Expert answer

Hi Henry,

We did review the KGM Torres EVX when it was first introduced in 2024. Read that review here.

The vehicle itself isn't terrible, but there are so many better options on the market at the same price that we'd be slow to recommend it.

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

VRT is unavoidable regardless of where the car is coming from, though on an electric car such as the MGS6 EV, it's likely to be zero thanks to the rebate.

The VAT situation is trickier. The key issue is that it's effectively treated as a new vehicle. In EU/Irish tax terms, a car is considered new if it is either less than six months old or has covered less than 6,000km. While this one has done enough mileage, its November 2025 registration means it's still within that six-month window. On top of that, it's a dealer demonstrator, not a privately owned car in normal use in Northern Ireland, so it doesn't qualify for the NI exemption route either.

The result is that 23 per cent Irish VAT will be payable when you register it here.

Saying that, you may be able to get the dealer to sell it at zero per cent UK VAT, so the hit won't be as tough to swallow as it might have been.

Talk to them about the situation and see what they say.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Assuming you don't need the bigger boot of the ID.4, then I'd suggest that the Elroq is a superior car in every other way. It drives better, has a far nicer interior and doesn't have the ID.4's ridiculous electric window switches. The Elroq is newer as well in terms of technology and development, so its software and infotainment are better resolved and it's more refined.

The only thing I would say is that the Sportline model may ride on low-profile tyres that detract from comfort a little, so make sure you drive it over poor roads to ensure you're happy with it before you commit.

Drop us a message (in private) via the Contact Us page to let us know how you get on.

Skoda Elroq reviews

Volkswagen ID.4 reviews

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Yes, the two electrical systems are separate, though the 12-volt battery is kept charged up by the drive battery when the car is 'turned on'. 

When the car is turned off, but you are using features that draw energy from the 12-volt battery, it will of course lose charge and the car monitors that and protects the battery by turning off completely. 

You could in theory add a suitable charger to allow use of the car as you are doing, or you could just have the car turned on every now and then when stationary to allow it top up the 12-volt battery automatically itself.

I'd be inclined to do the latter.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

You'll really struggle to fill that brief for under €40k as a new EV, but there are a few good used options to consider. Forget about estates, though, as there are so few electric estates.

The first car that comes to mind is the BMW iX1. The dual-motor 'xDrive30' variant has a 490-litre boot (your Jaguar's is 500 litres I believe) and while it doesn't quote have the same peak outputs as the I-Pace, it is quite rapid and it drives very well.

There are actually a few examples of the BMW iX around within your budget as well, with significantly more performance and space than the iX1. That one has rather more divisive styling we feel...

Another option with loads of power is the early electric version of the Volvo XC40.

Let us know if we're on the right lines here and we'll help you narrow things down further (submit another question to get back to us).

Expert answer

Hi Diana and thanks for this message.

I'm a little perplexed by it though as we quite strongly believe that hybrids are not electric cars and should not be classified as such. The latest SIMI figures on this page state a 52 per cent increase in the number of EV registrations, and that is indeed fully electric cars. That figure does not include hybrids of any sort.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

We wish all readers were so detailed in their requirements, as it makes it easy to choose a suitable car for you.

In your position, I'd be inclined to buy as new and long-range a used Nissan Leaf as I can find to use as your second car for ferrying the kids about. It's not huge inside but should be grand for a couple of child seats in the back so long as the front-seat passengers are not really tall.

It'll be exceptionally cheap and easy to run as you already have a charger at home and maintenance will be minimal as well.

And you'll get a bike rack on any car within reason.

If you'd rather not have another EV, then perhaps consider a large hatchback such as the Skoda Octavia. It's massive inside and in the boot so could fill in all the gaps you've mentioned, and there are plenty of different models available, including plug-in hybrids, so it might offer you an extra dimension of versatility, but with the option of keeping your costs low at the same time.

Come back to us to let us know if we're on the right track (you can submit another question or send us a private message via the Contact Us page).

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

On importation, you will not have to pay VRT as the Kona is all-electric and within the top limit for a full VRT rebate.

We can't determine the car's customs status for you, however, which determines whether or not you'll pay VAT and import duty. To avoid that, you'll need to ensure the car was actually imported into the North and used there for a “reasonable amount of time” (Revenue's words) before being sold on for export.

Put more simply, if the dealer brought the car into the North from England, Scotland or Wales just to sell on, it's highly likely that you will be stung for VAT and duty.

Expert answer

Hi Kay,

From your description, I'm going to assume you need a decent boot, but outright range is probably not so important and you're unconcerned with rear-seat space. Given you have solar panels, you should be able to charge up the car at home during the day, for 'free' most of the time as well, which is great.

There are some excellent brand-new electric cars around for under the €30,000 mark, such as the MG4 EV, Nissan Micra and Renault 5. The boots in the latter two may not hold all your golf stuff, though you can of course fold down the rear seats to do so. And if you're willing to do that, then you really should also consider the excellent Hyundai Inster.

Our top choice for you, though, is the Renault 4 E-Tech electric, which has a bigger boot than all of the others mentioned here, along with a relatively upright seating position, making it easy to get in and out of.

Here are links to our reviews of the above cars for your interest, but don't hesitate to send us another question if you want us to help you narrow down your search:

MG4 EV reviews

Renault 5 reviews

Nissan Micra reviews

Renault 4 reviews

Expert answer

Hi Julia,

We wish everyone gave us as much detail in their questions as you have done! You have loads of choice, so we'll pick out a few options that we'd recommend.

1 – You could actually afford a brand-new Hyundai Kona in electric or hybrid guises, and though it's bigger than the previous model, it might be smaller than you're looking for. Worth considering nonetheless as it's a very good car.

2 – The Hyundai Tucson is significantly larger and probably better suited to your needs. For just under €40k you'd get into a very new plug-in-hybrid version or have your choice of plenty of non-plug-in-hybrid variants. It's a solid option.

3 – Same story for the Kia Sportage. It's based on the same underpinnings as the Tucson so really, it's a case of which of them you prefer the look of, or which you can find the best deal on. Loads of them on the market either way.

4 – Now, if you do decide that you want a seven-seater, most of them are larger vehicles, but there are options within budget. The newest and best that come to mind are the Kia Sorento (available with seven seats as a plug-in hybrid) and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Again, they're effectively the same underneath and both are excellent.

5 – There are fewer Volvos about within budget. The newer options are plug-in-hybrid versions of the XC40 or XC60, both decent enough cars, the latter the bigger. To get a seven-seat XC90 you'd have to go back to a 2019 model to stay in budget and we'd suggest that would likely come with big repair bills in the near future so not really what you're looking for.

6 – We're not convinced that available Audis will suit you. You might find a few examples of the Q4 e-tron, which is all electric, though most within budget that are plug-in hybrids are either the Q3 or the Q5. These are fine for your own family size, but limited otherwise, and you'd have to compromise on newness to get into the larger Q5.

7 – Finally, one for the heart rather than the head perhaps, you could afford either a Range Rover Evoque or Land Rover Discovery Sport with plug-in-hybrid power from a few years back. Both of those have five seats, not seven.

Having done all that research for you, we'd suggest that the best options come from either Hyundai or Kia, whether you're going to go for a seven-seater or not. But of course, we'd understand if you're swayed by other factors.

Don't hesitate to come back to us if you want further help narrowing things down.