Thinking of buying a Volvo hybrid...
Hi.
I'm thinking of changing my Volvo. Can I ask how the XC40 and the XC60 plug-in hybrid models are set up? Am I correct in understanding that the electric motor and the petrol engine in the PHEV XC40 both drive the front wheels whereas in the XC60 the electric motor drives the rear wheels, so that four-wheel drive would be available when the electric and petrol engines are used in combination? Also, can I ask a separate question about "self driving". In the modern Volvos, they just talk of a lane keeping aid. Does this function in the same way as what was labelled Pilot Assist in models of a couple of years ago?
Thank you
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
The T5 hybrid version of the Volvo XC40 (read our review of it here) is front-wheel drive only, as you said, while the XC60 T8 hybrid (here's our review of that) has an electric motor on the rear axle, giving the car all-wheel drive at times.
As to your second question, lane-keeping aid/assist technology is quite different to what Volvo calls Pilot Assist. The former can warn a driver if they're wandering out of lane and assist with a small steering correction if needs be, while Pilot Assist is an advanced for of active cruise control that also helps with steering inputs.
Is the Citroen Ami taxable on Irish roads?
Is the Citroen Ami taxable on Irish roads?
Sean Coyne (Killarney)Aug 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
There’s no reason that it wouldn’t be possible to import a Citroen Ami to Ireland. However, it is only being produced in left-hand drive with no plans currently in place for right-hand-drive models. It’s also worth noting that the Ami doesn’t have a very powerful electric motor and has a top speed of only 45km/h making it only useful in cities and urban areas.
Thinking of importing a pick-up...
Hi,
I'm looking to buy a 2016 Mitsubishi L200 2.4 Barbarian in the North. I'm an electrician working for one person so it's just both of us. I haven't asked him yet but is it possible that if I buy it could I use his VAT number to reclaim the VAT paid? Also when I do bring it through, will I be able to put it down for commercial tax without being registered for VAT myself? I have only had standard car insurance previously, no van.
Alan Hodgers (Castlebellingham)Aug 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
The problem here is that you’re trying to do some of it through the company and some of it yourself, which to be honest doesn’t really work. First off, if you want to use the company (or individual’s) VAT number then the car is going to have to be registered to them, not to you. In theory you can tax a vehicle commercially without a VAT number, but in practice it’s tricky, and if you get caught using it for any social, domestic, or pleasure use then there are big fines ahoy.
When is the Polestar 2 coming to Ireland?
Hi there,
When is the expected Ireland release date for the Polestar 2 EV?
Thanks,
Stephen
Stephen Harrding (Mullingar)Aug 2020 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
Currently, there isn’t one. Volvo Cars Ireland has confirmed to us that it hasn’t yet made many plans to introduce the Polestar brand or models here as yet, although given the huge success that Tesla has had in Ireland, we’d be surprised if it doesn’t happen at some stage. Most likely, it’ll be a combination of waiting to launch a couple of core Volvo electric models (the battery-powered XC40 especially) and then, once initial European and US roll-outs have taken place for Polsetar, then they’ll start to think about us.
If we had to hazard a guess, we’d say 2022 at the earliest.
Electric range of the BMW 330e?
Hi,
Do you know what the zero emission mileage would be for a BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport four-door saloon petrol/electric automatic?
Many thanks if you can find this information
Mark Porter (Nottingham)Jul 2020 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
The first generation 330e has an electric-only range, on a fully-charged battery, of 40km (about 30km in real-world use) and the new, and current, version is claimed to be able to get 65km out of a full charge. Here are links to our reviews of both, which may give you more information:
Warning lights on my Fiat 500L...
Hi,
I was going up hill to join a motorway and I’m guessing I was in too high gear, then my warning light and engine light came on and then a message telling me that to stop-start had been deactivated. The warning lights remained for the rest of the journey. Can you tell me what happened? I have a 2013 Fiat 500L.
Thanks
Tanya Palluotto (Stevenage )Jul 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Tanya,
It sounds to us like the alternator may have been struggling to produce enough electrical power and that perhaps your battery could do with replacement. If the problem has not reoccurred then it's nothing to worry about, but no harm getting your battery checked before winter sets in.
Difference between motor tax and VRT?
Hi,
Could you please help me understand the distinction between VRT and the annual 'motor tax' in the Republic of Ireland? I'm asking from the UK and I'm trying to understand the system.
Thanks
Alina McGregor (Exeter)Jul 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Alina,
It’s actually a pretty easy distinction. Motor tax is the Irish equivalent of the UK’s Road Fund Licence. It’s paid annually, and is based on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. The cheapest rate is for cars that emit no CO2 (i.e. electric cars), which cost €120 a year to tax, while the most expensive rate is for cars emitting more than 225g/km of CO2, which is €2,350 a year.
Motor tax on Nissan's electric van?
How much is motor tax on an all-electric E-NV200 Nissan commercial van in Ireland?
Dan Kenny (Blessington)Jul 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
The annual motor tax cost for any electric vehicle is €120.
Looking for a small SUV for my business...
Hi there,
I was thinking of buying a commercial vehicle for work. I am a physiotherapist and do a lot of work outside my clinic premises (football games, home visits, nursing home etc). Are there any commercial vehicles that I could consider? I am not sure I want a pickup, but more a commercial SUV type.
Thanks in advance
Ruth Allen (Blessington)Jul 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ruth,
There are lots of good choices for commercial SUVs. If you wanted something really swish, you could go for a Land Rover Discovery Commercial, but it’s a bit pricey. Smaller and more affordable is the Nissan Qashqai van, which is also pretty decent to drive. There’s also the Hyundai Kona Commercial, or if you’re feeling really futuristic, the Kona Commercial Electric. But actually, to be honest, your best bet might be to just buy a compact crossover, most of which are already pretty affordable, spacious (if you fold the back seats down) and which mostly have lower annual motor tax than the flat-rate €333 commercial van tax anyway. We’d suggest starting your shopping list with either the new Ford Puma or, if you’re really looking for bargains, the Dacia Duster. Some of our reviews to help you choose:
My Insignia's stop-start system is faulty.
I have a 2015 Insignia 1.6 CDTi Ecoflex. The stop-start system only works when the battery is charged manually and then stops after a few days. New battery fitted by dealer six months ago.
Brian Lochrie (Blessington)Jun 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
We get so many queries about stop-start systems (in all makes and models) that we wrote a feature about it: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
However, in your case, perhaps there's something up with the alternator that prevents it from charging up the battery fully.
It may be worth getting an auto-electrician to check it out.