First Drive: Kia Stonic
In a competitive market, does Kia’s crossover Stonic have the power to surprise, asks Geraldine Herbert What is it? Car makers are getting serious about small SUVs and a host of new models are set to join the burgeoning market over the next few months. Hyundai has just announced pricing for its new Kona, while its sister brand Kia launched its Rio-based Stonic recently Building on the success of its large seven-seat Sorento...
How much tax does the Motorist pay?
With the budget only days away we take a look at how much tax the motorist is already burdened with writes Geraldine Herbert How much tax is charged on a new car ? The Hyundai Tucson is the bestselling car in Ireland this year but how much tax is paid on a new car? If we break it down Hyundai Tucson Executive 1.7 Selling price – €32,070 VRT – €4720 (charged at 17%) VAT – €5,114(charged at 23%) So the total amount...
Electric cars take centre stage but SUVs still winning with consumers
The theme of this year’s Frankfurt motor show is the road from diesel to electric motors but how long will it take and what should Irish motorists be buying in the meantime asks Geraldine Herbert The future is electric was the clear message from the recent Frankfurt motor show. In the wake of the Volkswagen emission cheating scandal and with evidence of harmful pollution directly attributable to diesel, the global move against...
Car makers offer cash incentive to trade in older diesels
Car makers are offering deals and incentives to lure drivers of older diesel models to ditch their cars in favour of cleaner alternatives writes Geraldine Herbert So who is offering incentives? BMW and Mercedes have announced schemes and it is likely other car makers will do the same over the next few weeks. What is on offer? Mercedes is offering owners of Euro 1 to Euro 4 emissions-standard diesels, irrespective of...
What can motorists expect from Budget 2018
A number of changes to the Tax system are being considered as options for Budget 2018 writes Geraldine Herbert 1) The plan to equalise the excise duty on petrol and diesel and close the fuel-tax gap is probably the most likely. The OECD have recommended an equalisation of excise rates on petrol and diesel the UK, already has equalised excise rates on petrol and diesel. A number of countries, notably France and Belgium, have also...
