[Scripted]

OK, looking for a car that is:

- medium sized
- European
- Fits 3 kids along the back (2 in car seats)
- Diesel
- Manual Transmission
- Boot space enough for pram or other kid related paraphernalia.

There are more diesels now available in Aus but most are auto transmission. As we have kids who will eventually learn to drive in this car, I want to have a manual.

DH prefers diesels for fuel efficiency / eco reasons.

We currently have a VW Jetta which is auto, and I don't love it. There is a lag before take off and it seems to stall a bit (WTF?). For the price tag I don't think it is worth it.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[lsolaBella]

Apart from manual (although you can do manual mode with paddle flaps) is the Citroen C4 grand Picasso.

[katrina24]

i30 wagon. We have one and it's great. It's just won another NRMA award this year I think. I have 2 in seats. Can't fit a third seat with our arrangement but a small to medium sized adult can sit between the seats and an infa booster cushion fits between the seats as well. The boot space is great as it's a wagon. We have the diesel manual and it's fuel efficiency is great. It's not too noisy either (I was worried about this with diesel). I'm pretty sure it's European designed.

This post has been edited by katrina24: 21/01/2013, 08:32 PM

[Chief Pancake Ma...]

Renault Koleos?

[The Old Bag]

I have a Volvo V50 which meets all your criteria.... mine is auto but manual is an option.

Brilliant car, I love it.

The lag on taking off is pretty standard for a diesel think, though DH has had diesel Mercedes through work which do it less than mine.

[debut dad]

I know you don't like your Jetta, but have you considered the VW Golf Wagon?

It has 2 diesel variants (a 1.6 TDI and a 2.0 TDI)

Mid-sized, Euro and big boot for your pram(s) and other stuff.

Good luck with the hunt!

[dadathome]

Technically the DSG transmissions in VAG cars are a twin clutch automated manual. Manuals are a real dying breed - perhaps a Skoda (which I have and happily recommend) but the width for 3 seats and a child will be the problem, along with manual

This post has been edited by dadathome: 21/01/2013, 08:50 PM

[TiredbutHappy]

A Volvo XC60? Not sure if it comes in a manual though.

[Tea-snob]

Hi.

Have you thought about a Ford Mondeo? They do a diesel model, have a huge boot, have European styling and they're made overseas.

If you weren't after something European, I would recommend the Ford G6 eco boost. It's their new four cylinder engine, as much grunt as the 6 cylinder but much more environmentally friendly ( can you tell we just bought a new car?! All the research is still fresh in my head!!) the boot is massive, seriously I could sleep in there!!

I think you might have trouble finding all of that in a manual, but others might be able to help!

Good luck!

[Scripted]

Thanks for all those suggestions.

We have a Volvo XC90 (also diesel) and I don't find it has the same lag despite being a much bigger car. Perhaps I just expect it to be sluggish because it is like a truck whereas I expect the VW to be zippy!!

I'm reluctant to give another VW a go.. so not keen on the Golf.

Surely diesel manuals exist other than in buses and outback 4wds?!

I'll do some research on the ones named.