I've been upgraded.....

I'd probably go for the merc as it's the newest...

diesel audi/veedubs are dull

new mondeo, i prefer the old one...

everyone gets a 320d....

but it's your own choice...

The Merc or Jag, providing they have nice cupholders and nice plastics ;-)

Isn't the Jag the one diesel Clarkson actually likes - the one that Sabine took round the 'ring in 9m12 ?

Mike P

Mike P

Have you actually driven a 320D ? I make my annual pilgrimage to the Autosport show in a 320D and it makes a long day very tolerable indeed. The chassis makes anything else vaguely comparable look pretty poor in comparison.

I couldn't be tempted by any of the others, so good is the drivetrain in the BMW.

But hey, it's your choice. If the image is more important than how good the car is...

I know the 320d is a great car (I think I'd actually have to go to a

Looks very cheap for what is an expensive car - they all look like poverty spec models, with no chrome, under-sized wheels etc.

Vectra Elite 150 Nav...

Have you got a choice of bodystyles? Off *that* list I'd be looking at either a 320d Touring just for the RWDness. Or the V50 Estate. The Mondeo is supposed to be excellent though.

Trying to remember - I've locked myself out of the 'benefits' website, so this is all from memory.

I think there's an Avant option on the A4, and a Touring 3-series - but both are a trade-off on the spec - high spec saloons or lower spec estates....

As for the Vectra, it's not on the list. Neither is the Signum.

I say the Jag, because it isn't a reps rocket historically.

Is that a problem? You've repeatedly said it's the experience of being in it which is important...

Your not from round here are you?

I wasn't sure about the Jag - it's getting a bit long in the tooth now.

However, I've just looked at the webshite and the facelift looks a bit tasty. Not sure about all the literature telling me about the 'console mounted growler', though....

The only thing that really puts me off is that the S models don't have leather (no leather in a Jag is a big no-no, IMHO) and I'd 'only' get

But.... I do really fancy having one, just to say 'I drive a Jag'

My dad loves his Mondeo diesel hatch. Just bought it before xmas, then ran it in on a trip back to the motherland. Loves it.

No, I'm a vain bastard and a sucker for pearl black paint and lots of chrome ;-)

I'd probably have the Merc. But then, I'd have a manual not an auto heh :)

Ah, from my perspective I'd go for the estate just because of the kids; it's loads easier to haul their crap around when they're little with an estate or a hatch, my sister had a Vectra saloon a little while back and getting the pram in and out was a pain.

Not that you have to worry about such things ;)

Another benefit is the ability to sleep in the back of an estate or hatch lol

What line of work are you in Steve ?

The mondy sounds good or the Jag :)

Brilliant engine. Great auto or manual, wonderful handling, nice driving position, completely screwed up ride.

Hey Dan. You need something more suitable for your back, so while you can drive a manual get this

Isn't a lot of chrome a pikey thing?

You won't expect this....

..

..the Mondeo auto-box isn't that good, but whatever Jag use in the X-type works fine.

I'd say Merc, then Jag, then Passat (either), then Volvo, then A4 SE. If you want an auto then forget the Mondeo.

As for the A4, We bought a 54 plate TDi 140 today, but on the logbook it's an S. However, it's got more spec than *any* A4 I've ever seen before. First owner was VAG so I suspect it was an early demo for the new shape.