Medium size automatic

After 224000 miles my trusty Golf TDI auto is due for replacement. As much as I love the build quality of the Golf, I hesitate to go straight for another Volkswagen auto (possibly a 1.4 petrol) because of the bad press surrounding the DSG gearbox.
My budget is around £7,000. I've been looking at 5 year(ish) Astra & Focus 1.6 petrol automatics. I know that this is a well worn subject, but would very much appreciate your thoughts on those automatic gearbox's (and indeed the cars)...or point me in the direction of an alternative?

Asked on 15 October 2015 by Mark Davey

Answered by Honest John
That age Focus has a 4-speed torque converter auto, as did the Mazda 3. Astra has got a 6 speed auto. But I think your best bets are a Honda Civic 1.8 5-speed torque converter auto or a Kia Cee'd or Hyundai i30 4-speed torque converter auto.
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