Folkswagon

I always read your bit in the Telegraph and have now started to think about swapping my Volvo V50 diesel, which I really enjoy driving, though my wife, from the passenger seat, is less complimentary about the choppy ride. We hired a 1.8 diesel C-Max on holiday last year and it was quite enjoyable to drive, so I'm thinking of going for the extra room it offers. I have seen your comments on the Ford and cannot for the life of me remember which diesel you suggested and why, so your help would be appreciated (or would you look at a Mondeo estate?)

Asked on 21 March 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

Most sensible is the 1.6TDCI 110PS 5-speed. There is a lower powered 1.6TDCI 90 5-speed. The bigger 2.0TDCI 136 6-speed is a bit long geared in 6th. You can also now get 2.0TDCI 110s or 136s with a rather good new Getrag 'Powershift' twin-clutch preselector auto, which has also been adopted by Volvo. A C-Max will feel familiar to you because underneath its floorpan and suspension are basically the same as those of your V50. Always remember the deeper the profile the tyres the more cushioned the ride will be.

Tags: buying small mpvs new cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

For whom the bells toll

Yesterday was a very sad day, when we were told that the end was in sight for our trusty old Volvo 240 estate, which has done 344,000 miles and which we have owned for 16years. If the model was still made,...

Small, tall

I currently have a Meriva Diesel purchased new in 2004. It has done 72k miles with a lot of motorway driving. I had a plan to purchase the new Meriva next year when it will have been in production for...

Advice Verso

I have had a Toyota Yaris Verso for eight years, but it was discontinued about three years ago. It has proved to be the perfect car with a Tardis like ability to hold so much within it, low rear loading...