Note or not?

I'm a regular reader of your column for years. I've recently retired and
need to downsize from a 1992 VW Passat 1.6 TD estate. I would appreciate a bit of advice on what to look at for a replacement with a budget of £10k. My shopping list is:- 5-door hatch, reliable, economical, chain drive cam, roof bars to take a kayak and enough power to occasionally pull a small garden type trailer. My diesel Passat has done pretty well for me in the 13 years that I have owned it so I am quite keen to stay with diesel but I would like to look at any make you might suggest or recommend. I looked at the Nissan Note recently and quite liked the style but I don't know what the pedigree of the mechanicals is although I understand the 1.5 diesel engine is a Renault. Also I would like to get into the low emission road tax band. Your help and advice would be most appreciated. Thank you.

Asked on 4 July 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Well, yes. The revamped Note makes sense with the belt cam 1.5 Renault diesel engine, £35 tax bracket and excellent £450 SD card satnav. But the best bargain at the moment is a Hyundai i30 1.4ES on the scrappage scheme for £8,295 from 1st June. Comes with ESP, four electric windows, integrated steering wheel audio controls, six airbags, a trip computer, iPod/USB integration, electronic climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, reversing sensors and active head restraints. Its 1.4-litre, chain-cam 108bhp petrol engine returns 46.3 mpg and produces just 145g/km of CO2 - making it one of the lowest emitting petrol-powered cars in its class. And you get a five year unlimited mileage warranty.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
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