Best cars for chucking a bike in?

[srw]

This thread might as well be called "what car do you drive?"

Since you're asking, a Ford CMax. Reliable, comfortable, economical, swallows bikes with ease. If you take the rear seats out rather than just fold them down (takes 2 minutes rather than 30 seconds to fold) you get a big flat-bed boot with a high roof.

 

[huwsparky]

This thread might as well be called "what car do you drive?"

True, a bike will fit in anything within reason. We have a 2003 A4 estate and can get a bike in the boot without wheels which is handy for us as we can still carry two kids + roof box. A bike will comfortably fit in a car of this type without taking any wheels off with the seats down.

 

[dim]

Renault Scenic .... I used to own a diesel one .... lots of space when you fold the seats and a tank of diesel gets you far

 

[HLaB]

If your wanting economy go for some sort of Hatch back. I've got a Yaris and its fine with a couple of bike although you do have to fold the rear seats down and take the front wheel of the bike off.

 

[fossyant]

Most cars will take a single bike, in one way or another. Depends on the bike as well, as current 650B and 29ers are big bikes.

 

[screenman]

I am not keen on the seats folded down and loose objects in the back, too many years working closely with bookshops I suppose.

 

[Proto]

The newer shape Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner. Fantastic vehicle for bike lugging.

Fantatsic vehicle, full stop. Spacious, fast enough, frugal, comfy, tough, cheap. What's not to like?

 

[vickster]

The newer shape Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner. Fantastic vehicle for bike lugging.

Fantatsic vehicle, full stop. Spacious, fast enough, frugal, comfy, tough, cheap. What's not to like?

Rather lacking in street cred?

And French

 

[NorthernDave]

As said a couple of times before if you're looking for something purely practical, and can live with zero street cred, get a Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner, which is essentially a small van with foldable rear seats and windows.
For something a bit plusher, try a Citroen C3 Picasso, although you still won't be cool with da kidz.

I've got a Citroen C3 Hatchback, which has had two full size bikes in the back, wheels on, with the rear seat folded. It's snug, but no great faff - just watch the pedals don't scratch the rear bumper...
But I've got roof bars and a Thule Proride 598 bike carrier for it now, which is a much better solution and no great trouble.

The diesel variants of the above should all do 60+mpg too.

 

[alicat]

My Ford C-Max is a great load carrier. The back seats come out if needed. I've had two elderly passengers, a bike, a wheelchair, two walkers, a tent, camping gear, cycling gear and three people's holiday luggage in it before now. Mind you we had to take turns breathing!

 

[greekonabike]

I used to be able to get my old mountain bike in the back of a Saxo but I'd probably recommend a Skoda Octavia estate. The 1.9 tdi engine is pretty much bulletproof if maintained correctly.

 

[DaveReading]

My 2011 Focus was great. I could fit a bike in the back with the front wheel off. It was a 1.6 diesel and did 70+ mpg, so very economical for my 95 miles per day commute.

My elderly Focus takes my tourer with both wheels on. Though it's fairly heavy, and if I'm not going far I find it easier (on my back) to lift it onto the roof.

 

[Bazzer]

My Golf IV takes a bike with the back seat down. Easier with the front wheel off, but that's no biggie.
Not that they are common, but avoid a Honda HRV. Looks like there should be plenty of space, but in reality in terms of load space, all fur coat and no knickers.

 

[Drago]

Rather lacking in street cred?

That from an Octavia driver!

In a serious note though, it's transport. If people regard cars as some kind of willy wagging one upmanship thing then every one of us above has failed miserably.

 

[vickster]

That from an Octavia driver!

In a serious note though, it's transport. If people regard cars as some kind of willy wagging one upmanship thing then every one of us above has failed miserably.

I don't drive an Octavia

I don't have a willy to wag. I do like to drive a nice car though (like I like to ride nice bikes, gotta spend my hard earned on something)