O.K well I am not sure what V8's you have had but the 2.0 Turbo Octavia (which with a little arm twisting might just make budget) may be just as quick. No, I am not pulling your leg! It dosn't matter too much which Audi/VW/Skoda product you go for as they all have the DSG gearbox's which is a bit part of whats giving you the power and economy. Do, test drive the smaller engines. VW group cars are so efficient you won't believe it. A 1.4 litre Passat (seriously a 1.4 not a missprint) will be every bit as quick as a 2.0 I45 and only a fraction slower than the 2.4. Now I am not saying go and buy the 1.4 but it gives you an idea of how the engine capacity dosn't really mean anything when it comes to VW group cars.
So yes, I reckon go in with an open mind. Drive the Octavia, Supurb, Passat heck even give the Yeti a go and see what you think. You may also like the Diesels, not from an economy aspect but having had V8's you may like the torqey power they give.
Just remember, ignore the rules. What you would expect from Holdens etc in past with regard to capacity and power is completley upside down when you are talking new VW group cars.
Happy testing!
3tomany,
May 18, 6:58am
good choises and if you are keeping it for a long time drive them all then make your choise but do include the mondeo diesol as a point of difference. dargaville ford have a domo only driven by there director at a great price, i was very tempted to buy but i need rear wheel drive at the mo happy shopping i wish i could come with you
thejazzpianoma,
May 18, 6:59am
No, I don't see the need I think find something you like and buy it. If you are waiting on the next best thing technology wise its already here. in a VW!
cjohnw,
May 18, 7:01am
A recap:
I am looking to purchase a new (or demonstrator) car in the next few months.
Requirements are a car that I can do a comfortable round trip of approx 400km every couple of months to visit my grandchildren, and thereby transport them in this car for a outings (maybe a car seat or two - at the moment). Something 2 - 3 litre, although fuel economy is not especially important as I don't do a lot of km's day to day (about 5km per year apart from trips north). All suggestions (apart from Fiestas) will be considered dilligently. Thanks
cjohnw,
May 18, 7:04am
I will certainly check out both the VW and the Skoda.
You have my word. Thanks.
thejazzpianoma,
May 18, 7:07am
If we are allowed to include demonstrators. I would suggest adding the Volvo V50 to the list. You could get a demonstrator within budget and they are a lovely vehicle. As a tip, completly ignore the engines capacity and instead look at the 0-100 times of the cars when comparing spec. Its the easiest quickest guide to performance. It sounds to me like you wouldn't likely want anything slower than about 9 seconds to 100km/h. Incidentally, even looking at output or for that matter power to weight can be confusing as it dosn't take into account modern technology like the DSG gearbox and other measures some manufacturers use to reduce parasitic loss. Thats an area where there is a lot of variance between makes at the moment. Some have the technology and others are still living in the 90's.
thejazzpianoma,
May 18, 7:07am
Cheers, sorry to harp on!
3tomany,
May 18, 7:07am
you like commodores so why not an sv6 they are selling for about 45k at the mo
thejazzpianoma,
May 18, 7:10am
Good point, even worth it just to have a yardstick. Just a quick correction, in your list you have Kia Octavia, the Octavia is a Skoda. Other than that I think you have a decent list to check out there. Don't forget to add the Mondeo as someone suggested. The Mazda 6 and Mondeo use the same engines but the packaging is a little different so worth trying them both.
3tomany,
May 18, 7:15am
thats all from me good nite happy shopping
thejazzpianoma,
May 18, 7:18am
Sleep well 3tomany!
stevo2,
May 18, 1:09pm
Remove Holden Crize and replace it with Honda Accord Euro and you have a very good list. I agree with Jazz when comparing Euros to Jappas that engine size comparisons can be misleading. You need to drive it to do the comparo. Cheers Stevo
phillip.weston,
May 18, 2:58pm
The Holden Cruze is very mid-sized and certainly wouldn't be able to carry three grandchildren in any more comfort than say a VW Golf. It's also a fairly hopeless car in all aspects other than its flashy looks. If going Holden I would look at the VE series II SIDI Commodore, but try to get a Berlina or ex-demo SV-6, you will regret the Omega. A vehicle journalist who posts on here not long ago did a review on the series II VE, and found the interior fit and finish to be a bit sub-par. I think the FG Falcon G6E sedan is worth a look, in my opinion it's a better car than the VE and the interior quality feels alot better. Don't be put off by the 4.0L motor, it is quite economical for its size and will come into its own on the open road.
As for the mid-sized cars, I think the above list is good. I agree that the Kizashi wouldn't quite make the cut, for me I'm not entirely sold on its looks and the spec level isn't actually that high when compared to its competition. I would highly recommend the Mazda6 - however it is due for a facelift or a model replacement some time soon, along with the Ford Mondeo and the Honda Accord Euro (or even the V6). I probably would add the VW Passat and Skoda Octavia to the list, but like you I would perhaps be looking into their reliability record - I've just seen too many near new VAG products with faults for my liking, and I don't entirely agree with jazz that they are reliable and cheap to get parts for.
If looking at the Malibu, I would instead consider the Opel Insignia if it ever gets released here in NZ. It's the same car underneath the skin, but instead of the Malibu being manufactured in Korea, the Insignia will be assembled in Germany, and I think it has much better styling.
tuttyclan,
May 18, 7:21pm
I would look at a Honda Civic 1.8 or 2.0 or a Honda Accord Euro 2.4 four cylinder or V6 Accord 3.5 or Toyota Aurion V6 3.5
skyline_guy_r34,
May 18, 7:23pm
How about a Holden Cruze or however its spelt. Come with a 2litre engine or something similar (i dont know much about them). But they look very smart and are apparently very cheap for a new car. And the interior is very stylish.
vtecintegra,
May 18, 7:26pm
The turbo Cruze is supposed to be quite good, also has different rear suspension
That's about where it ends. Interior isn't roomy compared to the Mazda6, Accord Euro or Mondeo. The petrol engine is gutless, the diesel engine has a massive delay when accelerating and sounds very agricultural. The ride isn't very well regarded. It doesn't seem to exceed in any areas, it is merely a car which gets the job done reasonably well. It's basically the same size as Corollas, Lancers, Civics, Golfs etc.
phillip.weston,
May 18, 8:01pm
I wouldn't bother with a Toyota, the Camry is just blandsville and back to back against its competition it just doesn't stack up well.
jason18,
May 18, 8:03pm
Agreed. Toyota must be one of the most boring cars on the road.
vtecintegra,
May 18, 8:41pm
As above the SII turbo is a different beast.Probably not outstanding in any area but much better than the original
no1holdenfan,
May 18, 9:50pm
I just purchased a 2011 Lancer VRX as my first car, and you get a lot for your money. I admit it's not a large car, but on the inside it feels roomy. The 2.4L engine is great on fuel, and packs a punch if need be. The 5 year bumper to bumper warranty is fantasic, as is the 10 year powertrain warranty. The Lancer is smooth on the road and the sound deafing cuts out most of the road noise. Also, with your price range you can keep 10 grand in your pocket.
wrong2,
May 19, 12:00am
with a bit of haggling you could get a new Nissan Maxima for 50K
loads of space & overtaking power
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