What turbo petrol car should I replace my higher torque diesel cars with?

I want to replace our two diesel cars (a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso and a Citroen C3 Picasso) with just one petrol car. The Ford Grand C-MAX looks ideal for our needs (short urban trips and occasional motorway journeys) but the only petrol options are all 1.0-litre turbocharged units. I see that they are a lot lighter (150kg) than the diesel versions, which will help performance; but they have considerably less torque - 170Nm as compared to 370Nm, so presumably will require more gear changes. As we do not intend to tow, are there any downsides to these engines?

Asked on 30 January 2017 by Terry Ashbridge

Answered by Honest John
We weren't aware that Ford had dropped the 1.5 T EcoBoost 130 in the C-MAX (Ford doesn't announce such things). But the best mid-sized petrol engined MPV is the Citroen C4 Picasso 1.2 PureTech 130 that has 230NM torque and even pulls the EAT6 torque converter automatic very well.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I have been following what you have said about the best small engines and automatics and I'm stuck between choosing the Citroen C3/Peugeot 208 Puretech petrol 1.2 110PS with the auto EAT6 gearbox and the...
I am looking to replace my 2009 Citroen C5 VTR+ Tourer 140 HDI with one that is 2 or 3 years old. I travel 8000 miles a year, 30% in town and the balance on motorways. I recently started using Millers...
I currently drive a 2005 Volkswagen Golf Plus 2.0 TDI that has done 182,000 miles. What should I replace it with on a maximum budget of £12,000? I need a workhorse to do 20,000 miles a year (80 per cent...
Related models
Decent practical upright car. Roomy in the back. Good load capacity. Drives and rides well. Panoramic front screen with no blindspots.
Good value seven-seat people carrier. Immensely versatile. Easy to drive, good view out for all passengers. Three Isofix fittings across the centre seats.
Seven seats as standard, plus sliding side doors. Outstanding ride and handling. Good range of petrol and diesel engines.
Five individual seats. Impressive ride comfort. Large boot. 1.2-litre 130PS engine with auto is a fine choice.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer