Discussion
I currently have the choice of two company cars, I will be stuck with the car until June next year and i will be working bloody hard to get myself into the next car band by then.
First car is a Mazda Demio 1.5 GSi, second car is a Vauxhall Astra 1.7dti 16v. Not exactly the most exciting cars but they are new, relible and cost less in tax than I previously paid in insurance.
The Mazda hasa lot going for it, it is very smooth on the motorway, has aircon, electric everything etc but no matter how carefully it is driven it does 30-35mpg. The Astra on the other hand will go around corners like a normal car, will cost the same in company car tax and will do 50+mpg.
I dont like diesels but I dont like "lifestyle mini mpv" things either. What would be your choice?
First car is a Mazda Demio 1.5 GSi, second car is a Vauxhall Astra 1.7dti 16v. Not exactly the most exciting cars but they are new, relible and cost less in tax than I previously paid in insurance.
The Mazda hasa lot going for it, it is very smooth on the motorway, has aircon, electric everything etc but no matter how carefully it is driven it does 30-35mpg. The Astra on the other hand will go around corners like a normal car, will cost the same in company car tax and will do 50+mpg.
I dont like diesels but I dont like "lifestyle mini mpv" things either. What would be your choice?
ASTRA Have you driven the diesel Astra ? The diesel engine might do a good impression of a tractor at start up but it will make m'way driving a very relaxed experience. Plus the Astra handles (after a fashion).
I had the misfortune to get lumbered with a Demio as a 'courtesy' vehicle. It redefines boring, it's motorway 'natural frequency' is 54mph (probably in the middle lane
) and it understeers so much you wonder if the front tyres are bald. Simply Horrible.
I had the misfortune to get lumbered with a Demio as a 'courtesy' vehicle. It redefines boring, it's motorway 'natural frequency' is 54mph (probably in the middle lane
) and it understeers so much you wonder if the front tyres are bald. Simply Horrible.The Demio is nt too bad, its a 1.5 so quite torquey for a small car and it'll happily do 80. The reason they are all in the middle lane is because its prone to side winds and it needs a lane either side just in case of a big gust! 
Yes I have driven the Astra and a part from tickover (which is okay with the windows up) it is great at doing what it should and I am loath to admit that the diesel engine does have its place.
Yes I have driven the Astra and a part from tickover (which is okay with the windows up) it is great at doing what it should and I am loath to admit that the diesel engine does have its place.
GOAT said:
The reason they are all in the middle lane is because its prone to side winds and it needs a lane either side just in case of a big gust!
LOL, I thought it was just the age of the occupants "Doris, I'll stay in the middle lane, that way we won't upset anyone" "OK George, but are you sure you're not going to fast" *54mph*
My gf has an Astra 1.4LS. Initially, I didn't like it but it handles well, the gearbox is pretty good if occasionally crunchy and it will zoom along at the ton without complaint. My estimation of it went up considerably after having a brand new Peugeot 307 HDi hire car which was truly rubbish in comparison - worse handling, too much roll, too big - too much MPV without any real benefit except in unneeded height.
Hers has ac and very good it is too. Only complaint is an erratic idle in traffic - up, down, flying around, looping the loop and defying the ground.
Also very quick for a 1.4 compared to the lardy new generation of 1.6's, all of which post slower 0-60 times. I imagine the diesel is just as good but the extra weight of the diesel may take the edge off the handling. I still like the styling too. Better looking than a Focus.
Hers has ac and very good it is too. Only complaint is an erratic idle in traffic - up, down, flying around, looping the loop and defying the ground.
Also very quick for a 1.4 compared to the lardy new generation of 1.6's, all of which post slower 0-60 times. I imagine the diesel is just as good but the extra weight of the diesel may take the edge off the handling. I still like the styling too. Better looking than a Focus.
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