Car buyers' guide: Feel good cars

Hyundai ix35. Photo / Supplied

The dilemma:

Here's a couple on the right track. Last week, our would-be owners couldn't decide between two quite different vehicles - so Buyers' Guide suggested something in between.

This week, Gail and Ashley have narrowed their choice to two similar types, but we're keeping our record intact by again suggesting something else, even though it breaks their budget.

This suburban couple likes the idea of a small-ish recent-model petrol crossover, not so much for any off-road ability as for the Swiss army knife utility that comes with the genre.

They like the Suzuki SX4, partly for its price and because it "feels good to drive", and the Nissan Qashqai because it's a bit larger and, they reckon, is better equipped for their needs.

"We also wonder if there's something wrong with the Suzuki, given its pricing," worries Gail.

Don't stress about the SX4, it's just well-priced - and particularly good value after depreciation has taken a couple of bites.

The budget:

About $30,000

The shortlist:

Hyundai ix35
It'll be hard for our couple to find an ix35 for $30,000; when we looked the cheapest was $33,000 for a 2.0 petrol automatic with 33,000km on the dial.

However, it might be worth raiding the piggybank and checking under the couch squabs for coin because, like Baby Bear's porridge, this one is just right for Gail and Ash.

Its new Theta-II four-cylinder engine produces 130kW and 227Nm of torque, making it the most powerful of the group, yet it still delivers 8.5 litres per 100km fuel economy overall - although that's the worst of the group.

Modern design, good looks and lots of gear, and the probability of good resale value, add to the ix35's appeal.
From $33,000

Nissan Qashqai
The Qashqai Ti 2.0 replaced Nissan's Primera in New Zealand and, although it looks like a crossover, it isn't. We get it new as a front-wheel-drive.

The oddly named Nissan's a good vehicle; roomy, lots of equipment and it's the most refined to drive. Its engine offers 102kW, 198Nm and 7.89 litres per 100km overall. Our couple is facing about $30,000 for a good 2008-09 example.
From $30,000

Suzuki SX4
The market's awash with used SX4s right now, so it's probably a good time to get a deal. The car's available in a range of trim levels and configurations, including front-wheel-drive.

We'd look for the well-equipped GLX 2.0 all-wheel-drive hatch automatic and try for a facelifted version introduced at the end of 2009.

This one's upgraded engine produces 112kW and 190Nm, rated for 7.6 litres per 100km overall. Good examples from 2008-09 tend to be in the $15,000 to $18,000 range.
From $15,000

Driven recommends
The energetic Suzuki is sportiest to drive and by far the cheapest. It's also the smallest, but not by much.

On a budget, an SX4 is the obvious choice.

A good Qashqai would be right on budget, but Buyers' Guide reckons it's just beaten by the Hyundai ix35, which has the added advantage of all-wheel-drive and the most interior space.