Thanks Mark...that's a really helpful response. I like the idea of having a 4x4 for the shocking roads up here every winter...but then the Leon has been really good in ice and snow as long as it isn't deep enough to make it a snow-plough.
I've got a guy from the Renault dealership badgering me about the new Megane 265 Cup...I guess what you're saying about your MX5 applies to that. Bit of planning and it can still do what I need it to do.
I think I will have to have a bit more of a think on this one! Thanks again for your help Mark.
In my experience for mild off-roading (i.e. getting to and parking at out of the way MTB trails) and winter road use tyres are FAR more important than what wheels are driven.
With a decent set of winter tyres i've seen fwd cars sail past 4x4's on snowy hills.
There is also 4x4 a vast difference between 4x4 systems.
If you pitched say a Pajero against say a VAG hatch like say the R32 Golf the difference is night and day as with the Pajero you can lock the centre diff, with most VAG 4x4's they use a Haldex 4x4 system with no locking centre diff.
As i say though unless you intend on taking in some green lanes a fwd with the appropriate tyres is as good in all but the hardest conditions.
The Mrs had a 225 Megane and it was an absolutely fantastic car, they look massive but as soon as you drive it it seems to shrink around you.
The motor is fantastic with absolutely no sigh of turbo lag, it pulls smooth from any revs and any gears.
The handling is also fantastic with the ability to lift off over-steer pretty much at will.
Renault do have a bad reputation with regards to reliability, we had no problems the 5 or so years we ran the 225.
My bro-in-law runs his own garage and specialises in Renault and you seem to get Renault sports (the sports are assembled in a different factory to the other Renaults) that either run for ever, or they have nothing but problems.
I won't surprise you to know though that the ones that run forever are the ones that are well looked after and serviced on the dot when needed.
Saying that though you should not expect the same build quality as your VAG, you are going to get the odd rattle and squeak so if that sort of thing bothers you then i'd probably stick to VAG.
Speaking as someone who recently bought a 2005 3.2L V6 Audi A3 though to me those rattles and squeaks are a small price to pay for such subtle handling.
Unfortunately i need an Automatic (paralysed left arm) which reduces my car choices dramatically, if i coud drive a manual though i'd have either a Clio or Megane sport and trust me i've had hundreds of cars over the years from 911's to Elan's.
As i say though it really depends on what your priorities are and what you want out of a car.
Another thing i'd say is, i used to have an estate car mainly because of MTBing because i got so ****** off with messing about with bike racks.
In the end i went back to using a bike rack even on the estate as i was sick of getting the interior messed up and scratched.
I'd lay a few old blankets down but inevitably you'd be tired after a long ride so you wouldn't pay attention as you loaded your bike so i'd scrunch up the blanket while sliding the bikes in only to find a nice patterned oil stain on the seat the shape of a front crank
I've tried roof racks, rear racks, internal loading etc and by far the best method of transporting bikes i've found was borrowing my mates van.
Second best is a decent bike rack mounted on a tow bar.
Quick easy, doesn't damage the car or the bike.
To be honest Paul i recon your Seat is a pretty decent car and will do 99% (on-road) that a 4x4 will do but be more fuel efficient, easier to park, cheaper on repairs and maintenance and more enjoyable to drive (on roads).
Whatever your short list though make sure you test drive the hell out of the cars.
Before i bought the A3 i went on a 2 hour test drive
Drive the car on the roads you are likely to drive it on the most and try a few different cars of that version so you can tell if the one you like drives well in comparison.
It's a buyers market these days so be mega mega choosy, if the dealer isn't happy about a 30min test drive then walk down the road and find one that is, he'll be just as happy to take your money off you.
Cheers
Mark
