[Macca]

So approaching the 3 year point in our Volvo XC40, I was taking it in for a service and 1st MOT. Our dealership is part of a group that has multiple brand dealerships at their hub in Stoke.

So although we’ve put a lease extension in place to give us a bit of breathing space, it was a good opportunity to check out some possible future options.

First up was the Renault Austral. It was bigger in the flesh than I expected it to be. I loved the alloys, thought the interior was very good, loved the seats, stitching, dark headlining, steering wheel, and the tech. However, somone else on here mentioned the odd raised areas in the front footwells, and I didn’t like that either. The clinch for us was the size of the boot. It was much smaller than I expected for the size of the car. So that ruled it out for us, just too compact.

Next up was the Nissan X Trail. Loved the car, and of course the top spec was taking pride of place in the showroom. The car would work for us but for the fact we don’t like the available N-Connecta spec, as it has a lot of stuff missing that is on the Tekna, and for us that makes £4k for the auto a big ask, but we also didn’t like the fabric trim that we were able to see in the flesh whilst we were there. So its on the back burner until the Tekna spec may appear.

On to Hyundai to check out the Tucson. They happened to have an N Line S auto in the showroom which I was interested in seeing, and having run a Hyundai Santa Fe for 4 years and loved it, we were disappointed with the Tucson. Size wise all the boxes are ticked, but I felt the fit & finish, and quality wasn’t brilliant. Not bad at all, but not brilliant for the AP on the car. So not considering that further.

Next stop was Mazda to check out the CX-5. This was by far the stand out of the group. Size was good, boot size was good, decent under boot storage, and the Mazda interior really did underline our concerns about the Hyundai, it was simply a considerable step up. Great sleek design in and out for an SUV. What didn’t help was the showroom model being the top spec Takumi which isn’t on the scheme currently, but we could live with the Exclusive Line spec. So the Mazda is definitely on the possibles list.

Lastly as MG was next door we dropped in to checkout the HS. We were in and out in 5 minutes. Boot size not great, seat height too tall for the Mrs to get in, and we didn’t like the dash.

So whilst we’re in no rush to get out of the Volvo, it was definitely time well spent and has at least told us the Mazda is worth a test drive when the time is right.

Also on the horizon are the 2024 models of Tiguan and Kodiaq, so will check those out in time.

Topic

[kezo]

Did you look at the quality of the interior CX-60, night and day above the CX-5?

The CX-60 PHEV is currently top of my list, with a decision soon 🙂

[Footloose]

The cx5 Homura is a beautiful vehicle with all you need however the cx60 is also a fantastic vehicle.

[Macca]

Funnily enough we did take a look at the CX-60 in the showroom. Gotta be honest we didn’t like it at all. The proportions don’t look right to me, and we didn’t like the interior at all.

As for the CX-5 Homura, I don’t like black alloys, nor the lower trim being painted gloss black, whereas the full colour coding and silver alloys on the Takumi look very well.

I think the matt black lower trim and diamond cut alloys on the Exclusive Line look right too. But there’s choices across the specs to suit most.

If we all liked the same thing, the place would be dull eh?

Our son has an older CX-5, so it was good to go see how the design has evolved over the years, and the current version is a handsome machine.

I’m curious to see if we still rate the Mazda once we’re able to check out the upcoming VW and Skoda.

Nice to be in a position where we’ve got the option of waiting it out a while yet.

[Macca]

I’m curious to see if the CX-5 auto in Takumi spec gets added at some point.

I see it is available on the CX-60 but maybe the much higher AP and the still emerging desire for a plug in makes it harder to sell, so they need to offer the top spec on that model ? Who knows.

[kezo]

Macca wrote:

I’m curious to see if the CX-5 auto in Takumi spec gets added at some point. I see it is available on the CX-60 but maybe the much higher AP and the still emerging desire for a plug in makes it harder to sell, so they need to offer the top spec on that model ? Who knows.

From what I can gather is the Homura is top selling cx60, even the exclusive  has he same leather interior. Then come the packs, where as if you don’t opt for convenience pack on any of the trimms you don’t get things like privacy glass even on the Takumi!

 

 

[tvs]

Currently have a BMW X1 2.0d x drive sport with a 5yr lease to March 24. Haven’t found anything to replace it with that didn’t feel like a step down.

Glad I went to the Harrogate Mobility Fair (1st time) where I could see all the cars displayed. Most important to me is being able to get in/out of the car, seat comfort, wife and Springer liking it! Being a Yorkshire man look for value for money. The best seats by far were the BMW i4, but it was an EV, low sills were easier than thought to deal with stepping into/out of the car. Found the interior classy and  familier. Never thought a 4dr coupe would be suitable, surprise, surprise. Mobility pay for an Ohme charger, test drive, Marshalls £500 contribution, loved it, ordered one.

2024 - KIA EV6 GT Line AWD
2019 - 2024 BMW X1 2.0d X Drive Sport Auto
2017 -2019 Audi Q3 2.0d Quattro Sport Line Plus
2005 - 2017 Honda CRV Exec 2.0d

[Macca]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>By the looks of it the CX-5 has rear privacy as standard. The Exclusive Line spec with DAP offers a very good package. Takumi would bring ventilated seats which would be welcome in the summer with leather, buts its not the be all and end all.</p>
Definitely keeping the CX-5 Exclusive Line DAP in our sights for now.

I know some have concerns over mpg in the 2 litre petrol self charge hybrid, but as we’re currently running a 2 litre petrol turbo hybrid in the Volvo, and do low mileage, that wouldn’t concern me greatly.

 

[Macca]

I’m glad you found something suitable bud. I’m not looking to go electric just yet and couldn’t live with a coupe, as we need the height of an SUV. The goid thing is the scheme has plenty of choice.

[Macca]

So as we were passing the local Skoda dealer today we decided to drop in. There was an interest to see if the Karoq works size wise, but its a touch on the compact side for us.

The key reason for calling in was to have a look at a Kodiaq. Although the current model has come off the scheme now, I wanted to see if my wife could get into it given she’s sub 5 foot. Surprisingly it was just the same as getting into the Mazda CX-5.

It felt good in there, and size wise it took me back to the Hyundsi Santa Fe that we ran for 4 years, and loved.

So what that tells us is that waiting for the new model to arrive early 2024 could be worthwhile.

[Author]

Replies