1.7 CRDi 136 Blue Drive Style 5dr Estate

Just love driving this car

This car replaced a Toyota Avensis estate and provided a lot more bells & whistles. Sat-Nav, electric driver's seat control, touch screen, cornering lights, USB / AUX connections, reverse parking camera, parking sensors, stop/start, privacy glass and in my view a better driving experience.
I get around 50mpg in mixed driving, but it will do more on a long run. Oil consumption is negligible and the car has proved reliable. The only work needed has been a couple of parking sensors and a shock absorber (all under warranty). I replaced the battery to keep the stop/start working - a critical requirement for the system to function - not because it failed in normal use.
I have found it spacious front & rear, comfortable for both driver & passengers and nice to drive. I know it's not well regarded as a driver's car, but how many of us are driving near the limit? If you want stability, comfort & a good ride, it delivers.
Acceleration off the mark is a bit slow due to the low gearing - you need to change up too early for fast starts, but once into its stride it will accelerate strongly, especially in 3rd gear. The engine does not like low revs / high gear and will stall if you push that too much. The gear box is a bit notchy / baulky cold, but loosens up nicely once warmed up.
The boot is a good size and with the rear seats down, it will swallow very large items. There is a false floor for storing stuff out of sight too.
Overall, the car is nice to drive, relaxing on long runs, but can deliver rather a lot of road noise on some surfaces with the fitted Pirelli's. The engine is smooth at speed & not obtrusive. Would I have another? Yes, but for one thing - it's a bit low slung and as I get older I would go for something a bit higher.
Just to update, I decided to change & sold the car in October 2017. I still see it & it continues to run well

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