How good is P1 build quality/interior quality?

[Lee13111]

My sister is looking for a car. After viewing a Mondeo, a Celica, an Astra and an Avensis, she decided that she wanted something a little nicer to sit in "like an Audi but not German."

Because of the no-German rule, I am struggling to come up with suggestions. Her budget only stretches to the P1 platform cars, but despite liking the styling of the C30, I've never been in one. I doubt they are as good as BMW or Audi (though I'd be happy to be told otherwise.) but would I be right to assume they're quite a massive step up from Ford, Vauxhall or Toyota?

Cheers.

[Moonpiemagic]

Lee13111 said:

My sister is looking for a car. After viewing a Mondeo, a Celica, an Astra and an Avensis, she decided that she wanted something a little nicer to sit in "like an Audi but not German."

Because of the no-German rule, I am struggling to come up with suggestions. Her budget only stretches to the P1 platform cars, but despite liking the styling of the C30, I've never been in one. I doubt they are as good as BMW or Audi (though I'd be happy to be told otherwise.) but would I be right to assume they're quite a massive step up from Ford, Vauxhall or Toyota?

Cheers.

The P1 platform shares its parts and chasis with Ford, so very similar to a focus. I would say they are just as comfortable if not more than the german rivals that year, but also less sporty obviously.

Best thing to do is take some for a test to see what you think. I have an S40 P1 platform and find it just as comfortable as the german rivals, the seats are brilliant for comfort but do not hold you in.

[Lee13111]

Moonpiemagic said:

The P1 platform shares its parts and chasis with Ford, so very similar to a focus. I would say they are just as comfortable if not more than the german rivals that year, but also less sporty obviously.

Best thing to do is take some for a test to see what you think. I have an S40 P1 platform and find it just as comfortable as the german rivals, the seats are brilliant for comfort but do not hold you in.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I think maybe you misunderstood what I was asking though... By quality, I was talking about the way Fords (and the other brands mentioned) tend to have cheaper (rattly and top to bottom hard plastics) feeling interiors, thinner paintwork, body panels that bend under the lightest of touches, slightly larger panel gaps etc, etc compared to the germans.

I would assume the s40 or c30 would compare closer to the Germans in this regard, despite sharing Ford parts.

Edited by Lee13111 on Saturday 25th July 16:01

[DavidY]

I have a 2012 V50, based on the Ford Focus underpinnings, it has (so far) done 213K miles (in my hands!! - I've owned it since new), and nothing rattles. On that basis I would say its better than many, and probably most of the German competition.

The only thing I've replaced in the interior is the indicator stalk - common fault - not engaging correctly, bought the part from Volvo (£45) and fitted it in 10 mins.

Its still very comfortable, and certainly (when cleaned) hides the galactic mileage well.

[KAC30]

Hi. We have a 08 plate C30 and a 15 plate Focus. Internally the focus initially looks more modern and funky, but when you get to the nitty gritty we both like the C30. It may not have all the tech etc of the newer cars but the quality feel is better. We also like the fact that you see millions of Focuses on every drive, but might only see the odd C30 every now and then. Its just more special. There is 60,000 miles between them and the Volvo still feels as good to drive.

Hopes this helps.

[Deathmole]

I had an 08 plate C30 for five years from new, it was mechanically sound throughout that time, with me putting 80,000 miles on the clock.

Interior wise it was good, to be frank I treated it badly, like a van, loading it up with tools and any other rubbish that I needed to cart around and the interior stood to up it very well.

After five years there were no annoying squeaks or rattles, the air con was still spot on and the seats (cream leather with that weird T-Tec on the bolsters, it feels like a scuba diving outfit) hadn't worn or faded, and they were supremely comfortable, no car of a similar size that I have had since (Civic/Focus) has been as nice a place to sit.

Great little car