is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
Next-gen Nissan X-Trail or Skoda Kodiaq?
Hi guys,
Regarding the Nissan X-Trail and its new 2.0-litre diesel engine, will it be introduced into the current X-Trail series or are we going to see the updated X-Trail (as per US/Austrailia) hit Ireland in 2017 with an updated engine range? Really appreciate any comment you have, as I'm looking at something in the Skoda Kodiaq/X-Trail range.
Colin H (Kildare)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
We’ve checked with Nissan on this and have been told that the 2.0-litre diesel X-Trail will be coming here, but not until October 2017. With that much of a time gap, we’d expect the X-Trail to have had its mid-life facelift by then, as you suggest, and it will more than likely follow the Australian and US update pretty closely in terms of styling and interior upgrades. As for how it will compare to the new Skoda Kodiaq, well – that sounds like a twin test to us...
Market value of a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe?
What is the market value of a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 1.9 diesel with 134,000km on the clock?
Dervla Carroll (Birr)Nov 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Dervla,
It should be worth somewhere in the region of €2,500.
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 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:
What is the tax on a 141 Volvo XC90?
What is the motor tax on a 141 Volvo XC90?
Tom Quinn (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Assuming you mean the D5 diesel with the automatic transmission, then €1,200.
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
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
Any compensation coming from Volkswagen?
Hi,
Can you say what is the current position in Ireland in regard to the reparation and/or compensation for Volkswagen brand vehicles (mine is a Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI Greenline)?
Many thanks,
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Nov 2016 Filed under: recall
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Volkswagen and its associated brands are currently working their way through the lists of cars to be recalled and modified to enable them to reach the required standards for emissions at all times, and not just on the official test, as was revealed by the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal. The original plan was to have all cars recalled and modified by the end of this year, but that schedule has slipped significantly.
If your car is one of those due for work, you will get a letter in the post in due course advising you to book an appointment at your nearest Skoda dealer.
As for compensation? Unlike American Volkswagen owners, European owners as yet are not being offered any, primarily because the laws are rather different on this side of the Atlantic, but owners (via the courts), national governments and the EU are all pressing Volkswagen on the issue of compensation payments so there may yet be something in the offing.