Audi Q5 / Jaguar F-Pace / Mazda CX-5

[Xenoous]

Hi all,

Just wondering if people on here could offer some advice on a potential new SUV.

We currently have 2 cars, mine an old Focus ST which we're keeping, and a Mini Cooper that shes leasing. We're looking to get rid of the lease as in my eyes it's always been wasted money, and put the monthlies towards an actual car.

The criteria is it's going to be our main car, so fuel economy can't be too bad (mid 30s acceptable), reliable and no older than 2016 (2017 for the Mazda as it's the nicer shape). We've been looking at a few, and we've managed to get the list down to 3 options:

Audi Q5: They're everywhere. Common as muck. Mrs Xenoous likes them and I don't mind the latest model, but the 2012-2016 version just looks dull. Any particular costly common issues? Any must have options we should look out for?

Jaguar F-Pace: I adore the look of these. They look fantastic. Big & roomy, classy enough interior (albeit the Audi seems to be better screwed together). Ideally the V6 diesel would be the pick of the bunch, but it's a little too pricey, so likely 2.0. The one thing that scares me with Jag ownership is the dealerships seem to get terrible reviews, reliability ratings aren't great and the infotainment system is apparently buggy as hell.

Mazda CX-5: I can't really think of anything negative to say about it tbh. Interior is nice, exterior is far nicer than the Q5. The only negatives are the infotainment system is a tad rubbish, and Mrs Xenoous would rather say she owns an Audi or Jag! We'd likely go for the 2.0 diesel with AWD if we can find one.

Does anyone have any ownership experiences on here? Tales of praise or woe on any 3 of the cars?

Any advice or guidance on any of the 3 cars would be extremely useful.

Thanks for reading

Edited by Xenoous on Thursday 9th January 16:08

[DiscoSINGH]

My current daily 2018 SQ5 3.0 tfsi petrol right now, owned it for 3 months and still enjoying it!

Round by me Q5's aren't common (Q7's seem more common by me?) and SQ5's are even less common. No issues with the SQ5 since I've owned it other than its going back to Audi soon for a recall, guess modern cars are more complex now so a recall or two isn't unheard of?

Can't comment on any of the other cars you've mentioned.

[RazerSauber]

I have a Mazda 6 which shares the interior of the older CX5's and it's a lovely place to be. If I had any criticism of it, the seats are a bit firm. Not uncomfortable but noticeably firm. Otherwise, it's a lovely place to spend time and is really well screwed together. There's not a rattle or squeak to be heard. I did drive a CX5 all of about 100 yards and remember thinking it felt identical.

I don't see many Q5's where I work, very few in fact, but most VAG diesels seem to have issues with clogging EGR, turbos and DSG gearboxes. Whether this is by area (and subsequently treatment) I don't know but that's what I come across most.

F-Pace is a lovely looking thing but would be scared of stereotypical JLR build quality. I don't see these very often but I don't see many on the road either! I would like one though, if that's any help!

[wiliferus]

I can’t help with the question as I’ve not driven any of them.
Curious as to why you’re not considering an X3 also? Seems to sit in the natural place next to the Q5.
Or maybe go leftfield... XC60? You don’t mention budget but Volvo are making some bloody good looking cars recently...

[Xenoous]

Thanks guys.

The Q5 is really popular here in cambridge... I guess it's just one of those keeping up with the Jones's cars. I should state we live in a surrounding village so less of them here.

The Mazda is genuinely a nice car. It would be my pick of the bunch if we could get a 2017 low miler SportNav+ for less than £20k. Any more than that and you really are in Q5 and F-Pace territory.

Regarding the X3. It was considered but it just doesn't look that nice. It will be her car and she's decided she'd rather have the Q5 over the X3. The XC60 is a lovely car definitely, and it has been considered and not totally written off yet. Budget is £23k max.

Edited by Xenoous on Thursday 9th January 17:59

[ZX10R NIN]

The Mazda is a good mainstream option & I've sourced plenty & they're a solid reliable mid size SUV the other car I source more of in this segment is the Ford Kuga (which for me is the better car) but they hold their money a bit better than the Mazda but I'd say look past the Kuga & seek out a Ford Edge.

These have more space & in Vignale form they're very nice inside if you're looking for a facelift CX-5 you're at Edge money:

Vignale

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The F Pace are actually a nice car the biggest let down on the car at times are the dealers themselves who seem to have the ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, reliability wise they're actually no worse than any other car maker so don't let that put you off buying one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Is their a reason you've discounted the X3?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Now if you want a premium SUV for CX-5 money then take a look at the Infiniti QX50 the fit & finish is second to none with levels of kit means your OH will mot want for anything & be very happy sat in one (as will your wallet) as long as she's happy with the badge:

GT Premium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Also consider the XC60 R Design Lux:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Xenoous]

ZX10R NIN said:

The Mazda is a good mainstream option & I've sourced plenty & they're a solid reliable mid size SUV the other car I source more of in this segment is the Ford Kuga (which for me is the better car) but they hold their money a bit better than the Mazda but I'd say look past the Kuga & seek out a Ford Edge.

These have more space & in Vignale form they're very nice inside if you're looking for a facelift CX-5 you're at Edge money:

Vignale

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The F Pace are actually a nice car the biggest let down on the car at times are the dealers themselves who seem to have the ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, reliability wise they're actually no worse than any other car maker so don't let that put you off buying one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Is their a reason you've discounted the X3?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Now if you want a premium SUV for CX-5 money then take a look at the Infiniti QX50 the fit & finish is second to none with levels of kit means your OH will mot want for anything & be very happy sat in one (as will your wallet) as long as she's happy with the badge:

GT Premium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Also consider the XC60 R Design Lux:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Thank you for these!

• So.... Ford Edge. It's a no from the missus. Not a fan of Fords (I love mine I should add) or the shape. I've always quite fancied an Edge, but alas it's not to be.

• The X3 has been discounted as we'd both rather have a Q5 over the BMW. It's not to say it's a bad car for sure, but for looks and interior... It's a bit boring. Oh, and I can't believe a 4 year old car, costing over £18k has standard halogen headlights.

• Very interesting shout on the Infinity, didn't even consider one of these. We'll take a look.

• And finally the Volvo, as always, we've overlooked it. We actually have been to see some in the flesh, but completely forgot about it when making the list. Very nice cars for sure, and definitely a contender.

I should add that this will funded mostly be her, so it will be her car, and she gets to make the final decision. Hence we're at the original 3 (and potentially the XC60). I just want to make sure when it comes to purchase time, we get a good car.

[Johnniem]

OP, have you considered the e-pace? My wife has had one (2.0 diesel) for two years and she loves it. Same good looks as the F pace. Build quality is excellent (built in Austria, not UK JLR). Lots of buttons and bells. We toured Spain last year and I have to say that although I would have preferred taking the two seater, I had a fantastic experience with it. Everything you'll need and plenty of space. Absolutely no reason to go for the F Pace size.

Check it out as an option.

[Xenoous]

Johnniem said:

OP, have you considered the e-pace? My wife has had one (2.0 diesel) for two years and she loves it. Same good looks as the F pace. Build quality is excellent (built in Austria, not UK JLR). Lots of buttons and bells. We toured Spain last year and I have to say that although I would have preferred taking the two seater, I had a fantastic experience with it. Everything you'll need and plenty of space. Absolutely no reason to go for the F Pace size.

Check it out as an option.

The E-Pace has been considered, briefly. After watching a few reviews they say it's actually heavier than the F-Pace! That being said, they're not bad looking, but not yet what I'd consider cheap. For the same money you can get an F-Pace, and I think we'd rather go down that route, even if they're a couple of years older.

Mrs Xenoous does like them though, so it's a possibility

[S54Love]

If you are thinking about dealership reviews and reliability of the Jag, have you looked at the Lexus NX?

Might not be the most exciting car in the world, but I'd consider one if I was looking because of the peace of mind in regards to the above. They do seem to hold their value extremely well though

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[mikal83]

I'm enjoying this thread as I am in a similar position.
My current choices are
Kuga
CX5
Sportage
crv
Xtrail

Saw a 2014 cx5 top of the range one today and mm liked it. Mpg, tick, towing capacity, tick. Looks, tick.

[Johnniem]

Xenoous said:

Johnniem said:

OP, have you considered the e-pace? My wife has had one (2.0 diesel) for two years and she loves it. Same good looks as the F pace. Build quality is excellent (built in Austria, not UK JLR). Lots of buttons and bells. We toured Spain last year and I have to say that although I would have preferred taking the two seater, I had a fantastic experience with it. Everything you'll need and plenty of space. Absolutely no reason to go for the F Pace size.

Check it out as an option.

The E-Pace has been considered, briefly. After watching a few reviews they say it's actually heavier than the F-Pace! That being said, they're not bad looking, but not yet what I'd consider cheap. For the same money you can get an F-Pace, and I think we'd rather go down that route, even if they're a couple of years older.

Mrs Xenoous does like them though, so it's a possibility

Heavier or not, it ain't a sports car so it doesn't really matter. Plenty of torques in the lowest sized engine. Just drive one.

[Xenoous]

Johnniem said:

Heavier or not, it ain't a sports car so it doesn't really matter. Plenty of torques in the lowest sized engine. Just drive one.

We will do, thanks John

[ZX10R NIN]

Xenoous said:

Thank you for these!

• So.... Ford Edge. It's a no from the missus. Not a fan of Fords (I love mine I should add) or the shape. I've always quite fancied an Edge, but alas it's not to be.

• The X3 has been discounted as we'd both rather have a Q5 over the BMW. It's not to say it's a bad car for sure, but for looks and interior... It's a bit boring. Oh, and I can't believe a 4 year old car, costing over £18k has standard halogen headlights.

• Very interesting shout on the Infinity, didn't even consider one of these. We'll take a look.

• And finally the Volvo, as always, we've overlooked it. We actually have been to see some in the flesh, but completely forgot about it when making the list. Very nice cars for sure, and definitely a contender.

I should add that this will funded mostly be her, so it will be her car, and she gets to make the final decision. Hence we're at the original 3 (and potentially the XC60). I just want to make sure when it comes to purchase time, we get a good car.

Shame about the Edge as they're a good car, the Infiniti actually has a nicer interior than the Q5 especially materials wise they're worth seeking out especially when you consider the price.