The new Ford B-MAX
Question
Hi,
I came across your website today and found it brilliant as I’m looking to buy a car. I have a budget of around 20K and not decided yet on second hand or new.
I currently drive a ford focus 1.4 ltr engine (I like the size but could go slightly bigger in both car & engine size)
What I need from a car:
– City driving (and not too hard to park in smaller spaces)
– Motorway driving and long trips across the country at weekends
– Decent boot space for buggy
– Decent back seat space for children (only 1 child at the moment but hoping for more in the future that the car can accommodate)
Any suggestions? I like the look of Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai but I’d love your opinion please
Many thanks
Karen Louise
Answer
Hi Karen Louise,
Many thanks for the question! For 20k, given your requirements, you won’t unfortunately get a huge amount of new car choices. As a Focus driver one car you may not have thought of is the new Ford B-Max. Although smaller than the Focus because of its design it actually makes a really good option for a family car and thanks to the sliding doors is incredibly accessible. There are no fixed B-pillars in the car so when the doors open the entire side of the car is revealed which makes for easy access and a sense of space. Prices start at €19,821 so it’s just in budget.
Other new options include the Skoda Rapid or it’s near identical SEAT sibling the Toledo. Both are well under budget and are roomy, practical, and good to drive. Either would make a super family car with sufficient space to accommodate everything from golf clubs to double buggies. Finally you should consider the Mokka the new SUV from Opel. Just on budget it is very stylish, inside and out, and functional so for many families it will tick all the right boxes.
Below are some links to reviews of each on our site
Ford B-Max
Skoda Rapid/Seat Toledo
Opel Mokka
Second hand options include
Option 1
Audi A3 Sportback
The A3 is a comfortable 5 door medium sized car and the Audi badge means it has a premium feel and finish on the inside. It’s roughly the same size as your focus with a 10m turning circle so should park as easily. It’s slightly bigger than your average hatchback, more like a small estate, which means extra room for passengers in the back and boot space of 370 litres.
The 1.2 TFSI engine does 51mpg with 103bhp, 0-100 in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 191kph so it’s well able for motorway driving. Road Tax – €270
The 1.6TDi version does an impressive 68mpg and has a top speed of 194kph although it’s not quite as nippy as the 1.2 version.Road Tax – €180
BMW 3 Series Touring 318D
The 3 series is a small, practical estate with a premium badge. The boot space is huge at 460 litres and with a turning circle of 11m parking shouldn’t be too difficult. With a top speed of 204kph it will do 0-100 in 10.6 seconds and consumption is an average enough at 48mpg. Road Tax – €390
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI
The Kuga is based on the Ford Focus so should feel familiar to you. Consumption isn’t great at 46mpg and boot space comes in below the other options at an unimpressive 360 litres.
Top speed is 182kph and it’s 134bhp. Road Tax – €570
Nissan Qashqui 1.5 D
The Qashqui is Nissan’s indirect replacement for the Almera and surprisingly is designed and built in the UK. It will seat 5 adults comfortably and the boot space is 410 litres. Economy isn’t bad at 54mpg, it has a 10m turning circle and the post 2010 version has improved sound proofing, a new front end and different suspension. Road Tax – €280
Volvo S40
Despite being a Volvo the S40 is built on the same platform as a focus, but with better proportions and it’s much more stylish looking. It has unique features like a “floating centre console” and wipe clean seats – ideal for kids – with 404 litres of boot space.
The 1.6D version does an amazing 74mpg while still having a top speed of 190kph and does 0-100 in 11 seconds.
With an annual Road Tax bill of just €190 the S40 would be our first choice for your new family car!
Hope this helps!
Best wishes
Geraldine/Suzanne
