Would you buy a Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia or Hyundai i30?

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Would you buy a Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia or Hyundai i30?

I am looking to purchase a new car. Which out of these three hatchbacks which would you think is the best option? 1. Ford Focus 1.6 petrol or diesel. 2. Skoda Octavia SE 1.4 petrol or 1.6 Diesel. 3. Hyundai i30 in similar engine sizes to the above.

My total annual mileage is no more than 10,000. The boot needs to be big enough to carry our grandchild's pushchair or golf clubs. I have a Volkswagen Polo 52-plate to trade in against the purchase. Our budget is approx £13-15,000, less trade-in for the Polo. We'll probably buy via local dealer. Reliability, residual value in five years years and running costs are important factors in the choice. Your thoughts and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Asked on 7 June 2010 by winston geoff

Answered by Dan Harrison

All three are cracking motors although with your annual mileage, you're probably better off going for a petrol rather than a diesel. If boot space is your primary concern, then the Octavia shades it as it's the largest of the three. If you're buying in the new year, then a 1.2-litre TSI model should be available. Sounds pathetically small, doesn't it? It's actually turbocharged and has similar power to a normally-aspirated 1.6-litre. The benefit is that you get performance and economy. It's already fitted to the sportiest Polo, as well as the latest Golf.

The Hyundai i30 is a great car and comes with an unlimited mileage five-year warranty. That's ideal if running costs are an issue. Residual value will be similar for all three. Have you taken a look to see what we say about all three in our reviews? We have full specs and data there too:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ford/focus-2008/ www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/skoda/octavia-2004 www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/hyundai/i30-2007

Tags: running costs large boot depreciation family cars

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