First post....I hope this is the right forum.
I'm looking to change my dear old Lexus GS300 for something more suited to my pension!
I like the idea of a biggish diesel engine in a smallish hatchback. However I've got used to an auto box and don't fancy a manual. I recently hired a Focus Estate with an auto box, and I was impressed with the combined auto/clutchless manual box. Can anyone here tell me if this kind of transmission is available on any of the cars that might fit my pocket? (Peugot 206 2.0 HDi, Punto Grande 1.9 Multijet etc. etc.)
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I think you'll struggle. Diesels with conventional auto boxes take a significant economy hit over a manual, so there isn't much call for them on smaller cars.
The 206 HDi was never available with a auto, don't think the new 207 is either. The only thing that springs to mind is a new Focus which is available with a CVT auto on the 1.6 HDi 110 which is hardly a big engine. If you want something more powerful then a VAG 2.0 TDi with a DSG box is the only realistic option I can think of.
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The Mondeo / X-Type 2.0 TDCi is more refined than the VAG 2.0 TDi IMO and the Durashift box is supposed to be good (I have not driven it) giving the option of a "Tiptronic" type shift, that being said economy is way off the manual equivelent. Perhaps the Mondeo is too big? However a Mondeo Ghia X with Durashift would give a sporty drive, all the goodies, diesel, auto and 40 mpg on a run.
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If you want something more powerful then a VAG 2.0 TDi with a DSG box is the only realistic option I can think of.
Thanks for your time.
I'm not really familiar with the names of the diesel engines used by various manufacturers.
On which cars would you find a VAG 2.0 TDi with a DSG box?
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Hi Bob,
VAG = Volkswagens, Audi's, Skodas. I *think* the Audi A3 and VW Golf would have the DSG box - others too probably.
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And Seats of course. I was typing with one hand as I was eating a bacon barm. Numerous bacon barms in fact - that's my excuse!
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Volvo have just shoe-horned their 185bhp D5 engine under the bonnet of the S40 and V50, with 5-speed Geartronic transmission as standard. That should shift! Priced around £23K though....
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Bob, do try an Audi A4 with the 2.5 TDI engine - I had one and loved it, and should never have changed it for the current Mercedes B200.
I agree with HJ that the 2.0 TDI with DSG is the best all-rounder - almost as fast and more economical - but the 2.5 is a V6 and much more refined. I don't know what your budget is but they have made these for some time now.
Cetainlt you could have a smaller, newer car like the ones you suggest - but they won't b very lively and the 4-cylinder automatic drone may get to you.
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Would now be a good time to suggest a BMW 330d Steptronic Touring? It's SORT of a hatchback...
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If you are looking for DSG it's now known in Audi dealerships as 's-tronic'. 2.0 TDi is now being rolled out with 170PS. The Audi multitronic (CVT system) is about as quick as the s-tronic, but the drive is not as engaging.
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How about the VX cdti 150 available in various models e.g. vectra astra?
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Don't forget that the 335d is now available, also in touring form and automatic only. 286bhp IIRC, so should qualify as a quick diesel with auto ;-)
Peter
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I don't know what your budget is ...
My budget will not stretch anywhere near some of the motors being recommended. The reason I'm looking for this kind of car is to save money. I reckon 12K will be as much as I can spend, after selling my Lexus and the lady wife's Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato. This being the case, I'm currently waiting a test drive of a Grande Punto 1.9 130.
Once again, thanks to all who have chipped in.
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The Grande Punto is an auto?
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Skoda website has some 2.0TDi DSG Octavias around the £12k mark.
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As far as I can ascertain, the 1.9 MultiJet comes with a manual box only, in which case there are a lot more cars you can consider, if you are not looking for an auto.
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No it's not. They do an auto on the 1.3 Multijet 90 but I don't think that would have enough shove to be much fun. So I gave up on the idea of an auto. I would have liked to combine a Punto sized car, with a biggish diesel, and the kind of transmission I found on a Focus estate. (Full auto, with the option of positive stop clutchless manual). However, within the constraints of my budget I can't identify one. I'm assuming the flexibilty of a big diesel will mean that if I'm feeling lazy i won't have to do much shifting.
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If you don't mind three doors, a BMW 320 TD Compact auto shifts like the proverbial off a shovel. Returns good MPG as well. 150bhp is useful!
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Personally, if I wasn't looking for an auto, I would seriously consider a Fabia VRS, as a small car with a biggish diesel engine. It has great seats also.
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Good suggestion Machika, though i'm surprised that as a persuasive Citroen advocate you didn't also suggest the Citroen C3 1.6 110 bhp diesel.
Bob's alternative might be - if he's willing to consider dropping the diesel requirement rather than the auto - a Honda Jazz CVT. These are much more economical than most autos as the CVT doesn't carry such a great penalty in consumption as a 'conventional' auto. The SE comes in ay under £12,000.
People say Jazzes are expensive but they're much the same price as they were when introduced in 2002.
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Bob's alternative might be - if he's willing to consider dropping the diesel requirement rather than the auto - a Honda Jazz CVT. These are much more economical than most autos as the CVT doesn't carry such a great penalty in consumption as a 'conventional' auto. The SE comes in ay under £12,000.
I was going to suggest that. OK you won't feel the power of a big diesel, but the Jazz's engine is pretty torquey, and 50MPG is achievable. The latest ones ride much better that the previous versions, too.
People say Jazzes are expensive but they're much the same price as they were when introduced in 2002.
They do seem to hold their price very well so the 'whole life cost' compares well with other similar vehicles.
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Good suggestion Machika, though i'm surprised that as a persuasive Citroen advocate you didn't also suggest the Citroen C3 1.6 110 bhp diesel. Bob's alternative might be - if he's willing to consider dropping the diesel requirement rather than the auto - a Honda Jazz CVT. These are much more economical than most autos as the CVT doesn't carry such a great penalty in consumption as a 'conventional' auto. The SE comes in ay under £12,000. People say Jazzes are expensive but they're much the same price as they were when introduced in 2002.
If I was going to suggest a relatively small Citroen, it would be a C4 2.0 HDI, as the auto factor doesn't seem so important now. This would would give pretty good performance in a fairly small package, plus be cheaper than almost any comparable car.
As far as the Jazz is concerned, I like the CVT too, but it's performance isn't great with this gearbox, as it knocks quite a lot off the top speed, compared with the manual version, and I thought performance was an important factor in choosing this car. I also think they are expensive, certainly when compared with a Suzuki Swift. I don't think the Jazz is worth the extra. £3000 one would have to pay, over and above what one could get a brand new 1.5 GLX Swift for.
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If you don't mind three doors, a BMW 320 TD Compact auto shifts like the proverbial off a shovel. Returns good MPG as well. 150bhp is useful!
Good suggestion, reasonable value now the 1 Series and new 3 Series are around.
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What about an A3 1.9TDI 130?
I haven't driven one myself so welcome comments from those who have. They seem to have decent write ups and they are within his budget?
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"What about an A3 1.9TDI 130? "
I drove one 20 miles.
If like me you dislike rough coarse diesels, you would HATE it. Especially round town. Great on motorways.
I found it very wearing around town and quite unacceptable.
Old age I guess:-)
madf
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Just perfect for you:
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/staffordshire/5273540....m
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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After more research and some visits to dealers AND some input from the lady wife, it's looking like a Grande Punto 1.9 Sporting, in Orange with the "skydome" roof. Internet OTR price £10,983.
I'm a sucker for style. I looked at Audis, VWs, Skodas etc. but even though I AM old, I don't feel that old yet.
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Hey Bob,
Other backroomers have mentioned the Seat / 2.0 TDI / DSG options, so how about an Altea TDI DSG for bang on your budget:
www.mh2k.com/results.aspx?mo=713
1 yr old cars with less than 10,000 miles on the clock, or thereabouts. Bags of style too. I bought one last week and so far am very satisfied.
Hope this doesn't put you in two minds for too long.
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