Ton cruise

I've recently retired and am looking to buy a new or nearly new car. Ideally an automatic with cruise control; reliable, comfortable and reasonably fast (0-60 in 10 seconds or so). As the kids have flown the nest, size isn't important. Looking to do about 10,000 miles a year including some lengthy trips (200 miles at a time). Budget is £20k max. I've been looking at a Mercedes CLC - what do you think? Any alternatives?

Asked on 12 March 2010 by D.N., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John

A CLC is a warmed over C-Class Sport Coupe with a facelift and a huge brake light across the back that blinds other drivers in traffic. I hesitate to recommend a VW Scirocco because of lingering doubts over the DSG auto transmission, but one of these with the 1.4TSI engine should be good, with reasonable ride comfort on 17" wheels. I’d spend a bit more, forget automatic and go for a RenaultSport Megane 250.

Tags: buying hot hatches gearboxes new cars sports cars

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