What new hatchback?

I have a 12-year old 5-door Rover 420Gsi and my wife has a 10-year old 3-door RAV4.

We want to sell both cars and get one new petrol 5-door medium-size hatchback, eg Golf or similar size. We are both retired, now do only about 4000 miles per year, about 75%/25% short/long journeys. Need reliability, good fuel economy, low thru-life servicing/repairs etc, good headroom and rear visibility (for parking etc). What would you suggest?

Asked on 9 May 2011 by Sandman

Answered by Honest John
The current Astra 1.4T is very good, with a chain cam turbo engine that warms up quickly. The new Focus is very nice, but expensive. A Mazda 3 1.6 petrol should be on your list because it's chain cam and a bit classier than a Focus. Then there's the VW Golf 1.2TSI, again a small petrol turbo that warms up quickly in cold weather so is okay for short runs. Do not go near a diesel.
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