My girlfriend's company car is due for renewal soon, so last weekend she had an Astra 2.2 Coupe for a 48hr testdrive... and... well.. it was really quite nice! - Heated leather, cruise, traction control etc. etc. nice crisp handling and a torquey free revving engine (same unit as in the VX220, I believe) Before I get flamed, I should add that it was nowhere near as quick as my scoob in any area!! But was I surprised it was any good? Well, you could've knocked me down with a Koni suspension kit!

Anyway, the reason for all this babble is to ask any of you company car drivers out there if we should try any other cars before ordering ? The criteria are : <£19K, it has to be a Vauxhall, Ford, Volvo or Saab (a dazzling choice!). We need it to be big enough for 4 adults and be able to carry the weekly shopping (no Pumas then!)

Any ideas?

I'm off for a lie down!

Leigh

 

Alfa 156, newly reduced prices should get at least 155hp twin spark, maybe even the 200hp V6 with a discount.

Gary (had a V6 for 12 months, mmmmmmmm)

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Leigh:
<B>
The criteria are : <£19K, it has to be a Vauxhall, Ford, Volvo or Saab (a dazzling choice!).

Leigh[/quote]

Doh - just read that bit!

 

Get yourself a test of the new Mondeo. OK, it's a family barge, but it's a GOOD family barge. Not especially fast, but handles well and is remarkably well built.

And, of course, don't dismiss the Astra or Focus - both cracking cars. The Astra looks awful but drives incredibly well, and I rate the Focus as excellent all round. Just not an Impreza, that's all.

And what the hell, test driving cars is fun!

 

Can she hold out until the Astra Coupe Turbo is available? Vauxhall have just announced that it will be priced at £18,995!

 

Not having a company car I get to drive a lot of hire cars.
Vectra, (horrid but better than it was)
Astra, (Sloggy brakes, limp steering, haven't driven the coupe though)
Not done a lot of mile in Volvos but build quality was a bit poor
Never even sat in a Saab! Do look good though
I have to say even though they are as common as muck go for the Mondeo. The feel of the steering is really good and it handles OK too. Read the latest issue of EVO, they say that the new Mondeo is one of the best cars they have driven this year.

Mark

[This message has been edited by Mark Champion (edited 16 October 2000).]

 

Focus !! My maye had one as a company car and we drove from London to Edinburgh and I was knocked over with how good it was. Really staggered it was a Ford. Lovley interior with lots of nice tocuhed and well put together. No fireball but quick enough to be some fun. Looked really great in dark blue 3 door.


AllanB

 

Try a Focus 2litre Zetec ESP, a first class drive. Not as quick in any situation as the Scoob but better than the Scoob for feel and feedback.

Yes I have owned both.