Which car to replace my BMW 3 Series?

I need to replace my company BMW 3 Series soon and I now need a car that can take a large and growing dog. The cars I am interested in are the X3 18d SE, Audi Q3 Sportline, the Mazda CX-7 Sport, or for tax reasons I would also be interested in an X1 2.0d or 125d 5-door hatchback. I don’t need 4WD, so would get 2WD of the crossovers. I just like their looks.

Asked on 23 March 2013 by IW, via email

Answered by Honest John

The 125d is a hot rod. Great fun: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/bmw/bmw-1-series-f.../ But the forthcoming 120d X-Drive probably makes more sense: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/bmw/bmw-1-series-f.../

The X3 1.8d is RWD only, not 4WD. For me the range starts with the 2.0d X-Drive. Q3 okay. Not keen on Sportline. X1 2.0d X-drive okay. Just ugly, and nasty inside. The Mazda would be a CX-5 now, not a CX-7, but they are good.

Tags: company cars performance dogs

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