[Closed] Which SUV for around £18k

We're in the market for something similar (though looking at new). We're looking to replace my partner's Up! and my Civic with One Car To Rule Them All. Has to be an automatic and we want something with a higher ride position because my OH has back issues, so we're into mini-SUV territory.

I've tyre-kicked most of what's been mentioned here and shortlisted two, neither of which I think anyone's put forward.

First, Mazda CX-30. Hellishly well-specced even at the poverty-spec trim level. But, kinda bland and has a 2L engine putting out ~120PS which is frankly weird. Higher spec models get spendy. And the salesman is starting to get on my tits.

Second, Seat Arona. Hard to fault, distinctive looks, comfy and quick. Blagged the dealer into bundling a spare wheel and an audio upgrade. I think we're going to buy one.

Hyundai Tucson? Anyone got one?

In similar position to OP and need transport suitable for elderly parents getting in and out.

They struggle with my current Mondeo. Seats 'too low' and highish sill.

Mazda have gone for big capacity with no turbo which is the opposite to everyone else who's doing small capacity with a turbo, in theory there's less to go wrong and they seem to be reliable.

Second, Seat Arona. Hard to fault, distinctive looks, comfy and quick. Blagged the dealer into bundling a spare wheel and an audio upgrade. I think we’re going to buy one.

Great little car. Had my 1.0 TSI FR Sport for coming up 18 months (bought nearly new with 3500 miles on it) and it's ace. It's not perfect, I had an annoying rattle that was diagnosed as knackered bump stops (replaced under warranty) and the ride on the 18-inch wheels is definitely a bit harder than the 17s on the stock FR, but its fast enough, I can get 50ish MPG on an a long run (averages about 42MPG on my short commute and runs to the supermarket) and the boot is just big enough with the seats down. It's a hoot (relatively speaking of course) when you stick it in FR mode on a twisty road too. Got all the kit you'd want too (minus a heated windscreen 😉)

I'm struggling to see how Moly can take the moral high ground on effciency here, its not like his choice of estate comes with a smaller engine size

If you are going SUV then go all in..
Toyota

Probably comfier than a Berlingo.
It's already been built and probably won't need any new parts for a long time.
Tow or carry enough people or stuff for everyone.
Go anywhere you want (Roads or not).
Probably not far off being a classic so avoid congestion charges.

EDIT
Get a knowing "nod" from Landrover drivers when you pass them (On fire)

Great little car.

Good to know, thank you.

It’s a hoot (relatively speaking of course) when you stick it in FR mode on a twisty road too.

What does that actually do? And have I dropped a plum in going for the posh one over the sporty one?

This is what I've specced out (plus the (ugh) Beats Audio upgrade).

If you are going SUV then go all in..
Toyota

Credit where it's due, that's bloody great.

Credit where it’s due, that’s bloody great.

We had the 4.2 diesel some years back. Most comfortable car I've ever been in and can be fixed with spanners as opposed to a laptop.

Is that petrol? Our diesel 1.6 auto is close to 50mpg, maybe a little less depending what we’ve been doing.

Diesel, although I just checked the tyres as they seemed a bit low and all were well down so that could have something to do with it!!

bungle

Hyundai Tucson? Anyone got one?

My brother replaced a Kia Sportage a few months ago with a new Tuscon.
He's not really a car person, but is very pleased with it so far.

I'd rather sh1te in my hands and clap than be seen in a SUV.

The laws of physics all shout estate, as does the planet. I'm sure you can find individual statistics that argue against this but I refer you back to the laws of physics.

Basically an SUV says dad bod, can't dance, biological redundant and given up on life. The first three are true of me but I don't want to advertise it.

Hope that helps. Get a Volvo.

the problem with volovs is that i can remember when owning a volvo said, dad bod, can’t dance, biological redundant, given up on life, that you believed the marketing that said they were the safest cars on the road and that you basically couldn’t drive.

i can’t get past to that. 😉

And Skoda?

@LAT
Here means Finland. I keep hearing bad things about auto gearboxes in Galaxy and S-Max, a friend just had Focus 1.0 Ecoboost engine auxiliary belt fail (maintained correctly) and needed half the engine rebuilt. There are other stories as well. Don't know what has changed, old Mondeos and Focus' used to be ok.

I’d rather sh1te in my hands and clap than be seen in a SUV.

And yet, here you are taking part in a discussion about SUVs. Thank you for your valuable contribution.

Hope that helps. Get a Volvo.

How about a Volvo XC90? Oh, and what’s your opinion on the current trend for using a full sized van as personal transportation? Or Berlingo/Partner sized vehicles? ‘Cos they’re at least as big as an average sized SUV. I work with all of these types of vehicles, a Berlingo is at least as big, often bigger, than an average SUV/Crossover.
Enquiring minds would like to know.

Dunno if they can be had for £18k, although they’ve been around for some time, but I test drove a VW Touareg at work today, V6 TDi, and it was a lovely drive, plenty of poke, and the boot was pretty damned big.

a Berlingo is at least as big, often bigger, than an average SUV

Citation needed.

Disagreeing on an suv thread ? Who’d have thunk it 😉

It’s a hoot (relatively speaking of course) when you stick it in FR mode on a twisty road too.

What does that actually do? And have I dropped a plum in going for the posh one over the sporty one?

This is what I’ve specced out (plus the (ugh) Beats Audio upgrade).

@cougar, it basically firms the suspension up a bit and adds a decent bit of extra weight to the steering. The extra weight in the steering I like, feels a tad more direct, the extra firmness not so much, as it's already on the firmer riding 18 inch wheels. It's still great to drive if I leave it in the normal mode, but when I'm on my own and want to get a move on, it does make it feel a bit sportier and more engaging. Would I miss it if I didn't have it? Probably not, but it's nice to have every now and again.

We looked at them for a while (including Ibiza's to start before deciding we needed and wanted the extra space of the Arona) but only actually ever drove FR models, so can't compare to the standard chassis. Like the Ibiza though, it just felt "right" from the very first time we drove one. We jumped pretty much straight out of a Kia Stonic we'd test driven into an Arona and the difference was night and day. Smoother, faster, bigger inside and felt far better put together and just a nice place to be. If I were buying one of the new facelifted version like you are, the Experience Lux looks like a great option.

Aside from that looking at the spec (and facelift styling), the only differences between mine and yours will be the autobox and kessy/park assist/Lane keep assist and camera. A camera would be nice but it's got decent rear visibility anyway. I do really like ours, it's got decent space for 5 adults (I'm 6ft1 and if I sit in the back behind the seat drivers seat in my position I have a fair bit of leg room) I can fit a bike in the back plus loads of clobber, it's got loads of kit and feels pretty premium to me. Here's a pic of mine (well not mine but it's identical to this!)

Basically an SUV says dad bod, can’t dance, biological redundant and given up on life.

I don’t want to advertise it.

Get a Volvo.

Can not compute....

Well,

We've just bought the Arona.