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Which car should we pick to replace our Motability Volkswagen Golf?
My wife qualifies for a car under the Motability Scheme and her last two cars have been Volkswagen Golfs, presently a 1.4 TSI which has just about all the bells and whistles you could wish for. She now has to start looking at her choice of car to replace the Golf in January. We are tempted to go for the same again (though, disappointingly, the Mark VII does not feature front and rear parking sensors) but maybe a change would be nice. However, looking at other models in the small to medium car section of the Motability website with a view to a change, we find reviews of the alternatives aren't complimentary. The better reviews feature the Hyundai i30, the SEAT Leon and, surprise, surprise, the Volkswagen Golf. So is that it? Another Golf, even without parking sensors? Or have you any suggestions?
Asked on 14 December 2013 by DP, via email
Answered by
Honest John
If you have a car on a lease for three years then the criteria are different from those if you are buying it to keep for many years. So there's no reason not to enjoy the perception of quality from a Golf VII. For example, to differentiate the Golf from the Leon, VAG fits the Golf with a velour lined glove locker (so things inside don't rattle), but just a plain plastic one in the Leon. You might consider a 1.2TSI this time. They drive very sweetly. Or look at a Skoda Rapid Spaceback that is a useful 3 inches narrower and, spec for spec, averages about £3000 less than a Golf, which may be reflected in the Motability rates.
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