Honda HRV- RS ($36049) and Subaru XV- 2.0i- L ($35632). Help Me to Choose

mutnyi2001 on 26/05/2020 - 21:46
Last edited 27/05/2020 - 00:13

We were considering to choose between Mazda CX-30 G-20 Touring and Subaru XV 2.0i Premium https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/539074#comment

Just a recap:

“…Our kids are 7 and 9 years old, the car will mostly be used to drive them from/to school, regular sport competitions in city, and occasional out of city trips.

The points we are looking at are:

• Long term ownership (10 years plus) and reliability
• Convenience to drive in urban area
• Comfort in general and in rear seats particularly
• Fuel economy…”

Thanks to your comments we’ve decided to try these and other cars, and ended up with test-driving the below cars:

Nissan Qashqai St+ ($33585)
Suzuki Vitara Turbo ($29990)
Mazda CX-30 Evolve ($35714)
Mazda CX- 5 Sport ($38240)
Honda HRV- VTI-S ($32567)
Honda HRV- RS ($36049)
Honda CRV- S ($36881)
Subaru XV- 2.0i- L ($35632)

We’ve shortlisted Honda HRV- RS ($36049) and Subaru XV- 2.0i- L ($35632)

Honda because of the compact size/easy navigation in urban traffic, that sporty punch on acceleration, leather interior, front/rear sensors, fantastic outlook (in red), spacious back space for kids (enough for future teenagers too). Even though there are no rear vents, there are 5! individually adjusted front dash air vents, which allows enough air flow to be figured out for the back seat passengers. Servicing is just above 3K for 10 years.

Downsides in comparison with Subaru: not that ‘plush’ driving on urban roads, less space in back seats, and width.

Subaru provided/provides excellent safety structural features, more roomy on back seats, premium suspension/driving experience (first time I didn’t complain of Adelaide city roads😊), fantastic noise insulation, start-stop function.

Downsides in comparison with Honda: not leather seats, no gps, no parking sensors, air vents in front are limited in number, servicing 2.4K for 5 years (almost twice as much as Honda!)

So, the questions are: which one of those two you would choose and why? And what other cars we should have tried, and why (we are not fans of Toyota and other brands who bulk up their interiors with plastic)?

Your comments/experiences are really appreciated. (The ones who are coming with “I know everything and you are…. blya, blya, blya” attitude I would recommend to spend time somewhere else, please).

Thank you

Poll Options expired

  • 8
    Honda HRV- RS
  • 18
    Subaru XV- 2.0i- L
Automotive

Comments

  • brendanm on 26/05/2020 - 21:48
    +3

    Camry.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2020 - 22:18
    +4

    Written off Swift.

  • epicttiimm on 26/05/2020 - 22:22

    Toyota C-HR

    • mutnyi2001 on 26/05/2020 - 22:44
      +2

      good car, but with claustrophobic back windows. The kids will definitely not like it.

      • hmac on 26/05/2020 - 23:25

        I mean if you are considering a CRV and CX5, then look at RAV-4, Xtrail, Renault Koleos too

        • mutnyi2001 on 26/05/2020 - 23:31

          CRV is a superb car and surpassed CX5 in pretty much all aspects on our test drive today . But… they are not the best to drive in crowdy urban traffic and my wife didn't feel comfortable about it.

          • hmac on 27/05/2020 - 17:03

            @mutnyi2001: how are they not the best to drive? They don't sell for no reason?

  • justfrog on 26/05/2020 - 22:33
    +2

    with kids and safety in mind.. get the Subaru with Eye-Sight technology! your insurance premium also 50% discount with NRMA.

  • lunchbox99 on 26/05/2020 - 23:19

    BMW with 100k on the clock

    • BBear53 on 26/05/2020 - 23:28
      +1

      OP is after an SUV, not a high yield investment.

  • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 00:15
    +1

    Not fans of Toyota eh… I mean, it's not like the RAV4 hybrid shits over what you've mentioned and would cost the least to maintain over your designated 10yr ownership…

    That's ok, carry on…

    • MarsTitan on 27/05/2020 - 00:50

      but the cheap plastic… When is Plug-in-hybrid RAV-4 (like USA/Canada) coming to Australia?

      • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 02:20

        Oh noes not the plastic 😂

        No idea, it's not on the radar afaik

    • apsilon on 27/05/2020 - 08:37

      The biggest hurdle for Toyota is you can't actually buy the Rav4 and have it in any reasonable time frame. I've been considering the same sort of car for later in the year (Octoberish) as I want to down size and while I'll check when the time comes, the fact I can't get one within a couple of weeks of making my decision basically means it doesn't even get a start.

      • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 09:45

        Dealers are having cars fall over, as well as production is ramping up. You could likely get a gx/GXL in July or earlier

        • apsilon on 27/05/2020 - 10:42

          OK, well I'll check when the time comes and if they can guarantee delivery when I want it I'll consider it but lucking out and having an existing customer cancel their order isn't what I would consider readily available.

          • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 11:12

            @apsilon: Well I never used the term readily available…

            • apsilon on 27/05/2020 - 15:25

              @spackbace: Oh I know. It's just without them being readily available there's many people that won't consider them. This entire category of car isn't anything special so plenty of people, including myself, aren't going to go out of the way for something that's more trouble than an alternative unless there's significant benefit to it.

              • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 16:02

                @apsilon:

                unless there's significant benefit to it.

                There is with the hybrid, for sure. Drives sooooo much nicer than 2L and 2.5L alternatives

                • apsilon on 27/05/2020 - 18:09

                  @spackbace: They should, the hybrid has class leading power and torque doesn't it? Of course there is a definite premium to the price as well.

  • tonyjzx on 27/05/2020 - 01:55
    +8

    It absolutely boggles my mind that people would pay $35k+ for a subcompact SUV. They are supposed to be cheap cars like a subcompact hatch on stilts.

    There is no way in hell I would take a subcompact SUV if I had two kids… I mean we've always owned CX5s CRVs Xtrails preferably with the 7 seat option and these are bearable with say 4 people on board + baggage.

    Here's my analysis… if you dont want to drive a medium sized SUV then you want the simplest but most modern small SUV.

    Get rid of all turbos… they wont last 10yrs. but even this 10yrs things is kind of silly… do you honestly think you will have this car in 2030?

    You dont need 4wd in your example.

    I would take the CX30 or the Nissan. But you should be keeping these things under $30k.

    Nissans have cheaper servicing than Mazda but they dont drive as nice.

    I like the CX5 but only the 2.5 ones. The 2.0 sucks and again you may find it too large but for me, our old CX5 just couldnt hack 4 people and their luggage.

    • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 02:20

      100% agree on the subcompact with kids that old

      • tonyjzx on 27/05/2020 - 02:57
        +3

        also have you ever driven one of these crappy subcompact SUVs with 4 people on board plus luggage.

        Do you think a Honda 1.8 with like 110kW is going to do fine with 4 people on board? on a hot summers day with aircon on? oof

        Do you take kids with all their schoolbags and maybe sports gear in a little crappy hatchback on stilts?

        Take a look inside with all seats up and think about how they can carry all your stuff.

        • Nickels n Dimes on 27/05/2020 - 14:06

          The Subaru XV/Forester have very limited bootspace — the Outback and Levorg are much better suited to moving 4-5 people with bags, etc. but a bit more pricey. Similarly with the HRV too small to be useful, the CRV has much more space for a little more money.

    • Nickels n Dimes on 27/05/2020 - 14:02

      I agree, especially given the fact that resale on a $35K car will be close to $0 well before then, due to the hundreds of ZEVs already on the market overseas, gradually making their way to Australia.

  • Melb69 on 27/05/2020 - 05:33

    Squeeze Subbi dealer for a better price to make up so be of the gap with the Honda. Or go to Honda and say a lower price than the Subbi price as you'll get that if you can't get a good price from them. At end of day I'm sure you will be happy with either. Just don't over think it. Your have test driven a few cars, so just make a descion and get the best deal.

    • Euphemistic on 27/05/2020 - 07:09

      Just don't over think it. Your have test driven a few cars, so just make a descion and get the best deal.

      There you go. Either will be a decent car. What I would pick might be different from you and the thousand other commenters here.

      • Melb69 on 27/05/2020 - 08:23
        +1

        He's narrowed it down now wanting everyone to make up his final decision. We can only help so much.

  • Peter Enis on 27/05/2020 - 07:58
    +1

    Kia Seltos

    • mutnyi2001 on 28/05/2020 - 11:30

      Tried today. Waiting time- 3-6 months. Not for us.

  • Battlestar666 on 27/05/2020 - 09:48

    Don't be afraid of the German Europeans in this category. Demo Skoda Karoq with travel pack competes in this segment. Has carplay/android auto, but have to add tech pack to get inbuilt maps unfortunately. Not many in Sydney in the low $30k mark, but a few good examples in Melbourne. Getting a demo will take some of the sting out of the depreciation, but not really an issue if keeping for 10 years.
    Plenty of space for adults and teenagers with luggage with good visibility and plenty of tech. Slightly under mid sized so wife should be OK with it around town.

    • Battlestar666 on 27/05/2020 - 10:26

      And to answer the question, voted for Subaru XV. When we were looking, back of HRV and CX3 seemed claustrophobic. Main issue with the XV would appear to be boot space. Similar issue to you, wife didn't want to drive a full mid-sized SUV.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2020 - 21:33

      Skoda… 10 years? oxymoron.

  • Cheeper on 27/05/2020 - 09:58

    Built to last, power with good economy, cheap to service. a lot more room than anything else mentioned.
    Toyota Kluger 2wd. It is bigger than what you are aiming at but the overall dimensions are similar to a Camry.
    At around $41k it is a bit more but in 10+ years you will still be smiling.
    At least take one for a drive and see how much more you can get for a few $ more.

    • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 10:21

      see how much more you can get for a few $ more.

      Kluger GX is massively lacking in features compared to newer models, RAV4 included. At $440/yr for servicing (first 3yrs), and average real-world fuel economy around 10L/100km, it's not a worthy competitor.

    • Peter Enis on 27/05/2020 - 11:26
      +1

      LOL OP's wife thinks mid-size SUV's are too large and you are recommending a KLUGER?

  • [Deactivated] on 27/05/2020 - 10:30
    +3

    Doesn't this sentiment :

    The ones who are coming with “I know everything and you are…. blya, blya, blya” attitude I would recommend to spend time somewhere else, please

    Contradict this one?

    Your comments/experiences are really appreciated

    🤨

    I personally prefer the Hyundai Tucson to the 2 you've short-listed.

    • mutnyi2001 on 27/05/2020 - 12:17

      It doesn't. I am talking about a fellow on the previous post who showed a disrespect to other peoples' opinions. And that is what it is.

      I've looked at Hyundai Tucson official urban fuel consumption- 11L- we can't afford it.

  • Pina on 27/05/2020 - 11:16

    We had a look at a HRV before settling on a Civic and were told the HRV is basically a Jazz underneath. We have been happy with Honda though and got 7 year warranty/ roadside assistance included. Also worth noting the Honda's doesn't have any major service expenses (like timing belts) outside spark plugs.

    on saying that i think the XV is a better looking car.

    • tonyjzx on 27/05/2020 - 19:02
      -1

      Then ask yourself this… a Jazz is basically a econbox subcompact car that is something like sub $20k… it is a good car nonetheless.

      So would you you pay $10k more $15k more for what is basically a Jazz on stilts? $35k for a 1.8 sohc toy tiny SUV???

      LOL? Honda must be laughing at the fools who buy this. And what of resale? You think you're getting anything good back on a $35k toy suv after 3yrs???

      Also take note how Honda is reshuffling their organisation in this country. There is a Honda Australia right now.

      They want to pull out and appoint a licensed importer like Ateco. They're in trouble so like maybe 10yrs ago I was quite buoyant on Honda, we owned CRVs and Accords and they were great but now? Not a chance. Expensive and no to low tech stuff. And the CRV is now a turbo 1.5 - yuck.

      I have no trust in Honda engineering and further support.

  • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 12:36

    Subaru - Japanese, lower servicing costs, tiny ass boot (310L)
    Honda - Thai made, higher servicing, more boot space (437L)

    AWD vs FWD makes no difference with their power levels.

    As an interesting comparison, a Corolla Sedan has a 470L boot… lol this is why I can't recommend sub-compact SUVs as family cars

    • mutnyi2001 on 27/05/2020 - 13:21

      It is vice versa. Servicing is almost twice as expensive in Subaru (easy to compare on their websites).
      It is maybe a coincidence but on our test drive yesterday the Subaru back door won't open (I recover Subaru quality issues from the previous post)
      At this stage, we are inclining more towards Honda. Awaiting for a call back from the dealer.

    • Levathian on 27/05/2020 - 18:02

      Subaru never has low servicing costs. lol?

      • spackbace on 27/05/2020 - 18:10

        Oh well :P

        • Levathian on 27/05/2020 - 18:32

          I guess compared to Honda it might be cheap but Subaru charge $600 for the 2nd capped (!) price service on their economy cars!

          • tonyjzx on 27/05/2020 - 18:58
            +1

            @Levathian: Subarus are expensive for a few reasons and why I would avoid them at all costs.

            They are all 4wd (barring the BRZ)… do you enjoy replacing 4 tyres and the encumbent higher purchase price and fuel econ hit?

            They invariably use flat fours. Do you like the high costs in maintenance of a flat four?

            I would also tend to avoid Mazda as they tend to like to use rampant stop start and direct injection and of course, avoid turbo Mazdas if possible.

            If you're an enthusiast and can balance these issues then you know what bed you've chosen eg. WRX etc.

  • Battlestar666 on 27/05/2020 - 14:04

    Notice you didn't have the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Kona on your list. Great comparison of boot sizes here if you haven't come across it:
    https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-advice/boot-sizes-of-austral…

    • tonyjzx on 27/05/2020 - 18:59

      Some people will not look at Korean cars under any circumstances, their loss.

      • mutnyi2001 on 27/05/2020 - 20:12

        We actually plan to test drive Kia Seltos Sport Plus CVT tomorrow. Even though it is a plastic box inside, it has a nice touch screen, safety techs, relative space in back and drives ok (as per the reviews online). Servicing is a bit expensive, but will see how we go.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2020 - 00:50

    Dude you know all these cars are based on hatchbacks, right? But they charge more?

    Get the hatchback version and you can save $5k or get a higher spec.

    Look at a Subaru Impreza 2.0-s for $30k. Exactly the same as an XV but lower and cheaper.

    You're paying 15% more because it says "SUV" on the tin. Why?

  • mutnyi2001 on 28/05/2020 - 11:28

    Dude,
    If your wife says 'I want SUV, I don't want hatch/sedan' you want to be aligned with her as you don't want to be cursed for 10 plus years while you have that car.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2020 - 23:49

      Have you tried discussing with your wife what these things actually mean and the options for spending the saved $5k on other things?

      What's with married people and not being able to have conversations with their wives…

      • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2020 - 21:36

        Only if logical reason was that easy. $5k will save you from ten years whinge, money well spent.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2020 - 21:39

    HRV RS for $36k is abit rich. Try Cardiff Honda, no Sydney dealer (mostly owned by the large names) can beat their price when folks bought their HRV $28.2k ($200 delivery cost) delivered to door whilst all Sydney dealers quoted 31k.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2019-honda-hr-v-rs-… - this is them, they will tell you this one is sold (likely due to being the lowest priced HRV RS) and will give u a brand new one for similar money (or the same). Shipping from NSW to Adelaide is cir $800. You can get a new car from them without registration (guessing $28-9k) add shipping bring it to $30k, then blue slip + stamp duty… brand new car for cir $31-32k delivered to your door.

  • mutnyi2001 on 09/06/2020 - 09:38
    +1

    Thanks everyone for the input. We've bought Subaru XV. We did another test-drive for both of them on the day and all (including kids) voted for XV.

    • Battlestar666 on 10/06/2020 - 15:38

      Congrats. Curious how your drive of the Kia Seltos went and what was the deciding factor for the XV?

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