Benedict A55h0le not
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Yes, I think I would go for this. About resale value - it will be much better than any Chinese brand.
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Which compact SUV/hatchback - R350k budget
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Ϲhristopher
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The Vitara, at least not that generation, wasn't made in India.
Some of the newer Indian built cars, like the new Swift, newer Mahindras etc, are seemingly a lot better than before. I'd still avoid vehicles like the Hyundai Grand i10 and Venue though.
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Yeah, they are truly not bad cars but I always chuckle when someone looks down on Chinese vehicles while driving their Indian made Toyota or Suzuki.
Mahindra is good, the reason it's so good is because it is an Indian car brand, not a car brand that moved manufacturing to India to cut costs. Recently drove their utilitarian looking bakkie and was pleasantly surprised by the smooth ride and gearbox, not to mention that the 2.2l diesel pulls like a train.
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The Mahindra XUV 3X0 actually ticks all the boxes at a great price. Just wonder about after sales support/cost of spare parts, and it isn’t the best looking car (although maybe looks better in person).
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Indian cars and affordable parts don't go well together, even Tata parts were expensive.
TribbleZA
Honorary Master
I have one and I absolutely love it. Only had one service so far so I cannot answer your questions. It is my first automatic and it is a dream. Handles well and has speed. It has three driving modes - I believe the city mode saves the most petrol. Boot is not the best and the cover is flimsy. But the space inside the car is great. Lots of luxuries. Love the Carplay and wireless charging.
Only way to know what will fit you is to take them for test drives. I had a list lined up of all those you mentioned - drove the XUV 3XO first, and cancelled the other drives.
We were considering the 3x0, it's a great car at a great price but the dealer said the actual fuel consumption is quite high. The MX3 doesn't have a height adjustable seat and the seating position was too low for my wife, the AX5 just a bit out of our price range. We ended up getting a good deal on a Kia Sonet, which is a lovely car. Much better engine than the Fronx which was also a contender
How are you finding the fuel consumption, and which derivative do you have? I can look past higher consumption as I WFH, so I would have to put on a lot of additional mileage to make up the difference in price between other vehicles with the same specs/performance but better fuel consumption.
The Sonet is a solid alternative, however, I've put it to the side for now due to the lack of airbags on the lower derivatives, which is an important requirement for me (the cheapest one with 6 airbags is the R415k EX+ model).
TribbleZA
Honorary Master
I will go and check it. I work from home so don't get to drive around much lately. But it feels normal for an SUV. I had the Ford Ecosport before this and the Renault Scenic before that. I think it is better than those two - but I did a lot of driving with them. Most of my trips now are long distance - I don't like shopping. I have the 2024 MAHINDRA XUV3X0 1.2T AX5 A/T
Mine is between 6 and 7 as stated. I am not using the economical mode - I like a little power. I use Zap but will try Zoom when I do my next Kzn trip. Not that we can really zoom any more as most of the way is 100km/h
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Test drove the Suzuki Fronx this morning. Stupid name, but comfortable ride and good looking car. It's pricier than the Mahindra though (at least the GLX with 6 airbags), and feels slightly under powered. Going to be test driving the XUV 3X0 tomorrow morning, and hopefully get a better idea of which I prefer from there. It's really difficult in this price range though, as there's so many compact SUV's on offer.
epah
Honorary Master
Slightly under powered is an understatement. You are being polite at the very least by using that term.
I think it could do with a turbo, but then fuel consumption and cost go up. It's not a deal breaker for me though, but will see how I feel after trying out some more powerful cars. I'm also going for a manual which I think will help instead of relying on an automatic to choose the gears.
epah
Honorary Master
Definitely needs a Turbo, Also a turbo doesn't magically increase fuel consumption so I am not sure what you mean by that, Getting a manual wont help anything, that engine is severely gutless and a manual gearbox wont save it.
Are you really going to Spend R300K+ on a 30 year old engine and gearbox?
epah
Honorary Master
Also out of curiosity, How long was the test drive and what was the highest speed, did you do any town driving and Open road/highway?
SirFooK'nG
Executive Member
I'm Driving the Grand Vitara Hybrid,aka fancy alternator version. It has a 6 speed auto gearbox which is a lot better than the lower specced 4spd auto. The 1.5L engine is really revvy, well has to be to get going given the 70KW it delivers. Yes its a hell of an adjustment coming from a 140kw Haval. But fuel consumption is great (7.5L/100km in town and 6.1L/100km long distance). The drive quality and comfort are really good. HUD is gimmicky, but its there so use it or dont ... Speakers are adequate, Entertainment unit does the job nicely, I'm running Android Auto wireless. 360 parking cams are nice too. The wireless charger though is a waste of time, make phone hot device is what it is. Only a few things missing that I do miss. Blindspot sensors for one! And more power!
But I'm used to it now, 17K km done. Been a fun little car.
EDIT: In top gear on the open road, sit at 2500rpm at about 130km/h.
Also its slightly out of the price range you are looking at, but because its so expensive, there are some great deals on this model. Listed at R550K odd .. Mine we got for way less, brand new R430K
But I'm used to it now, 17K km done. Been a fun little car.
EDIT: In top gear on the open road, sit at 2500rpm at about 130km/h.
Also its slightly out of the price range you are looking at, but because its so expensive, there are some great deals on this model. Listed at R550K odd .. Mine we got for way less, brand new R430K
ChuckMeFarley
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This is a horrible segment/price range to be looking at, lol, been looking for a while. The Chinese options are all ugly. The Mahindra XUV just as ugly. Almost R500k for the bigger brothers and the curry cruiser (Pikup) might just fit the bill. From reviews I have seen they can be a bit hit or miss with QC and parts availability.
Toy's and Suzi's are all meh and if I had to pick one the Starlet XR would be up there. Ps the Starlet Cross is the Suzi Fronx with a better name. The Corolla Cross was on the list but a big no on the CVT and fuel usage.
Hyudai i20... maybe.
Hyundai Exeter... maybe.
Clio 5... would absolutely love another one but that HUGE screen and piano style buttons puts me off.
The 320d is showing her age now and currently in the shop so I will have to make a choice sooner or later. I shall follow along to see what you decide on, lol.
Toy's and Suzi's are all meh and if I had to pick one the Starlet XR would be up there. Ps the Starlet Cross is the Suzi Fronx with a better name. The Corolla Cross was on the list but a big no on the CVT and fuel usage.
Hyudai i20... maybe.
Hyundai Exeter... maybe.
Clio 5... would absolutely love another one but that HUGE screen and piano style buttons puts me off.
The 320d is showing her age now and currently in the shop so I will have to make a choice sooner or later. I shall follow along to see what you decide on, lol.
