I don't get the explosion in these mid sized SUVs? Why are they so popular? Some of them aren't even 4wd - do people just like the idea that they're driving something very vaguely resembling a RR or an X5? Or do people just like being higher off the ground?
Kia Sportage vs Hyundai ix35 vs Nissan Qashqai
- Thread starter KongoBongo
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Had a sportage for nearly 3 years now. Great car, no hassle, 7 year 100k mileage warranty. Great customer service when something needed fixed under warranty. Kids love it - loads of room. Considering another one come feb when 3 years are up on this one.
It's about being higher off the ground. As a Rangie driver I can attest to how much nicer it is stuck in traffic when you can see over everything in front.
People also like the illusion of off-road capability. It looks big and chunky and that it could take a few knocks. The fact that most mid-range SUVs won't even see a raised curb let alone dirt track doesn't matter.
There is also the perceived safety element too. It's big and chunky and so must be safer, right?
From my Mrs' perspective, she likes the increased glass area you get on a SUV. In most cars, the window line is just below the shoulder. In my Rangie, it's near my waist. This makes the cabin feel much more airy.
So yeah, there are many reasons for choosing an SUV. Most are based on perception or just plan preference for a certain type of vehicle.
We're actually looking at a CR-V to replace the Rangie. I know we only recently got it but the Mrs doesn't like it because it's an automatic and she doesn't feel in full control. We drove a CR-V recently and she liked it so will probably look to get one in the near future. I'm kind of meh about the whole SUV thing. It's not my primary vehicle so I don't really care. Whatever she wants.
Dunno if its included in the figures but one reason theres so many Qashqais about they did a load of special offers for those in the armed forces - spouses, etc. could pick one up at a massive discount. Was also another reason which I posted about before but can't remember off the top of my head (was another deal they had going on them).
If buying new there could be a good deal to be had on the ix35 as the facelift version is due shortly as far as I'm aware. Having previously owned a Santa Fe I can vouch for the warranty, no hassle.
We recently looked at all 3 plus a few others for my mrs to own. Ended up going for a new Rav4 which comes with 5yr warranty and wasn't much more expensive than either the equivalent spec sportage.
We drove the ix35 and the base spec Diesel engine was fairly poor. Sportage we found had issues with visibility through the rear view mirror and centre pillars that restricted view when checking blind spot etc.
We recently looked at all 3 plus a few others for my mrs to own. Ended up going for a new Rav4 which comes with 5yr warranty and wasn't much more expensive than either the equivalent spec sportage.
We drove the ix35 and the base spec Diesel engine was fairly poor. Sportage we found had issues with visibility through the rear view mirror and centre pillars that restricted view when checking blind spot etc.
I have driven them all. Ix 35, sportage, CRV, qashqai and the VW Tiguan. It really depends on what is important to you. Qashqai is quite agricultural to drive. Kia and Hyundai are good cars. I think the Hyundai is a bit cheaper but it was a bit plasticky inside. CRV is good but tended to be more expensive. In the end we bought a Kuga. It was by far the best driving car. Its coming up three years old and we havent had any trouble. Its nice to have the high driving position but the car handles very well. Not far off Focus handling.
Personally if we were doing it again I would consider a Yeti. Both the Yeti and Kuga have good RVs which is really important to me if you are buying new. If I were you I would try and drive them before deciding.
Personally if we were doing it again I would consider a Yeti. Both the Yeti and Kuga have good RVs which is really important to me if you are buying new. If I were you I would try and drive them before deciding.
Definitely a lot based on perception - being bigger they are often equated with safer whether they really are or not.
Soldato
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We've got a 63 plate Kia Sportage 2 and it's great. We had a few concerns pre-purchase (but not enough to put us off it), namely the small rear view window and the MPG. Since getting it I totally forgot about the small rear window until someone asked me about it, and as for MPG we're averaging 45 which is more than expected and absolutely fine.
It's got the biggest boot space of its class I believe which is one the reasons we got it - I work with a lot of equipment and we like to go camping and such. Here's the car and the boot with a bike box in it which it fitted with ease:
It's really comfortable to drive and comes with loads of features that aren't even listed on the site and we didn't know we were getting (electric folding wing mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers etc). Panoramic sunroof is also awesome and I'd definitely say to get the 2+ just for that, makes the interior light and spacey.
Also you could have a part in it since it's got 6 drinks holders
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And the big plus for us is it's also the cheapest! And has the longest warranty (7 years).
It's got the biggest boot space of its class I believe which is one the reasons we got it - I work with a lot of equipment and we like to go camping and such. Here's the car and the boot with a bike box in it which it fitted with ease:
It's really comfortable to drive and comes with loads of features that aren't even listed on the site and we didn't know we were getting (electric folding wing mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers etc). Panoramic sunroof is also awesome and I'd definitely say to get the 2+ just for that, makes the interior light and spacey.
Also you could have a part in it since it's got 6 drinks holders
.And the big plus for us is it's also the cheapest! And has the longest warranty (7 years).
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Does that bar, which i assume is the sliding parcel shelf, come out at all?
Soldato
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Yes it's sprung at either end. Just didn't need to take it out for that
Caporegime
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I would have said the Yeti but as you don't like them (I doubt it's badge snobbery as your looking at cars made in Korea) I would say the Nissan.
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Apparently the Kuga has boot space of 406 litres compared to Qashqai 410 litres, Sportage 564 litres and ix35 591 litres.
Kuga also costs approx £3500 more.
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Why not look at the likes of a Mitsubishi Outlander or Subaru Forester?
Similar price new, same functionality and practicality, all the good things of the others suggested but you'll get proper four wheel drive systems, and especially with the Forester reliability.
Worth a look into?
Similar price new, same functionality and practicality, all the good things of the others suggested but you'll get proper four wheel drive systems, and especially with the Forester reliability.
Worth a look into?
How did you come to the conclusion the Quasqai was agricutural to drive?
The one we purcased is the 1.5dci which goes suprisngly well, but one thing I commented on was how smooth it was and quiet it was on the drive. Possibly the 2.0l could have been but this has now been replaced by the 1.6.
All I would say OP is go have a good look around each one, have a good drive and pick the one you prefer and works best for you.
Like I say out of them all the QQ was the one we prefered, I will actually be relegating my A4 as the get to work and back car and using the QQ as the main family car.
Yes it's sprung at either end. Just didn't need to take it out for that
Lovely car by the way Russ, as I said we looked at this but the Qashqai just pipped it for us!
Soldato
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I prefer the looks of the Sportage out of the three, but I found none of the drive as good as they look. Bought a new VW Tiguan 2.0TSi SE and it's great... Drives like a Golf and almost the speed of the GTI.
Also look at the Mitshibushi ASX and Subaru Forester... Both come out with best crash test results. Under new tests Sportage has some very poor results.
Also look at the Mitshibushi ASX and Subaru Forester... Both come out with best crash test results. Under new tests Sportage has some very poor results.