Hi Sniffy,

Im in the same position as you.

My A4 has only 170 k but I’m in the process of getting a new air con compressor as I’m finding the cabin temperature unbearable.

Never realised how difficult it is to get the right one and not a Chinese copy.

Are you on the original clutch and what other major failures have you had ?

I too need a SUV but choosing one is a bit of a nightmare. The CX3 is too claustrophobic in my opinion. And most others are simply too big. And the old stuff like a RAV 4 are simply worn out.

Be interested in your final choice. My friend who has a 1.5 Tsi in a VW uses super unleaded to overcome the hesitation.

The Mazda CX-30 is as big as the Mazda3 (the CX-3 is about as 'big' as the Mazda2) inside the cabin, though the 3 isn't the most 'roomy' car in it's class. The CX-30 benefits from a decent sized boot compare to the 3 in hatch form. Not cheap though, especially getting it in the pokier (such a word?) 2.0 Skyactiv-X version.

The Suzuki Vitara might do (that comes with a 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine), as it's smaller in real life than it looks on photos, though in my view there are better looking cars. Not sure about what type the auto is.

Owned my A4 from new. Original CVT gearbox. Several failures, all just about ironed out now thanks to an independent garage in Hersham.

Car delivered by main agent with massive misalignment on the rear wheels, "can't find anything wrong sir". Gbox control unit failed a 90k (Audi contributed). Usual rear suspension coil spring failure. Cylinder head failure (oh so lucky not to wreck the engine). Outside temp indication failure (main agent had the car three weeks until I mentioned the second sensor on this model). Dual mass flywheel failure. Wipers became seized in armatures during lockdown. Plus other minor / usual stuff. Predict the next issue will be steering / suspension arm bushes. Serviced for too long at a main agent that issued advisories that in my opinion were to generate business eg "ARB has corrosion".

I've driven a friends Karoq (1.5 TSI) quite a few miles and very content with it, despite the obvious differences with engine characteristics. No hesitation of significance.

Looking for the extra driving height, decent headlights, decent load carrying, reliability, reasonable performance and economy. Prefer VAG especially as the local garage specialises, but may be forced to look at other alternatives.