Motorway mileage muncher

I have a quandry. I live 1 mile down a rutted farm track. I commute 250 (motorway) miles to work each week but the 10 miles at each end of the journey are on rough windy country lanes.

I have long legs requiring a decent footwell and longer seat plus decent legroom in the back seats for 2 tall teenage children and a hatch boot to occasionally carry the dog short distances.

As a physiotherapist, I need to be able to fold the seats down flat to transport a folding treatment couch and other equipment. I am presently driving a Nissan Note 1.4 which ticks most of the boxes and is very economical returning 48-50mpg but I am increasingly finding the long commute in a noisy car very tiring.

By limiting my speed I can quieten the journey (and improve fuel economy) but this extends the journey time. My husband has suggested I look at a bigger engine and cruise control to improve road comfort on long journeys but I don't want to unduly compromise functionality and economy nor the ability to negotiate the farm track.

My pocket is not deep, and I am not a badge collector but wonder if you have any suggestions for an alternative car that might improve the commuting nightmare that is Friday and Sunday evenings!

Asked on 1 June 2011 by Leh Car

Answered by Honest John

First thing, thing small wheels and deep profile tyres to cope with the tracks. 15" with 195/65 R15 tyres are much better then 16" with 205/55 R16 tyres, for instance. The figure after the forward slash relates to the depth of profile of the tyre. You could consider a Note 1.5 diesel, which will be higher geared so the engine runs at lower revs on the motorway. Probably about 30mph per 1,000rpm in 5th rather than the 20mph per 1,000rpm you will get with a 1.4 petrol. Also consider the spacious KIA Venga and Hyundai ix20 1.6 diesels, which have the advantage of being chain cam engines. Finally, take a look at a Suzuki SX4 which can be two or four wheel drive with 1.6i or 2.0 diesel engines, all of which have quite deep profile tyres.

Tags: buying motorways fuel economy wheels and tyres new cars potholes

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