Expert answer

Hi Mike,

BMW set the X3 up to send its engine output to the rear wheels unless slip is detected. It should then send torque to the front wheels as well. It's not instantaneous, but it should be visibly happening in the situation you've described.

Just make sure that the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is not switched off, as this can apply the brakes to a spinning wheel, with the effect of sending torque to the others. The BMW X3's all-wheel-drive system does not have any locking differential so the wheel with the least resistance will get all the drive torque.

If you haven't already, we'd strongly recommend switching to winter tyres at this time of year.

Expert answer

Hi David,

First up, the Mokka has comfortable suspension, so it will be good from that point of view. The three-cylinder petrol engine has plenty of go in 136hp guise, and it's mated to a six-speed gearbox so it shouldn't be too audible, even at higher motorway speeds. It can be a little loud getting up to speed, but fine when cruising.

One thing to watch out for is that the GS version you mention rides on bigger wheels than the lesser models in the lineup. That means lower-profile tyres, which are likely wider as well. This can certainly add to road noise at speed.

And, while the Mokka is above average in terms of refinement on the motorway for its class, it is still a relatively cheap-and-cheerful small car, and you can't expect it to be as civil as larger and more expensive ones at higher speeds.

The best advice we can give you is to take one for an extended test drive, including motorway speeds on a variety of road surfaces - and make sure the stereo is off and anyone with you is quiet so you can assess if it meets your needs.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

We'll do our best to answer your questions, though you may be as well off to pop into your local Toyota dealer to talk it over and take the car for a test drive yourself.

1 – The 18-inch wheels are only available on the GR Sport model and yes, they will be more susceptible to damage than the 17-inch rims fitted to most versions, but not drastically so.

2 – Yes, the tall wheels help give the Aygo X higher ground clearance than most small hatchbacks, that's for sure. It's not an off-road vehicle, though.

3 – There is no official figure for how far the hybrid Aygo X will travel on battery power as it only has a small battery, and it is not a plug-in hybrid. The system shuts the engine off regularly when driving in slow traffic. Though there is an “EV mode” button to force the car to use the battery charge, there's no reliable way to observe how far it travels on purely battery power for a single charge of the battery.

4 – The entry-level touchscreen measures nine inches across the diagonal, while a 10.5-inch screen is available on the higher specification models.

5 – No, Toyota does not use a Google-based operating system in the Aygo X. If you want Google Maps then you'll have to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in conjunction with a smartphone.

6 – We managed to beat the official fuel consumption figure – of 3.7 litres/100km (76.3mpg) – recording 3.2 litres/100km (88.3mpg) on a day of mostly slow enough driving, but including one section of motorway.

7 - The coefficient of drag is 0.31.

Expert answer

Hi Nicholas, 

No it does not. It has special 'run-flat' tyres designed to get you to a tyre fitter in the case of a puncture.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

To be honest, there'll be a huge gulf between the cars because they're 14 years apart. Your Citroen's suspension and bushings etc will be quite worn, no matter how much work it has had done, while the Dacia will feel tight, rattle-free and sharp to drive (in a good way). The Bigster will have far superior road holding where the Citroen feels 'loose', though the latter could mean more comfort in some circumstances.

The Bigster's steering will feel more responsive, as will the brakes and the engine. The Bigster should have superior wind and road noise suppression and with brand-new tyres it should be better in wet weather as well.

Finally, the Bigster has all the latest driver assistance technology that is vastly superior to that of your Citroen, in theory making it a safer car.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

There's no doubt that the 20-inch wheels and their lower-profile tyres come with a compromise to ride comfort – assuming the car isn't on air suspension. But it might be a compromise you're willing to make for the style. Bear in mind that it is easier to kerb bigger wheels, generally, and that the tyres are likely to be costlier as well. I recommend you test drive examples of both for yourself to make the call.

And yes, Mercedes leather is treated at the factory with a polymer finish to help with wear, tear and staining.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

New Audi prices may be the same across all its dealers, but each and every one of them will do deals differently, especially when there's a trade-in involved. No harm shopping around.

We know that Audi has an extended warranty, and it's briefly mentioned on Audi Ireland's website, but there's no further information about its cost that we can see. We've sent a message to our contact there to get an answer on that one for you. We'd certainly advocate for extended warranties on high-end cars.

Finally, only you can decide on which of the A6 Sportback e-trons you like, but do you need to absolutely max out the range you can get from the car? Enough to live without the reassurance of quattro four-wheel drive? If so, then perhaps invest in a set of winter tyres and wheels to use when you need them.

I'd just go for the quattro and accept it won't be quite as efficient.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

The CX-80's suspension was a further development of that in the CX-60 and improvements were made before the larger car was launched, so we have no issue with that car at all. Further changes are coming to the CX-60 later this year.

As with all cars, we'd highly recommend sticking to smaller wheel options, as that means more tyre sidewall to better absorb bumps and poor road surfaces.

Expert answer

Hi Phil,

On the Irish market, the M Sport model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels while the Sport version is on 17-inch rims with higher-profile tyres. As standard they both get the same suspension, but the tyres will make the M Sport model feel 'firmer' on the road for sure. 

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

In our time with that car back in 2022 (assuming you mean the regular hybrid, not the plug-in model), we averaged about 6.2 litres/100km so the car is clearly capable of better. 

Obviously fuel consumption depends on many factors, including driving style, where and how fast you are driving and even how well-maintained the engine is. Make sure you're not carrying around any unnecessary weight in the car, remember that roof/bike racks affect the consumption and check your tyre pressures. 

Other than all that, check how clean the air filter is.