Next alternative car to a Leon?

[G.P]

I won't even be considering the current Leon. I don't like the way it looks and they have made stupid decisions that are red flags to me.

I had a look at one in a dealer's months ago. When I saw that they'd put the air-con controls in the touch screen and the switch for the lights was a cheap little touch-pad that was it. They had sacrificed ergonomics and ease of use to save money. Those two things I noticed with a few seconds so I wondered what else they had done that would take longer to find. And if they are happy to cut corners on things you will know about what is being cut where you can't see?

I don't know what I'll buy next, I'll look around at the time, but it won't be a new Leon.

^ this for me to, so at present I'd be looking towards BMW 1 series or the Mazda 3..

 

[Seastormer]

Toyota Gr Yaris, Hyundai N Performance, S3 and Golf R are all on my list.

 

[Johnny Leon]

Be interested to see what the new Skoda Fabia is like in 1.5 guise (assuming engine problems fixed and they don't go overboard with the touchscreen controls) to replace my 1.8 FR. Going to be 4,1m long with 380l boot so plenty large enough for me whilst new Leon/Golf/A3 have all grown too big now.

 

[motty225]

I went to something completely different a polestar 2, and I absolutely love it, no regrets

 

[SRGTD]

I went to something completely different a polestar 2, and I absolutely love it, no regrets

I really like the Polestar 2 - great looking car; styling is very Volvo-esque (not surprising really, bearing in mind Polestar is part owned by Volvo) and an interior that looks modern, contemporary and ‘premium’ in terms of quality.

IMHO much nicer than a Tesla 3.

 

[Soundlab]

Never purchased a car new, so will be looking at a used EV. I don't think it'll be too far away before I start actively looking.

 

[SuperV8]

I really like the Polestar 2 - great looking car; styling is very Volvo-esque (not surprising really, bearing in mind Polestar is part owned by Volvo) and an interior that looks modern, contemporary and ‘premium’ in terms of quality.

IMHO much nicer than a Tesla 3.

I don't like/would never buy a Tesla - BUT I have to admit their drivetrain's are amazing.
Mate at work has a Model 3 performance and took me out the other day... Wow - acceleration was literally uncomfortable! I can't see any petrol powered car getting anywhere near at the traffic lights grand prix! Really weird sensation all that G force and little sound!

 

[mdaw1985]

Mazda 6: spacy, feels well built, and love what they're doing to their ICE. Those N/A SpCCI petrol engines are redefining efficiency.
- Audi A5: wouldn't be buying this one brand new, but rather nearly new, and preferably in Germany, for more choice in petrol range and option list.

I agree about Mazda. They look great and well built. Only thing is that the skyactive x isn't actually as efficient as they hoped. They were originally claiming that they would get mpg like they were currently getting from their diesels, that hasn't happened. I've not seen one long term test where it's got near 50 mpg. Usually 43-45 tops and it's actually closer to 8.8-9 seconds 0-62 mph on the Mazda 3. Yet my 1.4 tsi 150 Leon regularly gets 50 mpg and does 0-62 in about 8.2-8.4 seconds. My last tank of fuel got 51.4 mpg according to the trip computer. I know that's not 100% accurate but it's within 3 or 4 mpg when worked out previously. I did 517 miles before filling up again and was still telling me I had 5 miles left. Probably could have done 25 more miles. I was really excited when they released the skyactive X but ultimately doesn't quite give the performance I want. Now if they get that engine to go under 8 seconds I'd be looking seriously at one.
A5 is just a great car. ?. Just expensive.

 

[mdaw1985]

my 1.4 tsi 150 Leon regularly gets 50 mpg and does 0-62 in about 8.2-8.4 seconds.

I have been looking hard to try and find cars that will match this kind of performance and efficiency in petrol engines up to 1.6 litres with turbo and don't really find one that matches it. Although the hybrid 2.0 toyota corolla does get close but when choosing that engine limits boot space so I would want a estate version.
The 1.5t from both BMW and ford don't seem very good on mpg from what I've been reading and same goes for the equivalent Hyundai/Kia 1.4t and 1.6t. The only equivalent engine that gets me interested is the Honda 1.5t. might not be quite as economical but is faster from reviews.

 

[GaryPL]

Once the lease is up on my Cupra and even though I love her, I am going to bite the bullet and try and get an Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Love the way it looks, it apparently drives beautifully due to its engine note mated with the ZF gearbox all BMWs use. But it is very costly still. Hopefully over time the price will come down.

Had one as a courtesy car for a couple of days. Beautiful car and exceptionally comfortable. Try to get a later one. The ICE on the early ones is woeful. Think I heard of some having a 5 year warranty too.

 

[Seriously?]

Haven't made the final decision but I suspect that rather than new, we will be looking at a decent late model, low miles/ex demo, possibly a BMW F31/F36. There is pretty much nothing in the VAG lineup that floats our boat new car wise either hatches or estates, we don't need an SUV and increasingly I'm thinking that letting the first owner/dealership take the depreciation hit is a smart move.

 

[GlekkeMatrak]

Yet my 1.4 tsi 150 Leon regularly gets 50 mpg and does 0-62 in about 8.2-8.4 seconds. My last tank of fuel got 51.4 mpg according to the trip computer. I know that's not 100% accurate but it's within 3 or 4 mpg when worked out previously. I was really excited when they released the skyactive X but ultimately doesn't quite give the performance I want. Now if they get that engine to go under 8 seconds I'd be looking seriously at one.

Exactly why I'm not keen on replacing my 1.4 anytime soon. With the minor mods I've made to mine, it'll do 0-62 in 7.4 on average, and will return (if throttle applied reeeaaally gently) at least 850kms on a tank (not that I ever get that tbh, just not that kind of driver. Did achieve 63mpg once however).