Michael McAleer answers your questions
From J O'H:
I'm considering a supercharged Range Rover Sport, but some friends have suggested I should look to the new Porsche Cayenne S or the BMW X5 4-litre petrol. What would you advise?
Always look around. Not everyone has the time or the interest in dealing with more than one car salesperson - life is too short. However, if you can find the time and have the right temperament, then definitely try out all three if you can.
There is a sizeable difference between the three, and the first that would drop from my shopping list would be the Porsche. Not simply because of its look, but for the fact that at this price you will only pick up the entry-level Cayenne S model. The positive point about the Cayenne is that it carries the Porsche badge; the negative is, well obvious for all to see. Its consistently high sales figures defy logic, but it provides further proof that sports car manufacturers can't really get their heads around other markets.
The X5 has been an enormous success for the Bavarian brand and the upcoming version will have seven seats, making it even more attractive for the suburban housewife.
It's a good drive. However, for our money the Range Rover Sport would be the choice. Once you get behind the wheel I defy any car fan not to crack a smile. Here we have an SUV that handles like a sports car. That may sound impossible, but somehow Range Rover has managed it. Coming out of a regular Range Rover that rolled around in corners, we were gobsmacked at its handling.
It's no coward off-road either. Opt for the supercharged petrol version if you fancy the ultimate treat, though you should be prepared to subsidise a small Arab nation in return, for this is a thirsty beast. When we tested the Sport last year it was the only press car we drove that ran out of petrol on the test route. During our journey we managed a healthy 12-14 mpg.
If your heart is set on an SUV with plenty of sports credibility, then make your purchase from these three and perhaps when the time comes to change, you will be ready to move into something like the upcoming Lamborghini SUV. Not due until 2010, it will be based on the upcoming Audi Q5 but will feature characteristically outlandish styling.
From M Burke:
We're in the market for a family hatchback in the €16,000 price bracket. We've had two Ford Fiestas in the past but we're looking for something different this time. Any recommendations?
Apart from the Fiesta, there are four main contenders in what is called the supermini segment: the Toyota Yaris, the new Peugeot 207, the Fiat Grande Punto and the Renault Clio. All have their strong points and, of course, their weaknesses.
We need to spend more time in the Punto to be persuaded of its merits, but it does offer a good value proposition and the exterior looks are quite sharp, even if the interior plastics and finish already look dated.
The new Peugeot 207 is a big car for the money, but the biggest disappointment is that the choice of engines starts at 1.4-litre and that's just a little too high for the Irish supermini market. Peugeot has yet to repeat the magic of the 205.
In terms of load lugging ability, the Clio wins the day, though only by a few shopping bags. We found the Yaris the easiest to load and unload and features like underfloor storage and sliding rear seats can prove useful.
The Clio is a comfortable and spacious offering, and around town the light steering will pay off, though it's not really an entertaining drive.
In that regard, the Yaris would be our choice, even if it doesn't have the most tasteful interior of this bunch. For reliability and resale value, the Toyota tops the rating and for many owners that's enough to win the day.
From Keith Lally:
I visited a Mercedes dealer recently, and was very impressed with the new S-Class. However, one thing struck me. The demonstration car had a TV system installed but it only worked when you weren't moving. What is the point of having a TV in the car - with the ultimate aim of keeping the children entertained - when you can't watch it while on the move?
The reason why TV systems don't operate in moving cars falls under the category of the blatantly obvious. It's bad enough to be on the phone while driving, but watching TV would be the ultimate form of stupidity.
I agree, however, that spending thousands on such a system is more about impressing your friends than keeping up with the latest soaps. They serve no real practical purpose, and the signal reception is often lousy. Also, in the age of Sky and cable TV, it's a lot of money to spend in order to watch the few terrestrial Irish channels.
If you want to keep the children entertained in the back, you would be better off buying a couple of portable DVD players. It's much cheaper and it also means they can watch different films if they want.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, D'Olier St, Dublin 2 - or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie