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Hi Sue,

Safety record? Not really. The XC90 was first crash tested back in 2003 when Euro NCAP only gave stars for overall performance and pedestrian impact. At the time, the XC got a full five-star rating (rare at the time). Since then its score has only been matched in the class by the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in 2008, the Volkswagen Touareg in 2004, the BMW X5 in 2003 and, in the past couple of years, the new Mercedes M-Class, the new Range Rover and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Out of those, only the X5 and the Santa Fe come with seven seats (optionally in the case of the X5) and neither can match the space or comfort of the Volvo.

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Hi Peter,

A brilliant car, albeit one with a couple of shortcomings relative to its German rivals. It's probably the best-looking car in the class, and the 500-litre boot is a match for the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant (though much smaller than that of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class). It's utterly delightful to drive too, better even than the much-praised BMW, with brilliant steering and a comfy ride.

On the downside, the interior is a step behind the Germans (not enough space, old-fashioned touch-screen infotainment system, narrow front seats) and the fuel tank is on the small side, limiting your touring range and making the car feel thirstier than it actually is. The 2.2-litre diesel engine in 190hp form is the best all-round to go for, but the lower power 163hp is a bit cheaper to buy and you'll hardly ever notice the difference in day-to-day driving. Or, you could get the best version; the 272hp 3.0 D V6 diesel – a properly quick, practical car that.

Here's our road test of the XF Sportbrake

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Hi Teresa,

In general it's used to describe an automatic gearbox that can also be switched into a mode where the driver takes control of the gear changes. There's no clutch operation needed. Most of the time, what is referred to as a semi automatic transmission uses the same components as a manual gearbox, but the clutch operation is done by electro hydraulic means. Some people refer to the latest generation of dual-clutch gearboxes as semi automatics too.

In summary, it's an automatic, but with extra functionality. Note that they're not usually as smooth to drive as conventional automatics.

Come back to us if you need more information.

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Hi Jim,

I'd say you're just on the cusp of switching from petrol to diesel, but the 1.2 turbo petrol Qashqai is an excellent car, and on paper you should be able to get good enough economy out of it to not need to pay the extra for the 1.5 dCi diesel. Maybe ask your Nissan dealer if you can take one for a 48-hour test, to see exactly how good the economy is on your usual driving routes.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Colm,

Taking the C 200 CDI as a baseline, the official figures are 58mpg for the manual, 55mpg for the automatic. Did you read our road test of the car?

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Hi Stephen,

Yes, as long as it's a reputable dealer. Make sure that they take care of all the re-registering, paying the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and getting the car inspected by the National Car Test people. If they're trying to fob any of that off on you, walk away - it probably means that there's something dodgy in the history of the car. If you have any doubts, get a history check done by Cartell.ie - that should uncover anything untoward in the car's background.

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Hi Cahir,

Really, really good. Put it this way: when I had it on test, I actually asked Kia if I could hang on to it for a couple of extra days. Sharp steering, balanced chassis, spacious cabin (for a coupé) and really well built. 

There's a 1.4 or 1.6 diesel, but get the 1.6 as it's much better to drive, only costs around €1,000 more and there's no CO₂ emissions penalty.

Cracking car all round, really.

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Hi David,

Volkswagens tend to be very good for refinement, especially the new Golf, but if it's serious cabin silence you're looking for, check out a Lexus. True, they're pricey new but a secondhand IS or GS would be a bargain piece of interior cosiness.

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Hi Andrea,

Yes, it's a cracking idea. While the old Santa Fe isn't as sophisticated as the current one (hardly surprisingly) it's still an excellent used buy, very reliable and nice to drive. 

A figure of 100,000 miles on the clock shouldn't be a significant hurdle as long as the service history is all up to date. The basic rule of thumb is that four-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes always add to the fuel consumption. The auto box on that generation Santa Fe wasn't the greatest so I'd say stick with a manual and 4wd is down to where you live - if you regularly need rough road or slippery surface capability it's worthwhile, if you live in town then not much.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Brendan,

Good choices, all of those, if you're looking for a more affordable 3 Series alternative. The new-shape Mazda3 (the one that's only just been launched) seem to be especially excellent, and with Mazda's reliability you won't be spending too much on repairs or maintenance down the line. The Golf is always a safe bet too, although if you're used to the saloon shape it may be worth having a look at the little-seen Jetta - an underrated gem, that car. Or, alternatively, you could try the Audi A3 Saloon, which I reckon is the best compact sports saloon around at the moment.

See how you get on and let us know which one you go for.