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Post by commerdriver on Apr 10, 2017 14:26:54 GMT
I have had 3 saloon cars in the last 30 years. They all had good sized boots but the first one, a Vauxhall Cavalier in the mid 90s had hinges which protruded into the boot when the lid was closed and the last one, a BMW 3 series, had a small opening which meant that some things were too big to get in even though they would have fitted in the boot space.
On balance I have always preferred a hatch if it was a viable option
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Apr 10, 2017 22:40:57 GMT
The big boot-small opening problem is common to many modern purpose-designed saloons, including my now-defunct S60 and the current 325 - not that that causes a problem since we have the E for any serious lugging.
The S60 certainly required some ingenuity in the matter of loading our three-wheel double buggy. It did fit, but apparently never the same way twice.
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Post by commerdriver on Apr 11, 2017 8:07:53 GMT
The big boot-small opening problem is common to many modern purpose-designed saloons, including my now-defunct S60 and the current 325 - not that that causes a problem since we have the E for any serious lugging. The S60 certainly required some ingenuity in the matter of loading our three-wheel double buggy. It did fit, but apparently never the same way twice. We had the same problem with a wheelchair which we had separately for both mothers in their later years, it would fit, but only if you were careful which way round it was and what you did with the bits that came oiff. |
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Post by Humph on Apr 11, 2017 8:15:07 GMT
For me anyway, any perceived advantages of saloons are far outweighed by their compromised load space. Not just for my very specific work needs but but for all manner of day to day requirements.
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Post by manatee on Apr 11, 2017 10:50:20 GMT
The Polo saloons and the Jetta/Vento both had very big boots; we've had both in the family. I haven't had a saloon for years, after an Orion, Cavalier, Audi 100 and Audi 80 between 1987-1994. I like estates now, but I wouldn't dismiss a large hatchback such as the Skoda Superb.
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Apr 11, 2017 18:19:56 GMT
I quite like the Superb and the current hatchback is much better looking than the previous - which was a hatchback/saloon with an awkward/complicated opening. But I think it's a bit big for me. Outside I prefer it to a Passat to be honest.
I think I should get a hatch or estate next. Current favourite option for tax purposes is a Passat GTE Estate. I have a weekend test drive booked for one... two months from now. Apparently very popular. Oddly the dealer that called hadn't worked out why the interest from company car drivers.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2017 19:32:21 GMT
Rob,
Is there some kind of competition or reward for how many times you can get
Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate Passat GTE Estate
into a thread ? Are you being sponsored ?
Back on topic, if I can't have a saloon or coupe due to load reasons then I'd take an estate over a hatchback, a hatchback is a compromise over saloon and estate. Why bother ? If you need the space take the maximum, if you don't take the refinement. A hatchback is neither one nor the other.
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Apr 12, 2017 19:56:00 GMT
Define hatchback. Some cars like the Audi A5 Sportback are probably more of a fastback/liftback than a hatchback.
I still prefer saloons but I'm assuming I might need the practicality of an estate of fastback/liftback over the years at times.
One thing I had on my 2000 Passat saloon was lockable rear seats for security. Seems to have vanished from saloons I've had/seen since.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2017 19:56:11 GMT
Back on thread....
I think the Clio might have a DSG type or possible an automated manual gearbox. It is quite odd at low speed and high load (i.e. sitting in a traffic jam). A lot of engine rev hunting and some vibration. Better than the Ford Powershift 'box though I have also driven. A nice slushbox torque converter gearbox is so much better.....
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Apr 12, 2017 20:01:08 GMT
I think it's a dual clutch gearbox too.
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Apr 12, 2017 20:37:57 GMT
... lockable rear seats for security. Seems to have vanished from saloons I've had/seen since. Not really. Both the Volvo and the Chariot have seats that fold, but the release levers are accessible only from the boot. This is why I've developed the habit of putting my work bag in the boot but my coat on the back seat. That way if I'm hit from behind and can't open the boot, at least I don't freeze. |
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Post by bromptonaut on Apr 17, 2017 2:54:38 GMT
After wandering round Alamo's Lot at Houston Airport (with Mrs B muttering darkly about similarity to my process for selecting restaurants in France) we went for a Nissan Versa Sedan rather than the hatchback sibling initially booked. None of the hatchbacks whether Nissan, Mitsi, Hyundai or Ford had parcel shelves to cover their barely adequate loadspace. The sedan by contrast had a boot that swallowed cases with ease and keeps them from nefarious eyes while parked.
The car itself is a box with a wheel on each corner that goes forwards (and backwards) when commanded. If it were a sandwich it would be processed cheese on soft white. The aircon works well while the auto box sort of works but in a way I cannot fathom. CVT jobbie I think so while enthusiastic application of the pedal accelerates it smartly attempts at gentle acceleration raise revs with no matching change in speed. Not an issue in urban but a puzzle on the highway between Houston and Austin.
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Post by tyrednexited on Apr 17, 2017 8:34:15 GMT
The car itself is a box with a wheel on each corner that goes forwards (and backwards) when commanded. If it were a sandwich it would be processed cheese on soft white. The aircon works well while the auto box sort of works but in a way I cannot fathom. CVT jobbie I think so while enthusiastic application of the pedal accelerates it smartly attempts at gentle acceleration raise revs with no matching change in speed. Not an issue in urban but a puzzle on the highway between Houston and Austin. ...has the transmission got a "mode" switch that defaults to "ECO" or the equivalent? Worth seeing if it can be switched into another mode ("Sport" or some such). FWIW, some Nissans with a built in satnav (you wish) seem to have a link that invokes "ECO" mode if you choose an "ECO" route on the satnav. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2017 11:48:52 GMT
Ah - the flaw of the Clio Estate has been found. The boot is less useful than the Captur which appears to be no shorter, boxier and more capable of taking two large suitcases plus some hand luggage. When I last drive the Captur to an airport, it was with five people and we squeezed it all in. This time in the Clio, with only four people, the squeeze was just as hard.
Hmmm. Which? did a report last year saying it was not worth paying the extra to buy these 'jacked up cars' (like the GLA instead of an A-Class, or a Captur instead of a Clio), because the extra room was very expensive. But in reality the Captur has useful and usable extra space. No point saving £2,000 if the car isn't fit for purpose.
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Apr 27, 2017 11:58:38 GMT
There are exceptions to any generalization. SUVs and their imitators routinely have disappointing interior space because the floor is high to accommodate unnecessary 4WD hardware. The Discovery is an extreme case: narrow rear doors and, for such a huge car, absurdly little space once you're in there.
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