Volkswagen ID Buzz Review
Read Caroline's Volkswagen ID Buzz review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen's new electric people carrier in Ireland.
The long-awaited Volkswagen ID Buzz arrived in Ireland last year, a modern take on the classic Volkswagen Microbus and winner of Irish Car of the Year 2023.
With a 77kWh battery and up to 425 kilometres (WLTP) of electric driving, the new ID Buzz marks the start of a new electric era for Volkswagen people carriers and MPVs.
It is now Volkswagen's largest electric model within the ID range of electric vehicles. Priced from €68,470, it is a high-end vehicle with van-loads of charm.
What's so special about the Volkswagen ID Buzz?
Just look at it! The new ID Buzz takes the iconic style of the original Microbus and brings it right up to date. All the classic design cues are there, like the square silhouette and wheels pushed out to the corners. There are four trim levels for Ireland and wheel sizes vary from 19- to 20-inch. They really add to the smart, futuristic and 'electrified' look of the 21st century Buzz.
Let's not forget this is a big 'bus', measuring about 4.7 metres in length. Though despite this, it's remarkably easy to handle and manoeuvre on the road. The ID Buzz is five seat only for now,, but seven seat versions will arrive later.
With a range of bright colour options and the choice of a two-tone paint finish inspired by the original, this is a car that makes people smile wherever it goes.
There are loads of practical features including sliding doors and a huge boot of over 1000 litres.
For space and practicality, it doesn't get much better than the ID Buzz.
Inside the ID Buzz
The cabin of the ID Buzz is as cheerful as the outside of this car. It's a bright and colourful space with an open, lounge-like feel. You sit high in the driver's seat, 'van-like'. But the ID Buzz is far better furnished than most vans I know!
There are coloured interiors to match the exterior paint of the car. The two-tone look adds fun to the cabin of the Buzz. It feels solid and well-made, with lots of modern features like a full digital driver display and large touchscreen (10- or 12-inch) with Apple Car Play/Android Auto. There are touchscreen controls for the ventilation but a short cut button at least brings up the menu quicker.
A wireless smartphone charger comes as standard, as well as lots of USB-C ports dotted around the cabin. There's also dual zone climate control, heated front seats, parking sensors, and cruise control.
There's loads of storage space, ideal for families on the go, including the 'Buzzbox' removal storage compartment between the two front seats.
Some versions get a powered tailgate, which is useful as there is quite a large, heavy bootlid. The boxy shape of the Buzz makes for a very practical, square-shaped boot that's easy to load and unload.
There's loads of headroom and legroom in row two with a bright, airy feel. Though it's worth noting the rear windows don't open and there's no ventilation vents in the centre console for rear passengers either.
Driving it
The new ID Buzz is built on the same platform as other electric vehicles from VW like the ID.4. So it may look like a van from the outside, but it's surprisingly car-like in the way it feels and behaves on the road.
The controls are all nicely-weighted and the electric powertrain adds a level of smoothness to the drive that many van drivers may be unfamiliar with. It's quiet enough on the motorway at high speeds and comfortable too - though it can be a bit bumpier on country roads.
The 77kWh battery realistically will deliver over 300 kilometres of electric range, which is good but longer trips will still require a few stops for a fast charge at up to 135kW. AC charging possible up to 11kW.
The Buzz is easy to drive and can hustle along nicely. Though it is best enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. There's a 204hp motor powering the back wheels, with 0 to 100km/h completed in 10.2 seconds.
Did you like it?
It's hard not to like the ID Buzz. It's such a cheerful car to behold and a bit of a marvel technology wise - a battery-powered version of an icon with decent range that's good to drive too.
The Buzz scores very high for practicality and is an ideal vehicle for families. It is expensive however for a family car, priced in the region of upmarket electric SUVs like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB. But this is a charming alternative that really is in a class of its own.
Model tested: Volkswagen ID Buzz Max
Price: €78,515
Battery: 77kWh
Range: 425 km (WLTP)
Power: 204hp
Torque: 310Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Opel Zafira Life (2020) Review
Caroline drives the new Opel Zafira Life.
With summer 2020 looking like it will be the summer of the staycation, some car brands in Ireland are already reporting more interest in large people carriers, camper vans and van-based MPVs.
At the Opel camp, the brand's offering in this sector is the Zafira Life. Opel's new van-based MPV is blessed with up to 8 seats, a huge cabin and lots of versatility.
According to Opel, stylish highly equipped shuttles are in great demand in this market segment and that's the philosophy behind this model. Priced from €51,195, Opel Ireland is aiming the Zafira Life at the executive travel side, though the appeal of this vehicle as a holiday van is undeniable right now.
At Changing Lanes, we had an extended test drive with the Zafira Life for over 2 months while Ireland was in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. My weekly shopping trips took place with the Opel Zafira Life and I became very familiar with its features including the electric sliding doors, full leather interior and automatic transmission. Somehow we made it memorable, despite no camping trips or relaxed Sunday drives to the coast. Instead we learnt to navigate near empty roads and supermarket car parks.
What's so special about the Opel Zafira Life?
The Opel Zafira Life is hugely versatile and is available in two lengths - Medium or Long. At the moment, the Zafira Life is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine with a different power output depending on gearbox - 150 hp with the 6-speed manual gearbox or 180 hp with the 8-speed automatic. My test car was the Long model with 8-speed automatic gearbox and a recommended retail price of €55,695.
The other part of Opel's strategy is to launch Zafira Life in just one high specification 'Elite' trim level. Things that you might consider options all come as standard including the twin electric, sliding doors, head-up display, full leather interior, electrically adjustable heated driver’s seat with massage function, roof mounted rear ventilation controls, seat back tables, rear view childminder mirror, integrated window blinds and panoramic glass roof. There's also a 7” colour touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, dual zone climate control, chrome effect front grille, 17” alloys, rear view camera, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, high beam assist, xenon headlights, dark tinted rear windows, side blind spot alert, front and rear parking sensors, keyless open and start, and a tailgate with separate opening window.
What's it like inside?
In standard specification you get two rows of three seats all with child seat fixtures or as a no cost option you can select two individual swivel seats in row 2. As Opel notes, this means that VIP passengers can sit facing each other and enjoy the legroom! The advantage of the Long model is more boot space, especially if you are carrying 7 or 8 people regularly and their luggage.
The sliding electric doors are a real boon as standard and can be operated from the key alone, by just a simple tug on the door handles or released by the driver from a button on the dashboard. There's also a button inside the door frame where passengers can release the doors themselves.
For the driver, there is lots of adjustment in the seat to get comfortable. Door mirrors are large and the rear parking camera and sensors are a great help when manouvering this vehicle in car parks or tight spaces. The image from the rear view camera is displayed on the 7.0-inch screen with 180-degree visibility from the bird’s eye view, which really helps when reversing into spaces.
The dashboard is a typical Opel affair, while on the automatic model, the gear selector is operated from a dial within close reach on the centre console. The infotainment system syncs easily with Apple and Android smartphones, while navigation is also included in the system itself. There's dual zone air con to keep everyone cool on board. While the rear windows do not open, there are extra ventilation controls in the roof at the rear of the vehicle.
My test car also had the IntelliGrip Pack. This useful feature is for extra reassurance on grass or gravel off road for example, by increasing grip without adding the weight of a four wheel drive system. Settings include snow, mud and sand, which can be simply selected from a circular dial just behind the indicator stalk on the right hand side of the dashboard.
Driving the Zafira Life
Though there are van origins to the Zafira Life, it handles well within the confines of this platform. Obviously allowances need to be made in the handling and agility side, but it's comfortable and you quickly get into the groove with it. The automatic transmission performs well and adds an ease to the driving experience. The diesel engine is relatively refined and only gets noisy under hard acceleration. Motor tax is €390 per year while my overall consumption was 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. So considering the size and weight of the vehicle, this is not bad for touring around Ireland!
Opel is a brand now with the wind behind its sails again. We are seeing more of the fruits of the PSA merger in the brand's line-up and there's more on the way. At the moment, buyers will find a refreshed Astra range in dealers along with the flagship Insignia, Grandland X, and the all-new Corsa and Corsa-e. We can expect to see a new Mokka crossover and Crossland X in early 2021, which should really boost the brand's fortunes.
The Opel Zafira Life fits well now into the brand's lifestyle portfolio, offering a spacious people carrier with wide appeal among families, businesses and let's not forget taxi drivers. There are competitors in this segment with a lower entry price for a more budget offering without the Opel's bells and whistles. Opel has taken a different approach, choosing to launch one singular high spec model with all the options on it, adding greater convenience to customers in the process. Though it lacks the outright polish and agility of a seven seat car-based MPV, the Zafira Life makes up for it with a huge versatile interior and comfortable seating. If you are looking for your own personal tour bus, this could be it!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Opel Zafira Life Elite L Automatic
Price: €55,695 (from €51,195)
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power: 180 hp
Torque: 400 Nm
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 169 km/h
Fuel consumption: 7.0 – 8.1 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 151g/km
Motor Tax: €390 per year
Peugeot Rifter Review (2019)
Caroline drives the 2019 Peugeot Rifter.
Van-based MPVs will never be the sexiest of people carriers. But what they do offer is outstanding practicality at good value pricing! The new Peugeot Rifter is a case in point. The replacement for the Peugeot Partner Tepee MPV sports new styling, a versatile and practical interior as well as the latest in Peugeot technology, engines and interior design.
With pricing starting from just €23,540, the new Peugeot Rifter is a boxy people carrier available with five or seven seats. There’s also a short wheelbase or long wheelbase variant. The Rifter is no oil painting but it does bear the look of the new generation of Peugeot models with a characteristic front end. It’s also available in a high spec GT Line (pictured), which gives the Rifter considerable more visual chutzpah at a price.
So what's so great about the 2019 Peugeot Rifter?
Still, beauty is hardly the point here. And you will certainly find a reason to smile when you see all the space inside of this vehicle! The van DNA means that the Rifter is primed for carrying people and their gear. Sliding doors feature and reveal wide openings that make access and egress very easy. There are three individual rear seats in row 2 and lots of leg and headroom.
There are many storage spaces around the cabin. The boot is simply magnifique at 775 litres with a very low sill and flat floor. The boot also doubles as a great place to relax should you wish to take a quick break on your road trip! The large boot lid makes a great canopy also. The Rifter is sounding more like a great buy by the paragraph.
Inside, Rifter gets Peugeot’s new generation interior. You sit quite high in the Rifter but Peugeot has done a good job to make it feel more car-like with a well-finished dashboard and a nice mix of materials and colours on our GT Line test model. Peugeot’s compact steering wheel and digital instrument cluster feature and the infotainment screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What are my options?
The new Peugeot Rifter is listed with a choice of three trims: Active, Allure and GT Line. Standard equipment includes 8” touchscreen, digital instrument panel, 16” wheels, full size spare wheel, air conditioning, Active Safety Brake, Lane Keeping Assist and Speed Limit Recognition. My GT Line test car (from €28,400) adds 17” alloys, keyless access and start, High Beam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Advanced Driver Attention Alert, dark tinted rear windows, front and rear parking aid, dual zone climatronic air conditioning and GT Line styling.
In Ireland the Rifter is offered with the 1.2 PureTech petrol 110bhp 6-speed manual; 1.2 PureTech petrol 130bhp automatic 8-speed automatic, a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 75bhp 5-speed manual; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 100bhp 5-speed manual; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp 6-speed manual; and a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp 8-speed automatic.
Driving the Peugeot Rifter
My test car was the 1.5-litre diesel with 130 hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox. It does well in the Rigter with reasonable refinement and plenty of power. Motor tax is €200 per year while over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 6.4l/100km.
On the road, the Rifter does a decent job of offering occupants a comfortable and refined drive. It’s agile around town with light steering and handles reasonably well for a van!
You soon settle into life with the Rifter. The big Peugeot has moved on in terms of offering buyers more refinement and cabin ambience. It’s hugely practical and spacious with a great range of engines. A petrol engine option also gives it an edge on rivals. Good value pricing and lots of equipment means that the Rifter is definitely worth a test drive if you are looking for a super practical and affordable way to carry people and their stuff.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Peugeot Rifter GT Line 1.5 BlueHDi 130bhp 6-speed
Price: €31,000 (Range from €23,540)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel
Power: 130 hp
Torque: 300 Nm
0-100km/h: 11.6 seconds
Top speed: 183 km/h
Fuel economy: 5.9 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 155 g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Review (2019)
Caroline drives the Mercedes-Benz B-Class!
Five seat MPVs used to be very popular but in recent years the SUV has taken over. But when an MPV does come along in my test schedule, it’s a reminder that these vehicles still make quite a lot of sense for buyers who prioritise space and practicality. Mercedes-Benz is obviously a brand that still believes in the genre because they’ve just introduced the all-new B-Class.
As I was driving the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, I looked around and began to see numerous examples of the previous generation of the car. Clearly the B-Class has quite a following! So why would you disappoint your core market and render it to the scrap heap?
What's new for the B-Class?
Priced from €32,745, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has a new look in line with the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range and is spawned from the very stylish new A-Class that arrived in Ireland in 2018. The wheelbase is now longer with short overhangs and a slightly lowered roof line. The new B-Class is styled to maximise interior space, but it’s classy and discrete in that Mercedes-Benz way!
However it’s inside the new B-Class where the real Mercedes star shines. The B-Class has an all-new dashboard design that’s really impressive. The material quality is excellent and this car gives the occupants a feeling of wellbeing with a light and spacious feel. There’s a digital instrument panel and touchscreen with touchpad control that complete the modern look of the new B-Class.
It’s a far more practical car than the A-Class hatchback it’s based on with more headroom and legroom. The new B-Class is a bit wider than the car it replaces so there is more elbow room for everyone also. There are two deep footwells in the back making it a comfortable place to stretch out the legs for a long journey. The boot is also very practical for carrying things being large (455 litre capacity) with a wide opening and low sill.
In Ireland, the new B-Class is sold in Style, Progressive (from €34,969) and AMG Line (from €37,337) trims. Standard equipment includes 16” alloys, MBUX infotainment system, reversing parking camera, leather/fabric upholstery, active lane keeping assist and heated front seats. The AMG Line car I had on test has 18” AMG alloys, sports steering wheel, AMG bodystyling, AMG sports pedals, diamond radiator grille with single louvre, LED headlamps and dual zone climate control.
Driving the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class is powered by new, efficient engines, all compliant with new Euro 6d-TEMP regulations mandatory from next year. Petrols include the B180 and B200. Diesels are available from €35,300 and are badged B180d, B200d and B220d with a new 2.0-litre diesel making its debut in the B-Class range.
My test car was a B180 powered by a 1.3-litre turbo petrol with 136hp and mated to an automatic gearbox. The petrol engine is smooth and quiet, only getting noisy when you really accelerate hard. When taking off the automatic gearbox can be a bit slow, but out on the open road the power delivery is smooth and effortless. Manual gearboxes are also available. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption averaged at 6.4l/100km with motor tax of €270 per year for the B180.
On the road the Mercedes-Benz B-Class offers excellent comfort and refinement. It handles and steers competently with some body roll owing to its height, but for MPV buyers comfort is far more important, and the B-Class delivers on that.
Five seat MPVs may no longer be fashionable, but there is no disputing their value to buyers who prioritise space, practicality and comfort. The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is now more stylish than before with a fantastic cabin ambience and the latest range of petrol and diesel engines. The B-Class has compact dimensions on the road, but the interior is surprisingly roomy. The best quality is the comfort the B-Class offers on the move.
Owners of the previous generation of this car will love the new B-Class!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Mercedes-Benz B180 Automatic AMG Line
Price: €38,987 (range from €32,745)
Engine: 1.3-litre turbo petrol
Power: 136 hp
Torque: 200 Nm
0-100km/h: 9 seconds
Top speed: 212 km/h
Fuel economy: 5.4-5.6 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 125 g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
Opel Combo Life Review
Caroline drives the new Opel Combo Life.
The new Opel Combo Life solves that problem of needing to carry a lot of people, and needing to do it in the cheapest way possible. Available as a five or seven seat vehicle, in two different lengths, with pricing starting from just €21,800, the Opel Combo Life could be the bargain of the century.
In fact the Opel Combo Life has just won 'Best Buy Car of Europe 2019' at the authoritative Autobest awards. So the secret might be out already. But here’s what I thought of the Combo Life from an Irish perspective.
What is the Opel Combo Life?
While the Opel Combo Van has been sold for many years (this is actually its fifth generation), the Combo Life passenger vehicle is a new model for the Opel brand. Space, practicality, versatility and value are its key attributes in the market. To that end, the Combo Life is available in a standard length with five or seven seats or as a longer ‘XL’ model with seven seats.
The van DNA runs strong in the styling of the Opel Combo Life in that it’s boxy to maximise space, with plenty of squared off edges. But at the front it has the typical look of an Opel about it with a large front grille with two chrome wings around the Opel Blitz insignia. Style icon it is not, but at this price do you care?
How practical is the Opel Combo Life?
The van-like proportions and design of the Opel Combo Life make it an excellent people carrier. There is plenty of glazing and the large doors and high roof also give an airy, spacious feel to the cabin. There are also proper opening windows in the rear.
Access to the rear seats is through two sliding doors that open and close easily. I was driving a seven seat version of the standard length vehicle (from €23,800). There is excellent headroom all round and loads of legroom for passengers in row 2, with Isofix child seat brackets available. The seats split fold and are really easy to fold flat. Access to row 3 is simple enough, though there is not much legroom back there in the standard length vehicle so these two extra seats are more suitable for children or occasional use.
When the seats in row 3 are folded into the boot floor, you have a massive 597 litres of space in the standard length vehicle or 850 litres in the XL version. The boot opens wide, with a large square opening making it easy to load and stack to the roof should you need it!
Considering the Combo Life’s roots, the cabin is surprisingly well-appointed. It’s a straightforward Opel cabin that actually works really well here. The plastics are all hard but the quality looks fine. There are satin chrome accents on the steering wheel, on the door handles and in the air vents. The ergonomics are good with a steering wheel and instrument cluster that could have been lifted from an Astra or Grandland X. A smart 8” touchscreen comes as standard in the centre of the dash with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are numerous storage areas of different sizes that should also prove useful for a family on the move.
Is it well-equipped?
In Ireland the Opel Combo Life is sold in just one trim level called Energy. There’s a good spec including the 8” colour touchscreen, 16” alloys, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, front fog lights, automatic high beam assist, heated and electric door mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, electric front windows, 60/40 split folding rear seats, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, speed sign recognition, forward collision alert, emergency brake assist, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic lighting control, driver drowsiness system, blind spot alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
There are also a number of options available for more comfort and convenience including reversing camera as part of the Parking Pack (€500), Winter Pack including heated seats and steering wheel (€250), head-up display (€455), and a Child Pack (€300) including rear-view child-minder mirror, rear side window sunblind, fold-flat passenger seat and a luggage restraint net.
Driving the Opel Combo Life
The fifth-generation Combo is based on a new architecture shared with the Peugeot Rifter and Citroen Berlingo, stablemates at the PSA Group that took over Opel in 2017. The Combo Life is naturally not the last word in sophistication and refinement on the road, but it's pleasant to drive for what it is. It’s comfortable and stable and not too noisy on the move. In fact, there is more of an MPV feeling behind the wheel than a van one.
Engine options include a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 110hp and a 6 speed manual (from €21,800), a 1.5 litre diesel with 100hp and 5 speed manual (from €23,050) and the same engine with 130hp and an 8 speed automatic gearbox (from €25,350). The seven seat standard length Combo Life is available with the 1.5 diesel, priced from €23,800. The Energy XL 1.5 diesel seven seat vehicle is available from €24,675.
My test car has the 1.5 litre 100hp diesel and it's adequate for the Combo Life. It only gets noisy when you really put your foot down hard - other than that it settles into the background. It’s not the speediest mover with a 0-100 kmh figure of 13.1 seconds, but it does the job. My fuel consumption over a few days of driving averaged at 5.8 l/100km and it is only €200 to tax per year.
What's the verdict?
It’s easy to approach the Opel Combo Life with a sprinkle of cynicism. But if you look beyond the boxy looks and are willing to sacrifice style, the Opel Combo Life is a spacious and straightforward people carrier. Opel Ireland is offering a simple range here with just one well-specced trim level available from just €21,800 as a five seat, or €23,800 as a seven seat.
The Opel Combo Life is neither exciting nor sexy, but it’s a good value seven seat MPV with impressive comfort, practicality and driver assistance and safety features.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Opel Combo Life Energy 1.5 Turbo D 7-seat
Price: €23,800 (Range from €21,800)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel
Power: 100hp
Torque: 250Nm
0-100km/h: 13.1 seconds
Top speed: 172km/h
Economy: 4.2/100km
CO2 emissions: 111g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
Peugeot Rifter Review
The new Peugeot Rifter has just arrived in Ireland and goes on sale priced from €23,540. The Rifter replaces the Partner Tepee MPV, with a focus on practicality and versatility at good value pricing. Caroline drove from Cork to Dublin in the new Peugeot Rifter at the recent Irish press launch.
Styling
The Peugeot Rifter is essentially a van-based MPV and there is only so much you can do to make a van attractive. But Peugeot has persevered, borrowing SUV characteristics from the 3008 and 5008 SUVs - a high ride height, large wheels, and wheel arch and rear bumper protection. It’s also available in a high spec GT Line, which gives the Rifter considerable more visual chutzpah at a price.
Interior
The interior of the new Peugeot Rifter does not betray its van roots – you’ll know you’re driving something a bit more basic. There’s loads of hard plastics and not much in the way of glamour. But the Rifter still gets a version of Peugeot’s quirky i-Cockpit and there is a slick looking touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard.
Practicality
Practicality is the Rifter’s middle name! The new Peugeot Rifter is available in two lengths, with 5 or 7 seats. This van-based MPV maximises space for occupants with its dimensions and boxy shape. There is loads of headroom and legroom and three individual seats in the rear. There is extra storage and cubby holes throughout the cabin. There’s a wide boot opening with a separate opening window, 775 litre boot and sliding side doors for ease of access.
Engines
There are two petrol engines and four diesel engines: a 1.2 PureTech petrol 110bhp S&S 6-speed; a 1.2 PureTech petrol 130bhp automatic 8-speed S&S (April 2019); a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 75bhp 5-speed; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 100bhp 5-Speed; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp 6-Speed S&S; and a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S.
On the road
If you are used to driving a car, the Peugeot Rifter might feel peculiar for a bit. But after a while you soon settle in. The test car was powered by the 1.5-litre BlueHDI diesel with 100hp and a five speed manual gearbox. Power was adequate and in car refinement and comfort is fine for long journeys. We’ll be spending more time with the Rifter later in the year and will bring you a full road test and driving impressions then!
Equipment
Peugeot Ireland is selling the Rifter in three trims: Active, Allure and GT Line.
Standard equipment includes 8” touchscreen, digital instrument panel, 16” wheels, full size spare wheel, air conditioning, Active Safety Brake, Lane Keeping Assist and Speed Limit Recognition.
The Allure gains 16” alloys, rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, leather steering wheel, front fog lights, folding front passenger seat, electric parking brake, 3 individual magic flat seats in row 2 and electric rear windows.
The GT Line adds 17” alloys, keyless access and start, High Beam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Advanced Driver Attention Alert, dark tinted rear windows, front and rear parking aid, dual zone climatronic air conditioning and GT Line styling.
Pricing
Active models are available from €23,540, Allure from €25,570, and GT Line from €28,400.
Rivals
The Peugeot Rifter will go up against the Ford Tourneo, Opel Combo Life and Volkswagen Caddy Life.
Verdict
The Peugeot Rifter enters the MPV market with a price and engine range advantage over the Volkswagen and Ford rivals. On first glance, the Rifter deserves a closer look as the blend of space and practicality make it searingly good value. I look forward to bringing you a full report after a road test later in the year!
Caroline Kidd
Renault Grand Scenic Review
At the beginning of 2017, Renault introduced two new MPVs to Ireland: the Renault Scenic and the Grand Scenic. These are two stalwarts of the MPV world but times have changed since the Scenic made its debut back in 1996.
Large SUVs with a bit more street cred have been encroaching on the family car market in recent years, with many manufacturers deserting the MPV format altogether.
But Renault believe that there is life left in the MPV. Seven seat MPVs are still hard to beat in terms of space and value for money, and with pricing starting from €28,400, the Renault Grand Scenic makes particularly good sense.
To boost desirability, the styling of the new Renault Grand Scenic has been beefed up and given a significant injection of attitude. The inclusion of 20” wheels as standard and contrasting roof/body colour add street cred.
Inside, the interior has been overhauled with a large portrait style touchscreen being the focal point in the centre of the dash on higher trimmed models. There are hard plastics but plenty more soft touch materials too in the important places that you see and touch regularly.
There is an excellent feeling of space in the cabin and great storage too. Standard equipment (Expression+, from €28,400) includes 20” Silverstone alloy wheels, LED DRLs, manual air conditioning, analogue dashboard, electronic handbrake, 7" touchscreen, FM/AM/DAB tuner, Bluetooth® audio streaming and handsfree calls, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high/low beam.
Dynamique Nav starts from €31,500. My test car was a Dynamique S Nav model (from €33,300) and equipment includes 20” Exception alloy wheels, colour head up display, rear parking camera with front and rear parking sensors, panoramic fixed glass sunroof with electric sunblind, contrasting roof and door mirror colour, and the R-Link 2 multimedia system with 8.7" touchscreen and navigation.
Top of the range Signature models start from €35,100.
The Renault Grand Scenic is very spacious inside. There are three individual seats in the back that can slide forward and back. The footwells are large and there is a flat space for the middle seat passenger to put their feet. Headroom is also beyond good. Things are a bit more cramped in the third row, but children will be fine here.
In five seat mode, the boot is a huge 596 litres and it’s a large and square space that will be easy to load. In two seat mode, there is a more paltry 233 litres available, but rivals don’t do much better.
In Ireland, the Renault Grand Scenic is available with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine (115hp), a 1.5-litre diesel (110hp) or a 1.6-litre diesel with 130hp or a 160hp version with automatic gearbox. My test car had the 1.6-litre dCi 130hp and it’s a robust engine for this car with plenty of power. It’s reasonably refined too, but makes itself known in the cabin when revved hard.
On the road, the Grand Scenic is more about being a comfortable and spacious people carrier, than a pin sharp sporty one but it does grip well and the steering is direct, albeit with little in the way of feedback. The Grand Scenic is more or less comfortable, except for some harshness over bumps.
Renault has done a tremendous job to give the new Grand Scenic some credibility and as a family car it does tick the boxes exceptionally well for comfort, space and practicality. The MPV is an endangered species and the Renault Grand Scenic faces competition from seven seat SUVs.
But in terms of the available space and practicality in this price range, the Renault Grand Scenic is hard to beat, and when all those current owners decide it’s time for a trade in, the new Grand Scenic will be a pleasant surprise.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Renault Grand Scenic Dynamique S Nav dCi 130
Price: €35,475 (Range starts at €28,400)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel
Power: 130hp
Torque: 320Nm
0-100km/h: 11.4 seconds
Top speed: 190km/h
Economy: 61mpg
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
If you are looking for a seven seat MPV you might also like these reviews of the Ford S-MAX and Volkswagen Touran.
Renault Scenic Review
It was only when I was driving the Renault Scenic that I noticed how popular this MPV model is in Ireland. There were Scenics of all generations everywhere I looked.
The 2017 Renault Scenic however is very much a car of the now and makes the previous generations look like dowdy relatives. The new Renault Scenic is another design creation from Laurens van den Acker, the man responsible for the stream of gorgeous models the brand currently produces.
With MPVs looking like an endangered species with family car buyers switching rapidly to the perceived ‘cooler’ SUV, Renault has attempted to reinvent the Scenic and boost its desirability.
The styling of the Renault Scenic has been beefed up and given a significant injection of attitude. It really works and the Scenic is a beautiful car. After a few days driving the test car in Honey Yellow, I even felt quite cool. Believe me that’s a rare feeling when driving an MPV!
The proportions are perfect and the standard 20-inch wheels and contrasting roof/body colour make other five seat MPVs like the Ford C-Max and Volkswagen Golf SV look dull.
Inside, the interior has been overhauled with a large portrait style touchscreen being the focal point in the centre of the dash on higher trimmed models. There are hard plastics but plenty more soft touch materials too in the important places that you see and touch regularly.
There is an excellent feeling of space in the cabin and storage is very good too. Standard equipment (Expression+, from €26,000) includes 20” Silverstone alloy wheels, cruise control, LED DRLs, manual air conditioning, analogue dashboard, electronic handbrake, 7" touchscreen, FM/AM/DAB tuner, Bluetooth® audio streaming and handsfree calls, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic high/low beam.
Dynamique Nav starts from €29,100. My test car was a Dynamique S Nav model (from €33,300) and equipment includes 20” Exception alloy wheels, colour head up display, rear parking camera with front and rear parking sensors, panoramic fixed glass sunroof with electric sunblind, contrasting roof and door mirror colour, R-Link 2 multimedia system with 8.7" touchscreen and navigation.
Top of the range Signature models start from €32,700.
I was testing the five seat Scenic (from €26,000), but there is also a seven seat ‘Grand Scenic’ (from €28,400). The Renault Scenic offers generous space even as a five seater compared to say an equivalent five seat hatchback like the Renault Megane. There are three individual seats in the back that can slide forward and back. The footwells are large and there is a flat space for the middle seat passenger to put their feet. Headroom is also beyond good.
Move around to the boot and again you can see how this car is more practical than a hatch. The boot is a huge 572 litres and it’s a large and square space that will be easy to load.
In Ireland, the Renault Scenic is available with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine (115hp), a 1.5-litre diesel (110hp) or a 1.6-litre diesel with 130hp or a 160hp version with automatic gearbox. My test car had the 1.6-litre dCi 130hp and it’s a robust engine for this car with plenty of power. It’s reasonably refined too, but makes itself known in the cabin when revved hard.
On the road, the Scenic is more about being a comfortable and spacious people carrier, than a pin sharp sporty one - but it does grip well and the steering is direct, albeit with little in the way of feedback. It's more or less comfortable but there is some harshness over bumps.
Renault has done a tremendous job to give the new Scenic some credibility and as a family car it does tick the boxes exceptionally well for space and practicality. The MPV is an endangered species and the Scenic faces not just competition from other brands, but also from within the Renault camp: the five seat Kadjar SUV is similarly priced and arguably more engaging to drive.
But in terms of space and practicality at this price, the Scenic easily offers something different and when all those current owners decide it’s time for a trade in, the new Scenic will be a pleasant surprise.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Renault Scenic Dynamique S Nav dCi 130
Price: €32,500 (Range starts at €26,000)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel
Power: 130hp
Torque: 320Nm
0-100km/h: 11.4 seconds
Economy: 63mpg
CO2 emissions: 116g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
Opel Zafira Tourer Review
The Opel Zafira has been a common fixture of Irish roads since its launch in 1999. The latest generation of the popular MPV got an update at the end of 2016, with a refresh to interior design, exterior styling, infotainment and equipment.
At the moment Opel is getting ready for a major SUV offensive that will see the launch of the Crossland X this summer and the larger Grandland X in the autumn.
But there will always be demand for seven seaters like the Opel Zafira Tourer because they are very practical for large families.
Pricing starts at €29,995 for the Opel Zafira Tourer, and seven seats come as standard. In styling terms, the Zafira Toruer has been given a refresh around the nose area to keep it in line with the rest of the Opel range. The small changes actually make a big difference and the Zafira Tourer is easily one of the best looking large seven seat MPVs on the market.
There have also been some welcome changes inside. The new dashboard design is built around the Intellilink infotainment system, now compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. It’s stylish, well-built and easy to navigate. As you would expect from a family car, there are lots of storage spaces.
This is a very spacious family car and occupants in row 2 are well accomodated for. It should be no problem to seat three back here. There are three individual seats and they can be slid backwards and forwards. This is good because it means that when the two seats in row 3 are in use, more legroom can be made available. Row 3 is tight and will only suit children, but that’s common in this segment.
In five seat mode, the boot will accommodate a very generous 710 litres, but in two seat mode there is only 152 litres.
There are three trim levels for the Opel Zafira Tourer in Ireland: SC (from €29,995), SE (from €32,510) and Elite (from €37,050).
Standard equipment includes Opel OnStar, 7” touchscreen, air con, cruise control, four electric windows, 17” alloys and parking sensors. SE adds electric parking brake, climate control, navigation, front fog lights, auto lights and wipers, and a choice of 18” or 19” alloy. Top of the range Elite models have 18” alloys, leather seat trim, driver’s electric lumbar support, heated front seats, panoramic windscreen and sunroof.
Engines for the Opel Zafira Tourer include a 1.4-litre turbo petrol (140hp), and 1.6-litre (134hp) and 2.0-litre (170hp) diesels. My test car had the 2.0-litre diesel and it’s really excellent. The 400Nm of torque means that it pulls hard from low revs so will be well capable of carrying all the family on board and it’s refined too.
Behind the wheel, for a large MPV the Zafira Tourer is easy to drive with light controls. It feels agile around town and the steering is well weighted with lots of grip from the front end when you are pushing on. It feels firmer set than some other MPVs, which seems to be where the tight handling comes from, but it’s still the large, comfortable vehicle you would expect.
MPVs are not fashionable anymore and suffer a bit of an image problem but for families they still make a lot of sense and the Opel Zafira Tourer is a good example of the genre. Aside from the cavernous cabin and flexible seating, the Zafira Tourer is nice to drive with a pleasant cabin ambience. You wouldn’t really expect any more from a seven seat MPV.
Model tested: Opel Zafira Tourer Elite 2.0CDTi 170hp
Price: €37,050 (Range starts at €29,995)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 170hp
Torque: 400Nm
0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds
Top speed: 208km/h
Economy: 54mpg
CO2 emissions: 137g/km
Motor tax: €280 per year
Caroline Kidd
If you are looking for a seven seat MPV you might also like this review of the Ford S-MAX.
Volkswagen Golf SV Review (2016)
In the mid-noughties, Volkswagen hopped on the trend for small MPVs and launched a five seat MPV version of the Golf. The early incarnations were called the Golf Plus; this small MPV has now evolved into the Volkswagen Golf SV.
Think of it as a plus size version of the popular Golf hatchback. Compared to a standard Golf, the SV is higher, longer and a bit wider, but the Volkswagen family DNA is still plain to see. The Golf SV is conservatively styled to blend in rather than stand out, and looks like a slightly smaller Touran MPV.
Inside, the interior borrows heavily from the Golf, sharing a lot of the same switchgear and the same basic dash layout. The centre console is dominated by a touchscreen that is one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems on the market. The material quality is good around the cabin but there is nothing really memorable about the interior. Yet the controls are all so perfectly placed and logical to use that the Golf SV is a car you soon feel at home in, even if it is not the most sensuous of homes.
But within the confines of the Golf SV's boxy body what you will find is comfortable 'living space'. The interior of the Golf SV is much more spacious than a Golf hatchback. There is a lot of extra headroom and a longer wheelbase means that there is really excellent legroom in the back. This car really scores as bright, family friendly transport, provided you have three kids not five, because this is strictly a five seater. You will need to step up to a Touran if you need those extra two seats.
Predictably for a car aimed at families, there are loads of clever storage spaces, pull down tables on the back of the front seats, and two Isofix child seat fixtures on the rear bench. The boot is 500 litres compared to 380 in the Golf hatch and can be expanded to 590 litres by sliding the rear bench forwards. There is a low sill that makes it easy to load and the boot is square in shape.
The engine line-up for Ireland is made up of the 1.2-litre TSI petrol (85hp or 110hp), the 1.6-litre diesel (90hp or 110hp) and a top of the range 2.0-litre diesel (150hp). There are 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes and a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The 110hp 1.6-litre TDI is the most efficient with emissions of 101g/km placing it in motor tax band A3 with annual motor tax of €190.
I tested the 1.6TDI with 110bhp and it’s nippy enough for the Golf SV. My test car had the 7-speed DSG gearbox and it was a reminder of just how good Volkswagen’s automatic gearboxes are. With this combination, the Golf SV is a smooth and relaxing drive. An on-throttle engine drone at high speeds is the only irritant.
Elsewhere, this is safe, predictable motoring. You sit high in the car, and there is great visibility all round. On the road, the Golf SV doesn’t feel as tight as a standard Golf and there is more body roll in the corners, but the steering is direct and accurate and there is good grip from the front end so it's still a nifty mover. The suspension also does a good job of isolating occupants from the worst of the bumps and uneven surfaces and this is largely a smooth way to travel.
In Ireland there are currently three trim grades for the Volkswagen Golf SV: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Standard equipment includes electric windows, air conditioning, 5-inch touchscreen radio with Aux-In, SD card slot and Bluetooth, and an electronic parking brake with hill hold. Comfortline specification adds a leather multifunction steering wheel, 16” alloy wheels, drawers under the front seats, a larger 6-inch touch-screen radio, cruise control, front fog lights, front comfort seats and lumbar support, a rear centre armrest with load-through provision and a black radiator grille with chrome strips on the fins.
The top of the range Highline specification adds 17” alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, chrome strips on the side windows, rear privacy glass, ambient lighting, Alcantara trimmed seats, and a sports suspension. Volkswagen Ireland offer a number of 162 Innovation Packs, which add more equipment for just €162. Petrol models start at €23,025, while diesels start at €25,225.
The Volkswagen Golf SV is not glamourous or sexy, but it's big and honest. The boost up, out and at the back makes the Golf SV a very practical means of transporting a small family and their things.
Though some driving fun and style is compromised over a hatchback, the Golf SV is still a quality offering in this segment with decent refinement and on road driving manners.
Whether it's petrol or diesel you're after, there is an engine here that will prove frugal and capable, and Volkswagen's DSG automatic gearboxes are some of the best specimens should you wish for a super easy driving experience behind the wheel.
The Volkswagen Golf SV does little to excite but it’s got the bases covered as a dependable family car.
Caroline Kidd
Model Tested: Volkswagen Golf SV Lounge 1.6TDI 110hp DSG
Price: €29,450 (Lounge trim discontinued, this is price for a similarly specced Comfortline)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel
Power: 110bhp
0-100km/h: 11.3 seconds
Economy: 69mpg
CO2 Emissions: 106g/km
Motor Tax: €190 per year