Expert answer

Hi Patsy,

BMW offers three different diesel engines with xDrive four-wheel drive in the X3, the xDrive20d, xDrive30d and xDrive35d. The xDrive20d can be had with a manual or automatic gearbox and the official figure is 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km) no matter which transmission is fitted. The xDrive30d and xDrive35d are only available with automatic gearboxes and the official fuel economy figures are 47.1mpg and 46.3mpg respectively (6.0- and 6.1 litres/100km).

Those figures won't be obtainable in the real-world, obviously! We spent time with the xDrive20d during snowy conditions a few years back (read the full review here) and averaged 34mpg (8.3 litres/100km), though in normal conditions it should do a lot better than that. We also tested the xDrive30d (read that full review here), though apologies, but I didn't record the average fuel consumption figure at the time...

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Hi Dan,

Indeed so. In fact, the CR-V changed utterly in 2002 with the introduction of an all-new model - and the first diesel version was introduced in 2003. Despite it looking rather similar to the first generation model (which debuted in 1995) the second-gen CR-V is bigger, heavier, more spacious and more sophisticated, even if it did retain the old-style spare wheel mounting on the tailgate. 

Early 2.2 CDTi diesel models have an odd fault - the oil warning light can come on even with a full sump of the black stuff. It seems to be a software issue. Listen for groaning or moaning from the rear differential for the four-wheel drive system (all second-gen CR-Vs were had four-wheel drive) as that can mean that the oil in the diff has degraded and the unit is starting to fail.

Other than that, they're solidly built and heartily recommended. 

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Hi Bartlomiej,

Well, it kinda depends what you mean by SUV. If you mean large, the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V etc, then it's probably best to wait until the new 1.6-litre, front-wheel drive version of the Honda arrives later this year, as that will be a big, spacious SUV that has emissions of under 120g/km, although the lack of four-wheel drive might not appeal.

If it's the smaller ones you're looking at then I'd suggest a Skoda Yeti. It bridges the gap, size-wise, between the very small Nissan Juke and the large stuff like Mazda's CX-5 and the Kia Sportage. Go for the 1.6 TDI Greenline version and you'll have a spacious, rugged, practical family car with Band A4 tax (€200 a year) and it should do a pretty steady 50mpg most of the time.

Want something a bit more flash? The MINI Countryman, with its 1.6-litre diesel engine, is super-frugal, but you do need to spend a bit on options to get the right look.

It may also be worth waiting a couple of months until the new Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008 arrive on sale, as both should prove very affordable to run.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Before looking at the logical stuff, we'd say the Kia Sportage. We prefer how it looks and drives.

There's virtually no difference in price at the entry-level to both ranges. They're both powered by the same 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine, have front-wheel drive and emit 139g/km for €280/year road tax. Both Kia and Hyundai offer a range of trim levels and they're both quite well equipped really.

Kia's cheapest four-wheel drive version is a little cheaper than the equivalent Hyundai (both powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine) and both are available with an automatic gearbox - though the ix35's is cheaper.

Other than all that, Kia's seven-year warranty covers up to 150,000 kilometres of driving and comes with European roadside assistance for three years. Hyundai's 'Triple Care Plan' is only for five years, but the mileage is unlimited. It includes roadside assistance and vehicle health checks.

So in summary there's little to separate these cars on paper. With your budget in mind it's worth delving deeper into what you'll get for your money in each model, but really it probably comes down to individual choice. And for us the Kia Sportage is the way to go.

Let us know what you decide upon.

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Hi Siobhan,

The Audi should be pretty solid, but make sure you buy with a full service history. Ditto the BMW, but they do occasionally have turbo issues, so watch for that. The Land Cruiser is basically indestructible, and if it’s reliability you’re looking for is definitely the best of the three.

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Hi Tom,

The front-wheel drive only Yeti 2.0 TDI returns 52.3mpg (5.4 litres/100km). The four-wheel drive version returns 46.3mpg (6.1 litres/100km).

The Yeti is one of those cars in which it's possible to get close to the official figures - especially on the open road and the motorway.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

At that budget your main choices, sticking with diesel for fuel economy reasons, are the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX, Opel Mokka and Skoda Yeti.

We're assuming you don't need four-wheel drive (correct me if I'm wrong), as the front-wheel drive versions of each car are always the most economical.

Here's the most economical version of each:

- Hyundai ix35 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,495

- Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,590

- Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 diesel: 5.7 litres/100km (49.6mpg): from €25,950

- Opel Mokka 1.7 diesel 2WD: 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg): from €24,695

- Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI Greenline: 4.6 litres/100km (61.4mpg): from €25,320

We've left out smaller options as you specifically asked for mid-size.

The Skoda Yeti turns out to be the most economical of that lot and for us it would be between that and the Kia Sportage.

Best thing to do is go and test drive as many alternatives as you like the look of as it will come down to personal preference.

Let us know how you get on and come back to us if you need anything else.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

You're in an enviable position. I'm going to go on the assumption that four-wheel drive is a must-have (though a rear-wheel drive car on winter tyres is as good as a 4x4 without in terms of stopping and changing direction as well as traction...) and given your comment on fuel we'll say it has to be diesel too. Don't worry, there's still fun to be had.

The 3.0 TDI V6 engine found in certain Audi A6s and A8s is a gem and partnered with quattro four-wheel drive seems made for you. The equivalent rear-wheel drive BMWs are a little more engaging, and the 330d/530d's engine is also fantastic, though we suspect you want four-wheel drive. Try a 535d out for size and you might change your mind and invest in winter tyres instead!

As much as we admire the X5 and Touareg, and they're good value on the used market at the minute, we can't help but feel they'll be just as difficult to sell on in a few years.

Another excellent alternative to the (quite common) Audi A6 is the allroad quattro version, based on the A6 Avant. Seems to tick all the boxes.

Let us know if we're on the right track here.

Expert answer

Hi Val,

Generally it's a bad idea to fit mis-matching tyres across the same axle of a car (i.e. both front tyres should be the same and both rear tyres should be the same, but front and rear can be different brands etc. so long as the size is within manufacturer guidelines). In an ideal world all four tyres would be matching, but we realise that people need to save money.

On that note, we'd urge caution with regards to buying second-hand tyres. You can't possibly know their history and though they might be fine, it's still not a great idea.

Final point from us: a tyre is one of the most important parts of your car to maintain safety. Please don't scrimp on that.

Hope that's been of assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Maria,

The vast majority of the BMW 3 Series sold in Ireland are rear-wheel drive only. The current version is available only in 320i petrol guise with the company's 'xDrive' four-wheel drive system. That may change in time.

Hope that helps