Hyundai i30 vs Kia Cee'd vs Toyoya Auris

RobAMerc

I don't see why anyone is shocked by this.

imo - Toyota scale the heights of mediocrity with their cars in every way bar reliability, which here in Ireland seems to be the most important thing cars are judged on so, they sell well here.

The rest of Europe doesn't seem to really rate them at all.

Henry Ford III

RobAMerc wrote:

I don't see why anyone is shocked by this.

imo - Toyota scale the heights of mediocrity with their cars in every way bar reliability, which here in Ireland seems to be the most important thing cars are judged on so, they sell well here.

The rest of Europe doesn't seem to really rate them at all.

Quoted for accuracy and truth. Top post and unarguably correct.

yellow012

McSandwich wrote:

'Base model' was probably the wrong term to use, I drove the standard 1.6 (auto) comfortline without any extras. At the time, last February, this model did not come with air-con or alloy wheels which the comparable Auris did for less money. If I remember correctly it also had a bog standard stereo. None of the VW dealers seemed interested in a trade and offered laughable trade in for my old car compared to Skoda and Toyota. I'm not anti VW or Golf, by the way, otherwise I wouldn't have considered buying one , but based on reviews I was expecting a lot more.. I believe the Golf spec has been upgraded since then.

My "'80s" comment was of course an exaggeration, in the vein of many auto reviewers.

Sorry but either your dealer was trying to flog you a 06 model or you've got selective memory loss. All 07 model Golfs come with air conditioning and the Comfortline model come with have come with 15" alloy wheels. I know because I nearly ordered one for my wife last December and it had this 07 spec. Didn't go for it the end because there was too long of a delay before delivery and we needed a car straightaway so went for a Octavia instead.
As regards VW dealers some are good, some are bad just like every other dealer network. You just have to take Mary Harneys advice and shop around.

scargill

Henry Ford III wrote:

Toyota scale the heights of mediocrity with their cars in every way bar reliability, which here in Ireland seems to be the most important thing cars are judged on so, they sell well here.

It's all about perception (as it always is with cars!).

My wife has always had Corolla hatchbacks. She bought a new Auris in February (after a 5 minute test drive). Wouldn't even consider Golf or Focus at all. Her dad drives a Corolla, as do her sisters. Her dad would have a fit if she came home in a Hyundai or Kia (or Ford for that matter, because he had a Ford 25 years ago that gave him loads of grief!)

As she often reminds me, I usually end up borrowing her boring Corolla/Auris whenever my Golf/Audi breaks down !!

McSandwich

yellow012 wrote:

As regards VW dealers some are good, some are bad just like every other dealer network. You just have to take Mary Harneys advice and shop around.

That's exactly what I did! I went to 2 VW dealers and found both to be very unhelpful. I remember telling them that I was also considering a Skoda which they found amusing for some reason. Overall I got the impression that they didn't want my business...

I was close to buying an Octavia but by chance I dropped into a Toyota dealer who offered me significantly more trade in so I went for the Auris. To be honest I hadn't considered it as an option before this, after what I'd read in reviews, but it turned out to be a lot better than I expected. That taught me not to believe everything I read in (car) reviews, you can add that to Mary Harney's advice

Balfa

Henry Ford III wrote:

Still slagging apart it's shocking to see the all new Auris beaten by a Hyundai and a Kia in an impartial road test.

It shouldn't be shocking. Hyundai Group have been making huge strides over the past decade. I drive an '02 Accent and, although my standards aren't very high, it's solid and well built and a good bit o' fun.

Only problem so far has been a dead auto box which was replaced under their unbeatable warranty.

E92

yellow012 wrote:

You accuse the english press of biased reporting, but you've just thrown out a statement about the Golfs spec level thats based on what they used to be like in the past. The base Golf comes with air conditioning, loads of airbags, cd/mp3 player, electric windows, central locking thats hardly '80s car spec level?
What does the base model Auris come with that makes it so much better than the Golf?

Exactly. The Auris is I think I'm rigt in saying the most basic car in its class. In every other car, once you move off the bottom of the range model, aircon comes as standard, in the Auris you have to go for the top of the range model to get it.

I must say VW have improved the spec levels in their cars recently beyond all recognition, but they're still a little basic.

However, the Golf has both aircon and ESP as standard on all models, the Auris has neither on the basic and mid model, and ESP is not a feature at all on the range, even though the Corolla Sol hatch had it.

The Corolla that preceeded the Auris has the most miserable spec lists ever, I remember Toyota Ireland being hounded by the Irish press for it.(when everyone else including VW had fitted their cars with a CD player, remote locking and side airbags(including Toyota UK at the time), Toyota here decided that a tape player, old fashioned central locking and a mere 2 airbags would be sufficient)

Henry Ford III

E92 wrote:

...However, the Golf has both aircon and ESP as standard on all models, the Auris has neither on the basic and mid model, and ESP is not a feature at all on the range, even though the Corolla Sol hatch had it....

Slightly off topic but the Corolla Sol didn't need ESP. It wasn't powerful enough.

My Focus ST from last year didn't have traction control nor any electronic stabilty aids either, and due to the overall quality of the chassis, really didn't need them either. It would spin the driven wheels readily in the wet, but you just learned to go gently in the lower gears and shortshift.

bazz26

Why is that this forum lately has to spiral into "this car is better than that car" syndrome or the usual outpouring of general sweeping statements?

If you don't like Toyota or any other brand for that matter, then don't drive one, simple as that. Move on and drive with what you like, let others do the same.

Why cann't we all just get along?

yellow012

McSandwich wrote:

That's exactly what I did! I went to 2 VW dealers and found both to be very unhelpful. I remember telling them that I was also considering a Skoda which they found amusing for some reason. Overall I got the impression that they didn't want my business...

I was close to buying an Octavia but by chance I dropped into a Toyota dealer who offered me significantly more trade in so I went for the Auris. To be honest I hadn't considered it as an option before this, after what I'd read in reviews, but it turned out to be a lot better than I expected. That taught me not to believe everything I read in (car) reviews, you can add that to Mary Harney's advice

Fair enuff;)

Ceb

wouldnt be a fan of any modern toyota barring the hilux used on the top gear polar special but as we all know they are seriously well built and more reliable than most other cars on the market

Zonda999

If you truly love cars den d only toyota you wud ever have is a land cruiser, hilux or 1 of the vans(and they'd prob be for work). Most petrolheads drive europeam cars. On the subject of the thread, the kia is d one to get...

colm_mcm

no "petrolhead" would buy a 1.4 family hatch to begin with

jonnygee

Regardless of which model is the "best" the i30 1.6 90 bhp diesel has to be an absolute bargain at just under 22k euros. I have driven it, this engine is excellent. The car overall may not beat my 1.6 petrol zetec focus but it not far behind it. Price a diesel focus or golf, they are a ripoff in my opinion. The diesel hyundai is a better drive than the 1.4 petrol and you dont need the 115bhp model that is fitted to the kia or the more expensive i30s. Dont worry about depreciation they will be queing up to buy these in 3 years time. I checked out the auris as well, I am sure it will be reliable but it does not appeal to me, I dont like that centre thingy, the door handles are too far back and the top of the dash seems to be made of a very lightweight material, is it cardboard? also I cant stand this new breed of cars where you have no idea where the front of the car is because you can see nothing of it from the drivers seat, the salesman,s "youll soon get used to it" banter does nothing for me , I dont want to get used to it, I want to see it.

octyvrs

this kit looks nice on the i30...
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=684200

Henry Ford III

KIAs and to a slightly lesser extent Hyundais will be worth buttons in a couple of years. They will be sale proof privately and dealers will insult you with derisory trade in values.

BrianD3

Henry Ford III wrote: »

KIAs and to a slightly lesser extent Hyundais will be worth buttons in a couple of years. They will be sale proof privately and dealers will insult you with derisory trade in values.

I think it's too early to say. If what you say does turn out to be true it will prove just how much of a moron the average Irish buyer is.

2 year old Kia cee'd - 5 years of manufacturer warranty left and transferable to the new owner. Decent car too.

2 year old VW golf - 0 years of manufacturer warranty left and people will undoubtedly be queueing up to buy them.

Henry Ford III

I don't. Whilst it's true to say that these "division 2" manufacturers are improving their products, they are not even close to the class leaders yet.

Some cars need to be cheap to sell.

BrianD3

Henry Ford III wrote: »

these "division 2" manufacturers are improving their products, they are not even close to the class leaders yet.

In what way are they not even close.

I have had a good look/drive of the Ceed. Even if it had a more normal warranty I believe it'd still be one of the top cars in its class.

If the average car buyer is too blind to see this and instead looks for cars based on the badge, perceived quality or car magazine hype then there's not a whole lot that Kia can do about it.

Henry Ford III

I've driven both and although admittedly biased the Focus is simply light years ahead in driver appeal, and chassis dynamics.

If you want to buy a Kia/Renault go right ahead. It'll cost you big time ultimately though.

BrianD3

Henry Ford III wrote: »

I've driven both and although admittedly biased the Focus is simply light years ahead in driver appeal, and chassis dynamics.

As you say yourself you are biased. I'm not trying to offend you but you talk a lot of rubbish in this forum about Ford and their "class leading handling and dynamics" It is just silly to say that that Focus is "simply light years" ahead of the Kia or any other car in the class for that matter. Total exaggeration.

BTW my family have owned two Focus Mk2s and a 04 Mondeo recently. They are good handlers and above average for the class. But the hype about them is ridiculous.

In any case, who buys a 1.4/1.6 litre family hatch so they can explore its handling limits on a public road.

Henry Ford III

You couldn't offend me if you tried dude

Look when it's all said and done opinions are purely personal things. Mine are based on my experiences, and yours on your own no doubt. Both are equally valid although clearly are at odds with each others.

In these days of efficiency and emissions awareness most mass market cars will not have massive differences between them power wise. The ability to exploit limited power when needed is therefore papramount. The confidence that you are using a chassis that can without major modifications, upgrades, or electronic interference handle over twice the power you have is comforting every second of the driving experience.

Keen drivers acknowledge this, and tend to choose superior handling cars. It's that simple. Owning such a car doesn't mean you continously thrash it, or drive at the limits of its abilities.

To each their own I guess. Enjoy your KIA or Renault

ianobrien

BrianD3 wrote: »

In any case, who buys a 1.4/1.6 litre family hatch so they can explore its handling limits on a public road.

I did. I got a 05 Nissan Almera and I have explored it's handling limits (Great on smooth roads, left foot braking needed to keep stability on bumpy corners)

By the way, I have a Citroen AX GT (Lift off oversteer central!) that I use for Night Navigation Trials and a Mk2 Escort (with a serious crossflow in the front).

But, I still think that I'm a crap rally driver!

Henry Ford III

ianobrien wrote: »

I did. I got a 05 Nissan Almera and I have explored it's handling limits (Great on smooth roads, left foot braking needed to keep stability on bumpy corners)

By the way, I have a Citroen AX GT (Lift off oversteer central!) that I use for Night Navigation Trials and a Mk2 Escort (with a serious crossflow in the front).

But, I still think that I'm a crap rally driver!

Coolaboola. I like the AX GT, but you really need a pinto in your MkII for good reliable power. Yes I know it's boat anchor

jonnygee

This is the way I see it, I have driven ford focus petrol models since january 1999, nothing drives as well as a focus. My most recent is an 05 1.6 zetec, cost today is 251550 inc delivery and paint. Recently ford have introduced the new mondeo, 1.6 lx model, beautiful car, air con and esp as standard and it,s only 1000 euro dearer than my focus, suddenly I realise that my focus looks a bit overpriced. Now appears a hyundai i30 1.6 diesel at 21895 inc. aircon alloys and metallic/mica paint as standard, but of course I say the hyundai would be a heap of scrap compared to my focus, would,int it?. so just to convince myself I have a test run in the i30 diesel. This is where the s**t hits the fan, The difference is minimal and the power of the 1.6 diesel easily compensates for any advantage the focus might have. So now I have a problem , should I wait until the new focus comes out at some undisclosed time early next year and pay arond 11 to 12 grand for one or should I buy an i30 in January for around 8 grand. To be honest its a nobrainer to me, buy the i30 with the 3 year warranty and change it in 3 years time for another one.