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Post by Alex on Jan 17, 2019 23:08:24 GMT
My turn.
Golf goes back in October which seems ages away but our fleet manager wants me to decide on a new car six months in advance, so I need to make a decision by April. Again that seems ages away when it’s this dark and cold but it will come around quickly.
I’m probably looking at an estate again but a large hatch or saloon will probably suit given the rarity of the occasions when I’ve laden the Golf to its full capacity. The kids have long since grown out of buggies but nevertheless the amount of space needed for holidays makes a hatch a bit small. Tax also comes into the equation of course so as low CO2 as possible is required. So most likely I’ll stick with petrol and probably look at hybrids, only sticking point is that my wife has never driven an auto and isn’t keen on it but I’m hoping to get her one to try. Budget is £25k or £26,500 for anything below 100g CO2. The driving I do means handling isn’t a priority, I’m much more interested in kit count especially if I can get bum warmers again!
My initial thoughts were the following:
The new Corolla estate. Comes as a hybrid in Icon Tech for £26,050 but there’s no actual info yet on emmisions. I can get a Prius for the similar money but I’d rather not look like an airport taxi.
Hyundai ionic looks good and we’ve got plenty on our fleet already so I should easily be able to borrow one though I’m less sure I like Hyundai dashboards, but I know it’s well below 100g. The Kia Niro offers much the same but to get a decent kit count it creeps above 100g and £25k but I could probably negotiate that.
The new Focus Estate looks good on paper but it’s disappointing that Ford are not offering a hybrid. But a titanium 1.0 eco boost could be a goer, just not sold on its looks. The Mondeo hybrid saloon might be an option but I think it’s too over budget and I’m not sure the wife will want something that big again after the Insignia which she found almost too big (she drives a Panda!)
The Megane ST looks good and is well equipped but Renault’s website almost looks like they’d rather not bother selling them any more.
I’m ruling out the Octavia and Leon ST as the don’t really offer anything different to the Golf and both feel a step down for me, particularly the Skoda which disappointingly doesn’t get the electric parking brake. I still like the VRS but I’m not in that sort of market.
Bit of a left field idea but the Civic Saloon comes in EX grade for £24k and with 110g in 1.0 petrol or £26k with a 1.6d with 91g. It looks much better than the hatch and comes with shit loads more kit, even the back seats are heated and it’s full leather interior. Interesting to know whether Honda have those emissions figures right though.
Any other thoughts?
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Post by cbeaks1 on Jan 17, 2019 23:36:49 GMT
Mondeo Hybrid Estate is coming out right about now with no load space reduction. Not sure of price or CO2.
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Post by racingteatray on Jan 18, 2019 1:52:27 GMT
I confess that selection sounds a bit like purveying the Hertz fleet at a regional airport.
Do you get the choice of a car allowance instead of a company car?
Law firms don’t do company cars/allowances, but it hasn’t escaped my notice that both the big pharmaceutical company my wife previously worked for and the consultancy firm she works for now have an allowance scheme rather than doling out company cars. Same for the big telecoms company my sister works for.
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Post by johnc on Jan 18, 2019 7:05:49 GMT
Unable to sleep Racing?
Back on subject, some of the hybrids listed are largely playing at it for emissions purposes, not being plug ins. Having said that I quite like the Kia Niro: I think it is well proportioned. Of the others I think the Focus Estate or the Civic saloon are the two most interesting. You have a set of very tough criteria: low emissions, low price and good spec. After several searches of things I thought might work, I think you have probably listed most of the protagonists although I wouldn't discount the Skoda which does pretty well in the price/CO2/kit balance.
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Post by ChrisM on Jan 18, 2019 8:16:33 GMT
Renault Scenic hybrid ?
EDIT: Looking at the Renault website, looks like they have dropped it from the range already, or perhaps they never did sell any (or have any intention to, in RHD form)
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Post by PetrolEd on Jan 18, 2019 9:07:35 GMT
Either the Focus or Mondeo in as top spec as you can get.
How much is the Hyundai i30 N performance?
Skoda Karoq?
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Post by Alex on Jan 18, 2019 13:40:55 GMT
Either the Focus or Mondeo in as top spec as you can get. How much is the Hyundai i30 N performance? Skoda Karoq? Karoq is probably a bit too small, isn’t it based on the Polo platform? i30 N would be amazing but I doubt the emissions are low enough. Car allowance never has or will be an option for our business, though the move to base company car tax on actual WLTP CO2 figures in 2020 rather than the current system of NEDC equivalent may change that (for reference a 1.0 Golf will go from 117 to 146g - think what that does to the tax bill). |
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Post by racingteatray on Jan 18, 2019 14:12:14 GMT
Car allowance never has or will be an option for our business, though the move to base company car tax on actual WLTP CO2 figures in 2020 rather than the current system of NEDC equivalent may change that (for reference a 1.0 Golf will go from 117 to 146g - think what that does to the tax bill). That's a shame. The allowance has always struck me as a better system, not least because it doesn't foist cars on people who don't want or need one (let alone forcing people to drive cars they don't really fancy). Both my wife and sister simply trouser the extra cash as they don't feel the need to spend it on new cars.
My BiL has a Passat GTE hybrid estate as a company car but that's alarmingly expensive - thick end of £40k before options.
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Post by Martin on Jan 18, 2019 14:51:13 GMT
That's a shame. The allowance has always struck me as a better system, not least because it doesn't foist cars on people who don't want or need one (let alone forcing people to drive cars they don't really fancy). Both my wife and sister simply trouser the extra cash as they don't feel the need to spend it on new cars.
My BiL has a Passat GTE hybrid estate as a company car but that's alarmingly expensive - thick end of £40k before options.
There is a difference between company cars as a perk, where a cash option is generally offered and a ‘job need’ car, where it’s much less likely you’ll have a choice. There’s less risk to the employer when someone leaves in the second scenario, as the replacement will take the car. |
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Post by PG on Jan 18, 2019 16:48:32 GMT
You certainly get a lot of kit at that price with the Civic saloon. Interesting left field choice.
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Post by Alex on Jan 20, 2019 13:39:58 GMT
Had an hour to kill whilst the girls were at the cinema in Guildford this morning so I had a bit of a look around at a few dealers.
Pretty much ruling out an Ionic, the boot is just too small. The dealer only had an EV model which has reduced boot space due to the larger battery pack but I couldn’t see it being much bigger with the smaller hybrid battery.
Looked at the Niro and I think it’s looking the likely choice. Going from 2 to 3 spec gives you full leather heated seats and steering wheel plus a bigger nav screen. It also goes from 86g to 100g as the wheels jump from 16 to 18 but, interestingly, you can have the 16’s as a no cost option and the CO2 figure goes back down. The sales a reckoned this was due to people wanting a more comfortable ride but I can’t help wondering that the lower tax was also a reason for customers requesting them. I’m not ashamed to drive a car running on shirt buttons so it’s definately a way to go.
Next on to the Toyota dealer to see about the Corolla. Release date is February so there’s no news on emissions until then. When I was there though I looked at the C-HR which is bigger than I thought. I didn’t think it would be any bigger than a Juke but it’s surprisingly spacious so that’s definitely an option.
The Ford dealer had no Focus estates but I’m sure it’ll be fine size wise. The interior is much the same as the other cars I’ve seen and has quite comfy seats so it’s still one to consider.
Lastly I went over to Honda who just happened to have a Civic saloon in EX spec in their showroom. Bloody hell its loaded with kit. Full leather throughout with heated seats front and rear premium sound system to name just a few. The saloon boot is as big as expected but he opening isn’t very big due to the fastback side profile of the vehicle which makes for quite a small boot lid. What makes it an unlikely choice is that the salesman said that Honda UK are about to withdraw the model due to poor sales despite it being flagged on their website as being a new addition to the range. They reckoned an order would be needed by mid Feb if you want one.
So for now it’s looks like the Niro or C-HR are the two front runners, but the next step us to see if the wife can get on with an auto.
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Post by cbeaks1 on Jan 20, 2019 14:34:01 GMT
I would imagine she will love an auto. Why would it be a problem?
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Post by Alex on Jan 20, 2019 15:52:56 GMT
I would imagine she will love an auto. Why would it be a problem? It probably won’t be once she’s tried it, just gotta convince her to try! |
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Post by Roadsterstu on Jan 22, 2019 17:09:08 GMT
Honda Civic saloon, Prius or Corolla? Are you about 75 years old?!
I know I'm biased but I'd say the Octavia is worth a look. The hatch is roomier than the Golf without being huge and it sits nicely between C and D segment.
Focus would be worth a look for the fact that it ought to drive nicely and the 3 cylinder Ecoboost is a characterful motor.
I know not that many people like the C-HR, but I rather like them. In that segment there is an upcoming new Captur, isn't there? And if you're then looking at small SUVs, is there anything that appeals from Peugeot?
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Post by Alex on Jan 22, 2019 18:40:08 GMT
Honda Civic saloon, Prius or Corolla? Are you about 75 years old?! I know I'm biased but I'd say the Octavia is worth a look. The hatch is roomier than the Golf without being huge and it sits nicely between C and D segment. Focus would be worth a look for the fact that it ought to drive nicely and the 3 cylinder Ecoboost is a characterful motor. I know not that many people like the C-HR, but I rather like them. In that segment there is an upcoming new Captur, isn't there? And if you're then looking at small SUVs, is there anything that appeals from Peugeot? A lot of it comes down to the emissions. Put simply the VAG group cars have all got much higher ratings than they used to and with no hybrid versions except the GTE Golf and Passat which are well over 30 grand, it’s difficult for me to justify looking at the Octavia or Leon ST. I admit it does look like I’m moving further away from driving thrills than ever but with company car tax rates on the rise I need to look at less exciting choices. Hence why I’m focusing on how much kit I can get for my budget. Having sat in the Focus it doesn’t overly excite me. |
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Post by ChrisM on Jan 22, 2019 21:01:32 GMT
In that segment there is an upcoming new Captur, isn't there? And if you're then looking at small SUVs, is there anything that appeals from Peugeot? I suspect that the Captur's boot will be too small, plus I bet Renault hold back deliveries to the UK for a while. The Kadjar has just been updated but that probably doesn't excite much. Peugeot 3008 may be worth a look but not sure pf the toys-per-pound ratings and they have a tiny glovebox (which may not matter to you) which is plain daft in a family car, same issue blights the 5008 and a majority of Peugeot's |
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Post by cbeaks1 on Jan 22, 2019 23:40:48 GMT
Do you have a lot of gloves?
Not something I have ever given a thought.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 5:21:45 GMT
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Post by ChrisM on Jan 23, 2019 8:00:08 GMT
Do you have a lot of gloves? Not something I have ever given a thought. Simple answer is "yes" but I don't keep them in the car. I have other stuff that lives in the glove box, like an emergency phone charger lead, small screwdriver/Torx set, the 1-into-3 12V adapter to power the satnav and dashcam etc etc |
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Post by racingteatray on Jan 23, 2019 11:33:56 GMT
Is this the only car you have as a family?
If so (or even if not - you could change the other one), is there any merit in having a second-hand larger car which is actually yours and then that frees you from some of the constraints on your choice of commuter-wagon?
We have several sets of friends who take that route - ie the company car used for commuting is something small and nippy, and then they own a bigger older car which is used for family outings and holidays. These include an XC90, an Allroad and a Mondeo estate, all over 10 years old and bought second-hand when at least 5yrs old.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jan 23, 2019 11:42:08 GMT
Peugeot 3008 may be worth a look but not sure pf the toys-per-pound ratings and they have a tiny glovebox (which may not matter to you) which is plain daft in a family car, same issue blights the 5008 and a majority of Peugeot's I suspect that's down to the change from left hand drive to right hand drive. There's probably a fuse box or something that gets in the way of a decent-sized glovebox on the UK models. I'd wager left hand drive models have a glovebox big enough to hold a sleeve of 200 Gauloises, a large stinky cheese baguette, and enough firelighters to burn half a dozen British lamb lorries to the ground. |
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Post by ChrisM on Jan 23, 2019 14:19:26 GMT
I suspect that's down to the change from left hand drive to right hand drive. There's probably a fuse box or something that gets in the way of a decent-sized glovebox on the UK models. I'd wager left hand drive models have a glovebox big enough to hold a sleeve of 200 Gauloises, a large stinky cheese baguette, and enough firelighters to burn half a dozen British lamb lorries to the ground. Almost certainly, same as Renault although at least Renault manage to give a glove box big enough for 5 pairs of gloves. The Captur has one of these tiny "holes" but left-hand drive models have a huge slide-out drawer almost like a filing cabinet, into which you could probably squeeze a small lamb, as well as a cheese baguette cut in half |
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Post by Alex on Jan 23, 2019 15:59:15 GMT
Is this the only car you have as a family? If so (or even if not - you could change the other one), is there any merit in having a second-hand larger car which is actually yours and then that frees you from some of the constraints on your choice of commuter-wagon? We have several sets of friends who take that route - ie the company car used for commuting is something small and nippy, and then they own a bigger older car which is used for family outings and holidays. These include an XC90, an Allroad and a Mondeo estate, all over 10 years old and bought second-hand when at least 5yrs old. It’s the main family car. The wife has a Panda and wouldn’t want to drive a larger car to work everyday. Given how cheap a company car is (in relative terms) there’s no sense in going down the small car route for the co car. We are also somewhat constrained by company policy of having at least 380L of boot space as a lot of our consultants carry out water sampling and need to have a fridge and cook box in the boot. If I were to leave a few months after getting my car they’d struggle then find someone else to take it on. |
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Post by Blarno on Jan 23, 2019 16:46:07 GMT
When did the Corolla come back into existence? Was the Auris not quite dull enough for Toyota?
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Post by racingteatray on Jan 23, 2019 17:18:50 GMT
Is this the only car you have as a family? If so (or even if not - you could change the other one), is there any merit in having a second-hand larger car which is actually yours and then that frees you from some of the constraints on your choice of commuter-wagon? We have several sets of friends who take that route - ie the company car used for commuting is something small and nippy, and then they own a bigger older car which is used for family outings and holidays. These include an XC90, an Allroad and a Mondeo estate, all over 10 years old and bought second-hand when at least 5yrs old. It’s the main family car. The wife has a Panda and wouldn’t want to drive a larger car to work everyday. Given how cheap a company car is (in relative terms) there’s no sense in going down the small car route for the co car. We are also somewhat constrained by company policy of having at least 380L of boot space as a lot of our consultants carry out water sampling and need to have a fridge and cook box in the boot. If I were to leave a few months after getting my car they’d struggle then find someone else to take it on. Fair enough!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2019 18:06:21 GMT
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Post by Alex on Jan 23, 2019 20:07:23 GMT
Mazda 3 will be out soon. No details released for CO² that I can find, though. If you have kids they probably won't like a CH-R (C-HR?) as the rear windows are both high and tiny. I thought that when I saw a few on the road over the last couple of days. The Niro and new Corolla have much larger rear windows so will be much more suitable, not that my eldest would care seeing as she spends journeys with her face buried in her iPhone! |
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Post by Roadsterstu on Jan 24, 2019 8:20:54 GMT
What is the Hyundai Kona like on room, kit and emissions?
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jan 24, 2019 9:09:03 GMT
If it were me I'd ditch the CH-R and go for the new Corolla estate - I think all the models look good but the wagon version, to me, is the best looking in its class.
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Post by racingteatray on Jan 24, 2019 15:44:41 GMT
If it were me I'd ditch the CH-R and go for the new Corolla estate - I think all the models look good but the wagon version, to me, is the best looking in its class. I was thinking the same. |
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