Macan S diesel or...?

[shiversaint]

Looking for a reasonably punchy smaller SUV - transferring from a mk1 RR sport TDV6.

Macan S Diesel seems the clear frontrunner choice for a combination of comfort, frugality and maintaining a level of driving enjoyment, I can spend upto £40k but would rather be closer to £30k.

Are there any other options? Had a look at the X3 M40d but the interior seems a bit too clinical in comparison, despite being a newer car.

This will eventually get paired with a 2 seater sports car so its purpose is doing the main domestic driving duties, occasional 40 mile commutes, and European road trips once we are allowed.

I've contemplated an estate but we just don't need the space, no kids just a small dog, and my partner enjoys the higher driving position of the RR so would like to maintain that to a degree.

Thanks in advance

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want to spend nearer 30k why not go for the SQ5? My OH had a Macan S & whilst a very good car I feel the SQ5 is the better overall pick & it has a bit more poke too:

SQ5 Plus Special Edition last of the line model:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106193...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104211...

SQ5 Plus

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105112...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106214...

[shiversaint]

I don't have a good reason to ignore the SQ5 other than finding the interior really dated - never been a big fan of Audi interiors in general.

Might be one where I should go and try one, see what I think. Thanks for the suggestion.

Am I mad to consider a Velar in this category?

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say you should drive one before writing the SQ5 off, also the Velar is nice but for me the F Pace is the pick,

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107034...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105263...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103250...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105243...

[swanseaboydan]

My Missus has a macan 2 litre petrol turbo ( about 250 bhp). Great motorway and daily car, not as bulky as a cayenne and has been superb

[James-gbg1e]

GLC 43 or other engine pick.

Interiors in the Merc are way ahead of the game.

[Seeker UK]

I found the seats in the Macan a lot more comfortable than those in the SQ5.

[cerb4.5lee]

James-gbg1e said:

GLC 43 or other engine pick.

Interiors in the Merc are way ahead of the game.

I've had a GLC350d(3.0 V6 diesel) for 4 years in august from new and covered 85k miles in it now. It has been a great all round car and I'm still happy with it.

The interior is one of my favourite bits about it as well. A lot of people don't like the interiors in the more modern Mercedes, but I certainly do(especially in comparison to a BMW).

[georgeyboy12345]

Don't get a dirty diesel SUV, get a PHEV estate

For 2 grand under budget, you can get a 2020 Volvo V60 T8 TwinEngine with only 10,000 miles on it, it has 140 bhp more than the Porsche, will hit 60 mph over 1 second quicker and will do well over 100 mpg if you charge it on your driveway every night when you are asleep.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101077...

[shiversaint]

Thanks all.

Not interested in a V60 - if I were going dad wagon I'd be in a BMW before you could say M340i. We have a very difficult drive to pull out from and the height of an SUV is pretty valuable over something more low slung. Our road as a very old but somewhat high flint wall that fronts all of the houses which I have no intention of knocking down to make getting out easier (in fact I don't think we're allowed to anyway).

As for economy, our mileage and driving types don't justify a PHEV, we'd run out of juice all the time. This will be the last daily domestic ICE car we buy.

[andburg]

what about the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

[shiversaint]

andburg said:

what about the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

I think my only fear here is that the engine range is fairly narrow. 2l petrol or diesel risks being gutless, and the quadrifolio is out of budget and properly not economical enough.

I think it's looking more and more like the F pace is a better decision. First editions are quite well priced for how much kit they have - anyone have insight on the ride quality with the stupidly big wheels they get?

[dmsims]

shiversaint said:

Thanks all.

Not interested in a V60 - if I were going dad wagon I'd be in a BMW before you could say M340i. We have a very difficult drive to pull out from and the height of an SUV is pretty valuable over something more low slung. Our road as a very old but somewhat high flint wall that fronts all of the houses which I have no intention of knocking down to make getting out easier (in fact I don't think we're allowed to anyway).

V60 has more ground clearance than a Macan LOL

[shiversaint]

Seat height however, is higher. Not about ground clearance.

Test drove an F Pace with the D300 today. Not bad. Didn't love it - delivery between 2nd and 3rd when you put your foot down a bit was very jarring. Had a fully black interior and that was really quite claustrophobic.

[ZX10R NIN]

It's one of the reasons I try to steer people towards the 3.0d it's a better all round package.

[georgeyboy12345]

shiversaint said:

I think my only fear here is that the engine range is fairly narrow. 2l petrol or diesel risks being gutless, and the quadrifolio is out of budget and properly not economical enough.

You think the 280 bhp engine in the Veloce will be gutless?! To be fair, I think I know what you're getting at, you want something with 6 or more cylinders

[shiversaint]

georgeyboy12345 said:

You think the 280 bhp engine in the Veloce will be gutless?! To be fair, I think I know what you're getting at, you want something with 6 or more cylinders

I think I missed that the 4 pot makes that much power. Probably worth a go then!!!

But yeah...I feel like 6 cyl might be for the best.

[cerb4.5lee]

shiversaint said:

georgeyboy12345 said:

You think the 280 bhp engine in the Veloce will be gutless?! To be fair, I think I know what you're getting at, you want something with 6 or more cylinders

I think I missed that the 4 pot makes that much power. Probably worth a go then!!!

But yeah...I feel like 6 cyl might be for the best.

I'm a bit of a broken record...but for me cars of this size and weight suit a 6 cylinder engine better. Plus a 4 cylinder engine can lack that bit of specialness to use/listen to as well I think.