I'm in the market for a sport SUV, and after a year of researching, I'm struggling to reach the finalists. It seems to come down to a heart vs head decision – some are fast and less practical, and others are slower and more capable. Things like depreciation and resale are also important to me.
I've narrowed my list down the the below, but am open to other options. My requirements are fast (sub 6-seconds at least), with some light off-road capabilities.
Audi SQ5 8R BiTDI V6 (2013 - 2016/17) – Very fast but not so practical with mostly 20" 45-profile tyres. Very expensive still, they seem to be holding their value well. Outdated cockpit but B&O and Bluetooth phone connection present in most. ZF 'box. This has been my main focus so forms a benchmark of comparison. R500k for a good one with +-100,000km.
Audi SQ5 80A 3.0T V6 (2017-) – Very fast but not so sure of practicality with wheels probably in line with the above. Far more modern exterior and interior. Bigger screens, digital instrument cluster, etc. Not that I need this or am a huge fan. Letdown looks-wise are the quad pipes which have been adapted into the rear bumper/diffuser. Price close to that of the above, older BiTDI. R650k for a good one.
Audi Q7 4L 3.0 TDI V6 or 4.2 TDI V8 (2012 - 2015 (exterior & interior facelift)) – Slower but far more practicality. Could do software for a performance improvement. Very outdated interior, but quality. 7-seater. Bose audio common. Air or spring suspension. Seen most of their depreciation. R250,000 for a good one.
Audi Q7 4M 3.0 TDI V6 (2015-) – A lot more modern throughout with strong depreciation already to close to the SQ5 BiTDI mark. Slower but could do software. Practical. Not easy to find S line. R600k for a good one.
VW Touareg 7P (2012 - 2014) (pre-facelift) or facelift (2015 - 2017) – Slower but could do software. More modern interior than the SQ5 BiTDI and Q7 4M. Very comfortable, quality interior. 5-seater. Air or steel suspension. Very capable off-road. R-Line common. Hard to find ones with Dynaudio.
My last options including bakkies, but don't think I'll go here due to the high price of bakkies in SA. Also don't want to focus this thread too much here:
Ford Everest 2.0 TDI/BiTDI / 2.2 / Sport / XLT – Could look at demo, a lot of car for the money, but horrendous interior quality.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak – Much the same as above.
Land Rover Discovery 4 – Not done too much research but they seem solid with quality interiors, not fast at all, 5- and 7-seater options.
Toyota Hilux – Not researched much.
VW Amarok – Love these but the 3.0 TDI V6 is scarce and expensive second-hand.
What would you do?
I've narrowed my list down the the below, but am open to other options. My requirements are fast (sub 6-seconds at least), with some light off-road capabilities.
Audi SQ5 8R BiTDI V6 (2013 - 2016/17) – Very fast but not so practical with mostly 20" 45-profile tyres. Very expensive still, they seem to be holding their value well. Outdated cockpit but B&O and Bluetooth phone connection present in most. ZF 'box. This has been my main focus so forms a benchmark of comparison. R500k for a good one with +-100,000km.
Audi SQ5 80A 3.0T V6 (2017-) – Very fast but not so sure of practicality with wheels probably in line with the above. Far more modern exterior and interior. Bigger screens, digital instrument cluster, etc. Not that I need this or am a huge fan. Letdown looks-wise are the quad pipes which have been adapted into the rear bumper/diffuser. Price close to that of the above, older BiTDI. R650k for a good one.
Audi Q7 4L 3.0 TDI V6 or 4.2 TDI V8 (2012 - 2015 (exterior & interior facelift)) – Slower but far more practicality. Could do software for a performance improvement. Very outdated interior, but quality. 7-seater. Bose audio common. Air or spring suspension. Seen most of their depreciation. R250,000 for a good one.
Audi Q7 4M 3.0 TDI V6 (2015-) – A lot more modern throughout with strong depreciation already to close to the SQ5 BiTDI mark. Slower but could do software. Practical. Not easy to find S line. R600k for a good one.
VW Touareg 7P (2012 - 2014) (pre-facelift) or facelift (2015 - 2017) – Slower but could do software. More modern interior than the SQ5 BiTDI and Q7 4M. Very comfortable, quality interior. 5-seater. Air or steel suspension. Very capable off-road. R-Line common. Hard to find ones with Dynaudio.
My last options including bakkies, but don't think I'll go here due to the high price of bakkies in SA. Also don't want to focus this thread too much here:
Ford Everest 2.0 TDI/BiTDI / 2.2 / Sport / XLT – Could look at demo, a lot of car for the money, but horrendous interior quality.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak – Much the same as above.
Land Rover Discovery 4 – Not done too much research but they seem solid with quality interiors, not fast at all, 5- and 7-seater options.
Toyota Hilux – Not researched much.
VW Amarok – Love these but the 3.0 TDI V6 is scarce and expensive second-hand.
What would you do?
