Discussion
Still Mulling said:
Hello Everybody. How about a little Friday afternoon fun*, eh?
If anybody has experience of going from estates to SUVs or vice-versa, I'd love your feedback on what worked for you and why, please!
Problem statements/preferences:
- My car is dying (2010 Skoda Octavia vRS facelift, petrol, hatch)
- My car is too small for a family of 4 (I'm over 6' and long in the leg, so very limited space behind me)
- My wife doesn't like driving long cars (we do share driving on longer trips)
- By example of the above, we both prefer the maneuverability of our Octavia (4,569) compared to our previous 2005 Mondeo (4,731)
- Economy/environmental impact is important to us
- I'd like an auto or semi-auto, as driving around London in a manual is just Hellish
- My wife and kids like the higher up position of SUVs
Shortlist: (Note: all cars below £20k, so some previous generation models)
Skoda Superb 1.4/1.5 (Hatch acceptable due to opening and boot space, but simply not as cool...)
Pros:
- Loads of legroom!
- Ecomonical (>55 mpg on long drives; >40 urban)
- Some £35 VED
Cons:
- Looong! (4,861)
- DSG reliability?
- Erm...that's about it?
VW Passat 1.4/1.5 Estate
Pros:
- GTE adds hybrid option for the multiple school runs per week. We already have a wall-box for my wife's EV
Cons:
- Long (4,767)
- A bit pricier than the Superb
- Less rear legroom
- DSG reliability?
Skoda Kodiaq (Karoq is too small)
Pros:
- Plenty of space inside
- Not quite as long as estates above (4,967)
Cons:
- A brick, aerodynamically, which knocks ~10 mpg off the fuel economy compared to the VAG estates above
- DSG reliability?
KIA Sportage/Hyundai Tuscon
Pros:
- Cheaper than the Kodiaq
- Decent rear legroom for amid-sized SUV, particularly the Sportage
- Quite short/small footprint (Sportage = 4,480; Tuscon = 4,475)
Cons:
- Brick analogy
- Unecomical engines even before adding brick-ness
- Auto reliability woes from owners
Curveballs:
Ford Mondeo (hatch acceptable)
Pros:
- Much cheaper than Superb
Cons:
- PowerShift reputation
- Looong! (4,867)
Jaguar iPace
Pros:
- EV (that's a pro for me; please don't debate here: that's what the EV forums are for!)
- Spacious
Cons:
- Will need a warranty! (~£600/yr)
Citroen C5/C5X?
Hey, I did title this section curveballs...
Exclusions (not up for debate
)
- Tesla Model 3s are too small
- Tesla Model Ys are too expensive...
- ...as are Enyaqs, id4s, Ioniq 5s, EV6s etc.
- No Vauxhalls
- RAV4s too expensive
OK, and breathe.
On your marks...
...get set...
...GO!
I have to say the DSG VAG units are no better of worse than the Ford units when it comes to reliability, so don't let that sway you towards the VAG options.If anybody has experience of going from estates to SUVs or vice-versa, I'd love your feedback on what worked for you and why, please!
Problem statements/preferences:
- My car is dying (2010 Skoda Octavia vRS facelift, petrol, hatch)
- My car is too small for a family of 4 (I'm over 6' and long in the leg, so very limited space behind me)
- My wife doesn't like driving long cars (we do share driving on longer trips)
- By example of the above, we both prefer the maneuverability of our Octavia (4,569) compared to our previous 2005 Mondeo (4,731)
- Economy/environmental impact is important to us
- I'd like an auto or semi-auto, as driving around London in a manual is just Hellish
- My wife and kids like the higher up position of SUVs
Shortlist: (Note: all cars below £20k, so some previous generation models)
Skoda Superb 1.4/1.5 (Hatch acceptable due to opening and boot space, but simply not as cool...)
Pros:
- Loads of legroom!
- Ecomonical (>55 mpg on long drives; >40 urban)
- Some £35 VED
Cons:
- Looong! (4,861)
- DSG reliability?
- Erm...that's about it?
VW Passat 1.4/1.5 Estate
Pros:
- GTE adds hybrid option for the multiple school runs per week. We already have a wall-box for my wife's EV
Cons:
- Long (4,767)
- A bit pricier than the Superb
- Less rear legroom
- DSG reliability?
Skoda Kodiaq (Karoq is too small)
Pros:
- Plenty of space inside
- Not quite as long as estates above (4,967)
Cons:
- A brick, aerodynamically, which knocks ~10 mpg off the fuel economy compared to the VAG estates above
- DSG reliability?
KIA Sportage/Hyundai Tuscon
Pros:
- Cheaper than the Kodiaq
- Decent rear legroom for amid-sized SUV, particularly the Sportage
- Quite short/small footprint (Sportage = 4,480; Tuscon = 4,475)
Cons:
- Brick analogy
- Unecomical engines even before adding brick-ness
- Auto reliability woes from owners
Curveballs:
Ford Mondeo (hatch acceptable)
Pros:
- Much cheaper than Superb
Cons:
- PowerShift reputation
- Looong! (4,867)
Jaguar iPace
Pros:
- EV (that's a pro for me; please don't debate here: that's what the EV forums are for!)
- Spacious
Cons:
- Will need a warranty! (~£600/yr)
Citroen C5/C5X?
Hey, I did title this section curveballs...
Exclusions (not up for debate
)- Tesla Model 3s are too small
- Tesla Model Ys are too expensive...
- ...as are Enyaqs, id4s, Ioniq 5s, EV6s etc.
- No Vauxhalls
- RAV4s too expensive
OK, and breathe.
On your marks...
...get set...
...GO!
* Subjective; not legally binding.
When comparing estates vs SUV's I tend to find taller family's normally end up buying the SUV because the passenger space works out to be more generous.
SUV wise I'd suggest taking a good look at the Peugeot 5008 it's a really well sorted car & it also has a conventional gearbox so no potential dual clutch issues:
GT Line Premium:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307119...
GT Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308080...
Allure:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
DS7 Sportback:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304116...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306038...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307139...
SUV wise I'd suggest taking a good look at the Peugeot 5008 it's a really well sorted car & it also has a conventional gearbox so no potential dual clutch issues:
GT Line Premium:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307119...
GT Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308080...
Allure:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
DS7 Sportback:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304116...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306038...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307139...
Kia e-Niro 64kWh. A 2020 with 40,000 miles is just over £20k but with haggling I think you might get one for £20k.
Good space in rear seats, boot is a decent size (not huge, but similar to Sportage in practical terms), comes with roof rails, very well equipped, quite efficient for an EV crossover (4miles/kWh is easily achievable), 200hp.
The 4-spec is best time IMO, but 3-spec isn't too bad.. avoid the 2, and be wary of the odd 40kWh small-battery cars you'll find advertised.
The charging rate on the Niro isn't amazing compared to other cars, but it's good enough for the occasional long holiday trip.
Good space in rear seats, boot is a decent size (not huge, but similar to Sportage in practical terms), comes with roof rails, very well equipped, quite efficient for an EV crossover (4miles/kWh is easily achievable), 200hp.
The 4-spec is best time IMO, but 3-spec isn't too bad.. avoid the 2, and be wary of the odd 40kWh small-battery cars you'll find advertised.
The charging rate on the Niro isn't amazing compared to other cars, but it's good enough for the occasional long holiday trip.
We have two Tiguans (MK1.5 and MK2) both 2.0l diesels with 4 Motion and a BMW 5 series estate 530d F11. We also have access to a new shape Q7.
There is more space for all passengers (particularly rear middle seat) in the SUVs. In terms of boot space, Q7 is the largest by far followed by the 5 series. Tiguan is smallest boot by far.
Fuel consumption is less in the Tiguans than the BMW. BMW 45mpg and Tiguans 38mpg. However, they have been solid cars.
Best family car out of the lot of them is the Q7. Then it's a toss up between the Tiguans and the 5 series depending on whether or not you need the boot space.
There is more space for all passengers (particularly rear middle seat) in the SUVs. In terms of boot space, Q7 is the largest by far followed by the 5 series. Tiguan is smallest boot by far.
Fuel consumption is less in the Tiguans than the BMW. BMW 45mpg and Tiguans 38mpg. However, they have been solid cars.
Best family car out of the lot of them is the Q7. Then it's a toss up between the Tiguans and the 5 series depending on whether or not you need the boot space.
Not really much help as my wife doesn’t like estate cars (says they’re old man’s cars!)
We went from a BMW 430d Gran Coupe xdrive as my wife has dodgy joints and wanted something higher with easier access (main problem bizarrely was the dock pockets in the BM are deep so if you’re in a tight space….)
I really don’t like SUV’s (we had a Macan briefly for 6 months but I hated it).
Anyway we now have as my wife’s car a Cupra Formentor which looks good but I really don’t like driving it - lower than an SUV but still feels like driving on stilts. Also the infotainment is crap & all the driving assistants drive me nuts (you have to turn them off every time you start the car)
Personally I would have gone for a BMW or Audi estate but that doesn’t offer a higher up access.
We went from a BMW 430d Gran Coupe xdrive as my wife has dodgy joints and wanted something higher with easier access (main problem bizarrely was the dock pockets in the BM are deep so if you’re in a tight space….)
I really don’t like SUV’s (we had a Macan briefly for 6 months but I hated it).
Anyway we now have as my wife’s car a Cupra Formentor which looks good but I really don’t like driving it - lower than an SUV but still feels like driving on stilts. Also the infotainment is crap & all the driving assistants drive me nuts (you have to turn them off every time you start the car)
Personally I would have gone for a BMW or Audi estate but that doesn’t offer a higher up access.
Wife wanted a SUV Kia Sportage.
I got her a 1.5 Leon FR Estate
She loves the Leon & took her since for a test drive in a kia she didnt like it & got a loan car of an Arona (Leon SUV) hated it!
It has loads of room and is perfect for us. Mega on fuel and running costs. So much so I bought the Cupra estate 4wd
I got her a 1.5 Leon FR Estate
She loves the Leon & took her since for a test drive in a kia she didnt like it & got a loan car of an Arona (Leon SUV) hated it!
It has loads of room and is perfect for us. Mega on fuel and running costs. So much so I bought the Cupra estate 4wd
OnionBhaji99 said:
We have two Tiguans (MK1.5 and MK2) both 2.0l diesels with 4 Motion and a BMW 5 series estate 530d F11. We also have access to a new shape Q7.
There is more space for all passengers (particularly rear middle seat) in the SUVs. In terms of boot space, Q7 is the largest by far followed by the 5 series. Tiguan is smallest boot by far.
Fuel consumption is less in the Tiguans than the BMW. BMW 45mpg and Tiguans 38mpg. However, they have been solid cars.
Best family car out of the lot of them is the Q7. Then it's a toss up between the Tiguans and the 5 series depending on whether or not you need the boot space.
Thanks. Tiguans didn’t have the rear leg room once I was in position, sadly. Same for the 5-series. There is more space for all passengers (particularly rear middle seat) in the SUVs. In terms of boot space, Q7 is the largest by far followed by the 5 series. Tiguan is smallest boot by far.
Fuel consumption is less in the Tiguans than the BMW. BMW 45mpg and Tiguans 38mpg. However, they have been solid cars.
Best family car out of the lot of them is the Q7. Then it's a toss up between the Tiguans and the 5 series depending on whether or not you need the boot space.
Q7 could be an option, but probably out of price range for my mileage (50k) and age (2016 on) considerations.
turbomoggie said:
Are SUVs safer if ever you end up in an accident? As they're generally bigger and heavier?
I prefer estates but ended up with an SUV as I wanted something from Toyota/Lexus/Honda who's range of estate models is limited.
With a lot of simplification. If two cars crash head on then the lighter car is going from forwards to backwards in the blink of an eye. I prefer estates but ended up with an SUV as I wanted something from Toyota/Lexus/Honda who's range of estate models is limited.
A typical SUV is probably a bit heavier than a typical estate but there will be exceptions.
Evanivitch said:
Kia e-Niro 64kWh. A 2020 with 40,000 miles is just over £20k but with haggling I think you might get one for £20k.
Good space in rear seats, boot is a decent size (not huge, but similar to Sportage in practical terms), comes with roof rails, very well equipped, quite efficient for an EV crossover (4miles/kWh is easily achievable), 200hp.
The 4-spec is best time IMO, but 3-spec isn't too bad.. avoid the 2, and be wary of the odd 40kWh small-battery cars you'll find advertised.
The charging rate on the Niro isn't amazing compared to other cars, but it's good enough for the occasional long holiday trip.
If I can get one new through work, possibly. The mk1s are too small, but the newer model has much thinner front seats and much better rear legroom. Would just need to check the boot size to see if it’s also improved vs the mk1.Good space in rear seats, boot is a decent size (not huge, but similar to Sportage in practical terms), comes with roof rails, very well equipped, quite efficient for an EV crossover (4miles/kWh is easily achievable), 200hp.
The 4-spec is best time IMO, but 3-spec isn't too bad.. avoid the 2, and be wary of the odd 40kWh small-battery cars you'll find advertised.
The charging rate on the Niro isn't amazing compared to other cars, but it's good enough for the occasional long holiday trip.
Still Mulling said:
Silvanus said:
Possible, although I’m worried about build quality. I’ve read of issues with rust, and poor dealership service.No rust on my Duster 18 months in as you'd expect. Whether that translates to Jogger's I'm not sure.
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