Best auto hatch to buy now?

Thanks Shane for getting back to me on the 1.0 eco opel petrol automatic.I was worried that there mightened be great power in it. Question 2. Would you mind if I asked for you help with what is the best automatic hatchback to buy in 2017/2018.My budget is around the 24000 euros .my car to trade in is a 03 1.4 ford fiesta.I do approx 10,000 miles a year. How would you rate the Toyota Auris Hybrid.Ford focus automatic,Ford Fiesta automatic,vogswagan Golf automatic or what model hatch model is the best? Would you buy a petrol/diesel or Hybrid. and what horsepower would I need to go for.? Thanking you in advance Brid

03.08.2017

Our answer:

Hi Brid,

The Auris Hybrid is mighty tempting with your annual mileage and with one eye on legislation coming down the line. True enough, it’s not the most dynamic car around, but it is very relaxing to drive, and as long as you’re not spending all day every day on the motorway, it’s a very economical thing too.

Another really good option is the updated Skoda Octavia with the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It has excellent all-round performance, genuinely diesel-like economy and is very roomy and comfy into the bargain.

Or, as a final choice, the Astra 1.0 is also a real cracker whose only limitation is that it has a small petrol tank, so long journeys can involve a refill. It has plenty of poke even for motorway driving.

The Focus and Golf are both fine, but the Astra and Octavia would make better choices overall, while the Fiesta just isn’t right with an automatic. Nothing wrong mechanically speaking, but you’ll struggle to sell it on as people still prefer manuals in their small cars. Don’t worry about horsepower — everything in this segment has around 110-120hp and that’s plenty sufficient, unless you really want a hot hatch of course.

Answered by Shane O'Donoghue
09.08.2017

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