Expert answer

Hi Alma,

The Nissan Leaf is the most affordable electric car, but the cheapest versions have limited range (less than 160km on a single charge). The new Renault Zoe has a brilliant claimed range of 400km, but that's quite pricey for a small car. The BMW i3 is probably the best electric car around at the moment, but is very expensive, sadly. So, I think the best one for affordability and useable range is probably the Hyundai Ioniq. It gets an easy 200km in real-world driving, it's roomy and not too expensive. Read our test drives of each below:

BMW i3 review

Hyundai Ioniq Electric review

Nissan Leaf review

Renault Zoe review

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Hi there,

Have you thought of a Toyota C-HR? Size wise and reliability wise it would seem to suit you perfectly, and it's also sweet to drive with a really nice cabin. It's technically a brand new model but Toyota registered a lot in late 2016 as dealer demos so you ought to be able to pick up a bargain 'nearly new' if you shop around. Otherwise I think your best bet would be a Skoda Yeti. 

Skoda Yeti review

Toyota C-HR 1.2 review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review

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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. 

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Hi Cathal,

You are indeed entitled to a refund, but not immediately. Under the Sale of Goods and Supply Of Services Act, if a product is “not of merchantable quality” then you are entitled to a repair, replacement or a refund. It will be up to you and the dealer from whom you bought the car to discuss which of these will be the case, and most dealers will try at least to repair the car at first, as obviously that’s usually the most cost-effective route from their perspective.

You can demand a refund and nothing else, but I’d make sure you have a good solicitor on your side before doing that as technically if the dealer is offering you a repair then they are fulfilling their duties under the act.

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Hi Martin,

As far as Brexit is concerned, you can basically pull out a random piece of string and tell us the length… Given the huge political turmoil taking place in the UK over Brexit, it’s literally impossible to predict what way car makers are going to jump, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see some actually raising prices, because of currency fluctuations.

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Hi Karen,

I wouldn’t be cautious as such, but you should make sure that they will stand over any issues that the NCT flags up. Obviously, if it flies through the test then there’s no problem, but don’t let them try and fob off any issues on you. If they’re selling the car to you, in whatever form, they should be prepared to back that up. If they won’t do so, ask why they’re happy to sell the car, but not to stand over its quality.

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Hi Gary,

Wow. Big question. In general terms, no it's not. In fact, the rule of thumb, to maximise your value for money, is to buy at two years old and sell at five years old. That way you avoid the worst ravages of depreciation and, these days, you often get a good bit of original factory warranty too.

Of course, that doesn't take into account other, occasionally less tangible, factors such as inclusive service plans, the latest technology, improved safety equipment etc.

Buying new can make sense, especially if you make maximum possible use of a PCP scheme, but for the most part, a good used car is almost always better value overall. 

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Hi Colin,

We’ve checked with Nissan on this and have been told that the 2.0-litre diesel X-Trail will be coming here, but not until October 2017. With that much of a time gap, we’d expect the X-Trail to have had its mid-life facelift by then, as you suggest, and it will more than likely follow the Australian and US update pretty closely in terms of styling and interior upgrades. As for how it will compare to the new Skoda Kodiaq, well – that sounds like a twin test to us...

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Hi Marie,

If it's running costs that concern you, you should probably consider coming down in price and, a little, in size a bit. Both the Evoque and the Q5 are premium-badge SUVs and while neither is excessively thirsty, both will be expensive to run and service.

I'd suggest, instead, checking out a Honda CR-V - tonnes of space, hugely reliable, comfortable and with the 1.6 I-DTEC diesel engine and four-wheel drive, both frugal and ideal for country roads. Good to drive too.

Other good options are the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. Here are our reviews to help you decide:

Range Rover Evoque review

Audi Q5 review

Honda CR-V review

Mazda CX-5 review

Kia Sportage review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Volkswagen Tiguan review

Toyota RAV4 review

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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.