Buying a new small family car - which one would you recommend?

Can you advise on which 5 seat car would be the best option as a small family car? We have heard good things about the Ford 1 litre 3 cylinder engine, and wondered if we should wait for when the Fiesta is fitted with it later this year we have been told. Or should we go for the Renault Clio 1.2 GT TomTom which has a great offer of 0% APR for finance.

The VW Up is also a possibility but it only has 4 seats, and we would have to go for the more powerful version which makes it quite expensive for what it offers. A last option would be the Corsa 1.2. The car will be used primarily for town commuting, but occasional motorway trips will also be made.

I am 6'3" so leg room is important, but so it is for rear seat passengers as well. Getting the best fuel economy and low running costs is a top priority. Our children will no doubt also be looking to be included on our insurance.

Asked on 6 May 2012 by stu474

Answered by Honest John
The Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost will be quite expensive. I'd look seriously at a Mazda 2 1.3TS2, which is the same size as a Fiesta, a bit more fun to drive, is currently being discounted and is £30 tax.

For more room and practicality, the obvious choice is a Honda Jazz, though this is not as much fun to drive. New Clio coming soon, which explains the discounts and offers on the current one. New Peugeot 208 coming soon, but pre-production cars tested were disappointing. Production 208s should be a lot better: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/peugeot/peugeot-20.../
Similar questions
I'm driving a Focus 2.0l TDCI averaging 44-47mpg on a 55 mile daily commute (25miles each way) mainly on dual carriageway and fast A roads. Plus shorter trips of 4 - 10 miles each way on fast A roads to...
I am privately selling my Audi A4 (S line 2008, 40,000 miles, 2.0TDI, perfect condition) in order to buy two cars for the family. Firstly, how much should I ask for the Audi? I am buying a Golf for £6500...
I have £12000 to spend on a car (either new or "recently new"). My main requirements are the school run and going to the shops each about 12 miles from where I live. Occasionally, I will go on a longer...
Related models
Clever interior redefined the small car. Most space efficient small car built. Very reliable first 3 - 4 years.
Enjoyable and fun to drive. Economical engines. Sensibly priced. Feels well built. Ride harshness over bumps improved for 2011.
Clio facelifted for 2009 with same look as Laguna. 1.5 Eco2 diesel down to 98g/km CO2.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer