Looking to replace my Golf...
I have a 2013 Golf 1.6L Diesel, and I intend to to buy a similar type of car but maybe 2016/17 within the next year. I drive about 20,000km per year mostly made up of commuting to work but also some long journeys around the country as I have to travel for work sometimes. I’m looking for good fuel efficiency without driving a “boring” or ugly car. Also as I am a young male driver insurance can be steep so a car with an engine size similar to my current model would be preferable. Any advice?
18-Aug-2019
Hi Harry,
Tricky one – your annual mileage means you’re on the right track in replacing the Golf like-for-like, certainly in terms of fuel type, but the reality is that not many 1.6-litre (or thereabouts) turbodiesel hatchbacks are what you’d call exciting. The most obvious ‘interesting’ choice would be a MINI Cooper D of some description, such as a Hatch or Countryman, while we’ve also seen a few JTD Alfa Romeo Giuliettas that might suit – however, while the Alfa might well be interesting and pretty, it is not a great car.
The best-looking hatchbacks from 2016/2017 with diesel engines are, in our opinion, the Peugeot 308 or the SEAT Leon, although the latter would mean you’re (sort of) driving a Golf again. As dull as its image is, the current Opel Astra is a fine and handsome car, with a decent chassis. Beyond that, you’re into the usual: Focuses, Octavias, Golfs, etc.
Two final throws of the dice from us – try a BMW 1 Series (118d or similar) or a pre-facelift Citroen C4 Cactus.
Shane O' Donoghue - 19-Aug-2019