Yes it's true, just to prove I'm not totally against dervs as many people think. As many of you will know I run a mobile air conditioning business and am finding it increasingly impractical loading my equipment into a saloon car and having to use the rear seat for the bulky vacuum pump. Added to that, my current car is group 17 insurance and fuel economy isn't great at 25ish mpg (£60 for 250 miles at the moment on short journeys) not helped by soaring fuel prices. I never really use the performance that much although it is handy for overtaking and road tax has gone up to £210 and due to increase to £300 next year under the new tax bands (it is the top of band F at 219g/km).
So the car I'm looking at is a Vauxhall Astra 1.3 CDTi estate. 90bhp and tuned in the Astra to produce 200Nm torque, 6 speed gearbox, 130g/km will be £30 per year tax or something very low) and a combined economy of 58.9mpg. This is actually more powerful than the previous Isuzu engined 1.7 TD.
I've always favoured Vauxhalls as good workhorses and as opposed to getting a van which I need anyway, the estate can double up as a family car negating the need for 2 vehicles.
I'm just toying with the idea at the moment, any thoughts?
Air Medic - Mobile Automotive Air Conditioning Service
PB, before you do make sure you have a long test drive in it, I doubt it would suit you...
I have seen reports on other forums concerning that engine/car combination and they don't make good reading - it seems ok in the Corsa but in the Astra it is underpowered and has crap power delivery - its one of those no-turbo, all-turbo engines, the 1.7 isn't bril either - I'd look elsewhere - Focus Estate?
Hmmm strange as it contradicts the other road test I've read that says it has smooth power delivery. Mind you the 1.2 Corsa I had when the Saab went in was like permanent lag! Flat through 1st and 2nd just to keep up with traffic. Awful.
Air Medic - Mobile Automotive Air Conditioning Service
I'd also question whether you can get near the combined figure on mpg - its a big car/small engine combo and you'll be adding weight with all your gear, and town work, not a good combination - I'd be more tempted with a larger diesel engine for that type of work... and you'll have to learn a different driving tecnique if you want the best from it!
PB, I've done some checking, the 1.3 in the Astra Estate is Band C, so you won't get the £35 tax like I do, its over £100 - I would seriously look at the larger engined models - I've found that the 1.4 is only about 6/7% better in mpg than my old 1.9 and if you drive with a heavy right foot you will find the 1.7 better for mpg....
Originally posted by petrol_blue: Hmmm strange as it contradicts the other road test I've read that says it has smooth power delivery. Mind you the 1.2 Corsa I had when the Saab went in was like permanent lag! Flat through 1st and 2nd just to keep up with traffic. Awful.
I believe the Ford Tourneo Connect (diesel) is designed to give a family / work balance. Might be worth a look.
I think a diesel makes sense in your case. I would go for the 1.9 Fiat sourced diesel. Can be remapped to produce hot-hatches humbling pace while still relatively economical. Some one in the forum has a remapped one and can give you his thoughts.
I did leave a comment about the 1.9cdti engine but the mods removed it, probably because of a link I posted to the tuning box manufacturer.
The long and short of it was that I'd highly recommend the engine, which can offer performance and economy st the same time. Since having the work done I'm still returning 40mpg with a very heavy right foot and am firmly in hot hatch territory!
