Advice on mini SUVs please?

isadora127

I'm looking into buying a mini SUV and would appreciate some advice. So far I've considered the Vauxhall Mokka and Renault Captur but haven't had the opportunity to test drive any as yet. I need something that has a fairly decent boot space for bikes etc, I need to have a bit of power when needed to get me up the steep hills near where I live (I think the Captur may be a bit sluggish?). I also would prefer it to be prior to 2017 to avoid road tax, or at least low tax as per the Mokka.

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about the Captur or Mokka or can anyone recommend any other make and model please?

400ixl

Neither of those have what I would call a decent boot size for bikes. I assume you mean with the rear seats down? Even then I would have thought it would also need a wheel off to fit a single adult bike in.

Are you buying new or used? How long do you plant to keep it? Both of those are I believe 3 year warranties.

If you want something with a better reliability reputation (certainly than the Captur) and longer warranty then maybe look at the Hyundai Kona, Kia Stonic or MG ZS which all have 5-7 year warranties.

All of the cars including the ones you have picked have diesel options which may be more suitable if you need torque to get up hills. Being smaller vehicles they also typically have smaller capacity diesels (1.6/1.7 lire) so not over powered and the petrols can for many come with a small turbo charged version for a bit more go.

isadora127

@400ixl, thank you. Yes, I meant with the back seats down. I can currently squeeze my bike into the back of my Corsa so these should be easier. 

I'm looking at used only, up to 2017 because of the road tax and would prefer diesel.

I'll look into the others you've mentioned. Thanks.

400ixl

Some of the models I listed may well have not been around at that time. If something slightly larger is an option then the Hyundai Tuscon (or ix35 as it was previously) may be an option. Can have the 1.7TD engine which is £30 to tax in that form and we have used ours to tow a caravan quite comfortably.

iwb100

The best small suv (not a luxury brand one at least) around is the Skoda Kamiq. 400L boot space which is more or less class leading bar a few edge cases. Roomy interior. Skoda practical touches. 

The Seat Arona is similar with exact same boot size but is a little smaller inside.

I was looking with a neighbour at small SUVs and frankly I’d not look beyond the Kamiq unless you want an electric which there is no option for yet. 

Flight3287462

Why SUV what about an Estate car eg Octavia or even a Fabia Estate?  Might be better value.

isadora127

@400ixl, @iwb100, thanks for your suggestions, I shall take a look at those.

@Flight3287462, I prefer the driver height of SUV.

400ixl

iwb100 said:

The best small suv (not a luxury brand one at least) around is the Skoda Kamiq. 400L boot space which is more or less class leading bar a few edge cases. Roomy interior. Skoda practical touches. 

Did that launch before 2019?

iwb100

400ixl said:

iwb100 said:

The best small suv (not a luxury brand one at least) around is the Skoda Kamiq. 400L boot space which is more or less class leading bar a few edge cases. Roomy interior. Skoda practical touches. 

Did that launch before 2019?

Missed that bit of the post. 

Alanp

Skoda yeti…?

theoretica

I found this website really useful for boot size questions - its quick search is on which cars can take what sort of wheelchair, but has all the dimensions and I am sure you can translate it to bikes. https://www.ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/out-and-about/car-search