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What Car? Personal Shopper: April - Practical, fun and sporty

12 April 2010
Name Julina Wadsworth
Age 41
Drives Mini Cooper
Budget £15,000
Wants ‘A practical, fun car for the country and transporting my dog. Ideally, I’d like a sporty, 4x4-style car.’


Personal shopper recommends
If, like Julina, you want the whatcar.com personal shopper's help to find your ideal car, just e-mail recommends@whatcar.com with:
• A photo of yourself
• Your budget
• Your current car
• Your age
• Your annual mileage
• Other useful info


 

Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI S 2WD, £14,570
Target Price £13,494

With its 4x4 styling, punchy engine and cushy ride – not to mention bags of room for the dog – the Yeti should answer all of Julina’s needs. This is our favourite Yeti. Although a 1.2-litre engine might not sound impressive, it’s turbocharged so is surprisingly powerful. It’s economical, too. Only a little wind noise on the motorway detracts from the Yeti’s appeal. S trim has enough equipment for most tastes, including alloy wheels, air-con, electric windows and traction control. If Julina wants more, another £1430 will get her the SE model.
 


 

Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Acenta, ’09/09
Price £14,000

The Qashqai offers hatchback handling and is a competent motorway cruiser. There’s plenty of room for a dog in the boot as well. Resale values aren’t strong, which explains the car’ reasonable price as a nearly new buy. The 2.0-litre engine is smooth and responsive, and Acenta trim is well equipped.
 


 

Toyota RAV4 2.2 D4D XT-R, ’07/07
Price £14,000

A tough-looking 4x4 that’s surprisingly good to drive on- and off-road. The side-opening tailgate won’t suit everyone, but there’s enough room in the boot for a dog. This 2.2-litre diesel engine is refined and offers much better economy than the petrol model, while XT-R trim offers the best value for money.