- This topic has 27 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 3 years ago by Shaun.
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- January 20, 2021 at 12:43 pm #137001Anonymous
As I’ve now been given the go ahead by Motability to change vehicle, the daunting process of sourcing one during lockdown commences. I now need to join the exalted ranks of the SUV Owners Club having never owned nor driven such a vehicle before.
Like a lot of you, my choice after some research, throws up most of the usual suspects: BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga.
I thought I would get the ball rolling last night and emailed the local dealers here in N Ireland of all these marques to enquire about stock availability of the models listed. I know most of you order from factory but I would be happy enough to find something from stock that ticks most of my boxes.
3 of them replied early this morning:
BMW: don’t keep any stock of X1 and would be 10-12 weeks for factory order
Audi: 5 x Q3 S Line 35 TFSI 150 PS Manual (2 x Mythos Black, 1 x Glacier White, 1 x Daytona Grey and 1 x Navarra Blue) arriving within 2 weeks. £1599 AP (£99 online reserve)
Volvo: 2 x XC40 T3 R Design auto (Thunder Grey Metallic and Glacier Silver). £2799 AP
VW and Ford: no reply yet
Not too much to be going on with but even so I think I would be well happy with any of those subject to a test drive.
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- January 20, 2021 at 1:03 pm #137003
I would add lots of others to your list. A lot depends on milage, if you are high mileage, definitely want diesel or hybrid as most petrol will struggle to get more than high 30’s mpg
Nissan Qashqai (Lots of old models in stock) and X Trail
Skoda Karok and Kodiak
Seat Alteca
Hyundai Tuscon (New model on soon looks great)
Kia SorrentoPrevious Motability Cars
2006 - 2009 Skoda Superb VR6 2.0tdi
2009 - 2012 Citroen C5 2.0tdi VTR Nav
2012 - 2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5dci tekna
2015 - 2018 Ford Kuga 2.0tdi Titanium X
2018 - 2021 BMW 220d X drive 2 Series Active Luxury
2021 - 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE
2023 - Hyundai Kona Electric UltimateJanuary 20, 2021 at 1:55 pm #137010if you like the hyundai tuscon old model you may be able to get a deal as its being replaced.
i can reccomend the mini countryman if a smaller suv will suffice also the nissan juke i went to a launch event when the new model came out, small engine but loveley space to be in.
for a less expensive option the seat arona is worth a look.
January 20, 2021 at 5:17 pm #137029machcocogo for x1 great car worth the wait imho
January 20, 2021 at 6:00 pm #137032Comfortablenumb, our BMW X1 2 litre petrol – never got less than 40mpg round town, anything from 48mpg to 56mpg on a run depending on speed. Great car, watch out for price of extras…
January 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm #137037AnonymousThanks for the comments guys. Appreciate you all taking the time.
I’ve got no doubt that all the models mentioned have their own merits but my shortlist of 5 is really enough for me to digest at the moment. I don’t want to become too bogged down with choice. I’ll stick some of them on the reserve list though.
January 21, 2021 at 3:25 pm #137109AnonymousUpdate:
Ford: 1 x Kuga ST Line X (Magnetic) 1.5 Ecoboost Manual – due within 4 weeks – this is the same trim as my Focus and is very well loaded. The Focus drive is wonderful imo so I imagine the Kuga will be just grand.
VW: 3 x Tiguan Elegance 1.5 TSI DSG (Moonstone Grey, Deep Black Pearl and Reflex Silver Metallic) due within 4 weeks.
@Glos Guy…If you’re reading this I would really appreciate your thoughts on the Tiguan for someone like me coming to a VW and SUV for the first time. I know, from your posts, you are sick to the back teeth of the Tiguan model but an honest appraisal would be welcome. (No BMW references allowed lol).
So in summary:
X1 – will be certainly in the running if I need to go down the factory order route.
Q3 – not for me, don’t like the front fake inserts where fog lights would be normally, nowhere near the standard spec of my ST Line X, overall look a bit girly.
XC40 – AP’s too blooming hot for me.
Kuga – strong favourite
Tiguan – 2nd favourite, colours available not great, unknown drive but like the manly looks, great specs.
Any comments welcome.
January 21, 2021 at 4:02 pm #137114CoopermanI have just been through the dreaded decision for q4 (dec 24th)
I have had a tiguan r line 2.0 diesel for the last 34 months and have done 42000 miles
I might have had another if not for the very barren interior of the new model
I have done mainly town miles and have average about 40mpg
Good solid car no problems at all even had cd player in glovebox
gone for saloon with decent boot for wheelchair
Audi a3 first edition saloon
B
I
January 21, 2021 at 4:31 pm #137121AnonymousI have just been through the dreaded decision for q4 (dec 24th) I have had a tiguan r line 2.0 diesel for the last 34 months and have done 42000 miles I might have had another if not for the very barren interior of the new model I have done mainly town miles and have average about 40mpg Good solid car no problems at all even had cd player in glovebox gone for saloon with decent boot for wheelchair Audi a3 first edition saloon B I
Lovely choice. Always fancied an A3 saloon but never got there. Really starting to think my enforced change from saloons/hatchbacks to SUV isn’t going to be the pleasure that owning a new car should be. Hope I’m wrong.
January 21, 2021 at 4:42 pm #137123Happy to give my views on the Tiguan as requested. Difficult to do so without comparing to BMW as that is my reference point having had more of them than any other make of car. I will try though 😂 Keep in mind we have the 2.0TDi 190PS SEL 4Motion DSG Tiguan and the equivalent new model is no longer on the scheme.
Pros
1) Large comfortable seats. I have sciatica and back issues and never have the slightest issue, even on a 3,500 mile touring holiday over 21 days.
2) Good size boot. I find that the manufacturer quoted figures are misleading as they are cubic feet rather than what you actually use I.e. floor area. In real world use, it’s a bigger floor area than the other cars on your shortlist. The next closest would be the Kuga, but I have read that the sloping rear tailgate on the new model restricts it a bit (haven’t checked myself).
3) Rear passenger accommodation huge. Again, only the Kuga would be comparable. The rear seats can be rolled backwards and forwards as well as reclined in multiple positions, so extremely versatile being able to optimise boot or passenger space, although rear passenger space still excellent even when the seats are not in the rearmost position.
4) Very well equipped as standard. The Elegance wants for nothing other than leather seats, which are a very expensive option (£1530] as it includes electric front seats with driver memory.
5) Good Build Quality. Not quite Audi / BMW standard, but much closer to them than say Ford
6) 4WD system very good. Used it in snow and had no issues at all when many others were struggling
Cons
1) Had to give up driving in Eco mode as too much lag on acceleration. Fine in standard (which it defaults to). Need to drop into Sport for rapid overtaking (even in 190 PS model) which I haven’t had to do in other cars. Haven’t driven petrol version to compare .
2) Sat Nav is terrible. Quality of mapping very poor and endlessly wants to divert me off motorways or A roads to avoid ‘problems’ that don’t exist. Touch screen systems like these are very difficult to use when driving due to movement. Dial systems much more practical IMO
3) Adaptive LED headlights can take too long to kick in and are too slow to revert to full beam once oncoming traffic passes (compared to ‘other’ manufacturers equivalent 😉) .
4) Adaptive cruise ‘panics’ when a car in front of you slows down and turns off into a side road and doesn’t pick up speed immediately afterwards, thus needing driver intervention.
5) Diesel engine somewhat noisy and unrefined compared to some others (again 😉)
In all honesty, it’s not a bad car but as a ‘car person’ I just find it dull. It’s a very practical, well equipped and well built car and suits our day to day needs extremely well, but it just doesn’t stir my soul in the way that some other cars I have had have done. That being said, I am currently going through an identical shortlist to you and every car has pros and cons. None are perfect and all require a compromise in one way or another. If the 2.0TSi 4Motion Elegance makes it on to the scheme then, dull though it is and as much as I fancy a change, it’s going to be very hard to make a case against it. I might use Apple CarPlay for the Sat Nav though 😂 Happy to answer any other specific questions. Also, some of the issues we have had won’t apply to the 1.5TSi. Over 28,000 miles we have averaged 39mpg and I probably drive it ‘keenly’ compared to some 😉
January 21, 2021 at 6:49 pm #137140AnonymousThanks very much @Glos Guy for taking the time to compose that thoroughly detailed appraisal. It is certainly giving me a lot of food for thought although I appreciate it is a bit apples and oranges.
However I feel a Robot Wars new episode airing in my head tonight. Kuga King v Tiguan Tiger.
January 26, 2021 at 1:33 pm #137668AnonymousWell guys, decision made, order placed and all updated on my Motability account as new car application approved.
Kuga ST Line X 1.5 Ecoboost 150ps manual in Solar Silver from stock, 2021.25 build. Car is currently at Liverpool docks so hopefully won’t be too long getting to Belfast although the Brexit Irish Sea border shenanigans may delay more than normal I’ve been told.
The X1, Q3 and XC40 were all ruled out from a purely financial perspective as to kit any of them to the ST Line X standard would have been well over my £2k AP budget. I appreciate that they all are of a more premium brand but the fully kitted car appealed to me more. Plus the fact I wouldn’t have been able to order my new garden shed if I had spent anymore on the AP lol
The final decision was extremely close between the ST Line X and the Tiguan as standard specs are not much different but in the end I went with what I know. As I currently have the ST Line X Focus then I know I will really enjoy the Kuga cabin layout and even build quality. I really believe that watching videos of Ford interiors on YouTube belies the fact of how nice in reality they are.
Hopefully now I’ll get a bit of my life back from constantly being online comparing cars.
Cheers.
January 26, 2021 at 4:12 pm #137686Well done! A very nice choice and although I’ve not seen one in the flesh, the Solar Silver looks superb on the new Kuga’s I have looked at on Auto Trader. My daughters Focus has a 1.0 engine and it’s lovely to drive. Plenty of oomph and sounds nice too. Doubtless the 1.5 in the Kuga will be more than man enough for the job. Plus, as you say, you are comfortable with the brand, which is always a risk when you change. Please post pictures and a review of how you are finding it once you are the proud owner!
I am going around in circles with my shortlist as none are perfect and all require a compromise in some respect, whether that be equipment, space, engine or 4WD. The lure of a new car is great, but I might just hold on to our current one for a bit as none of them are really exciting me at present. Might extend for 2 years in the knowledge that this doesn’t commit me to doing so, as you can change at any time within that 2 years. That way, if a tasty car suddenly comes on the scheme I can pounce. Don’t need to make a decision for another 2 months so will see what happens.
January 26, 2021 at 8:26 pm #137723AnonymousThanks @Glos Guy. As I say, I really love the whole experience of my Focus and truly hope it transfers most or all of that to the Kuga.
I know you will know this but one thing that I hadn’t realised about the Kuga, is that it is the largest in all exterior dimensions compared to Q3, X1, XC40, Tiguan and Tucson (2020). I know the sloping rear window of the Kuga limits boot space capacity but I still found the fact surprising.
I can understand your own frustration and hopefully that elusive deal appears in the near future.
January 26, 2021 at 9:04 pm #137728Thanks @Glos Guy. As I say, I really love the whole experience of my Focus and truly hope it transfers most or all of that to the Kuga. I know you will know this but one thing that I hadn’t realised about the Kuga, is that it is the largest in all exterior dimensions compared to Q3, X1, XC40, Tiguan and Tucson (2020). I know the sloping rear window of the Kuga limits boot space capacity but I still found the fact surprising. I can understand your own frustration and hopefully that elusive deal appears in the near future.
Yes the Kuga is a very good size and hence is still on my short list. For me the Tiguan slightly edges it at present, as it has more kit as standard (such as most of the things that are in the £400 Technology Pack and £1,000 Driver Assistance Pack on the Kuga) and the reviews that I have read score the Tiguan slightly ahead of the Kuga. I am hoping that the 2.0TSi 4WD Tiguan comes on the scheme when launched, as the only petrol choice at present is the 1.5 2WD, although I have watched some road tests of the engine and they were very complimentary about it. None the less, I shall be very interested to hear how you find the Kuga when you get it as my mind is far from made up.
February 24, 2021 at 5:11 pm #140971AnonymousWell, as mentioned on another thread I picked up the Kuga ST Line X 1.5 Ecoboost 150ps manual in solar silver earlier today.
First impressions are very positive. Love the colour, really stands out. Seems strange with the elevated driving position as I’ve always driven saloons or hatchbacks but certainly allows for more awareness of surroundings. The 1.5 Ecoboost seems plenty enough to haul it around and the gear shift feels positive. The interior feels spacious and is just a roomier version of what I’m used to in the Focus. The back seats have loads of room and it will be a lot easier to transport my two grandchildren in their car seats. Really love the hands free tailgate and reverse camera. Will report more when I’ve knocked up a few miles.
THE HANDOVER
Turned out to be even worse than I imagined. The Motability advisor that I had been dealing with was off sick so things were left to her colleague who was more involved with retail than Motability and gave off an air of indifference. I had a good examination of the car’s bodywork while I initially waited outside for her to appear. There was a very small crack in one of the fog light surrounds which I got her to photograph and record for repair.
The keys were handed to me and I was asked to get inside the car before completing the deal with the pin entry and AP payment. No discussion at all about the workings of the car was allowed which didn’t matter to me as most of them are the same as my Focus. However, I could imagine some people being flummoxed if just being left to figure it out for themselves. As soon as payment went through it was thank you and goodbye.
Obviously then nothing like what a normal handover would be and was made worse by the fact that when I got home I realised that I hadn’t even received a handover pack or fancy little Ford keyrings and then noticed there was no owner’s manual to be found.
I’ll catch up with the normal advisor when she returns to work and get these things sorted out.
February 24, 2021 at 5:12 pm #140972AnonymousFebruary 24, 2021 at 5:13 pm #140974AnonymousFebruary 24, 2021 at 5:13 pm #140975AnonymousFebruary 24, 2021 at 5:14 pm #140976AnonymousFebruary 24, 2021 at 5:14 pm #140977AnonymousFebruary 24, 2021 at 5:15 pm #140978AnonymousFebruary 24, 2021 at 5:19 pm #140980Looks fab, hope you like it. Don’t let a couple of issues spoil things for you, all easily sorted as you say. Things are never going to be easy during a lockdown. I can order from 27th March but won’t be in any rush until things open up a bit more. Enjoy!
February 24, 2021 at 5:28 pm #140984Looks fab. I definitely think that you went for the best colour there. Will be interested to hear how you get on with it.
February 24, 2021 at 6:01 pm #140991Ford have ‘nailed it’ with the ST line trim for the Kuga and across the range. As Glos Guy states, the colour is the pick of the palette, since the facelift of the old Kuga and into this new shape, it really has excellent road presence.
February 24, 2021 at 6:30 pm #140994Really nice car. I like the sound of Fords 3 clyinder, lots of character. Like the colour to, really like the greys especially the nardo grey of audi. I was quite surprised when the wife said she likes it and every car I look at she asks if it comes in that style of grey.
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