Tall + big dog = which hatchback...?

aroominyork

Our Mercedes B Class (58 reg) is making noises suggesting it would like to be put out of its misery. We have been looking for a replacement MPV but the nicer ones are above our price range so we are now thinking about hatchbacks. But we are not a straightforward family.... what might meet our needs in the secondhand market?

- I am 6'5"; my wife is 5'4"

- We have a 45kg German Shepherd who needs to travel in the boot

- We would prefer petrol to diesel (hybrid is probably out of our price range) but this isn't critical

- No older than 2017 and preferably no more than 40,000 miles on the block

- A good ride and not too ugly

- Budget: £17,500.

Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated.

Herzlos

That's a big dog. I'd be looking at the MPV styled cars - Citroen Berlingo, Vauxhall Zafira/Combo Life. They are pretty ugly but in terms of boot space they are unbeatable.

This is pretty much what I'd go for with your spec : https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205236028383

(You can't see what it looks like from inside)

sheramber

A friend with two Italian Spinones loved her Berlingo. 

Grumpy_chap

Skoda Superb estate

aroominyork

Thanks, guys - we'll looks at the Skoda. I'm afraid the Berlingo and Combo fall down on not being too ugly - they look like I'd be delivering cabbages, as practical as they might be.

Brie

What's the matter with delivering cabbages?  Someone's got to do it and very likely their very nice people too!!!!

[Deleted User]

Have you had a look at the Ford S-Max - MPV sized but looks more like a car / hatchback?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256098646

Easily get your 45kg dog in the back and 6'5" you will be comfy up front. Has anchor points for dog guards if needed.

Richard53

Skoda Octavia estate with a dog guard. The space for a furry friend is huge. I've tried transporting a dog in a hatchback, but the slope of the rear door restricts the space available at head level for the dog and it feels a bit like you are locking them in the dark. In the estate, my dog can see everything that's going on and, crucially, can let us know important information like 'cat on pavement opposite'. Beware cars like the Skoda Roomster or Yeti - they look like they will have enormous boot space, but there's not as much behind the rear seats as first appears.

mobileron

Skoda for quality of product, either superb or octavia.Just done a trip to North Yoks and back in my superb.
60 mpg going and  55 on return.
Taxi drivers fav car.

Stubod

+ another for an Octavia, or Superb if you want to "go large". Decent range of engines, and the 1.4tsi is a peach....

Elliott.T123

Another vote for the Skoda. 

I have a Superb estate with two 30kg dogs and often have bikes in the car too.

In terms of cost vs quality you cant beat a Skoda at the moment. You get a lot of car for your money compared to others on the market.