Alternative to SQ5 ?

[Nice But Dim]

I know yet another rather dull What Car thread..... Am in the envious position of being able to buy a new 45k family vehicle.

The criteria being
1/ due to my back problems (too much rugby) must elevated driving positon
2/ fun to drive
3/ capable of holding 4 people and 2 dogs and associated stuff - so large estate/4x4
4/ nod towards economy 28+mpg as I do 15k miles per yr

The Macan is too small; Cayenne too expensive; Disco too big and hardly fun; RRS too chavy;

Seems that the ideal compromise may be the Audi SQ5 - unless you can tell me otherwise ?

Cheers, NdB

[Cupramax]

Im surprised you say a Macan is too small as it is basically a Q5 in a party frock, same wheelbase, same floorpan.

[Nice But Dim]

Cupramax said:

Im surprised you say a Macan is too small as it is basically a Q5 in a party frock, same wheelbase, same floorpan.

I was rtoo but the rear space is definately smaller wrt rear legroom and the waiting list is HUGE !

[Bill]

FFRR seems the obvious choice.

[Nice But Dim]

Bill said:

FFRR seems the obvious choice.

Yep I agree - but its just too big oceanliner like and for 45k it would need to be 3 yr old ?

[Stu R]

X5 sits nicely between FFRS and SQ5 sizes. Carries 2 dogs comfortably, and my knackered back loves the seats.

Highly recommend the 40d, but they're all lovely places to be.

[Impasse]

RRS are only chavy if driven and decorated by those of a chav persuasion. Keep it standard in a subtle hue and it's just another 4x4 going about its business. Stick 22" wheels and all sorts of chrome rubbish on it, drive it like a Muppet and you've self declared your inner chav.

[Nice But Dim]

Stu R said:

X5 sits nicely between FFRS and SQ5 sizes.

Highly recommend the 40d

Now here is a thing I have never owned nor wanted a BMW; not sure why just never really got them...... Perhaps I should. Have been in an X3 and aprt from looking like pig it was a nice place

[Stu R]

I'd definitely give them a try, they steer well and the engine in 40d is a monster.

If I had one criticism it's they're not as plush riding as range rovers et al with RFTs and sport suspension. Ditching the RFTs makes a big improvement, and they can still be hustled through the twisties faster than most big SUVs can,

[Bill]

Nice But Dim said:

Yep I agree - but its just too big oceanliner like and for 45k it would need to be 3 yr old ?

Ah. I didn't appreciate "new" meant brand new. Tbh I'd be looking at used Forester turbos while my time on the Macan turbo waiting list ticked down.

[dazwalsh]

What about a jeep grand cherokee? Stand out from the crowd a little, or one of those infiniti SUV thingymabobs?

[northandy]

Nice But Dim said:

Now here is a thing I have never owned nor wanted a BMW; not sure why just never really got them...... Perhaps I should. Have been in an X3 and aprt from looking like pig it was a nice place

Was it the new x3 (just out) it's still just a facelift but drives well in 3.0d format.

I'll get flamed for this but I'm considering an x4, I drove one today (3.0d m sport) and it was a lovely thing to drive.

[anonymous-user]

Nice But Dim said:

Seems that the ideal compromise may be the Audi SQ5 - unless you can tell me otherwise ?

Cheers, NdB

In this sector there isn't much wrong with the SQ5! Alpina XD3 BiTurbo is well worth a look along with the Lexus 450h F Sport

[mascord05]

I'll second the x4 3.0d

[northandy]

I drove this today

[Deerfoot]

MonkeyMatt said:

Alpina XD3 BiTurbo

I'd be looking at this, then the SQ5.

[Wills2]

Impasse said:

RRS are only chavy if driven and decorated by those of a chav persuasion. Keep it standard in a subtle hue and it's just another 4x4 going about its business. Stick 22" wheels and all sorts of chrome rubbish on it, drive it like a Muppet and you've self declared your inner chav.

I agree, kept standard in grey or black without those sidesteps and 22" kahns they look very nice.

[prg123]

We have Lexus 450h & it's a great car, not really sporty though but we get 35 mpg which is amazing for the size of car.

Also the dealer network (Guildford Lexus anyway) are amazing

- Pete

[delboy735]

X5 xdrive 30d.

Seems to be pretty decent at most things.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/x5/first-d...

[Wills2]

I sat in and had a look at the new X4 3.0d yesterday and it's lovely some how the X6 design looks far, far better on the smaller platform.