Dear Drive… Down-sizing to save dollars
Catherine wants to trade her expensive and thirsty Mercedes-Benz ML320 in on a car that's much cheaper to run but doesn't want to sacrifice interior space.
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Catherine asks:
I drive a six-year-old Mercedes-Benz ML320 four-wheel-drive but am tiring of paying out big dollars to keep it serviced
She wants to move onto a similar package but without the associated costs that come with a prestige badge. Fuel efficiency and reliability are big priorities, and with two children she needs a good dose of practicality, too. Catherine has looked at Hyundai's Santa Fe but, with its hefty weight and small V6 engine, she is worried about its fuel economy.
The shortlist
If fuel economy is important, as she says, this could be a good time for Catherine to lower her sights down to the burgeoning compact 4WD, or soft-roader, segment. Indeed, in many cases the space and practicality sacrifice is insignificant, while their reduced weight means the performance handicap from dropping two cylinders isn't as big as you'd think. Economy, while not a match for a small hatch, will much more palatable.
And with a handful of players all fighting intently for buyers attentions, value for money is typically a soft-roader strong suit.
Mitsubishi Outlander
From: $32,490
The original Outlander landed, pardon the pun, in late 2003 but was a little underdone in the engine and value departments to be an immediate front-runner.
However, Mitsubishi has regularly chipped away at the Outlander's deficiencies and it now stands one of the more persuasive packages going. An updated 120kW 2.4-litre four with variable valve timing arrived about 18 months after launch and solved the grunt issue, though an auto is still the only gearbox choice, while the specification and model line-up received a welcome once-over.
What hasn't changed is the Mitsubishi's faithful road manners, comfy and characterful cabin and all-round feeling of integrity.
More on the Mitsubishi Outlander
New car road test: Mitsubishi Outlander XLS
Used car review: Mitsubishi Outlander 2003
Subaru Forester
From: $31,990
The Subaru has been around longer than most rivals and the current model shows the Japanese brand knows what it's doing when it comes to building a compact 4WD.
For driving, the Forester is hard to beat. The road manners are capable and rewarding, the 121kW 2.5-litre flat four flexible, responsive and not too thirsty. In manual form, dual-range gearing endows the Subaru with decent off-road ability by soft-roader standards.
The Forester's cabin, though, is a bit of a mixed bag. Up front there's little to bitch about in terms of comfort, space or quality but rear legroom is tight. For lugging ability, bigger bodied rivals like the RAV4 have more to offer.
More on the Subaru Forester
New car road test:
Subaru Forester XS Luxury
Used car review:
Subaru Forester 2002
Toyota RAV4
From: $31,990
The latest RAV4 takes the badge further upmarket than ever before. It's big - indeed, it's almost the same size now as its more expensive Kluger sibling - and cabin space has taken a hefty jump.
The RAV4 drives well, with good ride quality, enthusiastic performance from the 125kW 2.4-litre four and low noise levels. But while the handling is capable and predictable, it lacks the agility and communicative nature of its entertaining predecessor.
The Toyota has also taken a bit of a retrograde step in forgoing full-time 4WD for an on-demand system. But it's still one of the better soft-roaders when the going gets slippery.
More on theToyota RAV4
New car road test:Toyota RAV4
Used car review:Toyota RAV4 1994-2000
Drive recommends
While the Outlander isn't really a pacesetter in any single department, its wide breadth of ability is hard to ignore. With an all-new replacement just around the corner, a good deal could be enough to put it first on the list.
The Forester is also well worth the look for its impressive driving talents, though we suspect Catherine might find the cabin just a tad squeezy after several years in a larger package.
No, for drivers stepping out of a large 4WD like Catherine it's the RAV4 that makes the most sense. Space and practicality are close to bigger 4WDs, it drives with assurance and, being a Toyota, won't cost an arm and a leg to keep running.
Have a question about your next set of wheels or just need some car advice? No query is too big, small or obscure! Call in to the radio show (Trent on 2GB Sydney 1:30pm Monday and 9pm Wednesday, 5AA South Australia 1:30pm Tuesday, and James on 3AW Melbourne 9pm each Thursday), or contact us by email here: contactus@drive.com.au.