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Looking to replace our Volvo
Recently retired we have been looking to change our 6-year-old Volvo V40 (winter package) for something slightly smaller. My husband has a problem with the ‘bucket’ seats as many of them are quite hard and grip him around his ribs. (He is not a large man. We hired an Astra in June for a weekend and he ended up in casualty with a suspected heart attack.
It was the seat and suspension). When he feels the seat around him the car is rejected. The only car so far to pass the seat test is the Mazda 3. We like it but don’t love it (petty I know). Is there anything else we could test drive? We are able to spend up to £16,000 plus the Volvo. He would prefer a diesel car. We drive approx 13,000 miles each year.
It was the seat and suspension). When he feels the seat around him the car is rejected. The only car so far to pass the seat test is the Mazda 3. We like it but don’t love it (petty I know). Is there anything else we could test drive? We are able to spend up to £16,000 plus the Volvo. He would prefer a diesel car. We drive approx 13,000 miles each year.
Asked on 15 January 2010 by PM, via email
Answered by
Honest John
I understand what you mean. VAG has a habit of fitting its sportier cars with 'bucket seats' designed for tall Germans. Anyone of normal height and reasonably broad shoulders finds their shoulders crushed forwards by the side bolsters. French cars tend to be more sensible.
Italian cars have improved. I have done numerous 600-mile journeys in FIAT 500s, which have excellent seats with good thigh support. Mazda 2s also have very good seats. I did 1900 kilometres last October in one of them; 850 kilometres in a day with no problems. Fords also tend to be good. Worth sitting in a new C-Max.
Italian cars have improved. I have done numerous 600-mile journeys in FIAT 500s, which have excellent seats with good thigh support. Mazda 2s also have very good seats. I did 1900 kilometres last October in one of them; 850 kilometres in a day with no problems. Fords also tend to be good. Worth sitting in a new C-Max.
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Dear Honest John,
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
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