Whether you're on the look-out for a small family car with good safety features as standard, or a turbocharged supercar that's a hoot to drive, there is good value to be had on Irish forecourts right now. PADDY COMYNand MICHAEL MCALEERoffer their best buys for 2011
Small cars
Bargain Buy: Renault Clio
It is very hard to ignore the Renault Clio at the moment, because there are very few people who don’t qualify for some sort of discount on the Clio, regardless of scrappage. Because of the fact that it qualifies for a redundant allowance on flex-fuel cars and because of the heavy discounting, you can have a Clio for as little as €8,990 if you fit all the criteria. But even if not, this is still very little money for quite a decent little supermini. The diesel model is a better car, but the petrol model is so cheap to buy and won’t cost you an arm and a leg to run so it is hard to pass up.
Engines1.2-litre 75bhp petrol, 1.5-litre 90bhp diesel
MotorTax Bands A, B
Price Range€13,390 – €18,900
Premium: Nissan Juke
While all the fuss in 2010 was about the arrival of the Mini Countryman and the Audi A1, one small car really impressed all of us who tried it and that was the Nissan Juke. It doesn’t necessarily look like it is a small car, but it is quite diminutive and it is priced at the upper end of the supermini segment too. With prices starting at €18,195, it is great value and that gets you a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 117bhp. Also, the fact that it is still in Band B means it’s not an engine you need to avoid. Diesel fans can have a 110bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine, but this costs more to buy and really, we think the petrol model suits the car that bit better. The Juke looks quirky and the looks might take some getting used to but it drives well and has a clever interior too. Standard kit is impressive.
Engines1.6-litre 117bhp petrol, 1.6-litre 190bhp petrol, 1.5-litre 110bhp diesel
Motor TaxBands B
Price Range€18,195 – €23,995
Mainstream: Ford Fiesta
You can’t really argue with the Irish public who, despite the massive discounts on the Clio, still made the Fiesta the best-selling small car of 2010. The Fiesta feels really nicely put together, looks great and has one of the best chassis on a small car anywhere, so it is hardly surprising it sells so well here. It isn’t the cheapest small car by any means but it is certainly one of the best. There is a choice of engines in the Fiesta, with the most popular being the 60bhp 1.25-litre petrol, which makes up about 77 per cent of sales, but the 1.4-litre diesel – which sits in Band A – is gaining in popularity.
Engines1.25-litre 60bhp petrol, 1.25-litre 82bhp petrol, 1.4-litre 96bhp petrol, 1.4-litre 70bhp diesel
Motor TaxBands A, B, C
Price Range€14,960 – €19,740
CAUGHT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
2010 Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDi
75bhp 9,000km €15,945
The Polo is a great supermini but it is still a little on the pricey side for some. However, go back a little and you can have a model with low mileage and it won’t cost the earth. We found one with the excellent 1.6-litre diesel engine which would cost almost €21,000 new and is now under €16,000 with just 9,000km on the clock.
Small Family Car
Bargain Buy: Hyundai IX20
The Hyundai ix20 is a new entrant into the market but it won’t be alien to us here in Ireland because it bears more than a close resemblance to the Kia Venga. Hyundai can’t match Kia’s warranty but they can match Kia in terms of price and spec for this car which is a good-value alternative. The ix20 offers generous head and legroom, as well as low emissions from both of the 1.4-litre petrol and diesel engines. Most buyers will probably stump up the extra money for the 90bhp diesel instead of the petrol model, but it is questionable whether you will really save the money over time. This is a great little car and one that deserves a look.
Engines1.4-litre 90bhp petrol, 1.4-litre 90bhp diesel
Motor Tax BandsA, B
Price Range€17,495 – €18,995
Mainstream: Ford Focus
The new Focus is due on forecourts in April – and it’s worth waiting for. While the current generation remains a good buy, the new look is sleeker and the car is packed with enough premium apparel – both safety and comfort features – to suggest that in a choice between the two, used buyers in years to come will opt for the new iteration. It’s a tough choice between it and the VW Golf, but for driving fun and a more impressive interior - on the new model at least - we’re opting for the Focus.
EnginesA new 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine is the star of the bunch, but there will be the usual array of engines including a 2-litre diesel – which is likely to be the big seller
Motor TaxBands A, B, C
Price RangeUnconfirmed but expect them to be similar to the current model, starting at €22,000
Premium: Nissan Leaf
Coming in March, the Nissan Leaf is a genuine revolution and was voted this year’s European Car of the Year. It will be the first really practical, mainstream, fully electric car available in Ireland and thanks to a €5,000 Government grant, comes in at €29,995. That puts it a little above some of its rivals, but if the promised running costs are to be believed, you could run a Leaf on around €400 per year. It will cost about €2 to fully charge from a domestic socket and should return about 160km from a full charge. The Leaf is also well equipped, with air conditioning, satellite navigation and a parking camera as standard. Smart phone connectivity allows an owner to heat or cool the interior remotely via a mobile phone.
EnginesElectric motor
Motor TaxBand A
Price Range€29,995
CAUGHT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
2010 Ford Focus 1.6-litre TDCi
16,000km €18,375
You only have to go back to 2010 to find a decent bargain in a Ford Focus. You will pay just over €18,000 for a year-old model that has covered just 16,000km, which makes this a really good buy if you don’t want a brand new car.
Large family car
Mainstream: Volkswagen Passat
It hasn’t been a dramatic change to the new Passat. In fact it could just best be described as a mild evolution. But that won’t stop people chasing the car in their droves. The changes on the surface are subtle, with the car gaining some of the styling features of the larger but lesser-spotted Phaeton model and the interior has been improved too, with the troublesome electronic handbrake getting a makeover. But the really clever stuff is going on under the bonnet, where all of the engines sit in the lowest two tax bands, with all the manual transmission diesels sitting in Band A. Dynamically the Passat isn’t the best car on sale – that honour still goes to the Mondeo. But if you want perhaps the most ‘executive’ of the mainstream family cars, then this is most certainly it.
Engines1.4-litre TSi 122bhp petrol, 1.6-litre TDi 105bhp diesel, 2.0-litre TDi 140bhp diesel, 2.0-litre TDi 170bhp diesel
Motor TaxBands A, B
Price Range€24,865 – €37,250
Premium: Audi A4 Saloon
Audi’s A4 has evolved over the years from quite a small and compact saloon and estate to the significantly larger car that it is now. Once regarded as a little bit of a ‘posh VW’, the A4 is a much more refined car these days and nobody could question how nicely put together it is. With engines that are now more efficient and cheaper to run, the price of the A4 is better than ever and can now be considered by those shopping at the upper end of the family car segment. The quattro models are that bit more expensive but we would always recommend them for the grip and sure-footedness they provide.
Engines1.8-litre TFSi 120bhp petrol, 1.8-litre TFSi 180bhp petrol, 2.0-litre TFSi 180bhp petrol, 2.0-litre TFSi 211bhp petrol, 3.0-litre TFSi 333bhp petrol, 2.0-litre TDi 120bhp diesel, 2.0-litre TDi 136bhp diesel, 2.0-litre TDi 143bhp diesel, 2.0-litre TDi 170bhp diesel, 3.0-litre TDi 240bhp diesel
Motor TaxBands A, B, C, D, E, F
Price Range€32,065 – €56,515
Bargain Buy: Skoda Superb
There are cheaper cars in the segment, but in terms of value for money you can’t look past the Skoda Superb, which offers a massive amount of metal for the money and all in a very high quality package. Skoda have been struggling to keep up with orders for the excellent Superb since this newer model arrived and it really isn’t hard to see why. It is vast, with generous space front and rear and a good range of engines too, from the 125bhp 1.4-litre TSI petrol to the 170bhp 2.0-litre TDi. The 1.6-litre TDi Greenline model is particularly impressive because of its Band A emission on such a big car. There is also a Combi Estate model (pictured) which is becoming increasingly popular and is even more spacious.
Engines 1.4-litre TSi 125bhp petrol, 1.8-litre TSi 160bhp petrol, 3.6-litre 260bhp petrol, 1.6-litre TDi 105bhp diesel, 2.0-litre TDi 140bhp diesel, 2.0-litre TDi 170bhp diesel
Motor TaxBands A, C, D, G
Price Range€24,925 – €44,395
CAUGHT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
2009 Toyota Avensis 2.0 Diesel
€21,449
There are lots of used Avensis on the forecourts so you have plenty to choose from as they are one of Ireland’s best-selling cars. What they lack in ‘excitement’ they more than make up for in performance and by being easy to live with. The one we found had covered just 14,000km and came from a Toyota dealer with a decent warranty for just over €21,000.
Seven Seater
Bargain Buy: Peugeot 5008
Probably our best in class when you take everything into account, the 5008 is a superb offering and should be one of the first ports of call when you are looking for a proper seven-seat MPV. The 5008 is well-built, comes with a lot of standard equipment and safety equipment and while you might think that a 1.6-litre HDi engine would be a little weedy for a vehicle of this size, this engine performs really well and, crucially these days, has low emissions, sitting in Band B with a rating of 140g/km. Prices start at €26,870 for the 5008 and that, in our books, is a bargain.
Engines1.6-litre HDi 110bhp
Motor TaxBand B
Price Range€27,155 - €32,765
Mainstream: Ford S-Max
Arguably, the S-Max is a more premium product than the 5008 and, as a result, comes in at a higher price point. But the newer version of the S-Max is also better value than it used to be too. As with most second versions of a car, Ford have had time to get this one right. The S-Max offers pin-sharp handling and has, by far, the best road manners of any car in its class. The quality of the interior is also first rate too. One word of caution - if you don’t need that much rear space in the third row, then the new, cheaper Grand C-Max might just make a better buy.
Engines2.0-litre TDCi 115bhp, 2.0-litre TDCi 140bhp, 2.0-litre TDCi 160bhp, 2.0-litre Petrol 203bhp
Motor TaxBands C,D and E.
Price Range€35,815 - €46,560
Premium: BMW X5
If money isn’t a major concern, then one of the nicest ways to carry seven people is the latest model BMW X5. This year we get the 40d model, which is superb and features a 306bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that is also capable of pumping out 600Nm of torque. At the entry-point of the range is the 245bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel which is itself no slouch. Sure enough, these large SUVs aren’t really that politically correct anymore, but this might not be a huge concern to you if your lottery numbers come through.
Engines3.0-litre diesel 245bhp, 3.0-litre diesel 306bhp, 4.4-litre petrol 408bhp, 4.4-litre petrol 555bhp
Motor TaxBands F, G
Price Range€76,580 - €144,640
CAUGHT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
2009 Ford S-Max 2.0-litre TDCi
31,000km €26,935
Roll back a few years and you can get a low-mileage S-Max from amain dealer and pay under €27,000. Look for the usual wear-and-tear in the cabin that a car of this type will most certainly have been subjected to, but these are well-built and pretty solid.
Sports and Performance
Bargain buy: Fiat 500 Abarth
Quite simply, this is one of the most entertaining small cars we have driven in some time and a brilliant little hot hatch. The 500 itself is a charming car, but by adding a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine capable of pumping out 133bhp in what is a tiny package, this makes it a hoot to drive. Pay a little extra and you can have the Essesse version, which boosts power to 158bhp. Both of these cars have aggressive Abarth styling features and the Essesse also gives a firmer suspension set-up. Abarth dealers have not been appointed but you can order with a Fiat dealer or import one yourself. It's a super little car.
Engines1.4-litre 133bhp turbo petrol, 1.4-litre 158bhp turbo petrol (Essesse)
Motor TaxBands C
Price Range€25,000 - €27,000
Mainstream: Peugeot RCZ
One of the best-looking cars of 2010, we were also pleasantly surprised when we discovered that the RCZ was also great to drive. You could have the very worthy Golf GTi for similar money but the RCZ is just beautiful and also beautifully finished. It is further proof of just how far Peugeot have come. There is a choice of two engines and most will probably choose the diesel, although we really have a soft spot for the 1.6-litre turbo which is a super engine and puts out a whopping 200bhp. Forget about the TT comparisons at this stage because this is actually a better-looking car and much better value too.
Engines2.0-litre HDi 163bhp diesel, 1.6-litre Turbo 200bhp petrol
Motor TaxBands B, D
Price Range€37,395 - €42,695
Premium: Audi R8 V10
This car blew us away this year and it is proof that Audi are capable of making a car that is more than a match to the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. The R8 was already an awesome car, one that flatters the average driver and rewards the talented ones, but when they took the step of offering a V10 engine as well as the already potent V8, things cranked up a notch and this has now become a proper supercar. The grip is astonishing from the quattro and it makes this one of the easiest of the supercars to drive. Sadly the price tag is somewhat prohibitive to anyone but the lotto winner these days. But we can dream.
Engines5.2-litre V10
Motor TaxBands G
Price Range€217,060 - €229,560
CAUGHT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
2005 BMW M5 saloon
€29,995
If you don’t quite have the cash for an Audi R8 V10, you can still have 500-plus horsepower from a V10 for less, almost €200,000 less, if you go for a 2005 M5. Yes, it costs an arm and a leg to run, but what a car. It’s stealthy enough not to draw too much attention but you will be safe in the knowledge you are driving one of the most potent saloons around.
Executive/Luxury
Bargain buy: Audi A7
Right, so you might think we are totally out of touch with the crumbling world around us if we are highlighting a car that costs €62,010-plus. But when you consider that we reckon the Audi A7 is every bit as good at the Audi A8, then you are getting a luxury car which feels like it should cost €90,000 for €25,000 less. The A7 is a stunning-looking car that carries arguably more status and cachet than the A8. It also offers the same level of comfort and build quality, plus sharper handling and performance. If you are fortunate enough to be shopping in this larger segment then this should be your first port of call.
Engines2.8-litre 204bhp FSi petrol, 3.0-litre 300bhp FSi petrol, 3.0-litre 245bhp TDi diesel
Motor TaxBands D, E
Price Range€62,010 – €73,000
Mainstream: BMW 520D
There could only really be one winner in this category and it is the car that is likely to sell in massive numbers this year – in fact this car could really have gone under the 'Bargain Buy' category, such is the value on offer from what is a simply brilliant vehicle. The 520d saloon and the estate really have all in a car
you could ever want. Priced from just €41,750, you are getting a brilliant 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is putting out 184bhp and 380Nm of torque, yet is still in motor tax Band B. This feels more like a small 7 Series now, yet is still entertaining to drive.
Engines2.0-litre 184bhp diesel
Motor TaxBand B
Price Range€41,750 – €51,874
Premium: Mercedes-Benz S-class
Despite the attention on lots of new models of late, when it comes to the large luxury cars in Ireland, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class outsells all its rivals by some margin. Now Mercedes-Benz has released its updated S-Class. This variation of the S-Class was first launched in 2005 and the latest refresh
brings with it cleaner engines, including the S 350 CDI BlueEfficiency, which has emissions of 199g/km and can return 7.5 l/100km. That's pretty impressive for a car of this considerable size. This is still the car to beat in the segment when it comes to refinement and all-round ability.
Engines3.0-litre 230bhp petrol, 3.5-litre 272bhp petrol, 5.5-litre 388bhp petrol, 5.5-litre 388bhp petrol, 3.0-litre 258bhp diesel
Motor TaxBands E, F, G
Price Range€41,750 – €51,874
CAUGHT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
2007 BMW 730d SE
€34,995
Proof perhaps of the folly of the luxury car segment is how much your car is worth a few years down the line. But if you are buying second-hand, you can have a three-year-old for the price of an average saloon. We found a 2007 BMW730d SE with just 88,950km on the clock for just €34,995.
