I may finally "get" crossovers...
Discussion
"Firstly, you have a higher driving position than in a hatchback and therefore better visibililty,"
https://www.specsavers.co.uk
https://www.specsavers.co.uk
Johnnytheboy said:
You only think you need a higher driving position because everyone else is driving taller vehicles around.
I think that's what she likes. You pull up at a junction/roundabout these days and a taller vehicle pulls up on your right obscuring your view. I can live with that compromise to drive something a bit more "fun" but I don't think she really wants to and I guess the kids prefer it too. I much preferred riding in the Previa and Discovery belonging to my friend's parents than my dad's ordinary cars as a kid to be fair. The Xsara Picasso that my dad owned later was lovely to be driven in but terrible to drive!I think the packaging/space benefit compared to the equivalent car-style car varies, and can be non-existent, especially with the small ones. The boots tend to be small and upright; i.e. not a lot of depth. I looked at a CX-3 and a CX-5 recently; the CX-3 is actually a lovely thing in design terms (and I'm not generally a 'fat hatchback' fan) but I didn't think the space and layout was any different to a Mazda 2 and of course the CX-3 is more expensive. The 5 was better but the equivalent Mazda 6 Tourer still ran rings around it in terms of space, interior and value.
That said, friends of mine have a Kia Sportage and really like it; the boot fits their baby's travel system (that's what we're calling prams these days) depth-wise which is apparently a big deal. They also got a fantastic deal on leasing a new one direct from a Kia dealer. It's comfy and quiet and has a good sound system. Even then, though, I bet you'd get the same spec Ceed SW for less, and have as much space and better driving dynamics into the bargain.
That said, friends of mine have a Kia Sportage and really like it; the boot fits their baby's travel system (that's what we're calling prams these days) depth-wise which is apparently a big deal. They also got a fantastic deal on leasing a new one direct from a Kia dealer. It's comfy and quiet and has a good sound system. Even then, though, I bet you'd get the same spec Ceed SW for less, and have as much space and better driving dynamics into the bargain.
KomodoWagon said:
I think the packaging/space benefit compared to the equivalent car-style car varies, and can be non-existent, especially with the small ones. The boots tend to be small and upright; i.e. not a lot of depth. I looked at a CX-3 and a CX-5 recently; the CX-3 is actually a lovely thing in design terms (and I'm not generally a 'fat hatchback' fan) but I didn't think the space and layout was any different to a Mazda 2 and of course the CX-3 is more expensive. The 5 was better but the equivalent Mazda 6 Tourer still ran rings around it in terms of space, interior and value.
That said, friends of mine have a Kia Sportage and really like it; the boot fits their baby's travel system (that's what we're calling prams these days) depth-wise which is apparently a big deal. They also got a fantastic deal on leasing a new one direct from a Kia dealer. It's comfy and quiet and has a good sound system. Even then, though, I bet you'd get the same spec Ceed SW for less, and have as much space and better driving dynamics into the bargain.
Fair point, the CX3 and Kona look quite cool but also quite small and I doubt that they offer much more practicality over their hatchback equivalents. I would say that the Clio, 2008 and VWs/SEATs, all appear on face value to be more practical than their hatchback counterparts though? An estate should still be superior dynamically but 3 years in an MPV means that she has become used to the extra height but doesn't want the extra length of an estate car/MPV.That said, friends of mine have a Kia Sportage and really like it; the boot fits their baby's travel system (that's what we're calling prams these days) depth-wise which is apparently a big deal. They also got a fantastic deal on leasing a new one direct from a Kia dealer. It's comfy and quiet and has a good sound system. Even then, though, I bet you'd get the same spec Ceed SW for less, and have as much space and better driving dynamics into the bargain.
Don't believe the naysayers about the equivalent saloons/estates having more space than the crossover. The crossover has more space. Every time. Unfortunately a lot of people spout stuff based on prejudice rather than first hand knowledge.
A crossover has the same FWD drivetrain so no space is lost to 4WD/AWD. The floorplans are the same height as the equivalent saloon i.e. they aren't "jacked up" and lose space there. They are taller, which allows the seats to be more upright and similar legroom in less space, and have more glass area which gives a generally airier feel to the cabin. Boots are as deep or deeper than the equivalent saloon, but taller. So more volume again.
Basically you simply get more internal space and a lighter, bigger cabin. The crossover will have a slightly higher CofG which affects handling slightly, but not by the disastrous amounts some would have you believe. And it just doesn't matter on the journeys, roads and speeds which restrict 99% of the driving that people do in the UK. But it's a lot easier to live with the car day to day and for most people that is what counts.
A crossover has the same FWD drivetrain so no space is lost to 4WD/AWD. The floorplans are the same height as the equivalent saloon i.e. they aren't "jacked up" and lose space there. They are taller, which allows the seats to be more upright and similar legroom in less space, and have more glass area which gives a generally airier feel to the cabin. Boots are as deep or deeper than the equivalent saloon, but taller. So more volume again.
Basically you simply get more internal space and a lighter, bigger cabin. The crossover will have a slightly higher CofG which affects handling slightly, but not by the disastrous amounts some would have you believe. And it just doesn't matter on the journeys, roads and speeds which restrict 99% of the driving that people do in the UK. But it's a lot easier to live with the car day to day and for most people that is what counts.
DoubleD said:
dmsims said:
DoubleD said:
Some clinically obese people find a higher car easier to get into. Also some find it easier getting little kids into a higher car.
EFAWe swapped a pick up (navara DC) for a Peugeot 3008 last month.
So far we love it. Supremely comfortable and easy to drive. Fits loads of stuff in the back even without dropping the seats and has more gadgets than you can shake a stick at
So far we love it. Supremely comfortable and easy to drive. Fits loads of stuff in the back even without dropping the seats and has more gadgets than you can shake a stick at
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 3rd April 09:54
Chris Type R said:
Kia Sportage ? We bought a "1.6T GDi ISG DCT Auto AWD GT-Line" recently and it's quite nice, other than the exhausting model designation.
We test drove the Suzuki Vitara as well, but found the seats quite uncomfortable.
Got one last year for the OH to carry the grand kiddie about in, super easy to get the kid in the back with the smart rear door design (better than a Q5)We test drove the Suzuki Vitara as well, but found the seats quite uncomfortable.
OH came from a polo GTi so i was surprised that the GT version drives decently and not at all a wobbly blob on stilts, down side is the MPG, OH only gets 30mpg out of it, but she drives it like the GTi lol
Great discounts as well, we paid 30% under list on a 3 month old demo
rfn said:
We've got an Arona. 1.0 115ps Xcellence Lux model. I'd recommend it.
Bought whilst it was on a boat on the way here in September - got approx 12-13% off the list. We've now done approx 5k miles in it
It has a great (huge) spec... Electric everything, digital dash, ACC, blind spot stuff, Great infotainment, digital dash etc.
It sits nicely alongside the m135i... pic below:
Is that the same size as a T-Roc? Had one as a courtesy car which I really enjoyed but it was a 1.5 thought it was a pumped up polo but maybe it’s based on a Golf?? Or is the T-Cross the same all very confusing!Bought whilst it was on a boat on the way here in September - got approx 12-13% off the list. We've now done approx 5k miles in it
It has a great (huge) spec... Electric everything, digital dash, ACC, blind spot stuff, Great infotainment, digital dash etc.
It sits nicely alongside the m135i... pic below:
Dave Hedgehog said:
Chris Type R said:
Kia Sportage ? We bought a "1.6T GDi ISG DCT Auto AWD GT-Line" recently and it's quite nice, other than the exhausting model designation.
We test drove the Suzuki Vitara as well, but found the seats quite uncomfortable.
Got one last year for the OH to carry the grand kiddie about in, super easy to get the kid in the back with the smart rear door design (better than a Q5)We test drove the Suzuki Vitara as well, but found the seats quite uncomfortable.
OH came from a polo GTi so i was surprised that the GT version drives decently and not at all a wobbly blob on stilts, down side is the MPG, OH only gets 30mpg out of it, but she drives it like the GTi lol
Great discounts as well, we paid 30% under list on a 3 month old demo
dmsims said:
DoubleD said:
dmsims said:
DoubleD said:
Some clinically obese people find a higher car easier to get into. Also some find it easier getting little kids into a higher car.
EFAPhilboSE said:
Don't believe the naysayers about the equivalent saloons/estates having more space than the crossover. The crossover has more space. Every time. Unfortunately a lot of people spout stuff based on prejudice rather than first hand knowledge.
A crossover has the same FWD drivetrain so no space is lost to 4WD/AWD. The floorplans are the same height as the equivalent saloon i.e. they aren't "jacked up" and lose space there. They are taller, which allows the seats to be more upright and similar legroom in less space, and have more glass area which gives a generally airier feel to the cabin. Boots are as deep or deeper than the equivalent saloon, but taller. So more volume again.
Basically you simply get more internal space and a lighter, bigger cabin. The crossover will have a slightly higher CofG which affects handling slightly, but not by the disastrous amounts some would have you believe. And it just doesn't matter on the journeys, roads and speeds which restrict 99% of the driving that people do in the UK. But it's a lot easier to live with the car day to day and for most people that is what counts.
Not really true though is it?A crossover has the same FWD drivetrain so no space is lost to 4WD/AWD. The floorplans are the same height as the equivalent saloon i.e. they aren't "jacked up" and lose space there. They are taller, which allows the seats to be more upright and similar legroom in less space, and have more glass area which gives a generally airier feel to the cabin. Boots are as deep or deeper than the equivalent saloon, but taller. So more volume again.
Basically you simply get more internal space and a lighter, bigger cabin. The crossover will have a slightly higher CofG which affects handling slightly, but not by the disastrous amounts some would have you believe. And it just doesn't matter on the journeys, roads and speeds which restrict 99% of the driving that people do in the UK. But it's a lot easier to live with the car day to day and for most people that is what counts.
Does a Tiguan have more legroom and bootspace than a Passat Estate?
Does a Kuga have more legroom and bootspace than a Mondeo Estate?
Does a CX5 have more legroom and bootspace than a Mazda 6 Estate?
Etc, etc
All of the estate options are loads cheaper too
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