Out of Focus

A friend is thinking of changing her 3-year-old Ford Focus Diesel manual for another car. Could you advise what types of similar mid range cars are available (including the Focus) but with an automatic gearbox, possibly a diesel engine, possibly a hybrid system with good fuel economy and low tax.

Asked on 24 July 2010 by JH, Anglesey

Answered by Honest John

The KIA cee'd and Hyundai i30 1.6CRDI automatics are contenders and do not yet have the curse of a diesel particulate filter. But these hybrids make more sense for general use (all are automatic):
Honda Insight (test and video at www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/road-tests/honda/honda-i...t). Toyota Prius (test and video at www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/road-tests/toyota/toyota...t). Toyota Auris hybrid (test and video at www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/road-tests/toyota/toyota...d).

Tags: automatics buying hybrid small family cars diesels co2 emissions new cars road tax ved

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Related models

Honda Insight (2009 - 2014)

Easy to drive in town. Frugal on fuel. Plenty of space for the family.

Hyundai i30 (2007 - 2012)

Well equipped. Refined. Good ride and handling. Economical. Available as a 1.6 diesel auto, which is rare. Five-year unlimited mile warranty.

Kia Cee'd (2010 - 2012)

Facelifted Cee'd with a sharper look. Improvements in economy and reductions in CO2. Seven year warranty as standard. All engines chain cam.

Toyota Auris (2007 - 2013)

Decent combination of ride and handling that might suit some people better than a harder sprung Golf or a Civic. A few inches taller than a Golf of Focus so easier to get in and out.