Which ~1.4 petrol?

markeymark

I often read that the 1.4 petrol version of mid-sized hatches is the runt of the litter, for example, I've heard a lot of criticism of Golf and Focus 1.4. But for me it hits the sweet spot for tax/insurance and I'm not interested in a diesel. My budget is around e3000 and I'm looking for some insight into your experiences with the following...

Honda Civic: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/very-low-mileage/20860668
Opel Astra: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/astra-black-sxi/20875624
VW Golf: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/vw-golf-07-1-4/19790429
Ford Focus: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-focus-1-4-tax-amp-nct-only-2495/20853447
Seat Leon: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/seat-leon-sport-1-4-petrol-price-reduction2950/20714594
Toyota Auris: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/07-toyota-auris-1-4-low-kms/20768055

My priorities are reliability and fun to drive!

colm_mcm

Look at a Kia Ceed or Hyundai i30 if you’re after a non turbo 1.4. They’re 109bhp and not too heavy. All the cars you listed there are underpowered in comparison. Most are 80bhp apart from the Auris which despite being 97bhp is gutless.

markeymark

Good call, I hadn't thought of that. Didn't realise that the Korean 1.4 was more powerful and I can just about get it in my budget. I'll add it to the list.