Manual, compact, Euro 6 diesel ~150hp?

[The Cardinal]

My in-laws are replacing their 2014 Golf Mk7 2.0 TDI 150 GT (Euro 5, manual gearbox), ahead of ULEZ changes in London.

They use this to go back and forward between the city and a place in the countryside, usually 10-15k miles per year. They also have a 2018 Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 110, which is used locally but is less suitable for the longer runs. My father-in-law is pretty wedded to the format and easy driving style of a moderately powerful diesel in a hatchback.

I was about to recommend another Golf, perhaps late Mk7.5 due to the Mk8's shortcomings... However, when I looked, I was shocked to see literally only a handful of 1-3 year old Golfs with the 150hp 2.0 TDI and manual gearbox. Seems to be a similar story with other marques like Audi?

It looks like the market might have polarised between higher output diesels like the Golf GTD, which might not be to their tastes - and lower power models that come, in Golf form, with lesser suspension and equipment specs.

Are there some other diesel, manual models I should recommend? Or should I just point them in the direction of mid-output petrols, against my assessment that they might be less satisfied?

[ZX10R NIN]

Does it have t be manual? As most diesels with nice spec come mated to autos these days, maybe get your dad to test drive one.

The thing with small engined petrols is that when they get on the motorway the gearing is a little short & makes journeys a bit more of a chore.

The Infiniti Q30 has the nicest interior & is a car well suited to your parents needs but it is auto.

Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103019...

Premium Tech In Touch

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104271...

The DS5 is another very good option BUT again Auto, well spec'd nice comfortable drive

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105062...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102058...

There are two cars that ticks your boxes & they're the 308 GT Line Manual:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104191...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102128...

Volvo V40 D4 190 R Design Pro the V40 would be my pick if it has to be manual

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009304...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104281...

Inscription

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103059...

R Design Nav Plus

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104201...

All the above are ULEZ compliant.

[The Cardinal]

Much appreciated - I'll be making that exact point about auto transmission.

[PT1984]

I have a V40 D4 R Design NAV. I have always been a VW man but wanted an alternative to a 2.0 GTD.

The Volvo is a lovely place to sit. It has a fine balance of comfort, a good ride yet handles well. It’s fast enough with the 190hp twin turbo engine. Does 45mpg and is £0 road tax!!

[Canon_Fodder]

BMW 118d?

Focus st-line tdci?

Neither get 150hp but they have the torque your FIL appreciates

[craig_m67]

Alfa Giulietta JTD?