What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Which compact estate?
I'm looking to get a bigger car, as with now 2 children I have well and truly outgrown my Fiat Panda!
I'd prefer a compact estate over an MPV as they tend to have better fuel efficiency and lower tax bands, which is important to me. I drive about 8000 miles a year, as we are out in the sticks not much city traffic but mostly minor A and B roads.
The cars I have looked at are the Volvo V50 DRIVe, VW Golf or Passat Bluemotion estate, Vauxhall Astra Ecoflex, Kia Ceed SW, Hyundai i30 estate, Ford Focus estate or C Max and Renault Megane Sport Tourer. These all seem to have some very efficient Diesel engines - but I guess my second question would be whether you would recommend a Diesel given my relatively low mileage (mostly 20 mile roundtrips).
My favourite is the V50, but I have been informed these have now been discontinued - would that create a problem? My husband however prefers the Renault, which I can't quite warm up to.
What is your opinion?
I'd prefer a compact estate over an MPV as they tend to have better fuel efficiency and lower tax bands, which is important to me. I drive about 8000 miles a year, as we are out in the sticks not much city traffic but mostly minor A and B roads.
The cars I have looked at are the Volvo V50 DRIVe, VW Golf or Passat Bluemotion estate, Vauxhall Astra Ecoflex, Kia Ceed SW, Hyundai i30 estate, Ford Focus estate or C Max and Renault Megane Sport Tourer. These all seem to have some very efficient Diesel engines - but I guess my second question would be whether you would recommend a Diesel given my relatively low mileage (mostly 20 mile roundtrips).
My favourite is the V50, but I have been informed these have now been discontinued - would that create a problem? My husband however prefers the Renault, which I can't quite warm up to.
What is your opinion?
Asked on 9 June 2012 by Bosieberry
Answered by
Honest John
The Renault Megane Sport Tourer with the new, chain cam 1.6DCI 130 engine has the most advanced small diesel engine in the world and therefore the one least likely to give trouble. But the Hyundai i30 1.6CRDI on the right wheels and tyres is also chain cam and an astonishingly good drive. The V50 is great looking, but engines and reliability have not been so great and production has now stopped in favour of the new V40 hatchback.
Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.
Honest Used Car Prices
From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.
Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
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:
Similar questions
I have read some cracking reviews online of the 2013 Clio Estate, but understand that Renault won't ever sell it in the UK. Does HJ know if that is a final (albeit barmy) decision from Renault?
If so...
I am in the market for a 1 year old, small/med diesel estate. I have never owned a diesel before and am concerned about what I read re DMFs. I have narrowed field to Peugeot 308SW, Vauxhall Astra Tourer,...
I have a Peugeot 206 SW that offers wide, low loading access. Please can you suggest a similar vehicle that has a similar good rear access?
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Classy-looking compact estate with very good ride comfort and tidy handling. A fine long-distance cruiser. The UK's most popular Volvo.
Comfortable and enjoyable to drive, a good (if rather confusing) range of engines, fabulous record on safety.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
