Am I asking the impossible?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 13:51
Am I asking the impossible? - Wally Zebon
I'm toying with the idea of changing my car yet again. I like fast cars, but a new house means that I have to be a bit more frugal with the fuel expenses. So.....

Is there such a thing as a car that has good fuel economy and great performance.

By good fuel economy I mean over 40mpg on a run and 30ish around town.
By great performance I mean at least 150BHP

Other considerations to consider are - it must cost around 6K, have 5 doors and be "family sized" (Mondeo/Passat size)

I'm thinking diesel, but which one?
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 14:01
Am I asking the impossible? - Nsar
I drove a golf GT tdi on a longish trip t'other day and was amazed by its poke and if the trip computer was to be believed its frugal habits.

Not Passat sized, and not quite 150bhp, but perhaps that engine is available in the Passat.

Oh, I've just read your price limit.
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 14:11
Am I asking the impossible? - mss1tw
Seat or Skoda sound like good bets then.

Don't think the mellow HDi lump in my 306 is quite what you're after, it would need chipping and intercooling to be a beast.
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 14:25
Am I asking the impossible? - apm
Seat Leon Cupra would seem to fit the bill reasonably.

Won't quite get to the 40/30mpg (I used to get 35/27), but does have 180bhp and lots of toys, and surprisingly roomy.

If you need more roo, maybe Skoda Octavia VRS?

Alex.
--
Dr Alex Mears
MG BGT 1971
If you are in a hole stop digging...unless
you are a miner.
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 14:28
Am I asking the impossible? - Pezzer
You are probably looking at a Diesel at those sort figures unless you are VERY lightfooted.
Probably to small but there was a Mk4 Golf (Gt)TDi which was uprated to 150bhp (It was quicker than my 150 bhp 1.8t GTi). Handling :-(

I think the Alfa JTDs may even be 175bhp but I'm not sure what the economy is like.

P
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 14:46
Am I asking the impossible? - Olf
Seat are selling old shape Leon 150 bhp diesels for 13,700 in a special sale until the 22nd Jan - well worth a look.
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 14:47
Am I asking the impossible? - Olf
Maybe you could just get the front end. Just saw the price limit sorry.
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 15:59
Am I asking the impossible? - Group B
What about old shape Audi A4 2.5 V6 Tdi? 150bhp, but mpg not as good as 4-cyl Tdi models, Parkers book says 42mpg average. Not a 5 door hatch though, and you would probably struggle to get an Avant estate for £6k.

Or Passat Tdi 130bhp can be chipped up to 156bhp. Saab 9-3 TiD 125bhp model (Oct. 2000 to 2002), can be chipped up to 150bhp.
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 16:08
Am I asking the impossible? - stevied
Isn't there a Leon Cupra Tdi 150?
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Mon 16 Jan 2006 16:11
Am I asking the impossible? - stevied
Found this on the Leon, first figure is petrol, second is 150BHP diesel. It's now an FR not a Cupra, so the website tells me.
1.9 TDI 150

Type of engine 4 cylinders in line 4 cylinders in line
Bore (mm) 81 79.5
Stroke (mm) 86.4 95.5
Displacement (cc) 1781 1896
Compression ratio :1 9.5 19.5

Maximum power (kW) 132 110
Maximum power (PS) 180 150
at (rpm) 5500 4000

Maximum torque (Nm) 235 320
Maximum torque (lb ft) 173 236
at (rpm) 1950 2000

PERFORMANCE

Maximum speed (mph) 142 134
Acceleration 0-62 mph (secs) 7.7 8.9

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Urban (l/100km) 11.8 7.2
Extra urban (l/100km) 6.6 4.4
Combined (l/100km) 8.5 5.4

Urban (mpg) 23.9 39.2
Extra urban (mpg) 42.8 64.2
Combined (mpg) 33.2 52.3

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Mon 16 Jan 2006 17:04
Am I asking the impossible? - Malcolm_L
Alfa 156 JTD diesels come within your budget and performance criteria at 150bhp (later models do have 175bhp but these won't be available at £6k unless they've got starship mileage).

Sportwagon is worth a look as it's more style than function but definitely more practical than the saloon.

Nice car to drive (had a 156 JTS for a week and ran out of rational excuses to go somewhere!)
If you're a keen driver, you may struggle to get the 30/40mpg figures you want? Skoda Octavia with a chip might be your best option if you don't mind the peaky power delivery.
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