Reliable enjoyable unflashy 4x4?
Discussion
Mrs Dino has get fed up with her Audi A4 Allroad and its endless DPF warning lights, unpredictable start/stop, and unlovely driving experience. Shame, as she really liked the previous two A6 Allroads.
Ah well, time for a change, so need some help from PH. The requirements though are a bit tricky, as follows:
Genuine 4x4 (not just looks like one)
Reliable
Mid-sized (not larger than A4 Allroad - see note)
Petrol
Pleasant to drive (peppy performance, corners well)
Smart interior (not cheap plastic)
Not flashy/ostentatious (eg no massive alloys)
<£35k (but can be a used one).
Particularly like to hear from anyone with a mid-sized 4x4 that is unflashy, but nice to drive. Thanks!
Note: A4 Allroad is approx 1.85m wide x 4.76m long. Can be little bit wider, not longer. Higher is fine.
Ah well, time for a change, so need some help from PH. The requirements though are a bit tricky, as follows:
Genuine 4x4 (not just looks like one)
Reliable
Mid-sized (not larger than A4 Allroad - see note)
Petrol
Pleasant to drive (peppy performance, corners well)
Smart interior (not cheap plastic)
Not flashy/ostentatious (eg no massive alloys)
<£35k (but can be a used one).
Particularly like to hear from anyone with a mid-sized 4x4 that is unflashy, but nice to drive. Thanks!
Note: A4 Allroad is approx 1.85m wide x 4.76m long. Can be little bit wider, not longer. Higher is fine.
Edited by 67Dino on Tuesday 24th November 22:51
Can’t understand how finding an Audi A4 lacking in the driver enjoyment area will be resolved by purchasing a proper 4x4. Can’t see how intermittent stop start is an issue either. Using the car for some longer runs to get the dpf light off will be less painful than spending 35k on a replacement.
Thanks for suggestions so far. If anyone has any personal experience of what these are like that would be extra helpful (I read reviews but they are by journalists, and good to know what PHers think too).
Going to put on my shortlist:
BMW X3
Promising. The review says: “with a class this competitive, it’s a narrow win for the BMW X3. It’s even more comfortable than the Volvo and nearly as good to drive as the F-Pace. It’s also the fastest and the most refined SUV here”.
Subaru Levorg
I hadn’t even heard of this - thanks. Reviews are encouraging: “its electric steering is precise, its suspension is firm but shrugs bumpy roads off well, while the handling is sharp. You can tell there’s a WRX STI buried under there somewhere, and you can achieve some surprisingly high cornering speeds, the Levorg always unruffled.”
Unless anyone has any contrary view or experience, I’m going to rule out:
Honda CR-V
Reviews aren’t that encouraging around driving enjoyment: “not one of the more engaging or poised compact SUVs on the market from a handling perspective. Grip levels are adequate and handling is secure, but body control is only average, and there is nothing you would characterise as particularly agile about the way the car changes direction.”
Subaru Forester
Reviews not so good on pep: “The (Suburu) Forester’s 2.0-litre petrol engine sounds great and revs sweetly, but simply doesn’t have enough guts. It lacks torque”
Toyota RAV4
Reviews on driving again: “The RAV4 is quick and can do overtaking, but other cars, and even some other crossovers, are more fun to drive.”
Lexus 450
Size too big unfortunately - it’s 5m long.
RS6
Now you’re talking! Unfortunately newer ones are a bit pricey and err to the ostentatious. Shame.
Stick with the A4 Allroad
Ideally we would. The handling is good, but the driving experience is surprisingly heavy and unappealing for an estate. In performance terms, there’s no top end guts, which according to some is improved by removing the DPF. This is tempting as the DPF is very poorly set up - despite regenerating on long runs the sensors often don’t turn off the warning (we’ve tried replacing them and resetting systems already). And the stop start system is genuinely unpredictable and stalls you at inopportune moments.
Of course, we could get the DPF system removed and the stop start disconnected. But tbh I’d rather find a car that does what it’s supposed to than persevere with a car that disappoints.
Going to put on my shortlist:
BMW X3
Promising. The review says: “with a class this competitive, it’s a narrow win for the BMW X3. It’s even more comfortable than the Volvo and nearly as good to drive as the F-Pace. It’s also the fastest and the most refined SUV here”.
Subaru Levorg
I hadn’t even heard of this - thanks. Reviews are encouraging: “its electric steering is precise, its suspension is firm but shrugs bumpy roads off well, while the handling is sharp. You can tell there’s a WRX STI buried under there somewhere, and you can achieve some surprisingly high cornering speeds, the Levorg always unruffled.”
Unless anyone has any contrary view or experience, I’m going to rule out:
Honda CR-V
Reviews aren’t that encouraging around driving enjoyment: “not one of the more engaging or poised compact SUVs on the market from a handling perspective. Grip levels are adequate and handling is secure, but body control is only average, and there is nothing you would characterise as particularly agile about the way the car changes direction.”
Subaru Forester
Reviews not so good on pep: “The (Suburu) Forester’s 2.0-litre petrol engine sounds great and revs sweetly, but simply doesn’t have enough guts. It lacks torque”
Toyota RAV4
Reviews on driving again: “The RAV4 is quick and can do overtaking, but other cars, and even some other crossovers, are more fun to drive.”
Lexus 450
Size too big unfortunately - it’s 5m long.
RS6
Now you’re talking! Unfortunately newer ones are a bit pricey and err to the ostentatious. Shame.
Stick with the A4 Allroad
Ideally we would. The handling is good, but the driving experience is surprisingly heavy and unappealing for an estate. In performance terms, there’s no top end guts, which according to some is improved by removing the DPF. This is tempting as the DPF is very poorly set up - despite regenerating on long runs the sensors often don’t turn off the warning (we’ve tried replacing them and resetting systems already). And the stop start system is genuinely unpredictable and stalls you at inopportune moments.
Of course, we could get the DPF system removed and the stop start disconnected. But tbh I’d rather find a car that does what it’s supposed to than persevere with a car that disappoints.
Edited by 67Dino on Wednesday 25th November 07:17
Hashtaggggg said:
67Dino said:
Hashtaggggg said:
Dacia duster
There was a thread a few days ago about one.
Appreciate the thought, but not sure would pass the ‘peppy performance’ criteria unless the reviews are being unfair. There was a thread a few days ago about one.
My wife bought a Skoda Kodiaq last year, with a 2.0 petrol and DSG, in L&K spec. It really is a very nice car if you're not a badge snob, with every toy you can imagine, and drives beautifully. Some of the toys include electric heated and chilled memory seats, actice cruise control, heated steering wheel, fridge, reversing camera with aerial view, blind spot indicator, lane assist, pano roof. Have a drive in one, I think you'd be surprised.
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