Smallish SUV

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Oxford
After a short stint with a Citroen C6 (had to get one even if it was only for 6 months just to experience the comfort) I am now looking for a smallish, hybrid SUV.

Looking for something with a comfortable suspension and low noise levels.

Lexus UX/NX - haven't booked a test drive yet but I feel the transmission noise will be an issue
Volvo XC40 - seems a good balanced option

Any other suggestions?
 
New Lexus is better than the older ones for the CVT noise, I had a 2016 CT now a 2021 UX. Only thing is the UX has small boot and rear seats. We still get a child seat in but boot only just about fits the buggy and a couple shopping bags. I recommend it as a car as its comfortable, smooth once you get used to driving hybrid style and well built, also dealer experience is top notch. Practicality wasn't a big shout on our requirements list as it's second car to an estate.
 
Ticks most boxes but I expect it will not be a match for the Volvo or the French with regards to ride comfort. We have already an A class and I wouldn't say it is a comfortable car.
 
I have a Corolla hybrid and the CVT makes absolutely no noise that I've noticed. It's a very relaxing place to be if I'm honest.

I don't know if Volvo do "levels" of hybrids. My brother had a 2.0 petrol v60 hybrid r design .It was crap on fuel. I think he got low to mid 30s from it.
 
I have a Corolla hybrid and the CVT makes absolutely no noise that I've noticed. It's a very relaxing place to be if I'm honest.

I don't know if Volvo do "levels" of hybrids. My brother had a 2.0 petrol v60 hybrid r design .It was crap on fuel. I think he got low to mid 30s from it.

If the ride of the Lexus is anything like the Corolla I'll cross it off my list :). The CVT is not that much of a dealbreaker as under normal driving conditions they seem to be better overall (not sure about reliability though).
 
I like the look of the Volvo XC40 but apparently the hybrids are thirsty:


Probably need to do the maths here (electricity cost) but if 90% of the miles are done on electric power only then the mpg will be probably closed to the non-hybrid versions.
 
Jaguar E-PACE
OP lives in a big city. He should check if he can insure it first. JLR products are becoming difficult to insure in London due to extremely high theft rates, particularly Range Rovers where many companies simply won't insure them anymore. Not sure if Jaguars and Oxford are affected as much but worth checking first
 
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we considered a Toyota CHR and a mercedes 250e both of which may be of interest too you.

in the end decided both were too big for our 2nd car and not enough EV range so went for an i3 REX.but that likely won't be big enough for you.... the i3 also has a rock hard suspension. it really is like a go kart which for us made a great alternative to our ipace to give a completely different experience but it's definitely not refined
 
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Will check the CHR but the 250e is a no (same for X1/X2).
The DS4 seems interesting and certainly one of the best looking ones. Not a traditional SUV.
 
OP lives in a big city. He should check if he can insure it first. JLR products are becoming difficult to insure in London due to extremely high theft rates, particularly Range Rovers where many companies simply won't insure them anymore. Not sure if Jaguars and Oxford are affected as much but worth checking first

It's getting so bad that JLR are now reportedly offering discounted RRs to insurance companies to replace stolen units, in an effort to coerce them in to insuring them. It's absolutely mental, between their dismal reliability stats and their insane theft rates, I honestly can't believe anyone would spend £lol for all that risk :eek:
 
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