Buying compact MPVs

I have a family with two babies, (two years old and a ewborn). We mostly drive around town with the occasional weekend trip, around 7000 miles a year.
We like the Ford C-MAX 1.0 EcoBoost or the Vauxhall Meriva 1.4t (120 ps).

Which is the best engine of the two?

Any reliability problems with either car?

Price is more or less the same (little bit cheaper the Ford), your recommendation?

Asked on 1 June 2013 by MrQ

Answered by Honest John
C-Max Ecoboost too soon to say. There were some early reports of turbos failing because drivers were switching off the engines when the turbos were too hot. The Meriva with the 1.4T is pleasantly sporty. All I have on both of them in www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar - with links to the road tests.
Tags: buying mpvs
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
We have owned a Ford Galaxy Ghia 1.9 TDCI auto since March 2002. This car has served us brilliantly for 15 years but, with the increasing pressure on owners of diesel cars, we’re forced to consider changing...
I'm planning on a new car and have narrowed the decision to the Meriva. Considering that we mostly drive around town and quite less on motorways or open roads and that we do around 7000 miles a year: Should...
We are looking for a new car to fit two adults and two babies (newborn and two years old). Would like a decent boot (around 400 litres) and we mostly drive short runs (to and from work / kindergarden)...
Related models
Practical and easy to get in and out of. Facelifted 2014 models get impressive new 1.6-litre CDTi engine.
Neat styling. More practical than a Ford Focus. Fine blend of ride comfort, handling and driver enjoyment. High-quality interior.
 

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