The current Suzuki Vitara would be a possible choice imo. I do mainly road miles in my 2018 "Boosterjet". Car is light so quite economical even though its a petrol engine which is good for congestion charge / urban areas. Its fun to drive (with Boosterjet engine) but surprisingly capable off road with mud and snow setting and diff lock. It goes most places where the shoot Defenders, Discovery's go. I use for my stalking and it fits my sledge for dragging fallow out. Only issue is ground clearance if tracks are very heavily rutted. I run Yokohama GO15 all terrain tyres on 16" rims and have fitted a steel engine protection plate as I occasionally ground it. You could fit a 1" lift kit but triggers significant insurance premium increase.
SUV - Stupid Unnecessary vehicle, Which one?
- Thread starter Cornishfowler
- Start date
Had my Kodiaq since 2017, auto, 4x4,2Litre diesel, 88000miles, Gave me Over 50 mpg to the Shooting Show over 100 miles each way. Not driven off road, ground clearance aided by 19” wheels.
BC.
BC.
jthyttin
Well-Known Member
Doubt that. The tyre outer diameter will be same if the 19" wheels/tyres are OEM approved.
As a rule of thumb, fitting smallest wheels that fit over brake calipers etc. and then putting on largest tyres that won't contact wheelwell / other parts is the way to go. Of course you should research for common wheel/tyre sizes, since they can be like 50% cheaper than some rare size. But high profile tyre give you extra "suspension" and leeway e.g. drop the pressure on mud and the tyre will self-clean when the profile changes shape when rotated (sorry for awkward explanation, non-native speaker here).
Toyota Rav 4 is a good general purpose vehicle, ground clearance, lightweight, roomy, turns on a sixpence.
Get the 5 door and fit decent tyres, we are onto our second one after 12 years.
Pick ups are great, but your area with the narrow lanes they can cost a few mirrors and some makes give a harsh ride unless you have weight in the back.
Running an older VW Amarok, I will say the ride, the drive and load space are good, if you go for the 2litre the fuel economy isn't too bad but, off road you need good tyres as for anything.
The narrower tyres of the Rav can cut through the mud better than the wider tyre on the VW when the going gets a bit knarley.
We all have varying opinions, most by what ground we have and mileage we cover to get to it so it's pay your money take your pick.
Get the 5 door and fit decent tyres, we are onto our second one after 12 years.
Pick ups are great, but your area with the narrow lanes they can cost a few mirrors and some makes give a harsh ride unless you have weight in the back.
Running an older VW Amarok, I will say the ride, the drive and load space are good, if you go for the 2litre the fuel economy isn't too bad but, off road you need good tyres as for anything.
The narrower tyres of the Rav can cut through the mud better than the wider tyre on the VW when the going gets a bit knarley.
We all have varying opinions, most by what ground we have and mileage we cover to get to it so it's pay your money take your pick.
Bouncingoffthelocks
Well-Known Member
mazda cx5, you get the sport versions with awd. 2.2 l diesel , engineered from scratch to be a clean running engine rather than just bolting on an ad blue system. handle great, good economy, and comfortable . Im biased being an owner but love mine
Cornishfowler
Member
Thank you all for the replies... A lot to mull over and going to go and see some cars in person too.
I was looking at a Seat Ateca (essentially an ibiza on stilts obvs no 4wd) to get the SUV shape but then I went on a car size comparison website where you can align different vehicles together and I realised the seat and the suzuki are practically the same size. Which was slightly surprising so what would be the point of getting that sized vehicle and not getting the Allgrip model to cover the just incases.
That or a standard estate
I was looking at a Seat Ateca (essentially an ibiza on stilts obvs no 4wd) to get the SUV shape but then I went on a car size comparison website where you can align different vehicles together and I realised the seat and the suzuki are practically the same size. Which was slightly surprising so what would be the point of getting that sized vehicle and not getting the Allgrip model to cover the just incases.
That or a standard estate
Koenig
Well-Known Member
I’ve been happy with my Subaru Outback. Heavy on diesel as permanent AWD, but huge boot, surprisingly easy on motorways over long journeys when the eldest was at Uni in Edinburgh and very solid. Ground clearance is good and if you drive it properly it does get stuck. OEM parts are good quality but expensive. I’d have another in a heartbeat.
Fair although the older ones are better. I've got a 2015 and didn't realise it wasn't as high until after purchasing, there's a sneaky bit underneath. Does ok on farm tracks for me though.
RAV4 hybrid for a one car does all, or an older rav4 and separate commuter car?
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