Best Family saloon...opinions please?

Wonda-Boy

Ahhh I know I will not get anywhere near a new model mondeo with my few €€€€ but I might be traded my new car I have not even got yet it!!! Terrible how it works LMFAO.

Wonda-Boy

Well had a very busy day out since 10am and got back at 4pm test driving potential cars, this is what I feel after driving the cars. In no particular order just the order I test drove them....

1. 2012 Ford Focus Titanium.
Very nice car inside and out, does not have the same wow factor as the Mondeo but drives very well, cabin is a tad basic even in the titanium spec with no centre arm rest. 1.6 Diesel engine is fine but will not set the world alight. And the drivers position is a little cramped for lads 6ft+ with leg rubbing the centre control post.

2. 2011 Ford Mondeo Titanium X (did not have 2012 in stock)
Very impressive looking car, really has the wow factor both inside and out. All the gizmos you could want including heated front seats and full leather and the usual executive gadets. Did not have electronic adjustable seats, only up and down. Had the pull bar slide for in and out which I taught was pretty bad. Cabin is very business like that alot of people or girls might not like. Plently of power and feels like a luxury car to drive. Sharp, responsive handling and very good brakes, unfortunately it BROKE DOWN mid test drive. Engine malfunction on display but I have a feeling it might have ran out of diesel. Really soured the test drive but still a real possibility and will book another drive closer to the time in a 2012 in another dealers. On the subject of dealers would not buy a car in the meath dealers, not very accomadating and I felt like we were putting them out asking for a drive!

3. 2012 Hyundai i40 Executive.
WOW, seriously stunning car inside and out. Everything and I mean everything is just simply stunning.....the look of the car is cutting edge and the cabin is every bit as good. Cabin does not look business like as in the Mondeo (which is very business orientated) and would appeal to more people across the board. Front seats while not heated are all electronically controlled for best drivers position. Its one of the safest cars in its class with a mind boggling 9 airbags as standard and moveable driver console and headrests in the event of an impact. Although its a standard 1.7L diesel across the board it not short of power and offers plenty of grunt if not as punchy as the 2.0L Mondeo. Its smooth sharp handling is very impressive and driver comfort is better then the mondeo. Only minor criticism I have is the wind noise at motorway speeds, while not anyway loud or uncomfortable it was a bit more then the Mondeo.

Stunning car all around, and offers a 5 yr warranty with unlimited mileage. Current Favourite or both myself and the Queen Bee.

4. 2012 Hyundai ix35 Executive.
Much like the i40, it is a stunning car. IMHO Hyundai styling is currently the best on the market. Very good looking and very nice cabin if not as plush as the i40, handles very well and again for a big car/jeep its very nice to drive and very smooth. Lots of power from the 1.7L diesel engine same as the i40 and soaks up the bumps and thumps as you would expect.
Very capable and good looking car, just not as nice inside as the i40 but has more space as you would expect.

5. 2010 Ford Kuga AWD
Very nice jeep great build quality and slighty more impressive cabin then the ix35 but not as good looking. Very nice to drive but the steering felt very light even with the AMD which usually makes the steering heavier. Very quick with loads of power and still some, could not believe how quick it was with the 2.0L diesel engine. Tad pricey.

6. 2012 Toyota Avensis Aura (previously test drove the 2011 but it was down on power)
This really is a strange one this. The look of the car on the outside is very nice in fact I think its very like the Honda Accord which is a good thing, it drives incredibly well lovely responsive steering with a nice weight to it and nice progressive brakes and has that solid feel when you shut the door. Its also one of the most comfortable to sit in, my missus said she felt the safest in this car when she was driving it. However, the inside is very dated and does not do the outside justice. It has the least wow factor of all the inside cabins and I feel you would need to go for a least the luna (top spec) to get even a remotely nice inside cabin.
Shame really because it drives and handles really well.
Still to drive, VW Passat, Renault Laguna Initiale and Skoda Superb.

mickdw

I'm not quite sure how you could describe a Mondeo as having a wow factor.

Wonda-Boy

mickdw wrote: »

I'm not quite sure how you could describe a Mondeo as having a wow factor.

Are you serious, the new 2012 Mondeo Titanium is a beaut inside and out and drives so well. Compared to other cars in its class it does have that wow factor.

That and the i40 are 2 of the best mid range saloons in a long long time. Of course stick it up against an AMG merc and it would not be as good.....

Lex Luthor

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Honda/Accord/150BHP-DIESEL/30913503954579240/

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Subaru/Legacy/2.0-TD/30813518577816330/

Stallingrad

Don't waste your time with the Laguna, it's OK but is inferior to pretty much every car you have driven so far. Rear legroom and bootspace are very limited too and it is now woefully dated. Let us know how you find the Superb and Passat.

bazz26

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Are you serious, the new 2012 Mondeo Titanium is a beaut inside and out and drives so well. Compared to other cars in its class it does have that wow factor.

That and the i40 are 2 of the best mid range saloons in a long long time. Of course stick it up against an AMG merc and it would not be as good.....

I think it has aged quite quickly both inside and outside myself. The exterior is very bulky (especially the boot on the saloon) and the interior plastics especially around the dashboard have a cheapish look about them. However the Mondeo has always been good to drive but I reckon the Mazda 6 matches it in that department too these days.

mickdw

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Are you serious,.

I'm deadly serious. Good car but appearance wise, inside and out wouldn't be what I'd call special in any spec.

Wonda-Boy

mickdw wrote: »

I'm deadly serious. Good car but appearance wise, inside and out wouldn't be what I'd call special in any spec.

Compared to what in the same class?

Wonda-Boy

Lex Luthor wrote: »

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Honda/Accord/150BHP-DIESEL/30913503954579240/

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Subaru/Legacy/2.0-TD/30813518577816330/

Subaru not a chance the missus would think she was in the fast and the furious. The accord is lovely but for 2 grand more I can get a 2012 i40 with 15K on the clock and top spec. with the remainder of the 5yr warranty (4 yrs).

Marcin_diy

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/150BHP-D/30913503954579240/advert?channel=CARS

Honda accord VIII

2009 and 2010 easily in your budget. 2011 -you need to look around.
I own VII generation for 4 years and never had any trouble.

Larbre34

I havent read all the replies but a '10 Mazda 6 2.2 163bhp TS2 UK spec would be your only man. Get the liftback, saloon looks but family practical, all the toys, not quite at VW build quality but would kill the Renault any day, and the dash in that i40 is an eyesore to look at. Well regarded engine balance of economy and serious grunt.

Turbulent Bill

ankles wrote: »

With the new Mazda 6 out in February there will be some sweet deals on late versions of the current model. Good driver's car, huge boot, great diesel engines. Only negative I find is a fair bit of tyre roar when you're shifting

Larbre34 wrote: »

I havent read all the replies but a '10 Mazda 6 2.2 163bhp TS2 UK spec would be your only man. Get the liftback, saloon looks but family practical, all the toys, not quite at VW build quality but would kill the Renault any day, and the dash in that i40 is an eyesore to look at. Well regarded engine balance of economy and serious grunt.

Don't the 2.2 Mazda diesels suffer from the same DPF/oil contamination issue as the infamous 2.0 diesel (maybe slightly better, but still present)? I'd love to get a 6 but would be scared about this. The 1.8 petrol would be great but are like hen's teeth here.

bridgepeople

After the impressive reviews I was reading more about the Hyundai i40 online. I saw the 1.7l diesel engine listed on a website as doing 0-100kmh in 12 seconds. Is that right? That would be about 3 seconds slower than comparable cars in this class.

Tea 1000

bazz26 wrote: »

I think it has aged quite quickly both inside and outside myself. The exterior is very bulky (especially the boot on the saloon) and the interior plastics especially around the dashboard have a cheapish look about them. However the Mondeo has always been good to drive but I reckon the Mazda 6 matches it in that department too these days.

mickdw wrote: »

I'm deadly serious. Good car but appearance wise, inside and out wouldn't be what I'd call special in any spec.

I'd agree. The Mondeo is actually hardly any bigger at all than the Insignia, yet manages to look bloated and ungainly from some angles, especially the rear. The facelift helped, before that the interior was terrible, now its just about acceptable.
The 6 is actually better to drive than the Mondeo.

Idbatterim

nobody suggested an M5 yet?

GE90

Idbatterim wrote: »

nobody suggested an M5 yet?

No but a RS6 was suggested. That would be some jump from a almera :pac:

Idbatterim

the hyundai looks really nice, I assume its a turbo? in which case a remap would give it the extra power it is lacking...

Stallingrad

Idbatterim wrote: »

the hyundai looks really nice, I assume its a turbo? in which case a remap would give it the extra power it is lacking...

While at the same time voiding your warranty and increasing the chance of premature DMF failure.

H3llR4iser

The Mondeo is good. Might be worth taking a look at a Fluence, seem quite nice. A Skoda Superb is an awful lot of car for the money. Let the 4x4s alone, unless you're getting a tank such as a Land Rover and you live in the middle of the amazon forest, they serve no purpose.

Anyway this is futile, in the end you'll get an i40 because the missus likes it

Wonda-Boy

One mans meat and all that, cant see how the mondeo looks bloated???

As for the insigna, that is one boring car. I have not driven it yet so I will reserve my judgement but online reviews suggest its a good motorway crusier with space and thats it.

Lex Luthor

in that case, my choice would be the Kia Optima in black

Idbatterim

0-100 kph times according to autotrader.co.uk the i40 115bhp diesel does it in 12.3 seconds and the 136bhp in 10.3. The 115bhp is positively pedestrian, the 136 not much better... Mondeo 2L diesel has 138 bhp, 9.3 seconds and 163 bhp, 8.9 seconds.

wonski

Idbatterim wrote: »

0-100 kph times according to autotrader.co.uk the i40 115bhp diesel does it in 12.3 seconds and the 136bhp in 10.3. The 115bhp is positively pedestrian, the 136 not much better... Mondeo 2L diesel has 138 bhp, 9.3 seconds and 163 bhp, 8.9 seconds.

RS6 needs only 4.7 seconds:D

Mondeo diesel looks fast for relatively heavy body.
I believe MPG would be better for Hyundai? If not, Mondeo is a winner here.

Idbatterim

Mondeo diesel looks fast for relatively heavy body.
I believe MPG would be better for Hyundai? If not, Mondeo is a winner here.

I usually refer to autotrader.co.uk for the claimed speeds and mpg figures... a lot of cars these days are using the same engine, but some are detuned...

Wonda-Boy

Idbatterim wrote: »

0-100 kph times according to autotrader.co.uk the i40 115bhp diesel does it in 12.3 seconds and the 136bhp in 10.3. The 115bhp is positively pedestrian, the 136 not much better... Mondeo 2L diesel has 138 bhp, 9.3 seconds and 163 bhp, 8.9 seconds.

But think of the comfort for the 12.3secs getting there...:D

I think we are missing the point here guys, I am looking for a reliable, safe and comfortable car for the family. Not a performance car that I can drag the kids along in, now I know I can have both if I want and some people would not settle for anything else but its not what I am looking for.

If I wanted to I can get a BMW 3-5 series a yr or 2 older with plenty of poke or the Audi A4 (not ruled out yet) but I think I can live with 12sec to 60mph (I have a motorbike to get my speed trills)

Wonda-Boy

Have more tests for tomorrow, VW Passat, Skoda Superb and a Mazada 6....might try to squeeze in a Opel Insignia for comparison too.

Thanx for the replies.

GE90

Looking forward to hearing how you get on...

Stallingrad

I'll be interested in how you find the VAG stuff tomorrow. I recently had to make the same choice, went for a Passat Comfortline with a few extras in the end, and having been in an i40 recently am more than happy with my decision.

Wonda-Boy

Just had a look at the review of the i40 from that Irish lad he is very good at reviewing IMHO, honest and no bull****.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okDs7kwTsmE&list=UU5-KHIRFPeeurU-GJwa7zFw&index=57

Compared to the new passat (albeit a 2010 model in vid) not the best endorsement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfpgd0Wa6MQ

Wonda-Boy

Stallingrad wrote: »

I'll be interested in how you find the VAG stuff tomorrow. I recently had to make the same choice, went for a Passat Comfortline with a few extras in the end, and having been in an i40 recently am more than happy with my decision.

I am looking forward to the Passat the same as I was the Mondeo Titanium, it was my original choice of car so cant wait to drive it.

Idbatterim

But think of the comfort for the 12.3secs getting there...

I think we are missing the point here guys, I am looking for a reliable, safe and comfortable car for the family. Not a performance car that I can drag the kids along in, now I know I can have both if I want and some people would not settle for anything else but its not what I am looking for.

I understand that you arent looking for a speed demon, but to me if you are concerned about safety, having something as under powered as the 115bhp is a bit of a contradiction. Fair enough if your opting for 136bhp model.

R.O.R

Idbatterim wrote: »

I understand that you arent looking for a speed demon, but to me if you are concerned about safety, having something as under powered as the 115bhp is a bit of a contradiction. Fair enough if your opting for 136bhp model.

The 0-60 times don't really give a great guide for the average driver. I've driven an Optima with the 136ps version of the 1.7d engine and it has great mid-range pick up, big difference to the Insignia 130ps I drove straight after.

If the difference between the 115 and 136 is anything like the difference between an Audi 120 & 143, it's not especially noticable in day to day usage, only if you are pushing on.

Wonda-Boy

Idbatterim wrote: »

I understand that you arent looking for a speed demon, but to me if you are concerned about safety, having something as under powered as the 115bhp is a bit of a contradiction. Fair enough if your opting for 136bhp model.

Really depends on how you drive....its not like you have no power at all. Apparently the pick up starts at 2000rpm, I will be giving it a much more in depth drive before I part with the cash thats for sure.

ThisRegard

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

One mans meat and all that, cant see how the mondeo looks bloated???

As for the insigna, that is one boring car. I have not driven it yet so I will reserve my judgement but online reviews suggest its a good motorway crusier with space and thats it.

Not neccesarily. We were down to a Mondeo, Passat and Insignia. We went with an Insignia SRi, hands down, in our opinion, a much better looking car than the other two. Granted, as it was the SRi model it had the big wheels and a nicer interior than a bog stadard one. But the same can be said of the other two.

Mondeo was ruled out first and the Passat came close, it was a highline version so was well equipped and full leather.

Bigus

While your at all the test driving would you not take a spin in the new golf mark 7 if its not too small , but cars get bigger every new model.

it's getting rave reviews in the motoring press ,especially 140 bhp dsg petrol getting diesel mpgs,

Wonda-Boy

Bigus wrote: »

While your at all the test driving would you not take a spin in the new golf mark 7 if its not too small , but cars get bigger every new model.

it's getting rave reviews in the motoring press ,especially 140 bhp dsg petrol getting diesel mpgs,

I just watched a review of that with the paddle gears, handles like a dream apparently. Will have a look at it when in the VW dealers tomorrow. Missus came in from work today raving about the VW Tiguan aswell ffs!

Might take a spin out to Joe Duffy motors tomorrow get a look at the mazada, opel and BMW for the comparisons.

Wonda-Boy

Never got to VW etc today....so heading to Joe Duffy Motors tomorrow for a test of his wears.....A4 2011, 2012 Insignia and Mazda 6. Should be a nice manly day Grrrrrr!

rocky

*Mazda*

Wonda-Boy

rocky wrote: »

*Mazda*

Lols...typo, fixed.

bazz26

If space is a requirement then I would forget about the Audi A4, they are not designed for space, rear leg from is tight and the boot is average. A 3 Series would also be in the same boat as the A4.

Wonda-Boy

Really like the look of the mazda 6 5dr sport SE (one with micro spoiler on back), good few of them online at savage discounts. Very well spec'd and good size engine.....mazda are generally classed as reliable AFAIK.

blingrhino

R.O.R wrote: »

The 0-60 times don't really give a great guide for the average driver. I've driven an Optima with the 136ps version of the 1.7d engine and it has great mid-range pick up, big difference to the Insignia 130ps I drove straight after.

If the difference between the 115 and 136 is anything like the difference between an Audi 120 & 143, it's not especially noticable in day to day usage, only if you are pushing on.

ROR what would you recommend the optima in manual or auto and is it a better family car than a sportage ?

Wonda-Boy

Okay, Two cars tested today and really impressed with one.

2012 Mazda 5dr Sport SE 2.2L
Test drove the 2012 Mazda 5dr sport SE 2.2l this morning in Joe Duffy Mazda in Finglas, really nice garage and the lads in there are a cut above the normal garage with service and hospitality. Car looks really well and is very well spec'd and was well impressed. Drive better then most I have tested already and is quicker then most of the cars in its class as you would expect for a 2.2L Diesel. Car handles and drives better then all the cars I have tested to date as is equally on par with the 165ps Mondeo for acceleration and crusie speed. And the cabin is so quiet even at 125klm. Unfortunately the interior cabin is quite dated IMHO and lacking any kind of MFD (multi function display) for information etc all of which is left to a small display in red lights centre of display offside left from driver mid cabin. Dull would be too harsh to say but boring. Its like the avensis to drive with more power and better spec but dated a tad and a new model due out will make it even more dated sooner then later.
If the cabin was brighter and better laid out with a more up to date layout like similar in its class I would deffo be looking for one. Not alot of 5dr sport SE's out there at the current time.


2012 VW Passat Comfortline 1.6 TDI bluemotion

The most secure and best built car I have set in without a doubt. The feeling of safety really hits home and with some cars I have sat in I did wonder where the money is gone, but not with this car. It really is a quality car inside and looks very well outside with the chrome trim and strong lines going forward. The space in the car is nothing short of immense even with the drivers seat set for a me (6ft 1) there was so much room, It think the mondeo is slightly bigger but it did not feel it as the interior is quite dark. All the gadgets are there bar heated seats and touch screen display. It drives really well and handling is sharp with a set of brakes that would make your eyes pop out and is very quiet inside while driving with a nice firm suspension but not overly so.

Only minor sticking point is the engine is only 1.6L that for some might be a bit weak....but delivers class leading economical performance. Rated 0-100Klm is bang on 12 secs, but the more powerful 2L only does it in 9.9 which is nothing major and it €3K more for the exact same spec.

I done the figures with the garage and for my 2004 clean Nissan Almera with 79K on the clock it will cost me €21,750 for this 2012 VW passat Comfortine with 15K on the clock which I think is a good deal TBH. Do you guys think I would be much better off waiting for the new year or getting a car I am happy with now?

Stallingrad

[QUOTE=
I done the figures with the garage and for my 2004 clean Nissan Almera with 79K on the clock it will cost me €21,750 for this 2012 VW passat Comfortine with 15K on the clock which I think is a good deal TBH. Do you guys think I would be much better off waiting for the new year or getting a car I am happy with now?[/QUOTE]

The Passat is a quality act alright, some people may bemoan its lack of sparkle but the truth is it is a very well resolved car with very few chinks in its armour. The only way to test the deal you are getting is to visit a few dealers and compare like with like. As for waiting until the new year if you like the car then I would say go for it.

Wonda-Boy

Stallingrad wrote: »

The Passat is a quality act alright, some people may bemoan its lack of sparkle but the truth is it is a very well resolved car with very few chinks in its armour. The only way to test the deal you are getting is to visit a few dealers and compare like with like. As for waiting until the new year if you like the car then I would say go for it.

Do you not think I would get a better deal in the new year being as cars will be older and not 2013 reg'd. Or am I looking at this from a customer POV and not a dealer and the deals will not be around in the new year although there might be a few more cars with people upgrading.

GE90

If you liked the passat i would definitely advise you have a look at the octavia.

Tea 1000

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Okay, Two cars tested today and really impressed with one.

2012 Mazda 5dr Sport SE 2.2L
Test drove the 2012 Mazda 5dr sport SE 2.2l this morning in Joe Duffy Mazda in Finglas, really nice garage and the lads in there are a cut above the normal garage with service and hospitality. Car looks really well and is very well spec'd and was well impressed. Drive better then most I have tested already and is quicker then most of the cars in its class as you would expect for a 2.2L Diesel. Car handles and drives better then all the cars I have tested to date as is equally on par with the 165ps Mondeo for acceleration and crusie speed. And the cabin is so quiet even at 125klm. Unfortunately the interior cabin is quite dated IMHO and lacking any kind of MFD (multi function display) for information etc all of which is left to a small display in red lights centre of display offside left from driver mid cabin. Dull would be too harsh to say but boring. Its like the avensis to drive with more power and better spec but dated a tad and a new model due out will make it even more dated sooner then later.
If the cabin was brighter and better laid out with a more up to date layout like similar in its class I would deffo be looking for one. Not alot of 5dr sport SE's out there at the current time.


2012 VW Passat Comfortline 1.6 TDI bluemotion

The most secure and best built car I have set in without a doubt. The feeling of safety really hits home and with some cars I have sat in I did wonder where the money is gone, but not with this car. It really is a quality car inside and looks very well outside with the chrome trim and strong lines going forward. The space in the car is nothing short of immense even with the drivers seat set for a me (6ft 1) there was so much room, It think the mondeo is slightly bigger but it did not feel it as the interior is quite dark. All the gadgets are there bar heated seats and touch screen display. It drives really well and handling is sharp with a set of brakes that would make your eyes pop out and is very quiet inside while driving with a nice firm suspension but not overly so.

Only minor sticking point is the engine is only 1.6L that for some might be a bit weak....but delivers class leading economical performance. Rated 0-100Klm is bang on 12 secs, but the more powerful 2L only does it in 9.9 which is nothing major and it €3K more for the exact same spec.

I done the figures with the garage and for my 2004 clean Nissan Almera with 79K on the clock it will cost me €21,750 for this 2012 VW passat Comfortine with 15K on the clock which I think is a good deal TBH. Do you guys think I would be much better off waiting for the new year or getting a car I am happy with now?

The Passat is a quality product alright. Not exciting to drive and dynamically not fantastic, the Mazda 6 trounces it for ability, but the Passat is a well judged car in quality feel and finish. I strongly advise you though to ignore the figures, the 1.6 really is underpowered, everyone I know who bought one all regret not getting the 2 litre. The 2 litre kicks the crap out of the 1.6 in all areas, even economy - Autocar actually bettered their 1.6 economy performance with the 2 litre when they tested both over a week. I can't stress this enough, if you plan to keep it, the 2 litre is the only option that will have you still happy in 3 years time.
In terms of price, it might be Feb or March before you'll really see prices of 2012's drop off any significant amount, January they're still capitalising on all the folk who waited for the new year thinking they're automatically getting a better deal.

GE90 wrote: »

If you liked the passat i would definitely advise you have a look at the octavia.

No. The Octavia is a class below and feels it. Superb is the only viable Skoda alternative to the Passat.

166man

GE90 wrote: »

If you liked the passat i would definitely advise you have a look at the octavia.

I wouldn't. Passat is a different kettle of fish altogether.

Stallingrad

GE90 wrote: »

If you liked the passat i would definitely advise you have a look at the octavia.

IMO there is no comparison when it comes to the interior, Passat feels far more premium.