Recommendations for a small car that's good for motorway driving?

WobblyDog

I guess it depends on your expectations, but I find my Fiesta OK on motorways. I would go for a 5-door model (better visibility) and avoid the 1.25 litre models (lacking torque, so poor in-gear acceleration). The ST model with its stiffened suspension might not be ideal for motorway use either.

loskie

I think for such a big mileage an ST would become tiresome.

getmore4less

For motorway with cruise make sure there is somewhere to rest the right foot.

Loopy28

Hi, thanks for all your advice and yes the test driving ideas sounds ideal.

I currently drive a standard trim 2011-1.5 Diesel Astra, 110BHP. This has cruise control and I agree this is essential. This car drives nicely imo on the motorway and has enough power for my needs. My main gripes with it are that when I do any city driving, it is noisy and lumpy (if that make sense). It is also an absolute pain to park, I am an experienced driver but the visibility out the back is difficult, mainly when I am reversing so I am in front of another car as you just can't judge where their bonnet is. The whole car just feels a little clumsy to manoeuvre.

In the past I have had 3 door smaller cars and I like the fact that they are nippy and easy to park in smaller spaces. But I have never had a smaller car that has been comfortable on the motorway although I appreciate that things have moved on.

Looking at company car tax, I am better going with a Diesel, which I am happy with.

BeenThroughItAll

getmore4less wrote: »

For motorway with cruise make sure there is somewhere to rest the right foot.

I never really understand the need for that. I use the floor.

Poppy9

Personally I would not go for a small car for motorway driving just to be easy to park.

I would get a comfortable, motorway car with parking sensors.

I drive my Fiesta on motorway sometimes and it's okay but I find I'm tired, my leg stiff because no foot rests etc. and it's not as smooth.

I drive my OH BMW 5 series and I have somewhere to rest my foot, more comfort and I'm less tired at end of journey.

My Fiesta is a doddle to park but as OH car has parking sensors I can park it in car parks aside from multi story as they I'm !!!!!! scared I'm going to bash either his front on the tight turns or his alloys!

bigjl

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

If assume the current 1-series is a lot different from earlier ones ?

I have only driven a 55 reg and it was cramped and uncomfortable and had abysmal visibility

Agreed.

I have only driven a 116D on a 60plate with normal seats and a 116i with the M seats.

Both were cramped.

The M seats were a nightmare to get comfortable in for me. But I am over 6ft so that might be the issue.

I have to admit that given a similar choice I would probably opt for a Fiesta or Focus.

I had a Fiesta as a courtesy car when my old V50 had some recall work done and it was more comfortable than a 1series.

Caveat being I have never driven the new version, but it isn't any bigger really.

getmore4less

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

I never really understand the need for that. I use the floor.

Much more comfortable to have a foot rests right and left as well as the floor.

bigjl

getmore4less wrote: »

Much more comfortable to have a foot rests right and left as well as the floor.

I can see your point with a footrest on the left.

But the right?

Which car have you driven with a footrest on the right?

Hintza

I think you might want to look at something a bit bigger OP. Although 30k miles a year isn't huge it's enough to make your priority comfort.

If getting cruise control best with an auto.