Motor tax for BMW 520d SE?
Hi there,
I am looking to buy a BMW 520d SE; can you confirm what the annual car tax will be?
Mark Beed (Dublin)Mar 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
For the new model G30 5 Series, the CO2 emissions for the 520d SE are 108g/km, so that means annual motor tax of €190.
Is my Volkswagen Passat recalled?
How do I know if my Passat is affected by the emissions scandal?
Declan O Flynn (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: recall
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
If it is, you’ll get a letter from Volkswagen to ask you to book the car in for an inspection. If you’re still concerned, contact your local dealer to check.
Will the Volkswagen software affect tax?
Will the software update affect my road tax?
Hugh Murphy (Ballydesmond )Jan 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
Assuming you mean the Volkswagen diesel software update, no, it shouldn't. Volkswagen has had to clear all the updates with the German federal transport agency to comply with a ruling that any changes won't affect the CO2 emissions or fuel economy of the cars.
Automatic Hyundai ix35: higher tax?
Hello, in your review of the Hyundai ix35 CRDi 2.0-litre on November 24, 2010 you state that the CO2 emissions are 147g/km. I have bought that model registered in 2011 and the emissions are 187g/km on the reg. cert resulting in much higher road tax.
Can you explain the difference please?
Thank you
Seamus Hennessy (Tipperary)Jan 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
By any chance is yours the automatic version, with the larger 18-inch wheels? We tested the manual gearbox version that did indeed at the time have a CO2 emissions rating of 147g/km, whereas the automatic model, with four-wheel drive, was rated at above 180g/km.
What is the cheapest hybrid in Ireland?
What is the cheapest hybrid car in Ireland?
Igancio Irigoien (Dublin)Dec 2016 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Ignacio,
There are two hybrids that are far cheaper than anything else, but we have to mention both as they’re slightly different in the way their hybrid systems work. The cheapest full hybrid is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which starts at €19,250 and which has impressively low CO2 emissions of just 75g/km.
Toyota has also recently updated the Yaris Hybrid so that it’s much nicer to drive than it used to be. The other is the slightly cheaper Suzuki Baleno 1.2 DualJet, which isn’t a full hybrid like the Yaris, but a mild hybrid that uses a smaller battery and clever starter/generator to take strain off the engine to help save fuel. That emits 94g/km and costs from €18,995.
Thinking of importing an American car...
Hi,
I am thinking about purchasing a US car that has just been registered in the UK. The car in question meets the UK IVA standards and passed all tests. The lights have also been adjusted to meet EU standards. I have two questions:
1. Is the IVA test good enough (the car hasn't really been driven much in the UK and looks to have all documents in check) or should I fork out for an independent test. Trying to minimize my spend as I will need it for VRT.
2. How much will VRT be on a 2014 5.7-litre?
Many thanks
Derek
Derek J (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
Well, if the car has been correctly adjusted to meet UK and EU standards then it should be fine, and for lights there are always aftermarket upgrade options such as better bulbs or extra spot lamps. The IVA test is pretty comprehensive so if it’ll get through that and pass an NCT, then I wouldn’t have any major worries, as long as the car’s history etc all checks out.
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
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.
Best new auto diesel family car with power?
What is the best automatic diesel family car with a bit of poke in Ireland please? I will be trading in an Opel Astra 1.7 diesel saloon - 131.
Thank you.
Donal Finn (Cork)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
The best compromise of value and oomph is probably to be found somewhere in the Volkswagen Group. I'd say if you want to mix a decent 2.0 diesel engine with low emissions and an auto box try out a SEAT Leon FR, preferably in very handsome ST estate form. It makes 150hp, but has Band A4 emissions.
Which 3.0 diesel to replace my Audi A6 with?
I'm replacing my Audi A6 in Jan. Hoping to upgrade to new 3.0 diesel from my 2.0 TDI S line model. Any other cars you'd recommend checking out instead?
Anthony Quinn (Ratoath)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
It depends on the year of your current A6, but while there's not a huge jump in emissions by going for the V6 TDI, there is a big jump in price so it's certainly not going to be cheap. Others well worth considering are the incoming new BMW 5 Series with the 530d engine (or consider arguing yourself a good deal on a runout current shape model), the excellent new-shape Mercedes-Benz E 350 d or the Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 D. Test drives below to tease you further...