Petrol auto hatchback up to £18k

[bedonde]

Inspiration fails me....so here’s another what car thread.
On behalf of my mum, I’m after something focus or Golf sized with some manufacturers warranty left; something that’s not ‘gadget’ filled (she’s a techno phobe and finds the concept of electronic handbrakes is troubling...). Doesn’t do high mileage and therefore petrol seems the obvious choice; she also wants to move over to an auto prior to going full blue rinse.
Thought about Volvo V40, but petrols are bundled with a 1.5 and quite rare in auto form; also not sure if that engine’s any good.
Thought about another Golf (she has a mk6 1.4 TSI manual) but the local dealer in Swindon has been awful to her so we want to avoid VW, for now. She also wants something which isn’t sluggish as she regularly goes down to Cornwall and needs the engine to have a ‘bit of poke’ (for poke, read something which will hit 60 in under 9 secs).
Finding it strangely hard to recommend anything, but will fail in my duty as a son if I don’t sort this out. Any pointers gratefully received...

[KhabibSmesh]

sounds like a Leon 1.4 would be a good fit

[Morry10]

BMW 1 series?

Could probably get something under 2 years old and low mileage for under 18k (petrol & auto)

[bedonde]

Morry10 said:

BMW 1 series?

Could probably get something under 2 years old and low mileage for under 18k (petrol & auto)

She’s got a good BMW main dealer close by in Hungerford so I’ve mentioned 1 series to her. Only prob is all their petroleum autos tend to be the M135/140 which is a bit too pokey...

[bedonde]

KhabibSmesh said:

sounds like a Leon 1.4 would be a good fit

That’s a good shout actually, thanks.

[jam_up]

Audi A3 1.4 TFSi Sport S-tronic another option. Same engine as the Leon (VAG), nicer interior and decent kit wise but not as comprehensive as a Leon FR. The Leon will also quite a bit newer for the price point.

[Shiv_P]

jam_up said:

Audi A3 1.4 TFSi Sport S-tronic another option. Same engine as the Leon (VAG), nicer interior and decent kit wise but not as comprehensive as a Leon FR. The Leon will also quite a bit newer for the price point.

+1
I would avoid the 1 series - it's worse than a golf or A3 in every way apart from driving dynamics which I'm guessing she doesn't care about too much?

[Terzo123]

Another shout for the 1.4 Leon. Great wee car with a normal hand brake. The Audi A3 has an electronic hand brake, but to be fair it was very easy to use.

[kieranblenk]

+1 for the Leon. Also try out the new Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

[underphil]

Mazda 3 Sport

the 2.0 petrol with the auto is a nice combo

proper handbrake too!

[ZX10R NIN]

Here's the alternates list:

Kia Cee'd 4Tech

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Astra Elite 1.4T

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Infinit Q30

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Giulietta Veloce

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Megane Signature

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

308 GT Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The obvious choice is the Focus.

Focus Titanium X

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[bedonde]

Some interesting food for thought, thanks; She’s being driven slightly by the convenience of local dealers which is a major consideration. Not much love for the 1er here, but she’s got an appointment to view a 125i petrol m-sport which I don’t think will be the right thing....but maybe at least we can rule it out after a poke about and a test drive