what quality small / medium size cars???

[ritch]

This question arises from speaking to an aquaintance today who is looking to downsize from his c-class merc to something smaller / cheaper to run.

The question he had was what quality small / medium size cars (under £12k) are out there that could replace a prestige / exec size car but still match it in terms of quality, comfort for mile munching etc?

I think there are plenty of smaller cars that meet the economy part of the question, but I couldnt think of anything obvious with interiors that are quality or could offer the same comfort as a c-class and its bugging me now!
Most modern cars seem to have poor quality plastic dashboards and fixings that rattle and resonate...... can anyone here think of a small - medium car thats has a quality interior and offers mile munching comfort?


cheers!

[ritch]

sorry folks - this isnt meant to be yet another "what car", its a question on downsizing - is it really possible to replace something like a c-class merc with something smaller, more economical but still has an air of quality and comfort?

Audi A3 springs to mind, but again has a plasticy cheap looking dash.....

[W00DY]

In terms of interior quality I like the Volvo C30, really feels well put together and rides well. Boot is pretty small though and it's not the most exciting thing to drive.

[Risotto]

The topic of small luxury cars has come up before and there aren't too many around! A 911 is reasonably small, well equipped and fairly practical but compared to a C-class, running costs are going to be higher.

Best I can think of would be something like an Audi A2 - they could be specified with leather, Bose, glass roof, sports seats, etc. Clever packaging means there's a decent amount of space inside and they hold their value well. The diesels are particularly economical too.

In terms of NVH, they aren't particularly refined though. While I can't imagine them being effortless mile munchers, they are capable of high miles.

Edited by Risotto on Thursday 6th January 13:10

[sklar]

I've always fancied an A2. I'd certainly consider a 2005 TDI 90 loaded with options like Bose and leather. Seems the earlier ones are reaching a plateau in their depreciation curve nowadays.