Any review done on the Citroen C4 crossover?
Any review done on the Citroen C4 crossover?
Dave Doyle (Burgas, Bulgaria)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
If you mean the C4 Aircross then no, we haven't. It's not a model that's sold on the Irish market so it's not really on our radar. That said, from what we've heard, we're not missing out on much... We do get the C4 Cactus though, which is a lovely little thing. Read our review on that here.
Where does Suzuki source the engine for the new Vitara?
Where does Suzuki source the 1.6 DDIS engine for the new Vitara and are there any known issues with this engine? I had the third generation Suzuki Vitara with the 1.9 diesel engine before: nice car but the engine was a disaster!
Many thanks,
John Fleming
John Fleming (Killarney)Mar 2015 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi John,
Suzuki buys that 1.6 diesel engine in from Fiat, but before you go running for the hills, as far as we are aware there are no major issues with it.
Have you read our review of the new Suzuki Vitara?
Ford Kuga or Kia Sportage?
I am buying a new car and I'm undecided between a 131 Ford Kuga or a 142 Kia Sportage. Have test driven the Kuga and it is gorgeous but the seven-year warranty with the Sportage is seriously tempting.
Neasa Macnamara (Limerick)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Neasa,
I know what you mean, although it's worth pointing out that the Kuga can be had with a five-year warranty right now. I actually think that the Kuga is a very underrated car - it's spacious, handsome and really good to drive. The Kia still looks good but in terms of its cabin, engine and chassis you can sense that it's ageing a bit now, and a new model is due next year.
Incidentally, don't make a final decision until you try a 1.6 i-DTEC Honda CR-V. Cracking car - slightly more expensive than the Ford or Kia, but worth a look for its high quality, reliability and cabin space.
Further reading:
What small new car should I go for?
I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Nissan Micra (it has an NCT until 2017) for either a new (152) car or a 142 model. The shortlist of cars are: Hyundai i10, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and maybe the Toyata Yaris or Skoda Fabia. However, the new bigger Ford Ka is due by December 2015 in the UK and 2016 here. Should I wait for the Ka?
Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqueline,
I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.
Further reading:
Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage?
Could you do a comparison, please, between the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, both petrol and diesel? Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
The Sportage is very much on its way out right now, with a new model due next year. That said, it's still a nice car, but it can't match the Qashqai for handling or for the emissions from their diesel engines. As for petrol, there really isn't a viable Sportage petrol option right now, but the Qashqai's 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine actually makes pretty good sense if you're doing low mileage and mostly drive around town.
Further reading:
What commercial SUVs have rear seats?
Can you give me a list of commercial SUVs that have seats in the back?
Philip Stroughair (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
There are some very good options here actually. Both the Land Rover Discovery Business and the Mitsubishi Pajero Executive have full five-seat, leather-and-everything cabins, but their boots are big enough to qualify for commercial VRT and motor tax (assuming you can demonstrate that your business needs a commercial vehicle). The Land Rover Defender can be had in similar layout but if you want something really rugged then go for the Volkswagen Amarok pickup, which matches comfort with utility. There's also the Toyota Hilux crew-cab and Mitsubishi is about to launch a new L200 pickup later this summer.
What are the pros and cons of the Audi A4 Avant?
Hi, I am thinking of buying a 2005 Audi A4 Avant 2.0-litre TDI. What are the pros and cons with these cars? It has 160k kilometres on the clock and a full service history.
Many thanks,
Aidan.
William Ellis (Limerick)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi William,
They're generally very solid cars, A4s, and the fact that this one comes with a full service history bodes well. The weak points are the electrics (so check to make sure that everything with a button or a wire works properly) and the cooling system (so try and go for a good long test drive and let the engine heat up properly to see if the radiator is doing its job).
On the dynamic front, there's no doubt that a BMW 3 Series is a more engaging drive, but the Audi's robustness and practicality make it a very sensible second hand buy.
Have you tested the new Ford Mustang 2.3?
Will you be testing the Ford Mustang Ecoboost 2.3-litre automatic? If so, when? I am interested in the handling, performance of the engine, road tax, fuel economy and insurance costs.
Sean Cotter (Newtownmountkennedy)Mar 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
We are driving the new European-spec Ford Mustang next month so keep an eye on our reviews page for the full lowdown.
What will I replace my Lexus GS with?
Hi, I currently drive a Lexus GS 300. I love it but the tax is too expensive. I have about €25k to spend and I was thinking of the Audi Q3, but it has to be automatic. Is there any other model you would suggest? My car is over 10 years old, so other car dealers are offering the scrappage deal. What would you suggest?
Cathal O'Donnell (Tara)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Q3 is nice and all but the Q5 is definitely superior so perhaps think of going for a nearly-new Q5 instead of a brand new Q3? There is no official scrappage programme at the moment, but some car makers are offering self-funded scrappage deals - Opel, Nissan, Toyota and Ford among them. Audi isn’t though, so you may need to re-think your brand if you fancy a trade-in leg-up. That said, even with the tax, a Lexus is still a Lexus so you should get a decent trade-in offer.
How about the Opel Mokka for a new car?
Hi,
Thank you for your very prompt reply and your advice. The cee'd estate is that now known as the cee'd Sportswagon, right, available in TX and EX versions. Also, may I ask, is the Opel Mokka in the running with a very generous €4,500 scrappage allowance?
Thanks again, Anto
Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
Yes, I quite like the Mokka and our ed, Shane, says that the one with the new 1.6 CDTi diesel engine is a cracker. That said, the cee'd would be a good bit more practical from a space point of view so you need to work out exactly what you need.
Further reading: