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Out of Focus

A friend is thinking of changing her 3-year-old Ford Focus Diesel manual for another car. Could you advise what types of similar mid range cars are available (including the Focus) but with an automatic gearbox, possibly a diesel engine, possibly a hybrid system with good fuel economy and low tax.

Asked on 24 July 2010 by JH, Anglesey

Answered by Honest John
The KIA cee'd and Hyundai i30 1.6CRDI automatics are contenders and do not yet have the curse of a diesel particulate filter. But these hybrids make more sense for general use (all are automatic):
Honda Insight (test and video at www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/road-tests/honda/honda-i...t). Toyota Prius (test and video at www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/road-tests/toyota/toyota...t). Toyota Auris hybrid (test and video at www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/road-tests/toyota/toyota...d).

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