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I currently drive a 2017 Vauxhall Astra 1.4t which I enjoy driving but looking for something bigger but with similar (or better!) fuel economy.
SUV
AUTO
Over 45mpg
Petrol. I do not have an electric charging point.
16k max
Edited by dazzabeezer on 06/11/2024 at 21:49
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Any SUV/CUV is likely to be higher, with more ground clearance than an Astra - both of which are detrimental to aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
The only way to get better real world consumption might be to choose a hybrid - but manmy of them give disappointing overall real world fuel consumption, depending on usage pattern
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A petrol automatic SUV which is bigger than an Astra and does more 45mpg?
Not sure that is actually doable.
I can think of a couple that are of a similar size or slightly smaller, though not necessarily smaller inside, which (on paper anyway) could exceed 45mpg, but that would be dependant on usage.
How big does the car need to be and what kind of journeys will it be used for?
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A petrol automatic SUV which is bigger than an Astra and does more 45mpg?
I think we must assume that the OP means 45mpg claimed by the maker - otherwise we can't guess how or where it will be driven ?
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You’ll need more money. The biggest issue is the requirement for an auto. You can get a manual Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDi SE for the money, but you’ll need £18k upwards for an approved used auto, and even at that they’re rare.
The Honda CRV is too thirsty with the 1.5 petrol and a CVT box, plus there’s talk of reliability issues with this engine. The 2.0 non-turbocharged hybrid is a safer bet, but you’ll need more money.
There’s loads of Toyota CH-Z Hybrids around for this budget, but they’re probably smaller inside than the Astra, though far far more reliable. The RAV4 Hybrid is good, but it’s not that big inside either and again you’ll need more money.
The Mazda CX-5 can be had with an excellent torque converter auto and robust non-turbocharged petrol for the money, but you won’t average 45mpg and the autos are fairly hard to come by. The manuals are easy enough to find and it’s a lovely gearbox to use.
I can’t recommend any VAG cars due to the unreliability of the DSG automated manual box, ditto any Ford fitted with the Powershift transmission. Wouldn’t touch anything French either, too many engine issues, and I include Nissan (Renault) in that, the X-trail is known to be fragile and ditto the smaller Qashqai, which is again no bigger inside than the Astra.
Sit down and think what you really need from a car. Do you absolutely need an automatic SUV? If its economy and space you’re after then an estate car will suit better.
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Possibly worth giving the Car Chooser a go, it might open up some ideas:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/chooser/?a=&p=17000
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Do you absolutely need an automatic SUV? If its economy and space you’re after then an estate car will suit better.
Very much agree re SUVs, why? They tend to be heavier, shaped like a brick and have a smaller boot although head room can be excellent. Usually means compromise re performance/economy and handling/ride quality. Ideal if you own a caravan I suppose.
I'm biased as we still like camping for wimps (good weather and all the comforts) so a small estate is perfect and mine is averaging mid to late 60's mpg (Suzuki Swace so Toyota hybrid gubbins).
I did look at some SUV's as I was trying to find a compromise car that I fitted in well (6ft4") , had a big boot and Mrs BJ would like driving (she found my previous Superb a bit of a boat to drive), and was affordable (SUV's much more new/used). The small estate won.
Edited by Big John on 07/11/2024 at 23:11
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With the rear seats folded down, my 12 Honda Jazz holds more volume than a RR Discovery: and does not have a high lip to the boot.
Most SVs have high boot entrances : lifting weights is bad for your back when pushing things along the boot floor
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With the rear seats folded down, my 12 Honda Jazz holds more volume than a RR Discovery: and does not have a high lip to the boot.
Most SVs have high boot entrances : lifting weights is bad for your back when pushing things along the boot floor
Comparing like for like, with rear seats down the Discovery is more than twice the volume of the Jazz - no point comparing one with the seats down and the other with them up!
Many SUVs have the boot floor at the ideal height to put heavy things in, not having to bend over is an advantage!
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With the rear seats folded down, my 12 Honda Jazz holds more volume than a RR Discovery: and does not have a high lip to the boot.
Most SVs have high boot entrances : lifting weights is bad for your back when pushing things along the boot floor
Many SUVs have the boot floor at the ideal height to put heavy things in, not having to bend over is an advantage!
That depends on where you were picking those heavy things up from. If you are approaching the car with the heavy object/s already in your hands/arms, then yes, it would be easier to load them into a car with a higher boot floor (especially for a taller person). But if you are picking up those objects from the ground next to the car, I'm not sure many people would consider the extra height to which they are having lift the heavy objects advantageous!.
Also, for a dog, especially elderly one, trying to get up into the boot of an SUV (without the aid of some kind of ramp) is very much a disadvantage.
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That depends on where you were picking those heavy things up from. If you are approaching the car with the heavy object/s already in your hands/arms, then yes, it would be easier to load them into a car with a higher boot floor (especially for a taller person). But if you are picking up those objects from the ground next to the car, I'm not sure many people would consider the extra height to which they are having lift the heavy objects advantageous!.
After having a bad back, I would rather lift something heavy into a car with a high floor. When you're lifting from the floor, you're prepared for the weight by tensing the muscles. The more you can straighten your back, the less load there is going to be on your spine. The danger point is when you are putting something heavy into a car with a lower floor because you have to bend down further, and that puts a lot more strain on the back. Couple that with losing concentration as you lean forward to try to position it, and it's luck of the draw whether you will come out of it laughing or a week of suffering.
However, I would rather have an estate. With raised suspension. Unfortunately, they are thin on the ground and usually come with four wheel drive which raises the running costs. About the closest is a Dacia Jogger?
Edited by corax on 08/11/2024 at 12:48
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After having a bad back, I would rather lift something heavy into a car with a high floor.
There many estate cars with a variable height boot floor. I have a tent that weighs over 30kg so a raised boot floor is essential to avoid a trip to the chiro after a camping trip!
Edited by Big John on 08/11/2024 at 20:01
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However, I would rather have an estate. With raised suspension. Unfortunately, they are thin on the ground and usually come with four wheel drive which raises the running costs. About the closest is a Dacia Jogger?
Toyota Corolla Trek. However, it won't have the latest generation of hybrid so 122bhp 1.8 or 184bhp 2.0.
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