I thought I'd made the decision, but here are my criteria to see if I've overlooked anything.

- Brand new, available in Europe (so no Jap imports)
- Room to carry a lot in the back, eg big dog, large pram
- Not an estate
- 2.0 diesel engine (anything over 2000cc has massive tax implications, and I want a diesel)
- Higher driving position a major advantage
- Must be kept for 5 years, so reliable and no major depreciators
- Decent on-road handling, no wallowy buses
- Cruises quietly at 85mph
- Shorter is preferable, no need for 7 seats

Do NOT think anything about price - I don't have the same prices or resale values that you lot have.

I've thought of:
Toyota Corolla Verso
Zafira
VW Touran
X3
RAV4 (selling mine, new one has 2.2 engine)
Megane Scenic
Citroen Picasso
Merc B Class
Honda CRV (also a 2.2?)


Although I don't need 4x4 capability, the best I can see of that lot is the X3.

Any other ideas?

 

You missed out on the Isuzu Tropper, they really have great engines that last forever wheatever abuse you give to it. But the Rav4 is good to, but I heard the new version is a bit smaller in the cabin.

 

Why not an estate? Some of the hatchbacks you mention are little different.

Add Golf Plus, FORD S-MAX or C-Max to list (list discount is presumably available in Portugal offsetting depreciation)

 

ford focus !!

all of the above ! and it handles well !

 

a3 tdi sportback

 

No wonder you need helping finding one with criteria like that.

Try looking at like said above the breed of mini MPV's, like the Focus C-max. Most of the motor companys have something in this range now it seems.

Best of luck.

 

X3 is a poor relation to the X5. A few of our directors has X3s and every single one has got rid in under a year.


AllanB

 

Mazda 5?

 

If you have a Xara Picaso and Megane in that list I'd dump in a 307SW 1.6HDi (110ps).

Some stuff in the similar catorgy I have tried out:-

Almera Tino (just stopped making...but its a 2.2dci though), bit unrefined but it does the job and very good prices at the mo. If you like driving transits, then this is for you (not that there anything wrong with transits).

New shape Zafira 1.9 CDTi (120ps). does everything, they even sorted out the handling too. Irritating indicator/wiper switches, but you get used to that. Stole the idea of daft handbrake off the Megane too. A/c manages to keep up with the heat too.

Old Zafira - wallowy sick inducing, bit basic and engines not as pokey or as good on fuel - go for the above instead

Pug 307 SW 1.6HDi (110ps). Surpising frugal for a 1.6 - cruises up hilll in 5th at 130kph with 5 adults - wouldn't be able to do that in a 1.6 petrol. Although it won't go any faster than 140kph, it feels more than enough. Have heard plenty of scare stories in reliability - but not had a duff one (yet). Only flaw that really hampered it was the poor full lock on the steering, making it a bit of **** to parallel park for a fairly short car.

Megane. Soft and Wallowy at high speed. DCi Engines are good for fuel and powert...will pull in 6th at idle. But they aren't reliable, suffer electroninc glitches and bits do fall off them. Stupid handbrake too. (and the Megane grand scenic has and even stupider handbrake)

Touran. Bit spase in spec IMO, good to drive but engine not as smooth and more peaky than the others not helped by the clutch. Ride can get a bit choppy on bumpy roads and at high speed. Otherwise good in all areas.

Yet to try any of the new ford stuff. I've only had the old shape Focus-s to play with. And they were the ones with the clattery bag of spanners that is the old 1.8 TDCi. They go ok, handle nice. But not that as good on fuel, and bit under spec'd in terms of toys.

My favourites so far are the Tino, 307SW, and the New shape Zafira.

 

How about the Honda FRV - nice car and a 2.2 diesel
http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews...v-2004489.html

 

Very nervous about a new Zafira or a Pug (had thought of but not tried the 307sw), or even a Ford, if I have to keep for five years.

S-Max is too long, I just had a look on a spreadsheet.

I can't believe this, but the Merc B class looks quite attractive on figures - I think I need to go and lie down. Highest power to weight of any of the above!

Had a look at Whatcar review of the Mazda5 and Toyota Verso, they said both were noisy at speed - and as that's the main reason we're selling the Rav4, we won't look at them now!

PS - sorry, not an estate as wife simply hates them - and I hardly ever drive the car so can't be arsed to argue

 

Women are strange creatures, thinks a mock SUV is cooler than an estate car-crazy, but not worth arguing with.

 

Could you pass off a Sportwagon as a hatch? The Saab Sportwagon 9-3 is a lovely looking car.

 

New Octavia?

Massive boot, good resale, good drive and soon to be available with the 170bhp 2.0TDi.

Cheers
Lee

 

What about a Golf Plus?

 

what did you buy

 

Surely you need to scrap the X3 idea as you won't get one under 2.0l as per your requirements.

 

can have x3 2.0d, avoid golf plus awful handling a speed- stuck one in a hedge last year (might not have been all the car's fault) I have octiva bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing

 

Drac, X3 comes in 2.0d.

Haven't bought anything yet, but will sign for an X3 when I can work out what to do with the phone and/or satnav, ( https://www.scoobynet.com/non-scooby...-hardware.html ) and when I can find the company that custom-made my Toyota interior so they can do another one. Due to various reasons, not sure I imagine delivery before May 2007 - we're in no hurry.

 

2cv