Estate vs SUV

[Still Mulling]

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!

* Subjective; not legally binding.

[Still Mulling]

Fiisch said:

I cannot stress this enough - ESTATE!!!!

When I first had children, I made the classic mistake of thinking I "needed" an SUV, so obtained a BMW X3. Good car, very versatile, but aside from the minor benefit of not having to bend my back inserting children into the car, and perhaps a marginally bigger boot, I couldn't think of any other good reason for the X3 over the equivalent 3 series. I spent the entire 3 years of the PCP deal wishing I'd bought a 3 series.

The trade off is more expensive running costs (tyres wear out quicker and cost more + higher mpg), and the handling, even on an 'M light" M40D was horrible as you cannot disguise the high-centre of gravity sufficiently and maintain a ride that won't made the kids violently sick. I've since bought a Skoda Superb which is infinitely more practical, yet far less common at the school gates.... Having previously owned the Octavia vRS, I'm delighted with the Superb - cavernous rear legroom, and the 220 TSI has a decent turn of pace (and it comes in a lovely green/yellow if you're sufficiently brave )

Thanks Fiisch! Good to read you have a good experience with the Superb.

I'd love the lemony-lime, but it's only on the Sportline trim. This has rubber-band tyres, which both the wife and I are fed up of due to potholes mullering our wheels and suspension. Now I just want my arse cossetted and wallet un-battered during road driving! I'll save hooning for the track .

[Still Mulling]

Shabaza said:

If image isnt a problem, the happy medium between estate and SUV would be an MPV

For example a VW touran (the boot) is much more spacious then the passat/superb/kodiaq when the rear 2 seats are folded (when height from roof to floor is also taken into account).

I did tout that to Mrs Mulling, pointing out that its design intent meets many of our criteria (although it takes a similar economy-hit to SUVs due to aerodynamics).

We then saw one in a car park.

It's been vetoed.

Edited by Still Mulling on Friday 25th August 15:32

[Still Mulling]

wyson said:

So I reckon the SUV or Estate debate depends on how old your family is?

That could be key here. Mine are a bit older and self-sufficient now, so the benefits of access for parental-support are not required.

I also prefer the thought of a roof-mounted bike-rack to boot-, as in my mind maneuvering will be easier and I'm less likely to crush bikes!

Roof-mounted will be challenging on an SUV, even at my height.

I will be measuring carefully, and judging tunnels etc. accordingly, I hasten to add...

[Still Mulling]

BoRED S2upid said:

V60.

Has crossed my mind, and V90. Not many around sub-£20k and sub-50k miles, however (4 on AT today).

Any notes on reliability?

[Still Mulling]

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.

Q7 could be an option, but probably out of price range for my mileage (50k) and age (2016 on) considerations.

[Still Mulling]

Silvanus said:

How about a brand new Dacia Jogger, part estate, SUV and MPV. Has very good reviews in the motoring press and from owners.

Possible, although I’m worried about build quality. I’ve read of issues with rust, and poor dealership service.

[Still Mulling]

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.

[Still Mulling]

Silvanus said:

The Cross Country versions tick a lot of your boxes

Cost agin, sadly

[Still Mulling]

pb8g09 said:

BMW 225i xdrive.

Under budget, quick, well spec’d typically and a huge boot

Rear legroom likely an issue, and to me it’s not a looker…

[Still Mulling]

ZX10R NIN said:

Peugeots and Ds7s

Interesting shout. Will need to try the I-cockpit layout to see if it works for me. Supposedly also a much more reliable family of vehicles these days, particularly Citroëns.

[Still Mulling]

stevemcs said:

New model Focus Active, slightly higher than the normal estate, no powershift box and similar in size to the Octavia.

Or, subaru Outback, again slightly higher but its as big as a Mondeo

Focus too small. Have considered a Subaru, but look thirsty.

[Still Mulling]

ChocolateFrog said:

The cool ones are the Japanese ones.

Nissan Elgrand, Honda Stepwgn and Toyota Alphard/Vellfire.

They do some very high end versions, everything from 4 to 8 seats.

I love the look of some of these, but I don’t have the kahunas needed to find/wait for parts in case of reliability issues. After the last couple of years, I just want an easy ownership experience next.

[Still Mulling]

Still Mulling said:

ZX10R NIN said:

Peugeots and Ds7s

Interesting shout. Will need to try the I-cockpit layout to see if it works for me. Supposedly also a much more reliable family of vehicles these days, particularly Citroëns.

Had a look, and now wondering whether previous gen 3008s might be large enough. Might go and try one on for size this weekend.

ETA: also surprisingly economical for an SUV due to being a 1.2, but I’d need to check that it pulls out of junctions smartly enough.

Edited by Still Mulling on Friday 25th August 22:55

[Still Mulling]

Silvanus said:

I think dealers can be hit and miss with any brand. My Dacia hasn't had any rust or reliability issues, far from it. Looking to replace a bunch of Mitsubishi's for Duster vans where I work.

Thank you, good to know.

[Still Mulling]

OnionBhaji99 said:

Agreed, Tiguan and ,5 series both have very little room in the rear. How about the touareg? Please update the thread with whatever you decide on and why. We are starting to think about the next family car as we are outgrowing ours.

Touareg is another that suffers on economy due to being a comparative brick, sadly.

I shall be sure to update. My work have hinted I could be eligible for a company car, so I need to press them on that and crunch some numbers.

[Still Mulling]

jamesbilluk said:

I can highly recommend an iPace, but like you said, would have to have a warranty.

Very practical inside, very comfortable, and cheap to run. Also, being an EV, the use of space is great, especially in the rear, with the lack of transmission tunnel, same with the front too.

The last decent sized estate I had was a c7 RS6, I find the Jag just as good space wise, and comfortable as well (my iPace has the air suspension)

Edited by jamesbilluk on Friday 25th August 22:43

Indeed, I’ve read your thread and many others (including TheDeuces) repeated praises of the vehicle. S spec only one closing on my price range, but I can probably live with that so long as a few choice options are on it. Higher than ly have budget for still, but offset by fuel savings over expected ownership period.

[Still Mulling]

bingobangobongo said:

Out of curiosity why is a warranty needed on the ipace?

Sadly, many documented quality issues.

[Still Mulling]

Fiisch said:

A friend has just bought one of these to ferry his two one year old twins - after the ribbing on our Watsapp Group, having seen it in the flesh I was very very impressed. Looks a lovely thing in the flesh, and I suspect badge snobbery will keep it reasonably unique....

Duly noted

[Still Mulling]

Fiisch said:

Skoda used the term "Sportline" very loosely on the Superb - it's very wallowy (unfortunately), we live in rural Bucks potholed by HS2 and so far so good....

So the suspension remains “unsportified”? If it’s just thinner tyres then perhaps it’d be OK. My Octavia is on 18s, 225/40.