Not a performance-oriented thread, sorry...

I'm on the point of ordering an MPV as my replacement company car. All the demonstrators seem to be diesels and the sales pitch is very much "that's all we get asked for"...

In my own circumstances I'm worse off financially with an oil-burner (low mileage, pay for own fuel, income tax penalty on company car etc) and saving money would normally be the only justification for driving one.

The only thing I'm worried about is that the petrol engines offered are pretty puny and by comparison the diesels might drive better due to higher torque etc. As mentioned above, I can't find out for myself because petrol MPVs seem to be like hen's teeth in the dealers.

Just wondered if any other family types out there have some experience to offer?

Thanks,
Gareth

 

I've seen a fair few VR6 Sharans about

 

Galaxy / Sharan & SEAT Alhambra share platforms and drivetrains (all use VW).

I've driven a V6 Galaxy several times (which I thought initially was the 2.5 Ford v6, but later realised was the VAG 2.8VR6 engine) ~ it was surprisingly good fun sounded nice, and held on admirably.

Also tried a 3.3 Voyager auto ~ gutless and roly poly ~ just what I thought an MPV would be like.

 

Yes, there are a few V6s, but I kind of hoped to see some economies as consolation for giving up my WRX

 

Think you're 4cuked then

If you want non-gutless then it's bigger petrol or TDI. Smaller petrol lumps simply won't have the torque.

FWIW I used to get approx 17mpg out of the Galaxy....

 

Of course you could always get a VAG TDI130PD engined bus and remap it to 180+bhp / 300+lbs.ft for less than £500.

Best of both worlds?

 

Why do you want to go fast in a People Carrier ?

We have a Sharan 115 PD, the engine suits the car, the torque moves the weight easily and makes it feel better than 115 BHP would suggest, the 2.0 petrol Sharan is ropey, you need to wring its neck to go anywhere and the V6 versions are pointless, have driven one at work (plod) and it wasnt that much faster than the diesel and the economy was abysmal, about 18 mpg the transport branch report !

We get 35 mpg on average on the Sharan, its only done 4000 miles so it might improve yet more.

 

We have been given a Zafira as a hire car at the moment. Petrol 1.8 and it actually feels pretty quick to begin with - then you realise it just has really short gears. You zoom up to 60 quick enough but end up revving the baals off it on the motorway.

Remember the "Daddy Cool" GSi 2.0 Turbo for something that really has a bit more poke!

 

*****, not baals - that sounds like some sort of side-dish in a curry house! Anyway gear box makes up for lack of torque around town - it seems quite drivable to me - would'nt want to own one though

 

Did you know the Zafira only has 3 NCAP stars? I wouldn't be happy tooling around in the GSi with my kids in the back...