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Alper beater

We are looking to replace our trusty 10 year old SAAB 9-5 Estate with a new manual diesel estate (or similar). It will be used mainly for an 80 mile daily M4 commute. We drive to the Alps so it must also either take snow chains or winter tyres (or both) (without having to change tyre size to fit the chains). Our budget is £25,000. Any suggestions please?

Asked on 5 February 2011 by PH, Bath

Answered by Honest John
A Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 140 or 170 4WD is an obvious contender but there is a 6 month + waiting list and it has a belt cam diesel engine. Maybe the MINI Countryman 2.0SD ALL4 with its new 143PS chain cam diesel. Maybe a BMW X1 X-Drive with a chain chain cam diesel. Or, for better economy, a straight diesel estate such as the new Focus 1.6TDCI, or Astra 1.7Eco, bought at a considerable discount, fitted with 15" or 16" wheels as standard and fitted with winter tyres from November to March (both belt cam diesel).

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