[Speedy James]

Car change due in August so I may ask again next quarter but requirements are:

Small/medium SUV or slightly raised height

Flat as possible load area for wheelchair (maybe with small hoist)

Petrol  (probably)

Automatic gearbox essential

Electric leather seats (so can adjust easily and slide in)

Interested in ideas and particularly biggest bang for buck.  Will do circa 15,000 miles a year including city so reluctant to go diesel. Interested in electric but sadly seems a way off and need a real range of 200 miles. May have to come off the scheme  and wait. Thanks!

Topic

[BionicRusty]

Thank you for the info HammerHead.

I’m reading up on it now and can see the issue of lag that is reported by drivers. We used to have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and that was awful for this problem. There was many a time it was nearly the cause of a crash. Why manufacturers think these are good is beyond me.
I have to be honest my X1 is the best gearbox I’ve ever had so I’m really being spoiled at the moment.

Apologies for the questions but do the electric seats have a memory function? I have quite a ridiculous stance and have one leg a lot shorter than the other. Because of this and added to my other issues it takes a long time for me to get a seat position just right. When I do, I like to have it stored. I’ve had cars for many years now with at least two memories. I use one for exit and the second for my driving position. If there’s a third, that’s wifey’s! ?

I have to be honest, I do love the look of yours. The seats look lovely. I couldn’t add another £1,200 or so for leather in the X1 (first fabric seats for years) and it’s the worst thing ever. They’re like Velcro. Getting in and out is not the easiest. But that, the useless ConnetedDrive and the fact that BMW charge for Apple CarPlay are my only gripes of mine.

 

? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?

[HammerHead]

Sorry Wayne,

No memory function 🙁

BTW we test drove an X1 and yes the mechanics/interior were far superior to the X-Trail but like many others we did not like the seats and the cost for upgrades is diabolical imo.

Each to their own 🙂

[vinalspin]

Peugeot’s EAT8 gearbox is the same unit that is fitted in the BMW so might be something worth considering if one could live without the badge.

[BionicRusty]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>
Thanks both.
HammerHead, shame about that but perhaps I need to compromise.  And yes the cost of options is something I’m desperately trying to avoid. It’s so easy to add on £3k and even worse now by manufacturers creating the ‘Package con’.

</p>
Vinalspin, oh I didn’t know that. The 3008 and 5008 are possibles and good to know it’s the same ‘box. My badge snobbery days are behind me,………..I truly want to say. ? ?

? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?

[HammerHead]

We test drove both the 3008 and 5008 and whilst they both have the internal WOW factor, I could not get used to the small steering wheel. Felt like I was driving a go kart.

Also, when I asked about heated steering wheel the assistant said ‘whats that’. Deal breaker for me with my arthritus 🙁 Maybe they have them now?

[vinalspin]

Don’t know about heated wheel I’ll have a look, I have always had to have a steering wheel cover fitted to make the circumference larger as like you I have arthritis but also bloody big hands (my mate calls em “big banana fingers”) and it’s painful trying to close them around a standard wheel, this has the added benefit of stopping the “cold wheel effect” to a greater extent.

[Speedy James]

Hi All,

Today I  went to look at the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan X Trial.

Also tried the Nissan Qashqai. To my surprise for £2199 AP without a deal, you can get the petrol auto with electric memory seats and all the toys on the Tekna plus model.

Not driven one yet but perfect height and good boot. It’s a 1.3 petrol 160 BHP.

Does anybody have experience of one please?

Thanks

James

[Colin]

I can’t speak from personal experience but my next-door neighbour is on her third Qashqai now – loves them

"Man is born in freedom, but he soon becomes a slave, in cages of convention, from the cradle, to the grave."

[Noel]

The 1.3 petrol in the Nissan is the same engine Mercedes use in the A, B and CLA

it was plenty fast in the CLA I test drove, with a very smooth auto box

[Speedy James]

Thanks Noel. Any idea what real world MPG is with mixed driving?

As a guide we currently get 44 to the gallon from the Vauxhall Astra 1.4 Turbo automatic

[Noel]

No idea, went for a 2.0 Mini Countryman petrol auto and it does 36 to 38, that’s coming from a 1.4 golf that did 40 to 42. Only do short journeys and never on the motorway.
worth it for the smile on your face every time you plant your right foot.

[Speedy James]

I am going to try the Seat Alteca FR sport 1.5 automatic.  It comes with leather electric seats as seats for 1199 AP.

Does anyone have one please?

[Author]

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