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Buying an AWD SUV - what would you recommend?
I'm in a position where I need to replace my Suzuki Grand Vitara with a similar SUV or 4x4. I need something which can seat five adults, has 4x4 or AWD capability for towing and which will enable me to tow 1400kg on a post 97 license as I passed my test in 2005. I have a strong preference for a manual gear box and a spare wheel rather than an inflation kit. My daily travel is a 10 minute trip to the station, would I be better of with a petrol for this? What would you recommend and are there any vehicles I should avoid?
Asked on 29 December 2016 by pcroser
Answered by
Honest John
Absolutely has to be petrol for this sort of use. Cheapest is a Dacia Duster 1.2 TCe 4x4: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/dacia/dacia-duster.../. You will see from my test of the Duster that the gearing is good for towing, with a relatively low 1st and 2nd and generally low gearing (which is why it goes better than a Qashqai 1.2-litre TCe, but uses more fuel).
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