VW Golf
For the vast majority of families this price bracket is the one they are shopping in and offers the best choice in the market writes Geraldine Herbert
Volkswagen Golf
The appeal of Volkswagen’s Golf has always been broad. Whether a small family or single driver the Golf offers everything most motorists will ever need and we have been happily buying them in droves since the mid seventies. The Mk7 Golf is a much sharper looking model with clean lines and sharper edges. Once inside everything feels very solid and the doors close with a reassuring thud. Handling is where the Golf made its name and the new model is composed and responsive. Steering is beautifully weighted and it is a joy to drive. Engine options include a 1.2 and 1.4 petrol and a 1.6 and 2.0 diesel. There are a huge range of models to choose from the Golf SV which is more of a spacious Golf than a true MPV to the new e-Golf. Performance Golfs include the iconic GTi and the Golf R a super blend of beastly power and practicality, sporty yet economical, classy but understated and ferociously fast but incredibly composed. More than forty years on some things simply get better with age.
Starting Price: €20,385
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: Ford Focus, Toyota Auris
Finance Options for Golf HL 1.6TDI
Price €28,600.00
Deposit Amount € 5,720 (20%)
Finance Amount € 22,880
PCP
% APR 1.90%
Monthly Payments €369.79
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €10,385
Total Cost of Credit €967.44
HP
% APR 5.9
Monthly Payments €689.23
Total Cost of Credit €2082.28
BOI
Monthly Payments €709.61
Total Cost of Credit €2,665.96
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments €733.55
Total Cost of Credit €3,527.93
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €713.59
Total Cost of Credit €2,789.24
% APR 7.9
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €710.21
Total Cost of Credit €2,687.43
% APR 7.61
VW Passat
Volkswagen Passat
With the new generation Passat, Volkswagen finally got serious about it’s flagship saloon. Passats of old were the car of choice if you didn’t crave attention or demand a lively drive but new model is not only smarter looking, it has a better build and a good range of engines. There are three diesel engines to choose from but if petrol is your preference then there are two 1.4-litre engines on offer, a 125bhp or 150 bhp which uses Volkswagen’s Active Cylinder Technology. This operates by shutting off two of the engine’s four-cylinders when not required, which means that you’ll get a lot more out of your fuel tank. A Passat GTE plug-in hybrid with its 1.4-litre TSi engine is also available. The petrol engine combines with an 85kw lithium ion battery to produce an impressive 218hp while returning a claimed combined economy of 1.7l/100km (or 166mpg). If you want a comfortable, stylish and efficient car the Passat has a lot to offer.
Starting Price: €20,385
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo
Finance Options for Passat HL 1.6TDI 120
Price €30,015
Deposit Amount € 6,603 (20%)
Finance Amount € 26,412
PCP
% APR 1.9
Monthly Payments € 397.26
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: € 13,112.
Total Cost of Credit € 1151.36
HP
% APR 5.9
Monthly Payments € 796.34
Total Cost of Credit € 2406.24
BOI
Monthly Payments €819.15
Total Cost of Credit €3,077.40
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments €846.77
Total Cost of Credit €4,072.43
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €822.65
Total Cost of Credit €3,215.40
% APR 7.9
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €819.84
Total Cost of Credit €3,102.29
% APR 7.61
Peugeot 5008
Peugeot 5008
While large people carriers have certainly been eclipsed in recent years by the range of five seat MPVs for those in need of seven seats and space for luggage they really are the only option. Powering the 5008 is a choice of a 1.6 or 2.0 BlueHDi diesel and a PureTech 1.2 petrol. Inside the cabin is airy and light and space in the back is particularly generous, everyone from squabbling teenagers to small kids can be kept at a safe distance from each other. Also for those in need of a car suitable for three infant car seats the 5008 is one of the few on the market that has three isofix points in the back. With all seats folded the Peugeot offers a van like 2506 litres of space. Overall Peugeot’s seven-seat 5008 brings a new level of sophistication and Gallic style to the MPV market.
Starting Price: €27,840
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: Citroen C4 Grand Picasso
Finance Options for 5008 Active 1.6 BlueHDi 120bhp S&S
Price €31,518.65
Deposit Amount € 6,302.50 (20%)
Finance Amount € 25,216.15
PCP
% APR 3.9
Monthly Payments €€448
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €11,185
Total Cost of Credit € 2,160.34
BOI
Monthly Payments €782.06
Total Cost of Credit €2938.16
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments €808.42
Total Cost of Credit €3,886.97
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €785.26
Total Cost of Credit €3069.36
% APR 7.9
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €782.72
Total Cost of Credit €2961.83
% APR 7.61
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson
New for 2016 is the Tucson, Hyundai’s replacement for the IX35. The name is actually an old one and refers to the compact SUV sold between 2004 and 2009 that was replaced by the IX35. The interior has been given premium treatment and is an improvement in terms of quality and equipment over the model it replaces. Boot space has also been increased to 513 litres, making it one of the largest in its segment and space throughout has improved. Powering the range is a 1.6 2WD petrol and a 1.7 2WD diesel from. The Tucson is available in two wheel or 4 x4 and five well equipped trims are offered giving customers a wide choice.
Starting Price: 25,745
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar
Finance Options for Tucson Comfort Plus Price: €28,495
Deposit Amount: €5,850
Finance Amount: €23,396
PCP
% APR 6.9
Monthly Payments:€391
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €13,049
Total Cost of Credit: €3,780
HP
% APR 6.9
Monthly Payments €698
Total Cost of Credit €2,561
BOI
Monthly Payments €725.61
Total Cost of Credit €2,725.96
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments €750.08
Total Cost of Credit €3,606.88
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €729.18
Total Cost of Credit €2,850.48
% APR 7.9
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €726.22
Total Cost of Credit €2,748.04
% 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
