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Is it ok to buy a small turbocharged petrol vehicle for inner city use?

My 20-year old Mitsubishi 1.8i Space Runner automatic goes on and on like a faithful servant, but I fear replacement time will come next year. I wouldn't buy a diesel because of pollution but I am attracted to the new generation of three cylinder one-litre petrol-engined vehicles. Because I like a high driving position I'd consider the Ford B-Max, or EcoSport or the new Volkswagen Taigun, when the latter two eventually arrive. But I'm concerned about any turbo in town, given that 80 per cent of my driving is short run in inner London - and I'd prefer some form of automatic. Any comment or advice, please?

Asked on 7 December 2013 by PB, Kentish Town

Answered by Honest John
Small petrol turbos are okay because the turbo is watercooled and conversely it heats up the engine and interior of the car more quickly than a non-turbo petrol. Eventually the B-Max will acquire both a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and a Powershift automatic transmission. In the meantime Ford only offers Powershift with the 125PS 1.6TI-VCT.
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