Ford Fiesta
There is a lot of choice here given the size of the budget in this category and something to suit both small and large families writes Geraldine Herbert
Ford Fiesta
With smart styling and the option of five doors the Fiesta is a perennial favourite among small families. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions have been reduced thanks to the addition of some advanced engines and Fiesta buyers can now choose between a 1.0 and 1.25 litre petrol or a 1.5 and 1.6 diesel. The latest EcoBoost with 1.0 litre/3-cylinder petrol turbo is the pick of the bunch. When crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2012, the Fiesta scored the maximum five stars. Fun and refined, the Fiesta is as good at going around corners as it is going around the supermarket car park. Due to be replaced in 2017 now is the best time to get a good deal on the current model.
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Starting Price: €15,990.
Also Consider: Toyota Yaris, Renault Clio
Finance Options for Fiesta Zetec 5Dr 1.25L 60PS
Price €16,750
Deposit Amount € 3,350 (20%)
Finance Amount €13,400
PCP
% APR 4.25
Monthly Payments €231
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €6,400
Total Cost of Credit € 1,316
BOI
Monthly Payments €415.59
Total Cost of Credit €1,561.24
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments €429,60
Total Cost of Credit €2,065
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €417.46
Total Cost of Credit €1,632.16
% APR 7.9
Credit Union
Monthly Payments € 415.94
Total Cost of Credit €1,573.93
% APR 7.61
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia
Bigger than the Ford Focus but smaller than the Mondeo the current Octavia launched here in 2013 is longer, wider and far more stylish both inside and out than With slick, clean lines it is bigger and classier than the previous model but crucially it’s lighter which means better fuel economy and lower emissions. Inside it is the space that really sets the Octavia apart from rivals and the boot measures a whopping 590 litres. Offered with both manual and automatic transmission options and seven engine alternatives. All engines come with Stop Start technology that significantly increases overall fuel economy. There is also a 4×4 Octavia with a 2.0L diesel and 150bhp output with impressive fuel consumption due to the fact that the four wheel drive only engages when needed so there is no fuel penalty.
The Octavia has always been a good choice as it offers excellent value for money but opt for the higher trim levels as basic versions are a little sparse on equipment.
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Starting Price: €18,995
Also Consider: Toyota Corolla
Finance Options for a Skoda Octavia 1.2 86 bhp
On the Road price €19,595
Deposit Amount €3,919.00 (20%)
Finance Amount €15676
PCP
% APR 3.90%
Monthly Payments €258.64
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €7,598.00
Total Cost of Credit €1,383.04
HP
% APR 5.9%
Monthly Payments €470.95
Total Cost of Credit €1,428.20
BOI
Monthly Payments €486.18
Total Cost of Credit €1,826.48
% APR 7.5%
AIB
Monthly Payments €502.57
Total Cost of Credit €2,416.52
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments € 487.75
Total Cost of Credit € 1,909
% APR 7.9%
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €486.59
Total Cost of Credit €1,841.27
% APR 7.61%
Kia Venga
For those wanting a small MPV Kia’s Venga has proved a popular choice offering low running costs and very generous standard equipment. Practicality is one of the Venga’s biggest selling points and there’s plenty of space for five on board plus it has a folding rear seat whenever additional shopping/baggage space is required. On the road comfort takes priority over excitement but the 1.4 litre diesel engine has plenty of ‘oomph’ for overtaking or motorway driving. There is also a 1.4 and 1.6 petrol available. The controls are light, there’s plenty of grip and refinement is as good as any car in this class, it is just a little on the dull side. The Venga is economical thanks to the latest fuel saving Stop-Go technology and comes with Kia’s very reassuring seven-year/150,000 km new car warranty.
Starting Price: €15,900
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: Hyundai IX20
Finance Options for a Kia Venga 1.4 petrol
Ex Works price €15,900
Deposit Amount €3,180 (20%)
Finance Amount € 12,720
PCP
% APR 5.90%
Monthly Payments €242.26
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €5,565
Total Cost of Credit € 1,629.85
HP
% APR 5.9%
Monthly Payments €385.51
Total Cost of Credit €1,158.22
BOI
Monthly Payments € 394.50
Total Cost of Credit € 1,482
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments € 407.80
Total Cost of Credit € 1,960.80
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €397.36
Total Cost of Credit €1,554.96
% APR 7.9%
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €394.84
Total Cost of Credit € 1494.06
% APR 7.61
Renault Captur
Renault Captur
If the SUV says function, the “crossover ” is all about style. Pronounced ‘capture’ it is essentially a taller version of the Clio with chunkier SUV styling. Space is good throughout and the boot takes a decent 377 litres but with the rear seats folded it will swallow up to 1,235 litres. The Captur is good around the city, while the spaciousness and high driving position gives the impression of a larger car its compact proportions make it perfect for zipping around town and you can park it just about anywhere. The light steering makes easy work of city manoeuvres. On the motorway the diesel gets a little noisy and strains when pushed but the noise is never too intrusive and the cabin is impressively quiet. Under the bonnet of the Captur lurks either a 1.4-litre diesel or a tiny 898cc petrol engine. This pint-sized SUV is a very tempting proposition if you’re looking for a stylish car with attitude that delivers economical driving on a budget.
Starting Price: €19,720
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: Peugeot 2008
Finance Options for a Renault Captur
Price €19790
Deposit Amount €3,958 (20%)
Finance Amount €15832
PCP
% APR 3
Monthly Payments €229.57
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €8,411
Total Cost of Credit €993.52
HP
Monthly Payments €455.20
Total Cost of Credit €705.20
BOI
Monthly Payments € 491.02
Total Cost of Credit € 1,844.72
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments € 507.57
Total Cost of Credit €2,441
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments € 493.98
Total Cost of Credit € 1,933.28
% APR 7.9
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €491.43
Total Cost of Credit €1,859.59
% APR 7.61
(All finance details are based on a 20% deposit unless otherwise stated and over a three-year period. As rates vary from branch to branch the credit union rate quoted is the average Car Loan rate offered in 2015)
Geraldine Herbert
28th June, 2016
