What mid-sze petrol car should my parents buy?
My elderly parents are in the market for a mid-sized hatch with a budget of around €22k, which seems to get them most brand's lower-mid trim models. A crossover they feel is too big for them despite me recommending the easier entry of the higher seats. They need a small petrol engine, as their mileage is low and will never reach a speed capable of clearing a DPF.
The question is what car? There is a really good range of options between Golf, i30, Focus, Pulsar, Auris and many others. What is the best all round option, and do you happen to know if any of them are easier to get into/out of than others?
Thanks
Shane Sheridan (Dublin)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
If it's a small petrol hatch you're looking for then I think the best options are either a Ford Focus with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine (the 100hp version is the sweetest) or either one of the three Volkswagen Group hatches (Golf, Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon) with the brilliant 1.2 TSI turbo. Both engines, if driven gently, should yield close-to-diesel fuel economy.
Incidentally, your point about higher seats being easier to get in and out of for elderly drivers is well made. It might be worth checking out something nearly-new along the lines of a Golf Plus or Ford C-Max in that regard.
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser@neilmbriscoe