PLAY THE SHORT GAME
Wanted, an SUV to fit in a specific – 4.25m – garage
THE QUESTION
I’m looking to buy a new or near-new small SUV automatic front-drive, less than 4.25m long to fit in my townhouse garage. The only one to meet the criteria so far is the Suzuki Vitara. I want built-in navigation but would prefer a car without engine stop-start – my current VW Golf Mk 7 has this and we find this feature annoying. Can you recommend any others? How do you rate the Vitara S Turbo? Lynette Wallace
ANSWER
You’ve done your research. The Vitara is the closest to your requirements but we’ve listed others that almost make the grade, in case your preferences change. Some are short enough to fit in your garage but lack built-in navigation or have stop-start engine technology. Others are a touch too long but have features you want.
CHOICES SUZUKI VITARA TURBO, FROM $29,990 DRIVE-AWAY
The regular Vitara is available from $23,990 drive-away, the Turbo from $29,990 driveaway. Both are fun to drive and feel sure-footed in corners – or roundabouts – and are comfortable over bumps. Vision is good and the Vitara is roomy for its size. The Turbo has as much zip as a hot hatch. Dislikes: the touchscreen audio unit lacks a volume dial, the driver’s power window lacks the Golf’s “one touch, auto up”, servicing costs are relatively expensive and Suzuki’s recommended six month/10,000km intervals are shorter than most others.
This car is 7mm longer than you requested (4257mm) and lacks built-in navigation but it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that use maps from your smartphone. The turbo 1.4 is zippy (and, as requested, lacks stop-start tech), the six-speed automatic is a smooth operator and the service intervals aren’t bad at nine months/ 15,000km. It has only a three-year warranty but keep an eye out – Holden has had five and seven-year warranty deals in recent months.
HYUNDAI KONA, FROM $26,990 DRIVE-AWAY
The Kona squeezes into your garage at 4165mm, has five-year warranty coverage, good 12 month/15,000km service intervals and low running costs. As with the Trax, it lacks built-in navigation but comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to mirror your phone maps on to the central display screen. The Hyundai has the option of autonomous emergency braking – not yet available on the Holden or the Suzuki – in a $1500 safety pack.
WILDCARD HONDA HR-V, FROM $26,490 DRIVE-AWAY
The HR-V is one of the roomiest in the citySUV class but pokes 44mm beyond your specified length. It has built-in nav (but lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and there’s no stop-start. Warranty is good at five years (or seven years when there is a promotion), service interval is 12 months/10,000km. That distance is a touch short but may suit your needs. Routine maintenance over three years costs almost double that of the Hyundai if you cover the average 15,000km annually.