Which comfortable new SUV should I go for?
Hi.
I'm looking at getting an SUV for medical reasons. I drive country roads 90 per cent of the time so I need something comfortable and reliable. I'm looking at the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5. Which one would you recommend? I also need to take running costs and servicing costs into account. As well as road tax etc. Or is there another one I should consider? I did test drive the Volvo XC60 but found it very heavy.
Thanks.
Marie G (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
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:
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.
Have you pricing for the Skoda Kodiaq yet?
When will the prices and trim specifications be announced for the new Skoda Kodiaq?
Colin H (Kildare)Nov 2016 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
Very shortly. We'd expect to see a full price list and standard specifications within the next few weeks. We are driving it next week so keep an eye out for the full test drive on the Car Reviews page.
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.
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...
New Land Rover Discovery or BMW X5 for 171?
Do you think the new Discovery will be worth waiting for? It's that or a new BMW X5, but I'd like to get the car for the 171 plate
Jake Murphy (Naas)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jake,
It's a little hard for us to tell as we haven't driven it yet. It sure looks good and Land Rover's on a roll of good product lately. We'll be getting an early test drive in a few weeks so hang in there and we'll be able to tell you more then. In the mean time, here are a few articles that might interest you:
Volkswagen Tiguan or SEAT Ateca on PCP?
I love the look of the new Tiguan and SEAT's crossover. With about €350 a month to spend on PCP, which would you go for in Jan?
Jane O'Sullivan (Kildare)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jane,
It’s a tough call, because there’s no doubt that the Volkswagen Tiguan looks and feels classier and more upmarket than the SEAT Ateca, but it is also considerably more expensive. With my sensible hat on, I’d have to say go for the SEAT – it’s a fine car and much better value. Here are some test drives to help with your decision:
Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Coupe?
I really like the look of the new Audi A5 Sportback. Would you have it over the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe? Thinking 2.0-litre diesel for a '171' plate.
Peter Boyle (Dublin 4)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Sounds like an excellent choice. Our Editor, Shane, has driven the Sportback on its international launch recently and rates it. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a little sharper to drive, but the new A5 has caught up some in the dynamic stakes, added to which it's truly gorgeous inside and out. Here are links to his test drives:
Does the rear wiper matter for the NCT?
Is a back window wiper arm necessary to pass the NCT?
Liam Kennedy (Limerick )Aug 2016 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Liam,
This is a bit of a grey area. The NCT manual that the testers are supposed to adhere to makes no mention anywhere of a rear wiper, but generally we find that, if a car has something and it's broken, the testers will often flag it up as a possible failure. We wouldn't take the risk, especially as wipers are so cheap to replace.
BMW 520d, Volvo V70 or Mercedes E 220?
Which would be a better car: BMW 520d, Volvo V70 or Mercedes-Benz E 220?
Willy Boland (Ballinasloe)Aug 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Willy,
Each has its charms – the BMW is the sharpest to drive (although not by the margin you’d imagine), the Volvo is lovely, comfortable and people won’t hate you for owning it and the Mercedes really is built like the proverbial Panzer again these days. If we’re talking new and current models, then it’s the latest Merc E-Class that gets my nod – I’ve rarely driven a car so all-round competent as it, and the interior is just gorgeous. Worth holding on a couple of months for the estate version though...
Relevant reviews: