What car - automatic hatchback? (Motability lease scheme)

[Victor McDade]

I haven’t driven for almost of a year because of an injury however it's now time to get back behind the wheel before I go completely insane

The car has to be an auto because I can’t use my legs/feet and need hand controls. I haven’t driven an auto before and won’t be able to test drive anything (because the hand controls get installed after you’ve taken delivery of the car).

It’s through the motability lease scheme so my options are limited (because I don’t want anything with a big advanced payment). I think I’ve narrowed it down to the two choices below but I’m always open to other suggestions.

Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.0 CDTi 16v Auto 5dr 165ps

or

Ford Focus 1.6 125ps Zetec 5dr.

Size isn’t a massive issue for me because my wheelchair comes apart and can either go into the passenger footwell or onto the back seat. Fuel consumption isn’t really an issue either.


Alternatives I've considered:

Chevrolet Cruze 1.6
Kia Pro Ceed 1.6
Citroen C4 1.6 VTR
Hyundai i30 1.6
New Volkswagen Golf 1.2 S 5dr

Any thoughts? I know when it comes to handling and looks etc none of my choices really set the heart racing but beggars can't be choosers and all that.

[Rammy76]

Will you be covering many miles? I notice the Astra is a diesel and have heard they can be troublesome if just used about town all the time.

The Ford will probably be a bit better to drive with better steering feel etc but both will be competent enough.

[BE57 TOY]

What about an Astra gtc rather than the 5 door? Much better looking car!

[davepoth]

Astra looks enormous on the road, I'm not a fan. IIRC though 3 doors are a bit easier to get into and out of if you have restricted mobility due to the door aperture being so much bigger.

I think I'd look a size smaller - something like a Polo or a Fiesta maybe? They really aren't that small any more and will be a bit more fun to chuck about.

[kambites]

DSG equipped Leon/Octavia? The current Octavia is about to be replaced, so there might be some good deals around on the old one.

[stuartmmcfc]

I've got the focus and I' m pretty chuffed with it.
Mine is the estate version though- don't underestimate the usefulness of that space as far as wheelchairs/scoot ers are concerned
My previous fiesta was just to small.

Edited by stuartmmcfc on Tuesday 26th March 20:04

[straightsix]

In the same position myself and after much deliberation I've just ordered a new Golf 2.0 tdi with dsg auto.

Preferred the golf to the focus and the astra, although the astra is good value this quarter.

My advice as a long time motability scheme user would be to test drive as many as you can even if just as a passenger (I use hand controls too).

[Wheelrepairit]

Although none of my vehicles are on motability they are all autos, and 2 of the 3 take my wheelchair no problem.

Nissan navara (auto)

Audi s3 (auto, flappy paddles)

7 replica kit car ( auto with hand controls)

Just really saying don't feel limited by your injury, I certainly don't.

[Victor McDade]

Thanks for the replies folks - it has given me something to think about.

To those of you who use hand controls, is there a particular brand you would recommend? So far I've heard lots of good things about 'Jeff Gosling'.

[jonah35]

Lexus ct

[CYMR0]

Just for the powwwwah (an extra 40 bhp, lots of torque, and the ability to make progress) I'd go for the Astra.

It's probably also a nicer place to be inside than the Focus, although the Focus handling is likely to be sharper. However I wouldn't fancy the 1.6 petrol (non-turbo I think) with an autobox.

[va1o]

I can't say I'd pick either of those. The Focus is a decent enough car but the 1.6 petrol is sluggish and dated. The Astra is OKish (not a fan myself) but the 2.0 CDTI is a rough and noisy engine that doesn't like been used in town.

I'd suggest looking at Japanese Hybrid hatchbacks as they all come in Auto by default. Something like a Yaris/ Auris Hybrids or Lexus CT200h as suggested by another poster would be good.

Otherwise the Golf 1.2 TSI DSG is a safe bet and an excellent car.

[stuartmmcfc]

Victor McDade said:

Thanks for the replies folks - it has given me something to think about.

To those of you who use hand controls, is there a particular brand you would recommend? So far I've heard lots of good things about 'Jeff Gosling'.

i've had both my hand controls fitted by them and they were very helpful.

[CYMR0]

va1o said:

I can't say I'd pick either of those. The Focus is a decent enough car but the 1.6 petrol is sluggish and dated. The Astra is OKish (not a fan myself) but the 2.0 CDTI is a rough and noisy engine that doesn't like been used in town.

I'd suggest looking at Japanese Hybrid hatchbacks as they all come in Auto by default. Something like a Yaris/ Auris Hybrids or Lexus CT200h as suggested by another poster would be good.

Otherwise the Golf 1.2 TSI DSG is a safe bet and an excellent car.

What are the deposits like on those? OP is looking for something that could be had for £200ish a month on a private lease (okay, plus deposit and without maintenance and insurance and with a lower mileage limit) vs. perhaps £300 a month for the hybrids and maybe the Golf.

[straightsix]

Not sure when you're ordering OP, but don't forget that the new quarter 2 prices will be out in a few days.

Depending on what goes up (and down) in price there maybe some different possibilities on 1st April.

[Clivey]

That Astra will be a lot quicker than the smaller 1.6 Focus...the other good thing about it is the auto handbrake - possibly one less thing for you to have to worry about if you're driving via hand controls?

[LouD86]

Toyota Auris CVT? Nice auto ones on the Motab scheme, with good prices if you wait until the 1st for the updated list!

Plenty of room, not quite as sharp to drive as the focus, but better steering lock and easier controls, and a far better car than the astra.

Id rather spend money on Ford than touch the astra having driven and combed over one!