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Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
After 3 years with my trusty estate I'm looking to change my car. I do about 25,000 miles a year, including at least a couple of trips through France and Italy. I ski and also do other "pepsi-max" sports, so kit-carrying capacity is key.

Things are looking up financially (whenever they do I find ways to spend it) so I've looked a little upmarket from where I am now. I've looked at the VW Toething and have heard that it isn't too reliable from other owners. The ML270 carries poor tales of reliability and the BMW is a bit too "soccer wife" for me. I was going to look at the XC90, but I heard a whisper about the Kia Sorento and test drove one at the weekend.

I was really impressed by the ride given that this is a 4x4 and the quality of the interior. The boot is cavernous and the 4wd is a bonus for the odd occassion when I can get close to the action (skiing etc). Fuel economy isn't that important, but it manages mid 30s on the combined figures. For £20,000 I can get a brand new one with all the toys, some £13,000 less than the Volvo or the VW.

Are there any other cars I should be considering before I sign on the line?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Happy Blue!
I think you have covered most of the bases and can confirm that the Merc ML270CDi is a dog to drive and for the money you have will not get you a facelift model which is better and more reliable.

The Kia is part of the same group as Hyundai and both Kia and Hyundai do the Sportage and Tucson which are a bit smaller that the Sorento but still have lots of space and shoul be more economical. I know that the interior of the Tucson is a much nicer place to be that the Sorento as it has no fancy fake wood. It is also very well specced for the money.

The only downside to buying the Sorento may be resale value, but if you intend to keep it for a few years, it may not be such a problem.
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
The fake wood is no longer available on UK Sorentos. It has been replaced with brushed aluminium and is rather nice.

The Sportage and the Tucson both appear to have been designed with an eye to selling customers a lego replica of their car as they both are less than pleasing to the eye. The Hyundai Santa Fe is equally horrid to look at.

I've had a look around at second-hand Sorentos and they seem to hang on to their money rather well, with two-year-old examples having only dropped by about £2,000-£3,000 in XS spec (leather, cruise etc).
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Happy Blue!
Wow. I'm surprised at the resale value, but they are well built and are not at rip off prices. I might consider one now the fake wood can be avoided; SWMBO refused to get into one when she saw the plastic!
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
I laughed when I saw the brochure and nearly didn't take the test drive but a chance remark to the salesman who rang to follow up the brochure request illicited the info on the brushed metal finish.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Happy Blue!
I think you will be very happy! Go For It!
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Thanks. Nice not to have someone knock the idea of getting a 4x4 as all the chaps in the pub have done.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Adam {P}
I'm going to come out and say it. I was pretty impressed with the Nissan X-Trail SVE I was sitting in the other day.

Loads of kit. Would the Nissan badge put you off?
--
Adam
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
I'm looking at a Kia. Why on earth would a Nissan badge put me off?

It's a thought, but I've never fallen for the way the look, there's a hint of tonka toy about them. The Terrano is nice to look at, if a bit long in the tooth. Now those are ridiculously cheap.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Happy Blue!
God NO!!!! avoid the Terrano - the worst car on the UK market. The X-trail looks great on the outside, but I can't get used to the inside - too plain and don't like the central instruments. Good car though.

If you can live with it, it may be a better idea than the Kia, but read the CBCB, as there is some issue about dirty oil ruining the engine. Do a forum search as well for this issue.
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - AR-CoolC
They are ridiculously cheap for a reason.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
They are ridiculously cheap for a reason.


Surely that's to get rid of stock though? It's being replaced by the new Nissan Desperado Gunslinger Supreme Pizza edition (type R), or whatever daft name they've saddled the new one with.

But they are VERY long in the tooth.

@ Espada, yes, the interior is different, if I'm being nice about ti. The outside really doesn't work though, the whole thing looks like a design exercise by a student that didn't read the brief for his final exam in SUV design
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Happy Blue!
The Terrano is cheap because its carp, simple. And there can't be that many left to sell - who would want one compared with anything else similar on the market.

Stick with the Sorento
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Altea Ego
Dont order a Lexus RX400. (The new Hybrid one) - Someone I know has ordered one (end of last month) Estimated delivery March next year.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - legacylad
Forester? not particularly large inside, or classy, and only about 30mpg in mixed driving. The upside is buy at 2/3 years old following considerable depreciation (pal of mine was offered peanuts in part ex for his 2 year old at a main dealer-Forester, not child)and spend your savings on ski trips - fly into the altiport at Courcheval with friends! Excellent non- image and proven reliability.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Aprilia
Agree totally with the above. The Forester would be a much nice car to drive over long distances and more economical. If you must have a 4x4 then the X-Trail is not too bad. The Tucson would be in third place. The Sorrento is not a car to buy if you want to enjoy your driving - like a lot of 4x4's its handling is not great (basic laws of physics - high CoG and fairly crude chassis design).
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Hi Aprilia.

My previous comments to Legacylad apply here. I've done a fair bit of "enjoyable" motoring over the years, to the extent that on longer journeys in the country I try and stick to the A and B roads for the pleasure of the drive. The downside of this is that each car I've owned has proved to be a compromise when it came to load-lugging ability. Sadly the increasing number of speed cameras means my pristine licence is unlikely to stay that way if I continue with the "fun but too small" school of motoring so I'm opting for a more sedate mode of transport that better suits my social needs.

I rather like the lofty driving position that the Sorento offers and it has the kind of looks that make my head snap round when I see one. The Tucson also does this, but my head snaps 180 degrees from wherever the Tucson is whereas my eyes are drawn to the Sorento. The Tucson, it offends my eyes!

X-Trail is a possible, but again it just doesn't stare me in the face and say "you'll be proud to have me in your driveway". I've driven one and it struck me as being an Almera on a step ladder, just a mediocre car sat a bit too high. With the Sorento you feel you are in a substantial 4x4 and that changes my expectations and the way I drive. Daft, but true.

Having driven the Sorento I'm happy with the ride, acceleration etc (although I suspect I may consider a remap at some stage). I've compromised on load carrying to the benefit of ride and handling for too long and now the compromise needs to swing the other way.

So the Tucson and Forester are too ugly or small, the X-trail isn't "special" enough for it to be my first brand new paid for with my own cash car and the Outback is likely to result in the licence going south.

Any other ideas for transport for large loads, capable of long distances that gives that cosseted feeling? Apart from the Lexus mentioned earlier..... I want a car now, not next easter!
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Forester? not particularly large inside, or classy


Needs to be roomy. Also I'm already saving £13k by looking at the Sorento rather than an XC90. I'm buying new because I have never bought a new car for myself and for once am in a position to do so with a car with relatively low depreciation. Also the Forester is one ugly mama.

I looked at the Outback but the package just doesn't add up for me. Having had a relatively quick estate car I'm all set for a more sedate driving experience and keeping my licence clean in this lovely country of ours, with its speed cameras, speed cameras and, er, speed cameras. I've started making enquiries with some local offroad clubs too, so the Sorento with it's low ratio box will get some proper use.

Thanks for the suggestion though, it's appreciated.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Dynamic Dave
Dont order a Lexus RX400. (The new Hybrid one) - Someone
I know has ordered one (end of last month) Estimated delivery
March next year.


They showed the Lexus Hybrid on Pulling Power (Monday). It already has a 1000 orders for it in this country alone.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Bill Payer
Dont order a Lexus RX400. (The new Hybrid one) - Someone
I know has ordered one (end of last month) Estimated delivery
March next year.

I think X5 diesels sit continuously on 12 month+ lead times. Although, bizarrly, they've just brought out a couple of special editions.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Shaz {p}
how about the new shape shogun - friend bought a new one last year - really nice - quite nippy in TD form (he has the auto, manual should be even nore quicker) - nice, smooth - body control was quite good I thought - not a sports car, but better then I expected.

Don't know if you can pick up a used new shape one for that price though.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Hadn't considered the Shogun. It seemed on paper to be rather a lot of £££ for not a lot of toys and comfy. I shall give it a look. I can stretch to a new one as it sits between the Sorento and the XC90 in price.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Happy Blue!
I have a Forester and am very happy with it, but can undestand your preference for the Sorento. The Subaru is too small and too thirsty for your needs, although it suits me very well. I do like the look of the Sorento though and depending on the drive, would consider one for me. Mind you I also like the Tucson, so we will have to differ on that one!
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Downesi1
Also remember that the Forester is a "soft" roader.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Apologies re the looks of the Tucson. I had the TerribleToucan (Terracan) in mind. I just had a look at Honestjohn's writeup on the Tucson and it is rather nice..... but a squizz round on google shows the boot volume to be tiny when compared to the Sorento, so still off the list.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - y2k+4
No one appears (but I've only skmimmed) to have mentioned the Toyota Landcruiser (03-) I've seen a couple of these by us lately, I quite like the styling and they seem to have quite a devilish turn-of-speed.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
The Landcruiser would fit the bill, but it's right at the top of the money I want to spend, coming in at £32k by the time I've got a 5-door LC4 with leather. Is it really £12k better than a Sorento? That £12k buys me and the family a whole lot of toys.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - y2k+4
I'd look to get one second-hand, probably a year old so I had peace-of-mind with a 2-year warranty, which ought to bring the price down to about £23k, I'd have thought...also when you come to sell it on, you won't lose as much as you would on a new car.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Collos25
Why on earth would you want to lug a 4x4 on long distances,I brought a New Disco from Austria to the UK for someone and it did my head in.Much better to get a nice Merc estate.And the reason Kia appear cheap is because they are cheap,cheap labour,redundant old DB parts and throw them away at five years old when the gaurantee runs out to my mind they are very expensive.Say what you like about MLs but they are quiet and drive well and hold their price for many years.But if you want so much room and comfort a Citroen C8 would take some beating
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Why on earth would you want to lug a 4x4 on
long distances


With leather, cruise, climate and a decent CD player I can sit at 82mph on the Autoroutes all day long in a well specced 4x4 and get out grinning.

A Merc estate hasn't got 4wd. I've already mentioned that this is a plus given the sports and activities I involve myself in and the potential for a new hobby (green-laning).

Citroen C8? Please! I said I wanted something with car-park appeal, not to look like a taxi driver!

Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Collos25
Re Citroen C8,
No disrespect but a Kia has about as much street cred as a secondhand Netto carrier bag(no disrespect to Netto)
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Re Citroen C8,
No disrespect but a Kia has about as much street cred
as a secondhand Netto carrier bag(no disrespect to Netto)


The C8 is the cab of choice round our way. If it's not the C8 it's the Pug or Fiat derivative. Take the badge off and it will still look like a taxi to anyone in my neck of the woods. I don't have a problem with Citroens, just the C8. MPVs in general, if I'm honest. Not my cup of tea and not up the job I have in mind for it.

The Sorento. Take the badge off and you have a pleasant cross between a Lexus RX and a Merc ML, with all the toys and none of the cost.

Hope that explains things a little better for you. If not, try reading why I want a SUV and then ask yourself if the suggestion of a C8 was ever going to make the grade.

$$
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Collos25
The annual tests which they have in Austria for nearly all new 4x4s.One test is driveng up a ski slope ,another across snow laden fields etc the Kia came second to last this place being taken by the Grand Cherokee V8 the Bmw came first and the Lexus second and the MB third.The Kia is a definite soft roader .I agree the C8 will not do what you ask but neither will a Kia.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
The annual tests which they have in Austria for nearly all
new 4x4s.One test is driveng up a ski slope ,another across
snow laden fields etc the Kia came second to last this
place being taken by the Grand Cherokee V8 the Bmw came
first and the Lexus second and the MB third.The Kia is
a definite soft roader .I agree the C8 will not do
what you ask but neither will a Kia.


Interesting. I wasn't aware of that. I'll have a look around to see what I can find.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Interesting what you turn up when you start looking for comparative reviews:

JEEP® GRAND CHEROKEE VOTED THE WORLD?S BEST OFF-ROADER
17 Jun 2004


In a unique shootout between 10 of the UK?s favourite five-door off-roaders, 4x4 magazine has voted the Jeep® Grand Cherokee its ?World?s Best Off-Roader?.

In a series of tests ? each designed to put every vehicle through real off-road situations ? the 2.7 CRD Grand Cherokee was awarded 193 points out of a possible 250.

John Carroll, editor of 4x4 magazine, said: "This test wasn?t about just driving the vehicles through the biggest mud-hole we could find. With a spirit-level, protractor and tape measure, it was about measuring their competence in a true off-road environment.

"Our judges felt that Jeep?s Grand Cherokee stood out as being the most capable, this-will-go-anywhere vehicle. The Jeep?s coil-spring suspension and Quadra-Drive system puts the Grand Cherokee in a different off-road league to the others and makes it a worthy holder of the title of World?s Best Off-Roader."
Vehicle
Points

1
Jeep Grand Cherokee
193

2
Toyota Land Cruiser
184

3
Nissan Terrano
166

4
Nissan Patrol
162

5
Mitsubishi Shogun
160

6
Land Rover Discovery
157

7
Hyundai Terracan
144

8
Kia Sorento
143

9
Mercedes-Benz ML
130

10
BMW X5
105



The 10 tests looked at key off-road criteria such as suspension flexibility and approach and departure angles, as well as ground clearance and axle articulation. The testing also included real world tests with each car completing a hillclimb and obstacle courses.

Simon Elliott, Managing Director of the Chrysler Group in the UK, said: "We are delighted that 4x4 magazine has awarded the Grand Cherokee the coveted title of the World's Best Off-Roader. At home in the city or the country the Grand Cherokee is exceptional in every way. The expert panel of judges from the UK's top off-roading magazine has certainly proved that the Grand Cherokee is king of 4x4s."

Which is pretty much the reverse of the Austrian test mentioned above. Now the Sorento hasn't scored brilliantly, but its above an X5 and ML and only just behind the Disco. That would be fine with me.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Aprilia
"X-Trail is a possible, but again it just doesn't stare me in the face and say "you'll be proud to have me in your driveway". I've driven one and it struck me as being an Almera on a step ladder, just a mediocre car sat a bit too high. With the Sorento you feel you are in a substantial 4x4 and that changes my expectations and the way I drive. Daft, but true."

Remember that the Nissan X-Trail is a much more sophisticated vehicle (from an engineering perspective) than the Sorrento. The Sorrento is actually quite crudely engineered - it has a beam rear axle and an old-fashioned ladder chassis which doesn't have the torsional stiffness of a monocoque design. This gives it clunky handling, particularly on a bumpy road. Also, if you look underneath a Sorrento you'll see that the chassis is not particularly elegantly engineered - there are all sorts of bits of brackets welded 'here and there' to try to stiffen it up.

Also, in your deliberations, don't forget that Hyundai and Kia are essentially the same company, but Hyundai give you a five-year warranty whereas Kia (correct me if I'm wrong) only give three years.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Adam {P}
You have to admit. You would look like a super cool dude in a Landcruiser.
--
Adam
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - No FM2R
>>You would look like a super cool dude in a Landcruiser.

He's right you know.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Hello Adski.

The Landcruiser idea is appealing but I want a new car! I'm going to jump up and down and stamp my feet now because you've given me an alternative that really appeals on every level except being new. Going to have to give this some further consideration.

Aprilia, I understand what you are saying from an engineering perspective but the reality was I found the X-trail to be a less pleasant driving experience, possibly because I treated it as a car rather than a 2t pile of steel on wheels. Good point about the Hyundai warranty though. If I go down the Kia route I'll be having a discussion about that with the dealer.

I think I'm going to have a root around on Autotrader for used Landcruisers.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Adam {P}
Well. I think you should get a LC because

a) Mark has one
b) One steamed past me the other day. It was a 4.0 in black and it looked gorgeous. Yes - that's right. I'm saying a love how a 4x4 looks.
c) Short of an X5 and RR (which I will agree - are a bit too footballer's wives nowadays) I think it's the nicest looking 4x4 on the market.
d) Mark has one

I was sitting in one belonging to a certain ex-Everton player. Full leather, every toy you could imagine. And I wanted one.

At least have a play in one and see what you think - new or not.


--
Adam
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - No FM2R
>>Well. I think you should get a LC because...

....you desperately try to copy my lifestyle due to your intense admiration of me.

In all seriousness, the Landcruiser is great and I love it to bits. Also, as Adski said, it has every toy you can imagine.

But, it is brutally expensive to run (fuel) and maintain (servicing). The price of tyres is enough to make you weep, although fortunately it doesn't get through them that fast but it eats brakes. So much so that I cannot imagine having one if a) you didn't intend to use its capabilities fairly often and b) you didn't have a reasonable amount of money to throw at it.

I am not a fast driver, but it is much slower than a car around country lanes. Even hacking down the motorway you have to remember that it takes quite a long time to stop. It doesn't handle or stop the way a car does. Therefore you need to keep your distance from stuff, and idiots keep pulling into the space in front of you. It is big, so you do have to be careful and sometimes car parks are a nusiance.

The diesel is cheaper to run, but I find the engine somewhat agricultural. Of course, I think diesel engines are rotten, so I might be biased against them.

I'd think carefully before getting something quite so big, if I were you.

Mind you, it is a lot of fun in London making even the most idiotic of bus drivers or taxi drivers behave. It is nice driving in the countryside since you are high up and you can see a lot more both in front (driver) and all around (pasengers). It carries 8 people - in comfort if two of them are children. The middle seats in the second and third rows have limited leg room.

Its very comfortable with the driver, everything in the car is easily visible and reachable, plenty of space. Mind you, I used to use the Omega Estate for moving loads of stuff because it could carry more, so don't get excited about how much luggage room you have.

Of course it can tow just about anything. I've had it resting on its chassis in soft mud and it will still pull itself out. I've wimped out with it, but it never has - I have had a Landcruiser in the most insane positions in the Andes, and they never fail - I just don't see you needing that capability on the south coast !
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Pretty much sums it up. LC is more of a beast than I need. Strike that one, back to the Sorento and a possible look at the Shogun.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - y2k+4
One final addition I'd like to put forward...the Honda CRV CDT-i. Now it's only half an inch smaller than a Sorento, so should have similar load-lugging abilities...BUT it's got that highly-rated diesel, AND I bet if you asked nicely you could get them to throw in the "Hate Something, Change Something" song on a CD...Ok, it might not be the ultimate in off-road go anywhere ability, but I'm sure it'll cope admirably in the snowy ski-resorts of the Alps. Or for the more elegant gentleman, a used Audi Allroad...
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Xileno {P}
What about a Discovery?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Honda boot is a fair bit smaller than that on the Sorento. I wasn't impressed with the Allroad I tried, especially it's low 20s fuel economy from the diesel! That said, my needs are more focussed now than they were then, so I will revisit that one. Still wanna new car though(sulk).

Disco 2 is, well, a bit of a boat. Disco 3 is too pricey at the spec I would like and is huuuuge. Same reservations that apply to the LC apply.

Hmmmm. Allroad. Time I had another look.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Flying Red
I'm following this thread with interest because I have been looking at the same contenders. Like $till $kint I was underwhelmed by the X-Trail (and the Freelander) and whilst tempted by the Forester it's too car like for me.

I think that the comments above about the Landcruiser probably apply to the Shogun too. HJ's comment in the CBCB about it being Europe's most stolen unrecovered vehicle was enough to put me off.

I like the look of the Sorento however I suspect that residuals will collapse in the next year or so - I think most are bought privately on finance so there won't be many available until those agreements end.

You might want to look at the Nissan Pathfinder which has picked up some good reviews and undercuts the XC90. Also the Kia Sportage shares the Sorento's looks and is almost as roomy. The Grand Vitara is certainly not car-like and there will be deals available because a new model is on the way. Finally, the RX300 offers the elevated driving position with good road manners.


Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Shaz {p}
I have another suggestion for you just to confuse you even more.
Since you may be swayed by the Landcruiser (a used one probably good deal) - I say get the proper one - get the Amazon.

Fully loaded - imho looks awesome, and is probably the most popular (given its abilities) 4x4 in the world.

I know its huge - but thats part of the appeal. Comes fully loaded, just wont break, holds value, looks great, excellent abilities... and as a nicer interior then the lc4. You may have to settle for a slightly older one (as opposed to lc4 - but just look at it!)

You have already accepted the fact that you will be cruising rather then racing, so going round bends shouldn't be a problem.

IMO the best 4x4xfar - although the range rover does beat it but damn that things expensive.


Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Tooooo big and way more offroad ability than I will ever need.

Alternatives deserving of a look so far are:

Shogun 3.2Di LWB (new?)
Allroad 2.5TDi (used)

Outside bet
LC4 3.0 D-4D 5 door (used)
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - Pezzer
Just a thought - what about a Nissan Murano ?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - y2k+4
Peezer just beat me to it! Damn...lol. One's outside my window in black. Gorgeous machine...shame it's a salesman driving it...but don't let that put you off. Look for an ex-demo! New, but at used prices...and correct me if I'm wrong, the equipment list and your wanted equipment list match up nicely?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Mmmmmmmmm Murano. I'm drooling. But:

I know I said fuel economy wasn't that important, but 23mpg? And that engine? I see my licence heading off for some additional text to be added by those nice people in Swansea.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - bradgate
We recently bought a Sorento manual diesel to replace our faithful, but knackered Discovery TDI.

We chose the Sorento after much research because we had £15k to buy a nearly new 'real' 4x4 to tow a horsebox, as well as being a civilised everyday car for my partner. We chose the Kia ahead of the Terracan, Disco TD5, Terrano and Cherokee. It won easily.

It's early days, but so far we are very impressed. The Sorento is reasonably refined and handles competently for a workhorse 4x4. It is also economical, roomy, stylish and excellent value.

Sorento diesel used values are strong, and are set to remain so. The car has generated much interest among horsey folk, and people are unanimously impressed.

It is important to understand that the Sorento, like all real 4x4s is basically a truck, with a separate body and chassis. This gives good off-road ability and a high towing capacity, but inevitably compromises on-road driving.

If I needed an occasional off-road vehicle, and didn't need 2.5 ton plus towing capacity, i might choose either the X-Trail or Forester.
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Thank you for that Bradgate. It's nice to hear from someone who has been through a similar exercise.

I take on board your comment about towing and the suitability of the X-trail and the Forester if this isn't a priority. I don't have an immediate need to use this as a tow vehicle, but there may be occassions when it will need to tow a trailer with another car (a track-only Scoob) or a small vintage tractor on it. I'd rather have the extra oomph in reserve for those possibilities.

What kind of mpg are you getting? I presume you went for the diesel manual?
Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - bradgate
We went for the XE diesel manual, in order to optimise economy, and are currently getting a very impressive 30mpg in general driving. Too early to assess towing mpg. We may have it 'chipped' when the warranty runs out.

We bought the base XE model, which is thankfully free of the ghastly plastic wood and 'vinyl-feel' leather which afflict the XS.

Used Sorento diesels are currently in high demand and short supply, with dealers in the east midlands struggling to find cars for waiting buyers. When cars do appear, they tend to be snapped up almost immediately.

www.autofinders.ltd.uk are advertising new Sorentos from £16,995.

Have you read HJ's road test and summary in the car-by-car breakdown? The Sorento earns a rare 'RECOMMENDED' rating.

Which SUV to replace diesel estate? - $till $kint
Thanks for that Bradgate, greatly appreciated.