A new car for twins...

We are expecting twins later in the year and my 10 year old Golf GTI (which I cherish) won't cut the mustard. We live in London, with on street parking, and mileage is currently 7000 miles a year; as such a petrol or petrol hybrid with an automatic is the most sensible option.

Naturally the priority is space, both for kids seats and in the boot for associated kid stuff. We are not keen on a full-on SUV so something well packaged is sought. Ideally something quiet, refined, that rides well, is reliable but is also fun to drive is what we'd want.

Our current list is:

Audi A4 or A4 Allroad (new version)
BMW 2 Series (Active or Grand Tourer)
BMW 3 Series Estate
Citroen C4 Picasso
Honda Civic Tourer
Mercedes-Benz C Class estate
Skoda Octavia Estate
Skoda Superb Estate
Toyota Auris Sports Touring
Volkswagen Golf R estate
Volkswagen Touran (new version)

What do you recommend?

Asked on 1 April 2016 by TCB1

Answered by Honest John
I'd add the VW Golf SV 1.4TSI 150 ACT to your list: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/volkswagen/volkswa.../ And look for that particular engine in other VAG cars, including the Superb estate. But manual only because the autos are dry clutch 7 speed DSGs. The BMW 2 Seried Active Tourer and Grand Tourer have torque converter autos. If you want to consider a hybrid, then get a test drive in a Toyota Auris HSD Touring Sport.
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