Tall + big dog = which hatchback...?

Richard53

mobileron said:

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.

I'd just add a note of caution re the mpg figures (assuming you are reading the dashboard mpg). I have measured my fuel use against mileage, tank to tank, for over a year now, and compared with the reported mpg from the system. The dash reading varies between 6-10% high, with an overall average of +7%. So if mine reads 60 mpg it's really mid-50s. Still very impressive, but I imagine Skoda want you to think the car is a bit more economical than it really is.

mobileron

MPG tests are done on cars no doors 1 seat and everything taken out. Try honest john website for real MpG.

Grumpy_chap

mobileron said:

MPG tests are done on cars no doors 1 seat and everything taken out. Try honest john website for real MpG.

I don't think that is correct - apart from anything no doors would massively increase drag and result in poor mpg.

The tests are done under standardised "laboratory" conditions to allow one car to be compared to another and real-world is always less, but the test is still done using a standard production car without modifications.

aroominyork

Thanks for the Skoda suggestions. However, my wife takes her car styles/brands seriously and if I mention Skoda her reply will not be "which model do you like?" but "which divorce lawyer are you using?".

Last weekend we test drove a BMW X1 and I think it might be the answer. Interesting enough for her, not over-designed inside (which I like), an enjoyable and easy drive, and quite a 'vertical' windscreen which provides good visibility and headroom.

ontheroad1970

A divorce might be cheaper than BMW servicing and tyres

I'm also not convinced that the X1 is a great vehicle for a big and tall dog.  My wife used to have an X5 when we had a white German Shepherd and that was spacious enough, but not sure that the X1 boot will be even close to the size.

coffee_cake

If you don't have the back seats in use when the dog is in the car, have you considered a "hammock" so the dog can lie in the back instead of the boot?  There's more space, and that's what we use for our two.  Also more options for choosing a new car as the boot doesn't have to be massive.

aroominyork

I haven't looked at hammocks (until just now) but it's worth thinking about. Are they proven to protect the dog better in case of sudden braking?

coffee_cake

aroominyork said:

I haven't looked at hammocks (until just now) but it's worth thinking about. Are they proven to protect the dog better in case of sudden braking?

No, they'd still need to be tethered in via a harness and/or have a dog guard fitted.

Grumpy_chap

aroominyork said:

Thanks for the Skoda suggestions. However, my wife takes her car styles/brands seriously and if I mention Skoda her reply will not be "which model do you like?" but "which divorce lawyer are you using?".

The Skoda's are almost universally suggested because they are mighty-fine cars and the best to match your needs as stated in the OP.

If badge-snobbery is important, the A6 Avant would be the "premium" alternative but you'll need to either increase the maximum miles or budget to get there.
Alternatively what about Kia Optima or Ford Mondeo?

The X1 is quite a small car, especially the boot, really it is just a 1-series on stilts.  It does not seem to fit the brief set out in the OP.

aroominyork

Grumpy_chap said:

The X1 is quite a small car, especially the boot, really it is just a 1-series on stilts.  It does not seem to fit the brief set out in the OP.

X1 is deceptive. Inside it is spacious enough but cosier/sportier than the B Class (which we have now, 58 reg, and we were thinking of getting another) but the X1 is externally longer and wider. "On stilts" is good for me because of my height.

I will look at Skoda and see if I want to and feel I can make a case. I can always change the badge!