what's the most refined/comfortable/quietest small family car? French?

dada44

Hi there, looking to buy a car around 56 reg.

My primary criteria is that it is *comfortable* and quiet. I don't like firm rides or road noise. Not too bothered about handling around corners, like most car reviewers seem to be.

Wondering if ppl had any opinions?

I am considering, ford focus or vw golf mk 5. But then the Golf seems to be a bit firm on town roads. Haven't tried Vaux. Astra.

And I have recently heard that French cars are famous for being comfortable. Renault Megane, Citroen C4, Peugeot 307.

I really don't know much about them, would be grateful if anyone had any input.

emmell

You need to make a shortlist and have a test drive, only then will you know which is best for you as everybody likes different kinds of comfort.
Loads of people on here praise Skoda's, but I find the Octavia very coarse compared to the Mondeo my brother had previously.
You don't want any sport versions, better to go for luxury as these usually have softer suspension. I can't recommend my car as it's a Mini cooper with bigger wheels and is like a go cart, because even bigger than standard wheels can make the car ride harsher.
So you want a luxury/se model, with standard wheels.
ML.

Lemonade_Pockets

For the specific requirements your after i would recommend a ford or Renault, their suspension is well suited to our roads.

Citroen and Pug are just as comfy but their suspension is generally less sophisticated and doesn't handle as well. It might not be something your bothered about day to day but could make the difference in an emergency or come resale time.

The german cars VW/Audi etc generally tend to give a harsh ride.

Avoid things with low profile tyres/ big alloys too. The only way really to decide is go out and try as many as possible.

goldspanners

the first focus (which i have) has a hard ride but the later focus which is in the age range you are looking at does have a smoother ride,my dad has one and it seems a bit softer.

the best thing to do is keep away from stylish low profile tyres, a tyre with a large sidewall will usually give a softer ride.

Hintza

Citreon DS would have been just the job.

oldtoolie

Comfort and quiet -- you need a bigger car with a longer wheelbase with more room for soundproofing and cushy seats. How about a Vectra or Mondeo? Or that Rover 75 taxi that wafted me to Gatwick was nice.

dada44

why does wheelbase and a longer car matter? is that to do with shock absorption and centre of gravity?

I found the Which Car Guide do an amazing guide for cars, with sections on Noise as well as ride handling. Only thing is, most cars seem to fall into 4 star category.

Hintza

dada44 wrote: »

most cars seem to fall into 4 star category.

So what do you reckon the difference between 4 and 5 stars is?

Most cars will score 90% and the stars are just to differentiate the last 10% (you get my drift).

The other thing is try reading the customer reviews on place like What Car, they tend to be much more interesting (once you get rid of the ones on a pure rant)

As for longer car, how is this for an analogy:- would you rather cross the atlantic in a fishing boat or a liner.

Hintza

My sisters FIL has just bought a Rover 75 very cheaply and a hell of a lot of car for the money I was very impressed (mainly the price).

Contessa

My Peugeot 307 is the most comfortable car I have owned-I used to think previous Volvos were, but my 307 tops the lot.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Three spring to mind as having good quiet compliant rides, best Berlingo closely followed by Xsara Picasso based on Berlingo, Nissan Note surprisingly good.
Probably the best ride would be Citroen C5 on it's hydraulic suspension.

Your first choices Focus and Astra i find very hard which some seem to think is sporty.