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My diesel at home is a Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi with 6sp slushbox auto. 140bhp. It pulls a large heavy car with a surprising amount of verve and the wave of torque is marvellous coming up a hill on the motorway. I didn't buy that engine for economy or driveability; simply because the only petrol auto was a dreadful 2.3 iron lump that no-one wanted. Of course the facelifted model has far better gas engines.
I am currently away with the family and have rented a car - a Kia Rio saloon with what i believe is a 1.4 petrol engine and 4sp slushbox auto. I really want to like this car, and there are elements of it that are up there with the best including interior trim quality and design, exterior design and surprisingly the ride. What is dreadful is the performance. No kickdown of any description, and almost no power reserves. Lots noise but no oomph.
Its like a really old car from my youth of the 1970s with very small engines that you to row along and really think and anticipate whilst driving. Good for brainpower, but quite taxing on a two hour journey with kids in the back and being used to pressing the go pedal and.....well......going!
I really like small cars with a proper boot. Just dont understand the British mentality of 'it has to be a hatchback'. A boot has a lot more space for stuff, the stuff is out of sight, there is improved body stiffness and aerodynamics and they look smarter.
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