Used test: BMW 1 Series vs Lexus CT200h vs Volkswagen Golf vs Volvo V40
Fancy a used car that’s practical enough to fulfil family duties, yet smart enough to feel special on the school run? These four should fit the bill...
Our Verdict
With all of the furore surrounding diesels at the moment, the Lexus CT200h might be a tempting choice. After all, with its petrol hybrid engine it’s the least likely to incur the wrath of any future diesel charges; what’s more, you get what look to be the cheapest running costs and near-faultless reliability thrown into the bargain. What’s not to like?
Well, quite a lot, actually. Given the harshness of its petrol engine, the uncontrolled ride and handling, the poor boot space, the finicky dashboard and the fact it’s considerably more expensive than any other car here, it’s hard to recommend the Lexus. If you really want to do without diesel, a petrol version of any of the other cars here would probably be a better bet.
The Volvo must come third. It’s easy to love it for its handsome looks, both inside and out, not to mention the quality feel of its interior and its smooth, flexible engine. It’s looking like decent value now, too, given what it offers.
However, it isn’t quite cheap enough, given that there are quite a few flaws to live with. The ride isn’t as settled as it should be, the steering feels vague and the rear seats are cramped; its reliability score is nothing to write home about, either, and servicing costs are pretty high.
By contrast, the Volkswagen Golf’s are far more reasonable – but that’s not all it has going for it. In the Golf, you get one of the finest interiors of any used car around; and while this Bluemotion version isn’t quite as well sorted as other Golfs, it still handles tidily. It’s spacious and airy inside, too, so you and your passengers won’t feel cramped, and let’s not forget it’s the cheapest car here to buy.
It isn’t perfect, though. A firm ride and the extra hassle caused by that long gearing keep it from being the relaxing experience to drive that it should be, and the fact that the Golf has the worst reliability score here must keep it from the top spot.
The BMW 1 Series is, of course, more expensive than the Golf (and, of course, the Volvo) – but we reckon it’s worth the extra cost it’ll set you back. Granted, the offset pedals are an issue, as does the fact you really have to thrash its engine to get it going.
However, there are small foibles. The 116d manages to be both better to drive and more comfortable than the Golf, while also offering better reliability, better real-world fuel economy and just as much space and practicality. With all that in mind, it takes our top spot here.
Read our review of the latest BMW 1 Series
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For Strong engines; smooth ride; great to drive; good reliability
Against Overly sharp steering; offset pedals; lanky gearing
Verdict Does an exemplary job of marrying family duties and low running costs with a premium feel
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full used BMW 1 Series review
Find a used BMW 1 Series for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
2nd – Volkswagen Golf
For Secure handling; excellent dashboard; airy interior
Against Firm low-speed ride; gawky gearing
Verdict A fantastic all-rounder that offers so much for the price
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full used Volkswagen Golf review
Find a used Volkswagen Golf for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
3rd – Volvo V40
For Quality interior; smooth, flexible engine; low price
Against Road noise; vague steering; cramped rear
Verdict Great in some respects, but below par in others
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Volvo V40 review
Find a used Volvo V40 for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
4th – Lexus CT
For Good real-world fuel economy; reliability
Against Awful ride and refinement; pokey boot; expensive
Verdict Dynamically flawed in many ways, and extremely expensive, too
Rated 2 out of 5
Read the full used Lexus CT review
Find a used Lexus CT for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: BMW 116d Efficient Dynamics
Engine size 1.6-litre diesel
List price when new £20,885
Price today £9000
Power 114bhp
Torque 192lb ft
0-60mph 9.9sec
Top speed 121mph
Fuel economy 74.3mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 99g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion
Engine size 1.6-litre diesel
List price when new £20,015
Price today £7500
Power 103bhp
Torque 184lb ft
0-60mph 10.8sec
Top speed 118mph
Fuel economy 74.3mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 99g/km
Specifications: Volvo V40 1.6D D2 ES
Engine size 1.6-litre diesel
List price when new £19,745
Price today £7500
Power 113bhp
Torque 199lb ft
0-60mph 11.8sec
Top speed 119mph
Fuel economy 78.5mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 94g/km
Specifications: Lexus CT200h SE-I
Engine size 1.8-litre hybrid
List price when new £23,786
Price today £10,500
Power 134bhp
Torque 105lb ft
0-60mph 12.1sec
Top speed 110mph
Fuel economy 68.9mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 94g/km
Price today is based on a 2012 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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