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Are there any new cars that are like a Mk5/6/7 Golf?
I don’t deal with change well at all. I’ve tried 3 nearly new cars in the last year and none of them have been suitable. If I could choose a brand new Mk7 2.0 TDI Match Edition on MB I’d do so immediately! The Mk8 Golf is too ‘different’ for me, particularly the high-up dash screen and the cluttered digital speedo, as well as uncomfortable seats (in my opinion!) and it seemed lower to sit in too. Of course not currently available on the scheme either unless you want a 1.0 or hybrid. I’d have to go for the ‘Active’ spec to get chunky tyres, and probably the 2.0 TDI as I like easy torque. I need a manual which rules out Toyota, and not MHEV as I need a very smooth ride – regen braking in the Ford MHEVs is too jerky for me, I assume others to be the same so would rather stick with full petrol or diesel. Can’t cope with auto for the same reason, unexpected jerking and reduced control around slow manoeuvres exacerbates my vertigo, despite them being physically less demanding on limbs. I’m going to be in trouble when petrol and diesel are no longer sold, but that’s a bridge to cross at a later date! Don’t want anything smaller than a Golf but also don’t want a wallowy SUV either. Need something that soaks up bumps without being too stiff or too bouncy. Not asking for much, I know. 😉 Also expect auto wipers, cruise & climate as minimum spec. Adaptive suspension could be useful, though it didn’t seem to help with the 18″s on the Leon that I tried so would prefer to stick with 16s if possible.
Any suggestions? I looked at the Kia C’eed but even they have the high up dash screen, presumably due to some legal requirement. And have to have 17s to get the spec I’m after.
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I don’t think there’s a car on the scheme that ticks all your boxes – in fact, i don’t think such car still exists.
The closest i could think of would be a base model A3 Technik. Has AC, has cruise control, has 16 inch wheels, has light and rain sensors and has a decent engine option with the 1.5 TSI – does NOT have a sport suspension, making it more comfortable.
But what it also has is a digital cockpit. I don’t understand the complaint in the first place, at least ours (SEAT) is as clutter free as it could be in two out of three options (the “sporty” one is a bit hard to read). The Audi system isn’t much different, you do get the two options that matter: round dials like an analogue cluster, and the full map screen with gear indicator and speedo.
Prior: SEAT Ateca Xcellence Lux 1.5 TSI DSG MY19, VW Golf GTE PHEV DSG MY23
Current: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate
Next: we'll see what's available in 2028.Regarding the digital cluster – I’m not sure if it’s something to do with flickering refresh rates, or too many colours, or fuzzy pixilation (or something else!) but I find colour screens difficult to read and cause me headaches after a bit of time with smartphone and laptop etc. I hadn’t made the connection to cars as well but all 3 of the new cars I tried had digital dashes in hindsight, (Leon 3, Golf 8 & Focus 4) so it’s something I’d rather avoid now. I can’t use a sat nav or reverse camera either due to the motion on screen being out of sync with the physical motion. The clocks themselves also seem to have loads or warnings all around the edge of the cluster on both the Ford and VAG cars….stop start, auto hold, etc… This is also why I don’t want a ‘snazzy’ colour screen at windscreen height.
Having just checked the Dacia Sandero…even that has the windscreen height colour infotainment screen now! So I suspect you’re right that there aren’t any new cars without that. I’ve also read that the ride is poor on the Sandero though. I’d prefer the Kia C’eed over the Dacia tbh.
Realistically, I’ll probably end up going for a Mk8 Golf if there isn’t anything closer (if they re-add them in the next quarter). I bought an older A3 a couple of years ago, expecting it to be the same as a Golf…and was sorely disappointed with the ride quality. So much so that I couldn’t drive it and had to buy the nearest thing in budget…which happened to be a high mileage, cat N, Mk6 Golf… Frustrating that I still can’t find anything more suitable than that even brand new! Also frustrating that my PIP wasn’t awarded soon enough to get a Mk7 before they stopped production…
The only other car that springs to mind, would be the Mazda 3.
I don’t know anything about it, but i know that it at least doesn’t have digital dials and is higher quality than a Dacia. In regards to the infotainment screen, you could just set it to “radio”, there’s nothing moving there then.
Just checked the Mazda 3…SE-L Lux spec does come on 16s… But they’re all mild hybrid engines so that’s out! 🙁
On the VAG infotainment screens, is there an option to keep the audio on but switch the screen off or just to a clock instead? On the Ford one, even the audio screen is busy and cluttered. Though I suppose, even switched off there’ll be reflections moving in a shiny screen.
What would the problem be with a mild hybrid engine?
Regarding a shiny screens, I got a matt finish screen protector for the XC40. Works really well – no reflections and no visible finger marks.
SmoothOperator, have you looked at the Škoda Scala? It’s based on the Golf, similar in size to the Golf, and even uses the same engines. I understand they have no mild-hybrid technology either.
Motability cars:
2015 RR Evoque AWD 2.0 TD4 SE Tech - written off
2017 Toyota CH-R 1.2T Dynamic CVT AWD - written off
2019 BMW X2 2.0L Sport
2023 Nissan Qashqai e-Power N-ConnectaThe problem is with me rather than the engine tbf! Mild hybrids (as well as most other hybrids) use regenerative braking when you lift off the throttle or apply the brakes. It adds a second ‘jerk’ at that point and makes the drive much less smooth, feels a bit like you’re a passenger in the drivers seat. I’ve currently got a 1.0 EcoBoost 155bhp MHEV and it’s definitely got the pull if that’s what you’re after, but it’s just not smooth enough around town for me sadly. Haven’t been able to drive it since April…hence still having to use my old Golf at the moment.
Didn’t know you could get car screen protectors, let alone matt ones, that’s definitely something for me to look into, thanks.
Scala isn’t a bad shout, I did look at those a while back…can’t remember why I went off them, I’ll have another look now.
Tried a Citroen C4? Wifes got one and the ride in particular is silky, it can be pushed but does roll.
I haven’t tried a C4 no. It’s a shame Citroen don’t still use Hydrogas as that could have been ideal for me.
The C4 looks very similar to my Focus Active in terms of wheels & suspension. I thought the increased ride height would help but somehow it manages to be both too rough over poor surfaces and too rolly on corners! That’s certainly an achievement on Fords part… I went for the top spec in order to get fully independent rear suspension as well so not impressed at all. The ride on my 2008 Focus hatch was far better. Reason I went for that over the C4 was partly because you can’t get the 155ps engine with a manual gearbox in the Citroen. Though I really need to stop worrying about power now I can’t use it without exacerbating health issues anyway. I rarely get above 30mph nowadays lol.
Matt screen protectors sounds great to me, no glare, maybe they should be supplied with the car…
@SmoothOperator. I’ve driven s couple of mild hybrid and there was none of the problem you describe. Might be down to how well it’s implemented in software on a particular model. To me it’s a very superior version of stop/start and I’d choose it.
Maybe move away from motability and buy privately?
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Thats quite a wish list you have.</p>
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106224113140?atmobcid=soc3Have to agree with Ian. It seems you just want a Mk7 Golf full stop. So just get a used one from a reputable dealer with a long warranty and keep it for as long as you can. If maintained properly, they will last forever. Surely it’s a no brainer?
There is only one Mk7 in the correct spec in the country… And it’s nearly £20k. And 200 miles away…
1.6 TDI got rear beam suspension, not multilink. Prefacelift Match Edition specs didn’t get climate as standard (even in 2017!!). And pretty much all of the facelift 2.0 TDI Match Editions are automatic.
There is one for sale brand new at the local VW…only it’s not actually for sale, I enquired months ago and was told it had sold then…yet is still on Autotrader, and was even relisted recently…not sure if it’s some sort of marketing ploy that I’m missing but it is incredibly frustrating.
There are other reasons used cars don’t work well for me though (I’ve had over 55 in 12 years!). Brand new would give me peace of mind about previous owners not having ruined everything. And I also suffer with severe contamination OCD…used cars are always full of human fluids…
Should add, I’m still waiting for the results of my PIP review currently…may end up not being elegible again this time, so I am jumping the gun a bit. I may not be able to drive at all soon either, sort of clutching at straws a bit now as I haven’t been able to use any other form of transport for nearly a decade. Driving myself was the only option. (Put the violins away lol!)
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