Audi A3 TDI e

A3 TDI e is very economical and doesn’t shout about the fact.

Driving
The economy-boosting A3 features a 1.9-litre oil-burner that’s been assembled with low-friction components. It’s tuned to return excellent fuel consumption rather than outright performance. Yet the A3 still has a 120mph top speed and can sprint from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds, while in-gear performance is livelier than these figures suggest. Tall gear ratios take the edge off acceleration, and you find yourself changing more frequently than normal. But the light shift eases this. What’s more, there’s a flip side of impressive cruising refinement. Precise steering and a smooth ride complete the dynamic package, but there’s nothing to get excited about – and the 1.9 TDI is noisy when cold.

Marketplace
Going green is a serious business – and Audi has taken the plunge with the A3 TDI e. It emits just 119g/km of CO2 and qualifies for a road tax bill of just £35. However, despite the considerable efforts to improve the car’s economy, there’s not even a special badge to mark it out. For the record, the body has a few aerodynamic tweaks, while the tyres have a reduced rolling resistance. The TDI e offered in all A3 trims – standard, SE, Sport and S-line, in both three-door and five-door Sportback guise. Such ‘green’ variants are becoming big business in the family and premium hatchback sector – the BMW 118d is even more spectacularly efficient, while there are also eco editions of the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and even the Kia cee’d on the horizon.

Owning
The cabin is regular A3 fare, which means a smart design and solid build quality. However, the five-speed manual gearbox has specially selected extra-long ratios, and there’s a digital display between the dials that tells you which gear to choose to optimise efficiency. And it’s economy that is the big story with this Audi. From a conventional diesel engine, that doesn’t even have BMW-style stop-start technology, the Audi returns a genuinely appealing 62.8mpg. This bodes well for running costs too. And while the Audi isn’t cheap, strong retained values should help further control expenditure.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £16,660 - £19,240
• For : Economy, decent performance, classy styling and interior
• Against : Engine can be noisy, frequent gearshifts, not cheap

Skoda Roomster Scout

It looks quirky but some clever thinking has gone into the well-engineered Roomster Scout.

Driving
The Scout’s standard 16-inch alloys may look smart wrapped in their low-profile tyres, yet the sporty rubber doesn’t do a lot for the ride. Although the firm suspension helps counter body roll in corners, bumps and potholes are not that well absorbed. And while the Skoda feels exceptionally composed and stable at all times, proving safe and easy to drive, it’s neither that agile nor engaging. The Scout offers a choice of four engines – the 1.4-litre petrol struggles, and the 1.6-litre doesn’t feel all that more lively. Better are the diesels; the 1.4-litre TDI has a unique engine note but is effective, while the 1.9-litre TDI is punchy and effortless. Alas, it’s also unrefined, with a tiring drone from under the bonnet on the motorway. All Roomsters have a substantial-feeling gearbox, though it’s not that slick or precise – it’s all too easy to select reverse instead of first when pulling away.

Marketplace
The Roomster remains a distinctive-looking machine, enhanced in Scout guise with well-judged matt back bumpers, wheelarch extensions and lower door trims. And as the Roomster is a supermini-MPV, it provides a very distinctive take on the perfect transport solution for a growing family, offering practicality in spades. There is just the single well-equipped trim line, with prices generally in line with the top-spec ‘3’ model of the standard Roomster. Off-road-look rivals include the Peugeot 207 Outdoor and Ford Fusion, while Renault also sells a mini-estate version of the Renault Clio, and both Citroen and Peugeot offer ultra-practical van-derived models for those who need more space; the Berlingo Multispace and Partner Combi are great value.

Owning
The Skoda has three individual chairs in the rear, plus big doors and wide openings to make getting in and out a breeze. The seats are fiddly to fold, though, and while the boot is gigantic, the load sill is high. However, adults will enjoy a real sense of space, and the two outer chairs slide back and forth while the smaller middle chair folds down to form a handy table with cupholders. Indeed, the whole cabin is well designed, with a good driving position, comfortable seats and ample cabin stowage. There’s a real feeling of quality, too. The boxy shape does, however, hurt fuel economy a little, and while retained values are OK, rivals hold on to a little more of the list price after three years. Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £12,630 - £14,210
• For : Spacious, flexible, practical, reassuring to drive
• Against : Can’t accommodate five adults comfortably, not the most nimble drive

BMW 6-Series

Excellent engine and package prove that diesel GTs can work.

Driving
The 635d has a straight-six twin-turbo 3.0-litre turbodiesel that’s hard to fault. It offers even more torque than the V10 M6, and there’s no arguing with 0-60mph in a mighty 5.7 seconds. On the road, it feels extremely fast, especially in kickdown. However, it’s the effortless nature with which it gains speed that really impresses, while the engine remains unruffled even when pushed hard. Through corners, the BMW continues to impress. There’s lots of grip, the steering has good feedback and it remains composed. However, this involvement does lead to a firm ride and a surprising amount of road noise. It’s not comfortable enough to be a true GT.

Marketplace
The diesel 6-Series is a take on the two-door, 2+2 luxury coupe that BMW expects to account for three-quarters of UK sales. It’s a significant car alright. It was launched in 2007, along with a facelift for the entire 6-Series range. Now the controversy over the car’s styling has worn off, it’s easy to appreciate what an aggressive, distinctive-looking machine it is. This visual impact is likely to appeal to younger buyers. The 635d is available in both coupe and convertible guise, with a choice of two trims – standard and Sport, the latter offering more focused suspension, larger wheels and delectable sports seats. There currently isn’t a premium two-door diesel rival, but Mercedes offers the four-door coupe CLS in diesel guise, and there are also oil-burning versions of the cheaper Audi A5. No Jaguar XK diesel yet, though.

Owning
Like all BMW models, build quality is immaculate, but there are grips. There’s a lack of stowage, and the iDrive control system is fiddly – though eight programmable buttons do make things easier. The 635d is well suited to accommodating two people as well – the cabin is spacious up front and the electrically adjustable, figure-hugging seats of the Sport model offer excellent support and comfort. However, the two-door body means access to the rear is tricky, and the seats themselves are cramped. The BMW is also expensive, as are options – so it’s a good job retained values are rated at well over 50 per cent. It’s also economical, as you would expect from a diesel. Even during testing, it averaged over 30mpg, with 37mpg potential on a cruise. Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £53,910 - £61,800
• For : Diesel is best engine in 6-series line-up, agility, looks
• Against : Expensive, firm ride