Tell me more about the 151 Renault Clio.
What is the price of 151 Renault Clio and does it have power steering? Do you have to turn on the lights manually?
Grace Griffin (Co. Dublin)Oct 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Grace,
Clio prices start from €15,730 and yes, they all have power steering. All models come with daytime running lights, which illuminate automatically, but if you want automatic, dusk-sensing headlights you'll have to upgrade to a €17,230 Dynamique Nav model.
Do all diesel cars require AdBlue topping up?
Regarding your comment in the Audi A4 review that "all diesel A4s have a 12-litre AdBlue tank that will require topping up between services; the car warns you 1,600km before it runs dry". I presume a similar feature will apply to other marques. How much roughly do you think it will cost to get it topped up, and what would happen if it's not topped up? Will the engine refuse to run or will it damage the engine (as well as the environment)?
Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Oct 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Not all marques and not all models use AdBlue as yet. AdBlue is a urea solution that can be injected into he exhausts of diesel cars to neutralise a significant proportion of their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) - very much in the news at the moment of course. The rule of thumb is generally only that larger, more powerful engines need an AdBlue treatment system as many smaller engines don't need the assistance. Each manufacturer, and indeed each individual engine, will have its recommended AdBlue top-up times, and it will be directly related both to mileage and how much acceleration the car has been doing. You can top up the AdBlue tank yourself - a 1.5-litre refill should cost around €11-12.
Can I alter the exhaust in my Land Rover Defender?
I have read that by removing the catalytic converter and the EGR valve from a TD5 Land Rover Defender, the car will perform better and be a lot more economical. There are replacement pipes and plugs available on the internet, for that purpose and it is MOT-approved. My question is: if I do this in Ireland, would my Defender fail the NCT test?
Cesar Pereira (Mullaghmore, County Sligo)Oct 2015 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Cesar,
Yes, pretty much an instant fail there. If you take out the cat and the EGR valve you're going to push your emissions readings up significantly. Please don't do it - that equipment is there for a reason.
How much is my Volkswagen Passat worth?
I have a 2002 Volkswagen Passat tested until May 2016, 1.8 petrol. Heated seats 6 disc CD changer, four new tyres, Comfortline model. How much is it worth?
Martin Keegan (Meath)Oct 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Only around €1,500 I'm afraid.
Is the new Toyota Aygo a good buy?
Is the new Toyota Aygo a good buy?
Lillian Roe (Ballyfermot)Oct 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Lillian,
Yes - they're solid and reliable, but you need to be aware that they're also quite noisy at cruising speeds on main roads and the boot is really very small.
When will Volkswagen Ireland launch Apple Car Play?
When will Volkswagen Ireland launch Apple Car Play on Composition Media stereo across its range? I have a Mk7 Golf with the second version of Composition Media and it says I need an activation code. I asked Volkswagen Ireland for a part number and the price is €250 including VAT, but it can't be ordered as it's not available in Ireland yet.
Is there any other way to find out a launch date for this feature?
Riccardo Macari (Drogheda)Oct 2015 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Riccardo,
We checked with Volkswagen Ireland and the official response was this: "CarPlay and Android Auto will not be available in Ireland until late 2015 or early 2016 at the earliest in combination with third party apps (e.g. Spotify, Facebook, etc.). This is currently being tested in combination with third party apps for the UK and other larger European markets but there is no set release date for Ireland yet."
I need to change my Audi A4 with room for three child seats.
Good morning.
I am changing a 2010 Audi A4 Avant TDI as I will not be able to put three car seats into it. Looking for a 2012/2013 recommendation that will take three full size car seats (preferably three Isofix points). Would prefer to avoid MPVs but if there is a strong recommendation for one would consider.
Thanks
Sinead (Dublin)
Sinead Skrba (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Sinead,
Needing to fit three car seats but not wanting an MPV is a difficult juggling act. Normally I'd recommend something like a Ford S-Max, which ticks all your boxes and, while its an MPV right enough, it's an uncommonly sleek and good looking one.
A good non-MPV option is the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer estate. Sleek and lovely to drive, it comes with the required three Isofix mounts and a big boot too for all the kiddy clutter. Easily as classy inside as your old Audi too.
Any updates coming for the Volkswagen up!?
How likely is it that the 1.0 TFSI engine from the Audi A1 will feature in the Volkswagen up! in the future do you reckon? Also, are there any rumblings on the grape vine of any facelift for the up!?
Niall Conneely (Galway)Sep 2015 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
It already kinda does - the 1.0 TFSI is a turbocharged version of the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine found in the up!. As for the likelihood of the up! getting the turbo version, don't hold your breath. We're still waiting for the sporty up! GT and there's little market interest in Ireland for a small hot hatch no matter how much a small band of enthusiasts might fervently wish for it. There is an update and facelift due but Volkswagen hasn't announced an ETA for it yet.
Mercedes-Benz CLA or C-Class?
Would you go for 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 1.5 diesel or C-Class 1.6 petrol 156hp? Average mileage per year.
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
If you're not doing mega-miles, then I'd say go for the C-Class. Assuming all being equal, it's a much nicer car than the CLA, which, although gorgeous, is a bit on the cramped side and not all that brilliant to drive. The C-Class is really smooth and comfy though, and much, much roomier inside.
BMW 218i or 218d for low mileage coupé?
BMW 2 Series Coupé question: a friend is looking and there is a few thousand of a difference between the 218i petrol and 218d M Sport versions. Car would be a manual. Majority of driving would be city centre with a bit of a drive nothing more than 50km at the weekends and possibly once a month doing a round trip of 600km. Unable to get a test drive of the 218i as there doesn't seem to be any in the country. Have tried to get a test drive of the 118i but again none. I know the engine is the 1.5 turbo three-cylinder that's also used in the new versions of the MINI of which reviews were good.
Any help appreciated.
Simon MacMahon (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
The only potential fly in the ointment here might be resale value, but we honestly don't think it'll be as big a factor on the 2 Series Coupé as it would on a 'normal' car, such as a 3 Series Saloon or a Ford Focus, for example. There is an element of risk on that, though not if the buyer is going for finance with a guaranteed future minimum value...
All that aside, we'd wholeheartedly recommend the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It's astoundingly good in the MINI, marrying ok economy and low runnings costs with cracking performance and bags of personality. Admittedly, we've not had a chance to drive the 218i for ourselves and though the rear-drive chassis should be a hoot with that engine, it's worth noting that the 218i M Sport is about 300kg heavier than a MINI Cooper. In an ideal world your friend would get to try it out first to make sure they're happy with the performance.
As an aside, with such low mileage, and most of it in the city, a petrol car would be best in the long run for your friend to prevent DPF clog-ups and the like.