Welcome to another live session where we tackle all your burning car questions and dilemmas. It’s great to have you all here, especially on a Thursday evening. For many, it’s the night before school starts again, but for us, it’s a chance for some peace to return to the house. So, let’s get into it and answer whatever you’ve got on your mind.
Key Takeaways
- New T-Roc Looks Familiar: The updated VW T-Roc has a front end that reminds some of the ID.4, and a two-tone color scheme that brings to mind the classic Renault 5. Good news for those who like physical buttons – they’re back on the steering wheel!
- Engine Investment Uncertainty: With changing regulations in Europe, car companies are hesitant to invest heavily in new combustion engines. Expect tweaks to existing ones rather than brand-new developments for now.
- Dacia Bigster Value: The Dacia Bigster offers a lot of bang for your buck, with different versions to suit various budgets. Even the higher trims are significantly cheaper than competitors like the X-Trail or Kodiaq.
- Santa Fe vs. Alternatives: The Hyundai Santa Fe is a strong contender for a seven-seater, especially with its plug-in hybrid option. Other options include the Mazda CX-80 and the Skoda Kodiaq, though the Kodiaq doesn’t offer a seven-seater plug-in hybrid.
- EVs and Company Car Schemes: Company car schemes are a big driver for EV uptake, but a lack of long-term government certainty on subsidies can make it tricky for drivers to plan their finances.
- Used EV Prices Stabilizing: The rapid depreciation of used EVs seems to be slowing down, with prices stabilizing after a period of significant drops.
- Porsche Maintenance Costs: Owning a premium car, even a used one, can come with hefty maintenance bills. Remember that a car that cost £120,000 new will still have expensive parts when things go wrong.
- AGM Batteries: While slightly more expensive, AGM 12-volt batteries are generally considered an improvement over traditional lead-acid versions, especially for modern vehicles.
- BMW i4 Pricing: The price difference between the i4 35 and 40 models is noticeable, but the driving feel and range might make the 40 worth the extra cost for some.
- VW ID.7 Boot Space: While a lovely car, the ID.7’s boot space, particularly in the tourer version, can be a bit compromised, especially for larger items like bikes.
- Used EV Battery Health: It’s encouraging to see EVs like the Kia EV6 reaching high mileage with good battery health, though some components like tires and suspension might see more wear than in traditional cars.
- Cupra vs. ID.3: For those considering a replacement for the ID.3, the Cupra Born is a strong option, with some suggesting Cupra adds a bit of extra ‘magic’ to the handling.
- New Car Imports: While less common for diesel, importing certain electric vehicles from the UK can still make financial sense.
- EV Charging Woes: Finding available and working EV chargers can still be a challenge, with issues like plug-in hybrids blocking fast chargers causing frustration for EV drivers.
The New VW T-Roc and Engine Investment
The new T-Roc was unveiled recently, and it’s not a huge surprise that it looks quite similar to other VW models, particularly the ID.4 at the front. It’s good to see physical buttons making a comeback on the steering wheel, which is a nice touch. When it comes to engines, car companies are being cautious about investing in new combustion technology. With regulations constantly shifting in Europe, it makes sense that they’re focusing on tweaking and improving the engines we already know, rather than pouring money into entirely new ones.
Dacia Bigster: Great Value for Money
When we talk about value, the Dacia Bigster really stands out. There’s a version for pretty much everyone, whether you want to spend around £30,000 or closer to £40,000. It’s worth noting that the highest trim level might not have an electric boot, which is a bit odd, but you can get that on a lower spec. Compared to cars like the Nissan X-Trail or Skoda Kodiaq, which are much more expensive, the Bigster still offers a compelling package, especially considering you can get a model for under £30,000.
Seven-Seater Choices: Santa Fe and Beyond
If you’re in the market for a seven-seater, the Hyundai Santa Fe is definitely worth a look. It’s an interesting option, and you can get it for around £60,000. The design, especially the rear, is a bit divisive, but Hyundai is doing some really cool things with colors lately – that green on the Santa Fe is stunning. The front looks a bit like a Land Rover, which is a compliment. Alternatives include the Skoda Kodiaq, though you can’t get it as a seven-seater plug-in hybrid. The Mazda CX-80 is another good shout, though some find its hybrid system a bit jumpy. The interior, however, is quite nice, reminding some of Lexus.
Company Cars and EV Uptake
Company car schemes are a major factor in driving EV adoption. Cars like the VW ID.4 have been massive sellers, often topping the charts for electric fleet cars. However, a big frustration for drivers is the lack of certainty regarding government subsidies. Not knowing what your monthly costs will be in a few years makes it hard to plan, and this uncertainty definitely doesn’t help boost EV sales as much as it could.
Used EV Market Trends
It looks like the period of rapid depreciation for used electric vehicles might be coming to an end. Prices seem to be stabilizing. While there will always be some depreciation, we probably won’t see those massive price drops we’ve witnessed recently. This is partly because there’s not a huge markup on new cars to begin with, so manufacturers can’t afford to slash prices dramatically.
The Cost of Premium Car Ownership
When considering a premium used car, like a Porsche Taycan or an Audi RS e-tron GT, it’s important to remember that even if you buy it for significantly less than its original price, repairs will still be based on the original cost. A £120,000 car will have expensive parts, not £50,000 car parts, when something goes wrong. So, always factor in that potential maintenance cost.
Battery Technology: AGM vs. Lead-Acid
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) 12-volt batteries are generally seen as an improvement over traditional lead-acid batteries. While they might be a bit more expensive upfront, they often last longer and perform better, especially in modern cars with more electrical demands. It seems to be a case of getting what you pay for.
Driving Dynamics: BMW i4 and VW ID.7
The BMW i4 offers a sporty driving feel, even though it’s heavier than a typical BMW. It manages to capture that BMW driving DNA. The VW ID.7, particularly the tourer version, is a lovely car, but the boot space can be a bit shallow. If you’re looking for a car that feels good to drive, the i4 is a strong contender. For those prioritizing refinement and space, the ID.7 is a good option, though its boot might not suit everyone’s needs.
Car Reviews and Honesty
When it comes to car reviews, honesty is key. Journalists should feel free to give their genuine opinions without fear of retribution from manufacturers. If a reviewer’s opinion changes, it might mean the manufacturer has improved the car. However, the core of a review is that honest, gut-feeling assessment. If you can’t stand by your opinion, why would people watch?
The Future of Autonomous Driving
While autonomous driving technology is advancing, seeing full self-driving capabilities on Irish roads anytime soon seems unlikely. The complexity of road conditions, weather, and the slow pace of legislative changes suggest it will be a while before we see widespread adoption. Ireland is used for testing, as its varied conditions can be a good proving ground for these systems.
EV Charging Infrastructure
Improving EV charging infrastructure is still a major focus. While things are getting better, issues like blocked chargers and the availability of fast chargers remain a frustration for many EV drivers. More chargers and better management of existing ones are needed to make EV ownership smoother for everyone.
The Appeal of Petrol Cars
Even with the rise of EVs, there’s still a strong appeal for petrol cars, especially those with character. Cars like the Alpine A110 or a classic Porsche 911 offer a driving experience that many petrolheads still crave. The sound, the feel, and the aesthetics all contribute to the joy of driving, and for some, that’s something electric cars haven’t quite replicated yet.
Choosing Your Next Car: Petrol, Hybrid, or EV?
With so many powertrain options available – petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric – choosing the right car can be overwhelming. For short commutes, an EV is often the most sensible choice, especially if you can charge at home. For longer distances or if you need the flexibility, a plug-in hybrid or a traditional petrol or diesel might still be considered, but the trend is clearly moving towards electrification.