Help Me Choose a 5-Seat SUV under $40k

Aap Ke Papa on 07/02/2018 - 20:02
Last edited 11/02/2018 - 20:51

Edit#2 10/2/18: I test drove the following cars today
Nissan Qashqai Ntec, Nissan X-trail ST, Kia Sportage GT Petrol, Mazda CX5 GT, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback 2.5i premium, Hyundai were too cocky to give me a test drive without appointment

I liked the following cars in no particular order. All cars had that extra oomph and a beautiful interior with decent bells and whistles
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium $42000 Driveaway brand new
Mazda CX - 5 GT $43990 without any bargains
Kia Sportage GT Line $43000+

All the prices given to me are without any haggling.
Any chances what best prices I can score? And what are your thoughts on the prices? Aim would be not to cross the $40K mark

I'm in Melbourne

I am unable to choose which SUV to buy. I currently drive an elantra 2013.
I have narrowed it down to the following

Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring
Honda CR-V 2WD VTi-S
Subaru Forester 2.5i-S
Tucson 2.0 2WD Elite Auto
Renault KOLEOS Zen 4x2

As you can see the cars are mid range in terms of features and stuff. I am not after a top model or a base model. I am not after a 7 seater, I will never me towing or doing off road driving.

Things I want from my car

Decent looks
Nice pick up 0-60
Fair amount of fancy features that come in mid range models
Can live without android auto
I do city driving spend most of my time in traffic driving 1 hour a day max which is to and from work.
I hope the cars will have a decent sound system.
other that that i really dont have any expections apart from a car that doesnt give my any unnecessary problems if i service regularly.

Negative for cx5, i really love the shape and the features that come in the touring model but it just looks like a bigger hatchback to me at times with not enough ground clearance.
Negative for CR-V - CVT and the rear shape
Negative for forester - the shape is not exciting enough

please help me choose one or shoot down option but do tell me why.
Cheers

Edit 9/2/18: Thank you guys really loving all the insight from you guys. Apologies that I havent test driven any. I aim to this weekend. So keep giving me all the pointers you have to make a decision as I dont have much clue about what car to get. The car that I will get I will hang on to it. It wont be an investment yeilding option for me. All I want to something nice to drive, decent safety features, nice cabin, reliable and high riding with easy access for kids/pram etc

Poll Options

  • 125
    Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring
  • 27
    Honda CR-V 2WD VTi-S
  • 63
    Subaru Forester 2.5i-S
  • 34
    Tucson 2.0 2WD Elite Auto
  • 115
    Other
Automotive

Comments

  • DBBROS on 09/02/2018 - 03:12
    +2

    If you are happy to wait until April or May, Skoda will be rolling out their karoq 5 seater SUV by then. I have a skoda octavia wagon. Not a huge fan of compact SUV's due to the very little practical boot space most of them offer. Just make sure that you get something with AEB and adaptive cruise control even if you are compromising on tech. It will make life more easier and safe

    • pitiek on 09/02/2018 - 13:58

      Which model? the RS?

      • DBBROS on 09/02/2018 - 23:10

        The RS won't get released that soon. Maybe by the end of this year

  • payless69 on 09/02/2018 - 08:43
    +1

    anything Jap non Maxda is "old technology"
    want bottom end get a diesel! Went from a VN Commodore to a 2.2l Subaru Liberty, was feeling so much safer with still good pickup and half the stopping distance.
    Test drove many compact SUV's and a Tesla P85D! Pickup is nice, now got a Sportage diesel, if the turbo is still spinning not much over 2 secs to 60 zero wheel slip, no dsg to fall apart, got one just before the particulate filter as one needs actually a real road to maintain it.

  • MikeSYD on 09/02/2018 - 08:50
    +1

    Nissan xtrail is about 30k plate clearance right now.

  • Warehouse on 09/02/2018 - 09:45

    Why not Toyota Kluger - super reliable cars. And they have variants under $40k.

    • payless69 on 09/02/2018 - 18:10

      a smooth baby, but now outdated 6 cyl with rego penalty. Toy's make a Fortuner, silly name but actually a gapfiller in some ways…

      • Euphemistic on 09/02/2018 - 20:25
        +1

        Yeah, but no. A fortune is a proper off road vehicle., based on the hilux ute. It’s on road driving dynamics are compromised compared to the kluger so I can handle off road with ease.

        • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 10:13

          sure, but will it turn heads?

        • Euphemistic on 11/02/2018 - 11:16

          @payless69: heads who appreciate what the ugly stock has done for us.

      • whooah1979 on 11/02/2018 - 11:45

        but now outdated 6 cyl

        the 2gr-fks is only a few years old. it's used in a range of models including lexus is/gs/rx. it's possible one of the best v6 in this price range.

  • godofpizza on 09/02/2018 - 09:52

    whats wrong with the ford range?

    • payless69 on 10/02/2018 - 13:40

      nothing if you get fire insurance lol. Actually the ones based on Mazda are quite fuel efficient.

  • Brianqpr on 09/02/2018 - 10:08

    Can't comment on the others but I have a Tuscon and its great. Excellent value for money, looks good and performs very well.

  • Thrifty not Cheap on 09/02/2018 - 10:54
    +1

    Just got the wife a Ford Escape Trend, 1.5 Turbo FWD, 2017 Run Out model, comes standard with Apple Car Play/Android, Sat. Nav, 8" Touch Screen, Rain Sensing Wipers, Push button start, Reversing Camera, etc etc, all as standard options. All for a around $33K. It's a Frikkin Pissa!

    • John Kimble on 09/02/2018 - 10:58
      +2

      My slang must be rusty. Does the last sentence indicate you are happy or unhappy with the car. I'm guessing happy?

      • godofpizza on 12/02/2018 - 10:11

        kids these days…

    • andylch on 09/02/2018 - 20:16

      Only $500 discount? The standard DAP now is $33490.

  • Shuey on 09/02/2018 - 11:05

    I personally like the look of the current Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 (off topic) but have not tested it myself. But judging from others' experience, might not be so good after all..which is a bummer

  • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2018 - 11:21

    I'm in the market for one now that I will have two chilrden under two and will need larger boot space and just extra space. Narrowing it down to a Tuscan, Holden Equinox or golf wagon.

    • Euphemistic on 09/02/2018 - 11:25
      +3

      Make sure you take your pram etc to test the boot space!

      One thing I've found about SUV vs standard cars is for strapping your kids into their seats. So much easier in a high riding vehicle, especially if you are tall. I found a big difference between my wife's Pathfinder (easy) and the forester I had where I needed to either duck down and get my head right in, or head outside and arms outstretched not being able to see what was going on properly.

    • payless69 on 09/02/2018 - 18:12

      Taxis now use Golf wagons in my town they look so small I would say sub SUV

    • DBBROS on 09/02/2018 - 23:14

      If you are after a wagon, get a bigger one than a medium sized one.

    • syousef on 11/02/2018 - 10:53

      No one mentions the Kia Carnival and Carnival Grande. I understand the older models had a crap engine and other problems, but have read the newer ones are better since changing to a new engine.

  • iversonjack on 09/02/2018 - 12:01

    Ford Escape
    VW Tiguan

  • Karlos101 on 09/02/2018 - 12:07
    +2

    ive test driven a stack of SUV's (asx, sportage, ix35 (now tuscon), rav 4, territory, cx5, tiguan) the one i was happiest with was the CX5 turbo diesel, definitely had the best get up and go for diesels. and added bonus of pulling power due to over 400Nm of torque. very comfortable if you go for the top two models with great features.

    but a surprise for me in the power and go department was the Kia Sportage Diesel - easily my second pick. adn worth a drive with a 7 year warranty to add on too. their interior designer for the modern kias was ex- Audi and it shows.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2018 - 13:11

    I know it wasn't in your options but have you considered https://mgmotor.com.au/models/mg-gs/

    It's way under 40k, looks good, good safety rating. Etc etc

    • Aap Ke Papa on 09/02/2018 - 13:37

      What Brand is that? never heard of it

      • berger on 09/02/2018 - 14:54

        MG is a a Chinese manufacturer(the bought the name from a defunct car company

        If you were going down the path of Chinese, Consider the Haval SUV's.. i wouldn't purchase myself, but one of my clients rates it very highly… Doubt resale value will be high though.

        • resisting the urge on 09/02/2018 - 15:42
          +2

          That's because within a few months of buying one, you see how bad most are.

          And someone releases a moose test on youtube showing a similar Chinese model rolling on a flat surface when attempting a basic maneuvre at a snail's pace. At which point, everyone decides not to get one of those!

          Once upon a time, MGs handled well. But that was when their engineers competed against (and worked with) Lotus et al. Looking at that thing… those days are clearly over

  • Aap Ke Papa on 09/02/2018 - 13:37

    What's everyone's take on AEB? Is it a necessity or one can do by without it? considering heavy traffic driving

    • resisting the urge on 09/02/2018 - 13:44

      Very good tech for people that are having trouble learning to stop in time, or just can't concentrate when driving, or like the rest… make mistakes.

      Helps enormously if you text and drive, or would like to start.

      Maybe they should have a warning sticker on the back like rubbish trucks,
      'AEB equipped vehicle, may be texting and stop suddenly at any time'

    • BudgetAce on 09/02/2018 - 14:11

      Many AEB implementations in the market are very sensitive, especially in highly build up areas and bumper to bumper traffic. Was in my friend's Audi and It will brake automatically when it sees a high kerb. So I would say keep your eyes on the road is a safer bet.

    • Euphemistic on 09/02/2018 - 15:56
      +1

      AEB is essential. If you don’t get a new car with it fitted you are commuting suicide.

      Or … perhaps if you aren’t in the habit of crashing into stuff, are capable of looking out the windscreen and can apply the brake pedal if something is in the way you might be ok.

      • Aap Ke Papa on 09/02/2018 - 19:09

        How do we know which car has AEB since everyone uses different names?

        • Euphemistic on 09/02/2018 - 20:23

          Doesn’t really matter. I think AEB, while nice to have, isn’t essential as a safety item. I’d rather have a blind spot alert and adaptive cruise control. I know I’d use those.

        • John Kimble on 09/02/2018 - 20:59
          -1

          Um, you read the features?

  • jparga on 09/02/2018 - 13:42

    What makes you want to change from a sedan (elantra) to a SUV? you say no towing or off road but say cx 5 not enough ground clearance……with your description will be very hard to recommend a good suv without really knowing what you want out of an suv…..you will need to go to the dealers and look at them, ask for a test drive…otherwise buying a car just in others recommendations will be a waste of money if you find after driving it you dont like it. Wife wrote off a hyundai IX35 in November….visit dealers…did not like the plastics on the hyundai tucson activeX, the Honda CRV did not like the gear location on center console, liked the space on the Mitsubishi outlander LS, the kluger is a good option but probably for 40k will not get a new one….same with the sorento…..I would not touch a skoda one…. have you driven a CVT car?

  • Illian on 09/02/2018 - 14:01
    -1

    Used late model Volvo XC60! None of those you mentioned even come close.

    • whooah1979 on 09/02/2018 - 14:10
      +2

      Used late model Volvo XC60! None of those you mentioned even come close.

      You mean comes close to Volvo service and spare parts prices.

      • Illian on 10/02/2018 - 16:22

        Lol, I wouldn't know personally, I haven't owned one yet. I just assume they can't really be that different between manufacturers when it comes down to it, like driving a worse car that you don't enjoy as much for half a decade just because servicing is a couple hundred less doesn't make much sense. Second choice for OP imo would be Mazda.

  • BudgetAce on 09/02/2018 - 14:21

    Looks are subjective. But in my view, If you are after a modern looking SUV. Definitely check out the Renault Koleos - Looks really modern both inside and out. Ride is on the sportier side (stiffer), but so are most European makes like Tiguan, etc. Without the gear slipping of the DSG.

    Also need to remember, most European models have a higher service cost each time you bring it in for a service.

    But if you want a more comfortable drive and still look modern enough, cheaper to service yet reliable. Than the Hyundai Tucson is a good bet.

    • Shuey on 09/02/2018 - 15:14

      I really like the current Koleos' look (the older one was downright fugly). The same goes for the old and current Tucson.

  • Bottle-thief on 09/02/2018 - 14:37

    What features are most important to you, blind spot mirrors, etc? Is leather interior preferred? I would start by listing those out and ranking them. Then you can look at the top 3 SUVs, compare the cost, compare the servicing cost for 3-5 years, ANCAP rating and your test drive experience.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2018 - 15:48
    +1

    Why not a raised wagon like a Subaru Outback or a Passat Alltrack?

    They drive better on the road, roomier and more fuel efficient.

    Looks is subjective. I can see why people think a raised wagon (or any wagon) looks a bit old hat but IMO, nothing sillier than an SUV that never gets the chance to do the SU part.

    • Euphemistic on 09/02/2018 - 15:58

      By that logic an outback or an all track is a silly choice too unless the SU part is required.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2018 - 16:20

        Not as thirsty as an SUV of equivalent size, and handles better on road. Still raised to make it easier to load prams (which is the "reason" women use to justify the SUV).

        It also has a more efficient boot shape and bigger boot volume so double prams aren't even an issue.

        But like you said, it's still a silly choice. Just less silly.

  • BargainMyMiddleName on 09/02/2018 - 16:22
    -1

    Get the Renault Koleos. Great cars.

  • justabargainhunter on 09/02/2018 - 18:10
    +2

    Kia Sportage is well rated in motoring reviews. Great features that will future proof for some years. Made in South Korea for quality. Top of the range in your price range.

    Edit: And a good looking car. Others have mentioned this car already. Suggest you add a vote button.

    • andylch on 09/02/2018 - 21:55
      -5

      In fact made in Korea means bad quality…

      • Indomietable on 09/02/2018 - 22:53
        +4

        You must be living in the past

  • sash213 on 09/02/2018 - 18:50

    We got the CX5 GT for $42.5k with mats, tray and 1st service free ($300 value)

    Try to haggle the GT as close as possible to $40k. The extras are worth it over the Touring in my opinion

  • TheBean on 09/02/2018 - 19:44
    +1

    Try to get a run out model Outback. Has all the safety features you want. Sits you quite high and comparable to SUVs. Better space management in the back and comes with built in roof racks on top. It's got a lot of grunt, at least the 3.6L does.

  • greencomet on 09/02/2018 - 20:15
    +1

    Kia Sportage gets my vote, my parents recently got the top GT Line Diesel AWD and it's a very nice car. While I wouldn't recommend the diesel for city driving, you can get the petrol equivalent for around 40k drive away. Heaps of gear, drives great, 7 year warranty, etc. If I were you I'd be looking very closely at the servicing costs. servicing regularity and warranty period also.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 09/02/2018 - 20:43
    +1

    Glad you didn't put Renault on the poll. They are simply the worst for reliability, I've had 2, never again. Renault Australia put a 5x mark up on what you'd pay in Europe for parts and things break often. They've been near bottom of jdpowers survey for as long as I can remember.

    • gabegabe on 11/02/2018 - 13:36

      Still ranked higher than BMW and Audi… but that's not saying much.
      Having said that my Renault has been pretty faultless for the past 2 years.
      Most of the new gen Renault SUVs shares much of their components with Nissan, so one would think they're much better than cars from decades past.

  • sovereign01 on 09/02/2018 - 21:10

    Check out the Skodas

    Kodiak sits between CX5 and CX9 size, or Karoq is a bit smaller but isn't released for a couple of months.

  • chriskq on 09/02/2018 - 21:14

    skoda kodiaq

  • w0421981516 on 09/02/2018 - 21:31

    Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring - one of the very limited choices if you hate CVT
    Honda CR-V 2WD VTi-S - the new Honda 1.5T engine is experience massive issues in China now, seems the petrol will leak and cause the engine oil increase/thiner
    Subaru Forester 2.5i-S - real time four wheel drive, but CVT is the downside to me, even though they are using chains instead of belt like Honda or Nissan in the CVT transmission
    Tucson 2.0 2WD Elite Auto - Never tried a Korean brand
    Renault KOLEOS Zen 4x2 - No experience with Renault, but for reliability, Japanese brand should be a safer choice.

    • 1Kenobi on 09/02/2018 - 21:58

      Forester also has full size spare tyre

      • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 08:40
        -1

        hardly an argument

    • hayne on 11/02/2018 - 05:22

      Keep in mind with your Koleos comment that it shares a chassis and design with the Nissan X-trail. The X-trail is manufactured in Japan while the Koleos is manufactured in Korea and China.

      So maybe for reliability, it might be more akin to the Korean brands?

  • andylch on 09/02/2018 - 21:56
    +1

    How about Peugeot 3008 Allure? Best in class cockpit for around $40k.

    • Aap Ke Papa on 09/02/2018 - 22:26
      +1

      it is a beautiful car isnt it? any ideas about the reliability and service cost?

    • whooah1979 on 09/02/2018 - 22:28
      +2

      Peugeot 3008 Allure

      nobody in their right mind would buy french made vehicles.

      • andylch on 09/02/2018 - 22:32

        Can you please elaborate? Really interested to learn more.

        • whooah1979 on 09/02/2018 - 22:41

          french vehicles spend more time on the showroom floor than on the road. a Korean or a jap equivalent suv sells ten times more per month.

      • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 09:00

        my sister in Europe bought a 3008 diesel hybrid, nice in front, narrow seating in back. Only good thing was the head up display visible to the driver only. The 4km battery was going a guaranteed 400m. Its 4wd capabillity was impressive till the battery ran out.
        2 years later she went back to the dealer, they still had same stock unslod now for half price with zero km and full factory warranty. Trade in value after 2 years: 25% of new price…

        • andylch on 11/02/2018 - 09:25

          That was the last generation but not the latest T84 released in late 2017?

  • 1Kenobi on 09/02/2018 - 22:08

    Didn’t op buy one recently for under 28k

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/265839

    • Aap Ke Papa on 09/02/2018 - 22:25

      I decided to hold off, got a bit off a payrise hence increase in budget but still a tightarse at heart

      • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 09:01
        -1

        let's make a bet: you will find a bargain Craptiva on gumtree!

  • bargaineer on 09/02/2018 - 22:13

    You should be definitely looking at the Ford Escape Trend 2.0 Ecoboost AWD. Pretty much ticks all your boxers and easily has the most power and best 0-60 times out of the SUVs in this class.

    Also has decent sound system, with Sync 3 (one of the best touch screen systems I’ve used - has Apple Car Play and Android Auto).

    Should be able to get a good deal on one with all the competition in this class. A very underrated contender in this size of SUV IMO.

  • rappy68 on 09/02/2018 - 22:46
    -1

    One to add to the pile could be the Isuzu MU-X 4X2 LS-M - 2 family members have this model, very reliable manufacturer and company. Going on deals for under 40k

    • Euphemistic on 10/02/2018 - 06:37

      Not suited for city driving. It’s a trick in disguise, but I’d look at one to replace our pathfinder 4wd if we were looking.

  • locosam on 10/02/2018 - 00:55
    +2

    You need to sit down and take an honest look at what you want.
    The cars are you listed are a mix of AWD or FWD and you dont even plan to tow or go offroad? Why SUV?
    Why do you care about ground clearance when you drive only in the city?

    So really you need to ask yourself, what is it you want. You dont mention any kids or family.

    If you only drive an for hour for work everyday then all new 2018 cars will meet your criteria for safety features and be decent for reliability.

    From what i see, its all about the shape.

    Your question should be, what is the best looking car for under 40k which is completely subjective.
    Stop comparing the features because you're not being honest with yourself as you dont really care.

    For that money, you could buy a premium hatch, like Lexus etc or even a decent mid range sedan.

    • whooah1979 on 10/02/2018 - 06:13

      Why do you care about ground clearance when you drive only in the city?

      Speed humps and the concrete parking spot stoppers seems to get taller every years. One could be forgiven to think that council enjoys having motorists scraping the undercarriage.

  • TigerWoops on 10/02/2018 - 01:04
    +3

    Try KIA Sportage. Subaru design makes me sick and Mazda parts are expansive. Toyota is too many on the road. Honda has proud of its design just for themselves not for customer. For example childish honda Civic design. They lost their soul in design. Quality is similar these days. KIA design head is from Audi and always fresh and take attention on the road.

  • Jabberwocky on 10/02/2018 - 07:50
    +9

    Mahendra (or Amarendra) Bahubali ? :)

    I was in a similar situation 3 months back.

    I had the same Options , + VW Tiguan (new shape):

    • Renault, under the hood it's Nissan xtrail, engine needs grunt, it's sluggish, interior is lipstick on the pig, poor resale and limited spare parts support.
      Big on space and good interiors

    • Tuscon - old design , short service intervals, very uninspiring interiors, similar to CX-5 , but poorer interiors and tech , feel good factor missing. Tuscon is coming up with an update soon, just like santa Fe just did.

    • Subaru - Good car, best AWD as it's linear AWD, but again very uninspiring interiors, also poor resale and expensive parts, no differentiator.

    • HONDA CRV is where you start getting serious, decent looking, ok tech (don't understand left rear visual on screen when indicating instead of blind spot monitor) , 7 yrs warranty, good resale, trustworthy product… But a Big issue for me was ,very uninspiring engine, no grunt at all, most sluggish engine of all.

    • VW TIGUAN
      Excellent car, awesome space, and beautiful inside and out, but the similar specs to Mazda or Honda is more expensive atleast by $10,000. So I crossed it out.

      -Mazda CX5 - Very good looking outside now, beautoful interiors, heads up display with traffic sign recognition, very good pick up , service intervals every 10k kms but capped at $300ish. CAn be serviced locally for $200 with log book stamping, excellent features, advanced auto braking (has saved me recently) and other heaps of features along with AWD for $39.5k. And very good resale value, better than any mentioned here. I moved from BMW into this car and surprisingly interiors were very good, didn't miss my BMW much.

    CX5 WINNER WINNER TO ME

    • Jebus on 10/02/2018 - 10:32
      +1

      Agree with the above.
      I'd add that it's worth getting the 2.5i model CX5 for a bit of extra grunt. We were looking at the Tiguan as well but as mentioned it's much more expensive, and they've had some serious issues with transmissions on previous models. The diesel CX5 has had big issues in the past but the petrol has been relatively flawless for a long time now. They are extremely reliable cars.

  • sagrules on 10/02/2018 - 08:10
    +1

    I was doing very similar search in the end of 2014.
    I did test drive of every SUV in this price range.

    I bought Subaru Forester XT premium.
    + The fastest to accelerate by far
    + Best visibility
    + Best drive
    + Best sound system

    -2014 premium model has bad seats
    -2014 premium model has very outdated navigation unit

    This was my first SUV and I found that SUV is actually much more suitable for driving in Sydney then station wagon.
    Much better with speed humps, road holes, bigger tires protect discs when parking, higher seating position gives advantage in traffic.

    It's not good on sand dunes. Got stuck in first few minutes.
    This car is made to drive in city!

    • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 09:09

      Subies had their days The old models were such good value for money and for the driver in the know one could leave a Pajero behind for a small fraction of the cost.
      Took a Liberty with pump up shocks to Fraser Island and sand was no object, the 2.2l engine had such good bottom end grunt despite no low gear on auto it outdrove RAV4's and even Klugers and the odd oldie in a Pajero.
      Now the field has become ultra competitive. Compact SUV's become the love one could spend forever comparing. Even Ford has to nearly give theirs away because the brand is no longer considered a premium.

  • Tiredman on 10/02/2018 - 13:07

    I got a Tucson Highlander demo with 1500km two months ago for $38k FYI.

  • hasselbladsnapper on 10/02/2018 - 14:40
    +2

    Kia Sportage SLi, diesel ….just love it, has great pulling power and the AWD bites in when required. The design for this is great, directed by Ex Audi Chief Designer and father of the Audi TT - Peter Schreyer.

    Also look at the JD Powers surveys on the Kia brand … these are a USA based & GLOBAL quality survey business that gains data from most manufacturers as part of the quality process. They in turn see the final data / reports in exchange. Note I have worked in the local design / engineering field for many years, but now retired.

    I defected from a large local manufacturer, and despite vehicle discounts for life, I now drive a Sportage, and do not regret it one bit, fantastic build quality, and indeed the design.

    Considered Mazda CX5, but the early diesel engine problems sounded nasty, might be fixed by now?!.

    • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 08:32

      agree it is fun to drive but only pet hate is once stuck on an intersection and the turbo comes to a halt and my hyperactive brain hurts as I yawn to wait for a short eternety the turbo takes to wake up.
      Towing limited to 1.9 tons I never need a caravan, can cook outside in the most camping friendly country in the world. However undies born mates buy petrol Craptivas to tow 2t plus… (they can be found on gumtree for half the Sportage cost)

  • petermcram on 10/02/2018 - 16:24
    +2

    We went through this in November.
    Some background, I am 28 and my wife is 26 - looking to start a family soon.

    We ended up getting the Renault Koleos Zen, and here’s my reasoning.

    1. Style - It’s by far the best looking option, in fact the designer of the car won the designer of the year in 2016. No small feat. I’ve had randoms on the street comparing it to the Audi Q5. The car had the most power out of all the options and the best added extras,
      I’m talking

    - 5 years unlimited km warranty, 5 years roadside assist, heated seats, automatic wipers, automatic lights, dual climate control, navigator, heated / cooled drink holder, just to name a few.
    2. The Tucson is very pedestrian looking and everyone has one, Combined with a weak motor and a very arrogant dealer, that was out.
    3. The Sportage looks like a catfish, I’m sorry, but it does.
    4. The Ford was ok but just looked too old hat and basic.
    5. The CRV was nice but also had a particular look about it that just really didn’t suit us. Was also expensive when you wanted extras.
    6. The Mazda is the most overrated car of the year. Every second car on the road is a cx5 and they are ridiculously priced for what you get. Very long waiting times, too.

    We had a really good experience with Renault. We got a bargain and we are SO happy with our purchase. It’s everything we needed. I know everyone is different and we all have differing opinions but at th end of the day you need to get what works for you, both in style and performance. For us that was the koleos. For you it might be the catfish🤣

    Cheers

    • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 09:11

      if you can't afford a trip to Paris, making love in a French car while eating esgargots is the next best thing!

    • andylch on 11/02/2018 - 09:21

      But no adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, side/front/360 camera. Big minus.

  • JIMB0 on 10/02/2018 - 16:30

    Lada

  • lostn on 10/02/2018 - 16:38

    Have you considered the new VW Tiguan? It's very nice.

  • matt777 on 10/02/2018 - 18:53

    KIA Sorento FTW

  • bigbadboogieman on 10/02/2018 - 18:54

    No love for Nissans… Just wondering are Qashqais that bad… Or just expensive? What about Toyota?

    • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 08:26

      Nuttin really exiting about Nissan, sat in the top of range Xtrail, 65k plus and yep nice, 360 deg cameras. As I live in a high crime area I asked if the cameras would record and the answer is no no not for 65 grands…
      Toyota now all old hat, the RAV4 vever was capable now belongs to a museum. 200 series cruisers are badly smoking now hybrids are the only big sellers…

      • John Kimble on 11/02/2018 - 09:17

        There are cars that record with stock cameras???

  • j5ive on 10/02/2018 - 19:58

    Wife got the Akira Cx-5 last year and I really like it. The car has heaps of up and go and the tech is integrated nicely. The overall quality of the build is spot on, it is amazingly quiet to drive. It was a lot of money, but it feels like a higher end car. There are some great reviews on you tube and a dealer conference video going through all the small design features. About 2 hours long but it goes through everything.

  • Ragnarok1983 on 10/02/2018 - 21:20

    New XV and Impreza just had facelift and interior is good. But Forester is way outdated, wouldnt recommend.

    There is a new outback out this year too.

  • Aap Ke Papa on 10/02/2018 - 22:17

    I have added an update after doing test drive today? Are there any deals to be had? I m in Melbourne

  • anawth on 10/02/2018 - 22:49

    I wanted a Subaru, ended up going a Tucson for the panoramic sunroof (stupid reason to buy a car, I know)… it's great, FWIW.

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