Is it ok to buy a small turbocharged petrol vehicle for inner city use?

My 20-year old Mitsubishi 1.8i Space Runner automatic goes on and on like a faithful servant, but I fear replacement time will come next year. I wouldn't buy a diesel because of pollution but I am attracted to the new generation of three cylinder one-litre petrol-engined vehicles. Because I like a high driving position I'd consider the Ford B-Max, or EcoSport or the new Volkswagen Taigun, when the latter two eventually arrive. But I'm concerned about any turbo in town, given that 80 per cent of my driving is short run in inner London - and I'd prefer some form of automatic. Any comment or advice, please?

Asked on 7 December 2013 by PB, Kentish Town

Answered by Honest John

Small petrol turbos are okay because the turbo is watercooled and conversely it heats up the engine and interior of the car more quickly than a non-turbo petrol. Eventually the B-Max will acquire both a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and a Powershift automatic transmission. In the meantime Ford only offers Powershift with the 125PS 1.6TI-VCT.

Tags: automatics city cars petrol engines turbo engines

Similar questions

Should we go for the 1.2 or 1.6 automatic 2017 Peugeot 3008?

We are in the process of buying the new 2017 Peugeot 3008. My husband wants the 1.6 petrol automatic but I think we should get the 1.2 auto. He wants the bigger engine for the adaptive cruise control and...

Which small cars are similar in size to the Smart Car?

I have owned a Smart car for 10 years and am considering replacing it. The new car has to fit into a short parking space. Do I have to consider electric vehicles or are there 'short' petrol cars available?

Is there an automatic city car without an automated manual?

I would like to change my wife's 2015 Hyundai I10 premium for a similar sized used automatic. I note that many small used automatics use automated manual gearboxes. I have read various of your reviews...

Related models

Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017)

Sliding side doors and no central pillar mean unimpeded access. Five star Euro NCAP rating. Engines include 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol. Decent drive.