers that have suffered dog's abuse.