1.4Tsi SE

Solid Reliable Unflashy Big Family Hatchback

I was replacing a Ford Mondeo 1.8 petrol. The large hatchback format suits me. At 6ft3 some smaller cars are a bit tight. I need a car big enough for carrying the odd bike or other big load. Or for the odd journey with my wife and I and my 6ft sons. After driving Octavias at work I was familiar with the car.

I chose the 1.4Tsi as after test driving the 1.2Tsi I found that with 3 adults the performance was adequate but not as good as my Mondeo.

After 18 months of ownership at 26000 miles I've replaced a number plate bulb and wiper blades. Other than that just routine servicing.

Compared to the Mondeo the car has more low end pulling power but a touch less at the top end. The seats felt a bit firm at first but unlike the Mondeo I can do a 350 mile journey with no lower back pain or stiffness.

Road/tyre noise is slightly worse than the Mondeo but OK. The original equipment tyres have a high noise rating. Hopefully after they are changed within the next couple of thousand miles that will help. The handling is good with light predictable steering, great brakes. Not a car for racing along twisty roads but if that was a priority then big hatchbacks are not the obvious choice anyway.

It gives 42-47 mpg in normal use. I've had over 50mpg on a long A road trip. Far better than the Mondeo.

The SE trin has no bells and whistles. No steering wheel radio controls. No front fog lights, no cruise control. It has all the bases covered though. The only thing I miss from the Mondeo is the electric front screen heater.

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