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Buying a new small car – what would you recommend?

My mother is looking to replace her BMW 320D Touring with a smaller car, maybe something in the Polo/Golf size and now she does fewer miles, maybe petrol.

She would have in the region of £14k to spend and would like something reasonably plush.

I'd thought about a Polo (though the 1.2TSI only seems to be available in one expensive trim) and the Audi A1, which pushes her budget (she'd want the Sportback I think).

What else? The Nissan Juke seems an interesting choice and reasonable value (especially on Drive the Deal), but you don't seem to like the 1.6 petrol.

I wondered whether the new 1.6 TD you seem to think is great in the Qashqai and doesn't need a DPF(?) is likely to appear in the near future?

Other than that, the Kia Rio? Any advice gratefully received.

Asked on 9 February 2012 by David Harrison

Answered by Honest John
The new Renault/Nissan 1.6DCI 130 does have a DPF; it simply manages it better than any other engine. But in a Juke the cost is likely to be £18k +.

SEAT will be offering the 1.2TSI 105 in the Ibiza from Spring 2012, so you get a better looking Polo with the right engine for less money. It's even made in the same country.

Yes, KIA Rio very impressive, especially the lovely 6 speed gearbox and the 7 year warranty.
Tags: buying
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