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Mazda3 1.6 diesel or Hyundai i30?

Which car is most fuel efficient, Mazda3 1.6 diesel or Hyundai i30 diesel?

Colette Hunt (Kilcoole)

Jun 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Colette,

We'll work from official figures here. Mazda quotes 4.3 litres/100km (65.7mpg) for the Mazda3 fitted with its 115hp 1.6 diesel engine. That applies to all versions of the five-door hatchback and four-door saloon the diesel engine can be had in.

Hyundai, meanwhile, quotes 4.1 litres/100km (68.9mpg) for its 110hp 1.6-litre diesel engine - in manual guise - so that car wins by a nose.

We wouldn't expect there to be much in it for the average driver though, as the Mazda has a little more performance (specifically torque), which means that the driver has to try a little harder in the Hyundai to achieve the same speeds.


Why does the DSG gearbox cost double in Skoda's Superb?

Ever wonder why the DSG gearbox in the Skoda Superb is double the price of the Octavia's? I've asked the people in Skoda to explain why, but they ignored me...

Ben Dolan (Galway)

Jun 2013 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Ben,

The only way to look at this like-for-like at the moment is the compare the Superb (pre-facelift that goes on sale next month) and the new Octavia, both with 2.0 TDI 140 engines. The DSG option costs €4,865 in the Superb and just €2,300 in the Octavia and it should be the same six-speed unit in each.

However, adding a DSG transmission to that Superb moves it from tax Band B1 to Band C, or, more pertinently, from a situation where the car is subject to 18 per cent VRT to one where it attracts 23 per cent VRT. In comparison, the Octavia moves from Band A3 to A4, adding a single per cent increase in VRT (rising from 17- to 18 per cent).

Nonetheless, we did a quick calculation to get the prices before VRT of each car and subtract the manual price from the DSG and it still works out that Skoda charges considerably more for the DSG transmission.

We contacted Skoda Ireland and it agreed and has changed this in the new Superb. Here's the official response:

"The Superb DSG premium on average was €4,300; this will be reduced to €3,000 with the introduction of the Superb facelift in July. This represents a customer saving of €1,300 compared to the outgoing model. This is a slightly higher premium than the Octavia model; however, it is not as simple as pricing the transmission as a single unit and then applying it to the various models. There are many factors taken into consideration when pricing vehicles as a whole. Previously the Superb DSG was a big seller for Skoda. With improved prices we are confident we will see even more customer moving to DSG from manual transmission."


How economical is the BMW X3?

Can you tell me how economical the BMW X3 is in diesel, four-wheel drive (xDrive) guise?

Patsy Whelan (Carlow)

May 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

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...


Where do I get an owner's manual for an Audi A3?

Where can I obtain an owner's manual, that comes with the car, for a Audi A3 1.4 2009?

Norman Warden (Furbo)

May 2013 Filed under: miscellaneous

Expert answer

Hi Norman,

Your best bet is your local Audi dealer. Manuals aren't usually too expensive. If it is too expensive perhaps search for it on eBay or similar.

Let us know how you get on.


How economical, safe and efficient is the Nissan Note?

How economical, safe and efficient is the 2008 Nissan Note petrol manual? Thinking of buying one.

Rachel Barry (Dublin)

May 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Rachel,

There only seems to be one specific problem with the Note and that's with the air conditioning system, which can spring a leak and drop water into the foot well. Unnoticed and left alone that can lead to mould forming in the car and a distinctly smelly cabin.

Other than that, the Note is built in the same Sunderland factory (in the UK) that makes the Qashqai and Juke - and used to make the Micra - so quality is of a very high level.


How reliable is the 2006 Kia Sorento?

How reliable is the 2006 Kia Sorento?

James Scullion (Drogheda)

May 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi James,

Mostly that generation Sorento is pretty well built, and the fact that it was a bit old-fashioned, even when new, means that there's generally less in the way of fiddly electronics to give trouble. Do watch for an issue with a seizing alternator pulley and an automatic gearbox that lets the car roll forward when in park, both of which should have been fixed under a recall. As always with a heavy car that may have been used for towing, keep an eye on the condition of the clutch (watch for slipping in gear on the manual model) and turbos (any blue smoke means it's on the way out).


Alfa Romeo Spider: how reliable?

2000 Alfa Romeo Spider: how reliable?

Joe Oneill (Drogheda)

May 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Not even slightly. I mean, they’re not as bad as you might think, and if properly cared for you can get plenty of use out them, but be prepared for all manner of electrical issues and problems, and plenty of visits to the dealer.

Got a Haynes manual handy?


Any known BMW M3 gearbox issues?

Are there any known problems with the BMW M3 gearboxes (2002-2006)?

Paul Kernaghan (Monaghan)

May 2013 Filed under: gearbox

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

The manual gearbox on the E46-generation M3 is fine, as long as it’s not been abused and the car in general has been properly looked after. The SMG on the other hand is a nightmare of potential problems. Quite aside from being awkward and jerky to use even when it’s in perfect health, it develops frequent problems with the hydraulic pumps, solenoids and electrical relays. Avoid the SMG at all costs.


Talk me through the different Ford Focus models.

Hi, Im looking to buy a Ford focus diesel but wondered what's the difference between Focus 'Style', 'Titanium' 'LX' and 'Zetec'? If any?

Thanks

Geraldine Murphy (Wexford)

Apr 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Geraldine,

Updated answer:

In 2015, Ford gave the Focus a major update, with new styling (check out that Aston-Martin-esque grille at the front) and an upgraded interior (new dials, fewer buttons and the option of the big, bright SYNC2 touch-screen system). The trim levels remained the same - Focus, Style, Zetec, Zetec + and Titanium with the range topped off by the sporting ST model.

Standard equipment on Focus models includes tyre pressure monitors, emergency brake assist, hill-holder clutch, 'MyKey' (which restricts speed, distance and stereo settings for the spare key - good if you have teenagers in the house), front electric windows, capless fuel filler, steering wheel stereo controls, height adjustable drivers' seat and split-folding rear seats.

Style adds a USB connection and Ford's SYNC connectivity for the stereo, manual air conditioning, body coloured door handles and power mirrors, 16-inch alloys, leather steering wheel and gear shifter and map pockets in the back of the seats.

Zetec models get front fog lights, lower, Sports suspension, a heated windscreen, sportier seats and an upgraded centre console.

Zetec + adds keyless start, drive lumbar support, 17-inch alloys, LED rear lights and a 'premium' centre console with a sliding arm-rest.

Titanium gets the same keyless start but adds dual-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, all-round power windows, mesh radiators grille, an 'overhead console' with a sunglasses holder and integrated reading lights, velour upholstery, rear cup holders and ambient lighting.

ST models get all of that plus some extra sporty bits and seriously tweaked suspension and steering, while the current limited Black Edition and Red Edition come with manual air conditioning, curtain airbags, red stitching everywhere, scuff plates and exterior bodykit, acoustic windscreen and metallic pedal covers. 

Original answer:

Ford doesn't actually make an LX Focus any more. Instead, the basic Focus model is now just known as plain old Focus, and it comes with a CD player, USB connection, electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, electronic stability control and, on the five-door hatch, a rear spoiler.

Next up is the Edge model, which adds air conditioning, a 3.5-inch colour display for the stereo, a leather steering wheel, heated mirrors, trip computer with economy driving monitor and body coloured door handles. Then there's the Zetec, which, over and above the Edge gets 16-inch alloy wheels, Quickclear windscreen, centre arm rest with stowage box and 12v plug, sports suspension and sportier front seats.

The Titanium takes all that and also gives you split-zone climate control, a start/stop button, cruise control, jazzier wheels (still 16-inch in diameter though), hill start assist, LED rear lights, aluminium scuff plates, footwell lights, a rear arm rest and a leather gear knob. Please bear in mind that these are current Focus model trims, and if you're looking at older models then they will be different.


How economical is the Audi A4 Cabriolet?

What is the fuel consumption of a 2006 Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.8T petrol?

Shane Hennessy (Wexford)

Feb 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

The manual version uses 8.4 litres/100km (33.6mpg) and the automatic 8.5 litres/100km (33.2mpg).

Hope that helps


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