MORE UPSCALE THAN OFF-ROAD

When you’re spending six figures on an SUV, you don’t want it getting too dirty

I’m in the market for a luxury SUV. I’ve trimmed it down to the Porsche Macan GTS, Range Rover Velar, Audi SQ5 or Jaguar F Pace. I’ve left out the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 T8 hybrid as they don’t have a spare wheel. There will only be my wife and me in the car but we go away a couple of times a year for a few weeks, so the back of the car will have quite a lot of stuff in it. Not camping and nothing big or heavy. We won’t be going off-road, only the occasional dirt road. I’m leaning towards the Macan or Velar. Rick Davidson

THE ANSWER

You’re lucky to be in such a price range – and you’re spoiled for choice. The cheapest of these upscale SUVs is less than $80,000 on the road and the most expensive well over $125,000, depending mostly on the engine but also the styling and options. You show a preference for something sporty, not just a luxury SUV, which means the Macan is the benchmark and the GTS also sets the price target at nearly $130,000 with on-road costs. It’s a pity that some lack any sort of spare, partly down to the discrepancy in tyre sizes – wider rubber on the rear than the front – in many modern performance cars, not just SUVs. Any luxury purchase comes down to personal preferences and the personality of the vehicles. Each of your contenders can easily crack on hard to the legal limit.

CHOICES

It’s easy to spend more than $100,000 on an F- Pace when you go for the 3.0-litre turbo diesel but the 2.0-litre version is a sweeter car. It’s more perky and fun, and will be lighter on fuel for your trips. Beware the cost of options on any F-Pace. Fully loaded with 265kW, the GTS is the one to have if you really enjoy driving. It has the requisite equipment, class and quality but 20inch wheels will compromise the ride – expect plenty of tyre noise on poor-quality country roads For my money, the Velar is one of today’s bestlooking newcomers. The cabin, in particular, raises the bar for SUV luxury and style. It’s more cushy than sporty but if you decide to head off-road it can easily tackle anything in the outback.

WILDCARD AUDI SQ5, FROM ABOUT $108,919 DRIVE-AWAY

The V6 turbo packs a punch. It has typical Audi strengths in cabin quality and final finishing, plus the excellent virtual cockpit and LED headlights. It’s not as composed as others on your list and 21-inch wheels can compromise the ride.