Audi A3
With many of the luxury manufacturers dipping into this market with lower priced models designed to attract younger buyers, the premium 30,000 – 40,000 category has become seriously competitive writes Geraldine Herbert
Audi A3
The Audi A3 is one of the most classy hatchbacks around and exudes an air of quality but you will pay a premium for the badge and the A3 is more expensive than more mainstream competitors. Inside it has a beautifully crafted interior and is awash with technology. A refreshed version arrives here in August and the exterior design has been bought into line more with its expensive siblings.
Available with a bewildering array of options engine choice include a new 1.0 TFSI 3 cylinder model with an output of 115bhp. There are 2 further petrol models in the 1.4 TFSI (150bhp) and the high performance S3 with a 2.0 TFSI engine (310bhp). The diesel models include the 1.6TDI (110bhp) and 2.0TDI (150bhp) in which the Quattro all-wheel drive is available. On the road it is lively and composed at all speeds but the ride is a little harsh. The steering is responsive and it will appeal to the keen driver. The A3 saloon is surprisingly good while the S3, a high-performance variant, is refined well mannered and very fast. The starting price for the A3 is below the 30,000 price mark but as the bulk of the sales are for versions above that price range making it Ireland’s best selling premium hatchback we have included in this segment of our guide.
Starting Price: €27,810
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: BMW 1 series; Volvo V40
Finance Options for A3 Saloon 1.6 TDI 110bhp SE Manual
Price €33,100
Deposit Amount €6,620 (20%)
Finance Amount €26,480
PCP
% APR 3.9%
Monthly Payments: €409
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €13,867.50
Total Cost of Credit:: €2,385.97
HP
APR 5.9%
Monthly Payments: €609
Total Cost of Credit: €3,188.05
BOI
Monthly Payments: €821.26
Total Cost of Credit: €3,085.36
APR 7.5%
AIB
Monthly Payments: €848.95
Total Cost of Credit: €4,082.20
APR 9.99%
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments: €825.77
Total Cost of Credit: €3,227.72
APR 7.9%
Credit Union
Monthly Payments:€818.09
Total Cost of Credit: €3,095.66
APR 7.61%
Audi A4
Audi A4
Despite bearing more than a passing resemblance to the model it replaced there is a new engine line up, newly developed chassis and crucially the A4 is reduced in weight by up to 120kg
Six engine variants underpin the range; two petrol and four diesels. Audi claim fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 21%. On the road the A4 is smooth and refined and while it is not quite as engaging as some rivals the interior is best in class and oozes quality. A new S4, recently shown at the Geneva Motor show, will be powered by a newly developed turbo V6 engine with 354 bhp and is expected to be on sale here in August. A more rugged version of the A4, the Avant Allroad with greater ground clearance will join the range later in the year. With a wide range of engines, options and specifications this well-built and technology laden family car is hard to beat.
Prices Starting From: €34,950
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: BMW 3 Series; Volvo S60
Finance Options for a A4 2.0 TDI 150 Manual On the Road price: €41,550
Deposit Amount: €8,221.51 (19.8%)
Finance Amount: €33,328.49
PCP
APR 4.90%
Monthly Payments:€509
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €18,722.00
Total Cost of Credit: €3,867.51
HP
APR 5.9%
Monthly Payments: €779.00
Total Cost of Credit: €4,072.19
BOI
Monthly Payments: €1,033.66
Total Cost of Credit: €3,883.27
APR 7.5%
AIB
Monthly Payments: €1,068.50
Total Cost of Credit: €5,137.41
APR 9.99%
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments: €1,037.68
Total Cost of Credit: €1,909
APR 7.9%
Credit Union
Monthly Payments: €1,034.52
Total Cost of Credit: €4,056.48
APR 7.61%
BMW Active Tourer
BMW Active Tourer
Some thought it would never happen but finally BMW have added a five/seven seat people carrier to their range. While the Active Tourer was designed to appeal to young families who wanted a little more space, the Gran Tourer is all about those crucial seven seats. Compared to other MPVs, the Gran Tourer is longer than Ford’s Grand C-Max but shorter than Citroen’s C4 Grand Picasso. There is the usual array of petrol and diesel engines to choose from and the top of the range model also offers all wheel drive. There are more practical MPVs that cost much less than the Tourer range, but there are few that will make you feel as smart and fashionable.
Starting Price: €34,745
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Also Consider: Ford S-Max; Opel Zafria Tourer
Finance Options for Active Tourer 218 D SE Manual
Price €36,990
Deposit Amount (20%) €7398
Finance Amount €29,592
PCP
% APR 3.90%
Monthly Payments €431.54
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €1,6655
Total Cost of Credit €2,748.43
HP
% APR 7.30%
Monthly Payments € 731.17* (HP 60 Months)
Total Cost of Credit €7062.59
BOI
Monthly Payments €917.78
Total Cost of Credit €3,448.08
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments €948.72
Total Cost of Credit €4,561.92
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €922.37
Total Cost of Credit €3,605.32
% APR 7.9
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €918.55
Total Cost of Credit €3,475.81
% APR 7.61
Ford Kuga
Ford Kuga
Ford has toned down the muscular off-road look of the previous Kuga in favour of a sporty slick sophistication. It is certainly more stylish and overall it’s a car with the most road presence, whether at the school gates or retail car park. From the driver’s seat, the Kuga is reminiscent of the Focus, with the same smart but cluttered dash. There are nice tactile surfaces and good quality throughout. The cabin feels roomier, but when compared to rivals it is by no means huge. The Ford Kuga comes equipped Ford’s SYNC 2 advanced connectivity system for the first time, enabling drivers to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language. Engine options are limited to one 2.0 litres diesel but a new 1.5 litre is on the way in October. The Kuga is available in two- or four-wheel drive options but no matter which you go for the Kuga is great fun to drive. With a smart interior and stylish looks the Kuga it is very tempting family car.
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Starting Price: €32,125
Also Consider: Nissan X-Trail
Finance Options for Kuga Titanium + 5Dr 2.0L 120PS 2WD
Price €32,125
Deposit Amount €6,425 (20%)
Finance Amount €25,700
PCP
% APR 5.25
Monthly Payments €476
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: €12,150
Total Cost of Credit €3,586
BOI
Monthly Payments €797.07
Total Cost of Credit €2,994.52
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments € 823.94
Total Cost of Credit €3,961.84
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €800.84
Total Cost of Credit €3,130.24
% APR 7.9
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €797.74
Total Cost of Credit €3,018.66
% 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
