Seat Leon Petrol 1.4 or Hyundai i30 Diesel 1.6

kennysarmy

kennysarmy

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Currently I'm driving a 59 plate 1.8 petrol Ford Focus Zetec with 125 bhp and I'm looking to change to something newer in the next 3-6 months.

Budget is going to be trade in value of mine plus no more than £10k

Looking at something with ideally less than 15k on the clock and around a year to 18 months old.

I want something that is as equally powerful for acceleration, has better MPG (I'm only getting about 36 mpg), must not have a smaller boot and ideally be cheaper to tax.

385 litres is the current cars official boot size....

My daily commute to work is 12 miles each way - 50/50 dual carriageway and minor roads/residential streets and I do around 14k miles per year. The usual Dad's taxi service in the evenings and longer runs out generally at the weekends.

I've only ever driven petrol before but am very open to diesel...

There are four of us in the family in the car when we go on holiday or out for the day and we are all about 6 foot tall so it needs to also have plenty headroom and legroom in the back....though they are used to the focus with no complaints of being cramped.

I've ruled out the new Ford Focus as they've made the boot smaller.

I am also wondering about the Toyota Auris and the Honda Civic....

The 5 year warranty of the Hyundai is very appealing...but the 1.4 TSI engine in the Seat Leon also is very tempting....economical but seems to have some power too.....and only £30/year tax.

Would welcome the views of anyone out there :0
 
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Personally speaking ...wouldn't touch another Hyundai.
 
Well, apart fron the fact that the i20 has been a friday afternoon dog, the laughingly titled Hyundai customer service has been the worst I have encountered bar none.
 
tbh jeff the miles per day you are doing you wont notice a lot better from the diesel as its a small amount of miles per day and the offset of the extra cost because its diesel .i have driven a i20 it was nippy but it didnt tickle my pickle ,i have a 1.6 petrol i35 and see about 36mpg on a run the most i have ever seen it get was 38mpg
 
Focus 1.6 Ecoboost Estate. Available as 150PS or 180PS. If I can get 35mpg out of my Focus ST (2.0 Ecoboost 250PS), no reason why you shouldn't get 40+mpg out of a 1.6. Vehicle tax £130/yr.
 
How about a Kia Cee'd 2 1.6 CRDi? Similar to the i30, but with 7 years warranty. £0 road tax. I get 50+mpg on short trips and mid to high 60s on longer ones. Overall I see around 60mpg averaged over a tankful. Boot is more generous than the Focus. The "2" version has all the toys I need and I find it very comfortable to drive for long distances. Higher trim versions seem to bring some possible problems/frustrations aside from the extra price so I'd go for the "2" trim version as the sweet spot.

I've had mine for 18 months and have covered just under 9k miles and I am delighted with it. A five year service plan for £609, plus the long warranty, means very little in the way of ongoing running costs for five years at least. I expect to keep mine for 10 years or more.
 
My Brother has a Civic 2 litre Diesel that's about the age you're looking at and has found it very unimpressive. Previous car was a Vauxhall Signum diesel, and while the Civic is smaller with a more developed engine, it seems no more economical and accelerates less well.
 
My Daughter has owned a Hyundai I30 for over 5 years now (it was 12 months old when she bought it), and she has never had any problems with it. Based on that, she says she will definitely buy another.

My son has a SEAT, which is his backwards and forwards to work car, and that has VW stamped everywhere, including the body. So, is it a SEAT or a VW?. BTW, his 'Boys Toy' is a Focus RS (RS that is, not the 'boy racer's' ST version), which he never takes to work.

As one of these silly people that buys a new car every three years, and have done for the past 30 years, I don't have to worry about warranty and M.O.T etc, but given the complexity of modern cars, which are now more like computers, I think that the sort of warranty length that manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia offer, is worth considering.

When I first started buying new cars, the manufacturer's warranty was only for 12 months.

You also need to consider resale values.

For most of my life, I was a dedicated Ford man, and during that time, had 5 consecutive new Mondeos. However, I eventually got sick and tired of the depreciation on Fords (Vauxhall etc are no different).

So, in 2006 I went over to Nissan, and bought a 2.2L 150 bhp diesel X-Trail. Had this for 3 years, and p-exed it for another X-Trail, this time the newly introduced 2.0L 175bhp diesel X-Trail. Had this for three years, during which time no warranty work was needed.

In 2009, I p-exed this for a 2.0L Qashquai n-tech, which I also had for three years, without any problems. So impressed with the car, I have just bought another new one, this time the 1.6L diesel Tekna version (2.0L no longer available). Same torque and 0-62mph as the previous Qashqai, but 60mpg and zero Road Tax for the first year, and then £30 thereafter.

The important factor here is, that I got back 60% (based on the CAP pricing) of what I paid for the previous Qashqai when I p-exed it for the new one. That is a 40% depreciation after three years, whereas the depreciation on the Fords, was in the region of 60%.

Dave
 
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ancient_mariner said:
My Brother has a Civic 2 litre Diesel that's about the age you're looking at and has found it very unimpressive. Previous car was a Vauxhall Signum diesel, and while the Civic is smaller with a more developed engine, it seems no more economical and accelerates less well.
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turbo problems / boost leak / poor mapping. Even without a turbo working that thing should be still faster than a black cab.
 
DaveS2 said:
That is a 40% depreciation after three years, whereas the depreciation on the Fords, was in the region of 60%.

Dave
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All decent SUVs depreciate less than smaller cars.
 
daugirdas said:
turbo problems / boost leak / poor mapping. Even without a turbo working that thing should be still faster than a black cab.
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I can't comment about whether it's really faulty, but he is careful with dealer maintainence etc, and it's no more than a couple of years old. from his experience plus having been in a couple of other Civics I'd be inclined to avoid.

Black cab?
 
All this talk of mid 30's miles per gallon.

I must be doing something right. The last holiday I returned 34 mpg, this is out of a 20 year old Land Rover Discovery with a 2.5 Diesel engine. This motor I use for caravan towing, but the last holiday was without the caravan with 4 passengers.

Trevor
 
ST4 said:
In saying that I was a passangers in an i30. It wasn't a bad car, can't speak of the Leon but surely a golf has to be on anyone's family hatch list
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Leon. It is not terrible but it feels a little tight, not much rear legroom and really poor rear visibility. It is a bunker slit at best.

I am not sure how much difference you get in 1.4tsi vs 1.2... It can't be too different. The 1.2 has massive turbo lag, and massive boost, so much so that it can go crawling and then will jump straight to the speed camera doing 31mph in 30. It pretty much maxes out at 65; the 1.4 may be a tad faster. Honestly, just get the diesel.
 
daugirdas said:
Leon. It is not terrible but it feels a little tight, not much rear legroom and really poor rear visibility. It is a bunker slit at best.

I am not sure how much difference you get in 1.4tsi vs 1.2... It can't be too different. The 1.2 has massive turbo lag, and massive boost, so much so that it can go crawling and then will jump straight to the speed camera doing 31mph in 30. It pretty much maxes out at 65; the 1.4 may be a tad faster. Honestly, just get the diesel.
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i30 was good. I am not small and fitted in the back fine, behind admittably a small driver. Seemed a nice car actually and terrific value if you like new/nearly new cars.

I just prefer something a bit bigger of engine and cabin and a bit older. Have you bought an X5 yet? I found you some nice ones.
 
If you buy a diesel with a particulate filter, be aware that they are not suited to mainly town driving, because the filter will clog up, and will not self-clean itself. The petrol engine is much better suited to urban use.

Dave
 
At such low mileage the diesel wouldn't make sense to me at all...Ultimately just get which one makes you smile....I didn't mind the i30 (for my grandfather) but the moment I touched one and opened/closed door I just knew that its wasn't a good recommendation...That tinny feeling everyday would annoy me, combined with the see of grey plastic around me...But we are all different so it might work for you!
 
DaveS2 said:
If you buy a diesel with a particulate filter, be aware that they are not suited to mainly town driving, because the filter will clog up, and will not self-clean itself. The petrol engine is much better suited to urban use.

Dave
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Ford 2.0L ecoboost would be the min petrol lump I would consider, but ideally a big V8 to give it decent torque and plenty of CO2. But honestly, dual c-ways and countryside is plenty to justify and maintain diesel with or without dpf. Most of us do photography trips every weeks or two - that certainly ticks the boxes.
 
Decisions decisions.....

So exactly what kind of run do you need to do to keep the dpf from clogging up?? Is it a science or an art?

Sorely tempted by the warranty on offer by Hyundai...

But the styling of the Seat....

Think I need to get the family sat in a few models see what they think of headroom and plastic quality...
 
kennysarmy said:
Decisions decisions.....

So exactly what kind of run do you need to do to keep the dpf from clogging up?? Is it a science or an art?

Sorely tempted by the warranty on offer by Hyundai...

But the styling of the Seat....

Think I need to get the family sat in a few models see what they think of headroom and plastic quality...
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Seat Altea is a far better car than Leon IMHO, and you get exactly the same styling. However you will certainly get bored of the looks sooner than later.

I honestly don't see any issue with DPF. Just don't drive it slow as a pensioner. It needs a few miles at higher revs - countryside is perfect for this.
 
I'll slam another car into the mix..

We bought a B7 Citroen C4 3 years ago. It was a top of the range 'Exclusive' with Sat nav, full glass roof and all that, 1.6 16v Turbo HDi, It's the same engine as most Volvo DrivE models (C30, S40, S80) as well as the Ford Fiesta/Focus 1.6 TDCi and the Mini (more cars to chew over..)

Faultless.. Returns over 600 miles per tank of town driving and we managed 700 on a motorway trip last year. It still feels pretty nippy, but the thing that helps the MPG is the 'speed Limit' button.. (I bet most new cars have this now..?)

Set it at whatever you want and even if you put your foot (almost) flat to the floor it wont go over that set limit. I set it at 32 and drive all over town like that, I regularly see 90+mpg on the DIS cruising down the streets.

One problem though, Coming up to a set of traffic lights that just turn Orange, normally I'd foot to the floor and speed through, but I now seem to sail through orange lights at 32mph.. :confused:
 
I live in the countryside, hence a diesel with DPF is not a problem for me.

However, while you may not see any issue with a DPF fitted vehicle, Nissan actually state in their brochures, that if your main use is urban driving, then the diesel variant of the vehicle may not be best suited to that use.

I'm sure other manufacturers would say the same.

Before DPFs were fitted to diesel cars, it didn't matter how or where you used it.

BTW, please don't tar all pensioners with the same brush. I'm a pensioner, and probably drive just as fast as you, albeit in the right place, safely and sensibly.

Dave
 
BennyBoo said:
One problem though, Coming up to a set of traffic lights that just turn Orange, normally I'd foot to the floor and speed through, but I now seem to sail through orange lights at 32mph.. :confused:
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hold on, you are speeding through red lights! That is dangerous driving.
 
It will not matter petrol or diesel they are both as bad around town. On loo y way to get better mpg is go hybrid and imho the prius is the best in class
 
BennyBoo said:
Quite clearly states Orange lights :)
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which only lasts 1s and then you continue through red. And you openly admit to speeding. Naughty! You should safely stop when it starts to go amber, not try to cross by any means possible. At 32mph you could inflict serious injury to pedestrians.

wave01 said:
It will not matter petrol or diesel they are both as bad around town. On loo y way to get better mpg is go hybrid and imho the prius is the best in class
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prius is the most out of date hybrid on the market. I wouldn't touch one when all the diesels return better economy. VX ampera or BMW i3 are far better hybrids.
 
daugirdas said:
But honestly, dual c-ways and countryside is plenty to justify and maintain diesel with or without dpf.
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You still need to cover a certain mileage for the dpf to clean. Chances are it won't happen on a 12 mile journey or it may just start as he reaches his destination. The cleaning cycle will be interrupted and doesn't automatically carry on next time the car is used and then the dpf fails.
 
wave01 said:
It will not matter petrol or diesel they are both as bad around town. On loo y way to get better mpg is go hybrid and imho the prius is the best in class
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Way overpriced for what it is.
It won't be of any help to the OP but when the new Mk5 Mondeo goes on sale in the next couple of months, the hybrid is being priced the same as the diesel models.
 
daugirdas said:
which only lasts 1s and then you continue through red. And you openly admit to speeding. Naughty!
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Setting the limit to 32 ( I didn't state either MPH or KPH) we travel through the "You are doing this speed" signs at 29 :)

daugirdas said:
You should safely stop when it starts to go amber, not try to cross by any means possible. At 32mph you could inflict serious injury to pedestrians.
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Not when traveling at (indicated) 32, 10/20 meters from the lights.. It would be more dangerous for me to slam on the brakes..

If the pedestrians cross on a turning to amber light to me, who is to blame if I hit anyone..?
 
Very happy with my Leon 2.0 TDi. For us the room in the back is fine even for a couple of teenagers. Rear view has never been a problem and mileage great - typically motoway stretch of about 90 mile I get 61 mpg, admittedly, I don't really drive much over 65 mph, but it suits me. Mainly urban driving but every few weeks a good motorway blast - so I thenk the particulate filter gets a clean ...
 
My latest car (now 9 yrs old had it 6 yrs) is a diesel. Would never consider petrol again.... roughly 70mpg average (yes I am sad, and keep a spreadsheet - dad always used to in a book! - hence) 1.3L fiat punto 100 bhp. about 180 torques...
 
kennysarmy said:
The more I read about the DPF filters the more it's putting me off a diesel car.

I don't want to have to drive extra miles when it may not be convenient.

There is some good information here.
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/diesel-particulate-filters.html
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Good information indeed. That said my average annual mileage is 6,000 and after 18 months and almost 9,000 miles with my MY13 Cee'd 1.6 CRDi I have yet to see a dashboard warning light appear. My driving pattern is mostly of short trips (9 miles round trip) on a daily basis, with the occasional longer trip once or twice a month. I am acutely aware of the DPF constraints and do look out for indicators of a regen occurring (or becoming due) and take steps (e.g. plan a day out for some togging or to take the dog somewhere further afield) to make sure that the car will complete a regen successfully. It is really no hardship - just a good excuse to get out more. It's also worth noting that some brands appear more tolerant of DPF abuse, with Kia cars being far less fussy than some other brands according to posts I've read elsewhere.
 
It has to be said that latest diesels will give less problems than the early iterations?

Btw. What is the problem with the current car? You are not really upgrading to anything nicer or bigger so why waste 10k?
 
daugirdas said:
It has to be said that latest diesels will give less problems than the early iterations?

Btw. What is the problem with the current car? You are not really upgrading to anything nicer or bigger so why waste 10k?
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This. He should drive what he has vas save the money now, for later to buy a bigger, more comfortable and more powerful car
 
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