New SUV recommendations

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mattwnz

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#170870 29-Mar-2015 13:12

A family member is looking at buying a new SUV before the end of the financial year. Currently they are looking at the new RAV4 and Mazda CX5 as they have had good experiences with those brands. I have also told them to look at the Mazda cx3 when it comes out in NZ but that may not be before the end of the fin year. Another option is the Mazda 3, which is a newer model than the cx5 and rav4 and has heads up display and comes in a manual. They would prefer a manual, but most SUVs imported into NZ seem to be autos. Anyone else have any recommendations. My feeling is that the RAV4 is a bit dated now, as it has been out for a number of years. The cx5 has just had a facelift, and new touch screen technology added, but no heads up display was added. The cx3 maybe a bit small, esp in the back seats and boot.

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#1272833 29-Mar-2015 13:18

Full size SUV or CUV?

For CUV: Hyundai ix35, Outlander PHEV

For SUV: Patrol, Pajero, Land cruiser

alasta

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#1272834 29-Mar-2015 13:26

Is AWD a requirement? I suspect the CX3 will probably only be available in FWD.

In my view the CX-5 is the benchmark in this class - we have a fleet of them at work and the only criticism is that the petrol FWD variants are underpowered so I would suggesting going for the AWD variants which are available with the choice of a larger petrol engine, or a diesel engine.

The other frontrunners that I would suggest:
- Honda CRV; also recently facelifted but only available in petrol and fuel economy isn't anywhere near as good as the CX-5.
- Ford Kuga; I'm not a fan of this because of the geeky Microsoft based entertainment system but others might find this appealing.
- Volkswagen Tiguan; a bit pricier but not as much as you might think.
- Kia Sportage; very popular but current generation is getting long in the tooth and you'd need to go with the diesel as the petrol engine is no good. Lacks features like blind spot monitoring and cross traffic sensors.

My father bought a RAV4 late last year as it was heavily discounted, but at list price I don't think they're good value for money. I wouldn't buy one personally because I find Toyotas a bit pedestrian, but it's still a good car. If there is no urgency then there is a new Hyundai Tucson due out towards the end of this year.

mattwnz

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#1272871 29-Mar-2015 14:18

Thanks guys, really useful information. Yes they are probably looking at AWD. Certainly I think the CX5 is the benchmark too, as it just seems to outclass the others in features and looks. My only concern is that it is midway through it's life, but at least it has had the facelift, which has added more modern features. It is also probably more difficult to get a good deal on them, compared to the toyotas, which as you say are quite pedestrian.

mattwnz

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#1273016 29-Mar-2015 18:18

Had a drive of the new cx3 today, it does come in AWD, but it is very tight inside, and the back seats have hardly have any leg room. It is also quite low to the ground compare to the cx5, so that is crossed off the list. But it is their nicest looking vehicle from the exterior.

Batman

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#1273017 29-Mar-2015 18:20

what are their requirements??

they are all massively different beasts

mattwnz

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#1273021 29-Mar-2015 18:32

joker97: what are their requirements??

they are all massively different beasts

It sort of depends, as it is a second vehicle. Their current vehicle is an older Rav4, and does everything they need, but it is nearly 10 years old, so they are looking at eventually replacing that. So it is a case of finding something that they really like driving, but possibly also can tow a trailer, so if they end up selling the RAV4, they won't lose any capability. Something that is more economic to run, has up to date features, and safety are all things they want. Comefortable rear seating is also a requirement, and a good sized boot. They do also like being high up when driving, and you don't have to fall down into the vehicle when getting in and out. I think the CX5 does fit all their requirements at the moment, but it does lack some of the new features mazda have got on the new 3 and CX-3.

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#1273026 29-Mar-2015 18:47

Honda CRV and Hyundai Santa Fe for what you described

The other options are
Nissan X Trail, Mazda CX-5, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Outback

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icekayak

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#1273031 29-Mar-2015 19:27

Know a couple of people with young kids who really like the Dodge journey rt.

Regs

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#1273085 29-Mar-2015 22:07

CX5 sounds like a good option. Pretty fuel efficient too. The CX3 will probably be too small, especially if you want to tow. Size-wise, the CX3 is more like the mazda 2 turned into a SUV, whereas the CX5 is like the mazda 3 SUV'd.

I think Kia has some new units coming out soon - may be worth a look, I like what they are doing.

All the Hyundai models are a bit dated tech-wise. hope to see some new models there some time this year too.

The dodge journey is cheap, but haven't heard particularly good things and I don't think they are that fuel efficient.

NB: if you're after a good deal, then the run out prices on current models will be good when the new models come in :-)

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1eStar

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#1273101 29-Mar-2015 23:09

Check out the new Lexus NX as it's a RAV 4 on steroids.

1eStar

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#1273102 29-Mar-2015 23:19

Sorry I didn't mean to send you all to America. Here's the link to the nz nx

mattwnz

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#1273103 29-Mar-2015 23:28

1eStar: Sorry I didn't mean to send you all to America. Here's the link to the nz nx

Thanks, that is certainly a nice car. Perhaps a bit out of their budget though :)

MikeB4

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#1273152 30-Mar-2015 07:42

What purpose is the SUV required for.?
Off road use? If so to what extent?
Is AMD, or 4WD needed?
Low ratio and locking centre locking differential?
Towing, is this a requirement? If so what is being towed., weight etc? Is a full ladder chassis required?
Is a third round of seats required and what are the cargo requirements?

freitasm

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Geekzone

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#1273154 30-Mar-2015 08:05

Moved to correct forum.

jonathan18

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#1273157 30-Mar-2015 08:14

mattwnz: I think the CX5 does fit all their requirements at the moment, but it does lack some of the new features mazda have got on the new 3 and CX-3.

I don't think that's the case anymore - I remember reading of a mid-season spruce-up of the SC-5 that brought many of the features in the 3 and 6 was happening, and this is confirmed both in articles like this and the actual Mazda NZ website eg http://www.mazda.co.nz/model/cx-5/awd-crossover/22l-diesel-awd-limited).

This brings stuff like the new MZD Connect interface that was introduced with the 3. I've a current 6 which has the old interface (which I think, from memory, is the same as the old CX-5), and to be honest this it's the worst thing about the car - slow response time, poor resolution, problems with audio via USB, poor connection via bluetooth - so this is a big plus for the revised CX-5 (and is being pushed to a revamped version of the 6).

Remember, though, that some of the best features in the Mazda range are limited to their Limited models - some I personally wouldn't bother paying more for (eg LED lights), but adaptive cruise control only comes with the Limited. It's great to see other excellent features now available in the mid-range models such as blind spot monitoring, so there's possibly less need to fork out for the Limited version.

If they're towing, the diesel may be a good option as well - it's a fantastic engine in the 3, 6 and CX-5 - and has more than enough power and heaps of torque. Fuel economy of the petrol AWD isn't amazing at 7.4 versus 5.7 for the AWD diesel (6.4 for the 2 litre FWD) see http://www.mazda.co.nz/compare-models/827,804,824

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