I'm in the market for a small SUV (Rav4 or Vitara)

[glasswort]

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Ford Ecosport

Thanks, may go and have a look at those tomorrow along with the Escape, which are about the same price as a Isuzu D Max. Got a feeling the Ecosport will be too small, looks not much bigger than a Jazz.

The Escape sold in Thailand is terribly dated. We [Thailand] did not and evidently will not get the great new Escape model, so I would pass on that. If you're looking for something bigger around 1 million, there aren't many choices. You would have to go up to the Mazda CX-5 to avoid the CRV.

BTW, the Ecosport is way bigger than a Jazz, and has a lot of presence because it is quite tall too. But, it is clearly not in the size category mentioned above.

I was in a similar quandry a couple of months back. I tried virtually everything and having narrowed the choice down to two, namely Ecosport and CX5 I opted for the CX5 diesel model. Expensive I know ( I could have bought two Ecosports for not much more than the price of the Mazda!) but in the end I am pleased that I chose the Mazda. Ok I guess that comparing a 850k vehicle with a 1.67m vehicle is not really fair!!! By the way the CX5 is referred to as a crossover - halfway between a car and an suv and it drives like a car.

[giddyup]

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Ford Ecosport

Thanks, may go and have a look at those tomorrow along with the Escape, which are about the same price as a Isuzu D Max. Got a feeling the Ecosport will be too small, looks not much bigger than a Jazz.

The Escape sold in Thailand is terribly dated. We [Thailand] did not and evidently will not get the great new Escape model, so I would pass on that. If you're looking for something bigger around 1 million, there aren't many choices. You would have to go up to the Mazda CX-5 to avoid the CRV.

BTW, the Ecosport is way bigger than a Jazz, and has a lot of presence because it is quite tall too. But, it is clearly not in the size category mentioned above.

I was in a similar quandry a couple of months back. I tried virtually everything and having narrowed the choice down to two, namely Ecosport and CX5 I opted for the CX5 diesel model. Expensive I know ( I could have bought two Ecosports for not much more than the price of the Mazda!) but in the end I am pleased that I chose the Mazda. Ok I guess that comparing a 850k vehicle with a 1.67m vehicle is not really fair!!! By the way the CX5 is referred to as a crossover - halfway between a car and an suv and it drives like a car.

Nice vehicle, but more than I want to spend.

[culicine]

The new suzuki vitara is a touch over a million baht isn't it? A Thai friend has one and seems happy enough. I'v never seen a new rav4. A colleague has an old one, with the engine changed out many moons ago. Parts would not be so easy to get. CRV will be heavy on fuel, especially around town.

That new nissan X-trail may be worth a look if/when it gets here. No comment on the ecosport, but lots of comments on this board about poor service by ford. I'd go for the cx-5 if I had that sort of cash, or a new mazda 3 if I wanted a sedan/hatchback.

The new suzuki vitara ??

Guess you mean the present model ? this model is from 2008, yes I love it but it is getting on in years, the All NEW model will be at the Paris Motor Show in September the iV-4...... so if it come here will be 2015 ? plenty of info on the all new Vitara on Australian motoring websites arrives 1st 1/4 of 2015 there..

There was talk last year on Thai websites that the All NEW SX 4 [still not here yet] the top model, the S-Cross would replace the Vitara.. no idea if this was in Thailand and if so = the all new iV-4 Vitara would not come here.. ?

The Rav4 in Thailand, there are a few about, but very expensive here as full imports.. myself like the look of the Mk 2, not fond of the Mk3 [present] looks [as with Toyota new look all humps and bumps with flat bits here and there] did they make the new Toyota's with all the old odd bits laying around for years ?

Yes I mean't the current one. Didn't realise they started production in 2008.

The suzuki sx4 may be worth a look for the OP, but I'm not aware of any new version coming up. It may have the 'old' interior/dash of the previous suzuki swift, which I didn't like so much. Pity it does not have the 2.0 as in overseas versions.

[DieterWiehe]

After doing a bit more research I can see that a new Rav4 or Suzuki is going to be expensive. I know my best option will be to trade in my 8 year old Isuzu D Max on a new one. Isuzu already offered me around 400,000 trade-in so it will only cost me around 600,000 to upgrade.

Maybe the Chevrolet Trailblazer would fit the bill

[ignis]

The new suzuki vitara is a touch over a million baht isn't it? A Thai friend has one and seems happy enough. I'v never seen a new rav4. A colleague has an old one, with the engine changed out many moons ago. Parts would not be so easy to get. CRV will be heavy on fuel, especially around town.

That new nissan X-trail may be worth a look if/when it gets here. No comment on the ecosport, but lots of comments on this board about poor service by ford. I'd go for the cx-5 if I had that sort of cash, or a new mazda 3 if I wanted a sedan/hatchback.

The new suzuki vitara ??

Guess you mean the present model ? this model is from 2008, yes I love it but it is getting on in years, the All NEW model will be at the Paris Motor Show in September the iV-4...... so if it come here will be 2015 ? plenty of info on the all new Vitara on Australian motoring websites arrives 1st 1/4 of 2015 there..

There was talk last year on Thai websites that the All NEW SX 4 [still not here yet] the top model, the S-Cross would replace the Vitara.. no idea if this was in Thailand and if so = the all new iV-4 Vitara would not come here.. ?

The Rav4 in Thailand, there are a few about, but very expensive here as full imports.. myself like the look of the Mk 2, not fond of the Mk3 [present] looks [as with Toyota new look all humps and bumps with flat bits here and there] did they make the new Toyota's with all the old odd bits laying around for years ?

Yes I mean't the current one. Didn't realise they started production in 2008.

The suzuki sx4 may be worth a look for the OP, but I'm not aware of any new version coming up. It may have the 'old' interior/dash of the previous suzuki swift, which I didn't like so much. Pity it does not have the 2.0 as in overseas versions.

http://www.carscoops.com/2013/07/new-2014-suzuki-sx4-compact-crossover.html

http://waynesworldauto.co.uk/2013/09/25/driven-%E2%98%80-the-practical-2014-suzuki-sx4-s-cross/

Oddly the old model in Thailand appears to sell, seen lots with red plates.. !! maybe the new one is not coming here ?

[giddyup]

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After doing a bit more research I can see that a new Rav4 or Suzuki is going to be expensive. I know my best option will be to trade in my 8 year old Isuzu D Max on a new one. Isuzu already offered me around 400,000 trade-in so it will only cost me around 600,000 to upgrade.

Maybe the Chevrolet Trailblazer would fit the bill

That's one I never considered, and just on a million baht. Thanks. Ahh!, but that's for the basic manual gearbox, if you want automatic and a few goodies, it's over 1.5 mil.

[ignis]

After doing a bit more research I can see that a new Rav4 or Suzuki is going to be expensive. I know my best option will be to trade in my 8 year old Isuzu D Max on a new one. Isuzu already offered me around 400,000 trade-in so it will only cost me around 600,000 to upgrade.

Maybe the Chevrolet Trailblazer would fit the bill

a year or so ago the Chevy Thailand websites were full of the new TRAX, yet it never made it here... maybe would have been a better option ? if I remember the price was 800 to just under 1 million.

[khunPer]

Toyota Avanza or Nissan Freed are options with space, many seats and affordable price. Avanza around 650k and Freed around 800k. Suzuki has one (cannot remember name) semilar to Avanza and close to same price, perhaps a tiny bit cheaper.

[Katipo]

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Ford Ecosport

Thanks, may go and have a look at those tomorrow along with the Escape, which are about the same price as a Isuzu D Max. Got a feeling the Ecosport will be too small, looks not much bigger than a Jazz.

4 metres long 1.7 wide ? I think.

Haven't seen the measurements, but have parked together with a new Honda City, and they are just about the same length, with the spare tire the Eco is a bit longer. Interior? It is a B segment car, but as it's taller inside, and as there is more window area, it feels bigger than a City or other B segment. As mentioned however, it is not a car for wide-bodied people as it has the recaro-type seats and is more narrow inside as it is a mini SUV. But, it feels much more spacious than a Juke, which is the only real competitor in the class.

I have also driven the Juke, and the 1.6l engine coupled with the CVT deals noticeably more power. This is in part doe to the fact that their are no gear changes too. The Juke had slightly less roll too. The Juke's biggest down sides are tiny boot space, rear passengers have no headroom, and subjective looks.

I note there is an updated model about to be released in Europe that partially addresses the boot space issue, and adds some 'improved' styling options. I doubt this will be making its way to Thailand any time soon.

Putting the 2 side by side, while I prefer the performance of the Duke, the tiny boot and rear passenger areas are a deal breaker for me. I'd have to take the Ecosport.

[Scotssing]

the XV is made in Malaysia which should reduce taxes a bit

However the one they had in the show room had been rear ended by someone and the crumpled metal looked awfully thin. Also I cannot be very confident of a car company that has a dented car as its only exhibit in its show room

That said if I could be more confident of the after sales and support I think their quirky engineering is the tops. 13500000 for the XV may be just beyond the OP's range

If the Ecosport too small, I guess the Juke will be as well. You are then looking at the CRV, Fortuner, CX5, Captiva or something like that. The Nissan Livina looks pretty cheap but have no idea what it is like. I like the Subarus but was so disappointed when I went to their show room at Laem Chabang a couple of days ago. They had one XV on display which had been in the wars, big dent by the tail lights, and nothing else, no Forester and a sales lady when they dug her out of the back office who knew very little. The Escape is the old version, does not seem to be any sign of the newer one coming to Thailand. However it seems you may be content with a pick up

I am firming up for the CRV, but may save a bob or two by going for the Ecosport. There is another thread on the Ecosport which seems to be updated regularly with owners experiences, mostly positive

Just because they only had 1 XV to look at shouldn't be a bad sign?

I see many around Bangkok these days. More CX5's appearing now as well.

CRV? expensive to buy and run. No thanks.

Subaru is the car with best reputation in Japan, the house of Hondas and Toyotas. Marketing and Taxes are what makes the cost. Subaru pays import taxes in many countries and that is the main reason why is more expensive. Subaru is just testing the Thai market and the competition, but is the best Japanese car you can buy. Isuzu, so popular in Asia, didn't sell in the US and close it, even if Isuzu is owned by Honda. Nissan cars are great in quality and price, and I hope will grow soon in popularity and models options in Thailand. My wife likes Hondas, and its are good cars, but I think that its are overpriced for what its offers. Sorry....American cars are getting better, but, GM just announced the big recall in its history...still a risk and here still an imported car. Overpriced and with high repair and parts cost. Ford may be better deal because use Mazda parts.

Anyway....always a brand new car is better than any second hand car if you do not know the source..Thai are masters in "cosmetic" works and restaurations....and to change odometers readings.

[giddyup]

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Toyota Avanza or Nissan Freed are options with space, many seats and affordable price. Avanza around 650k and Freed around 800k. Suzuki has one (cannot remember name) semilar to Avanza and close to same price, perhaps a tiny bit cheaper.

I think that's a Honda Freed, but they are more like people movers than SUV's IMO.

[Briggsy]

Some unrelated points.

The Subaru showroom in Laem Chabang looks like it is going to be closed. I have no info, but just my impression.

Nobody has mentioned the Ssangyong Actiyon but with full import taxes probably too expensive.

The thread started with OP wanting small SUV and now wanting large SUV.

The Vitara is made in Indonesia I believe so limited or no import taxes. Previously only the 2WD was imported and Nissan X-trail pursued similar policy only selling 2WD in Thailand. These are in line with OP's spec. Seen many more X-Trails on the road than Grand Vitaras.

As for Kia, you can go down to the importer (Yontrakit?? Can't remember) and have a mad conversation in which they will have no idea what cars are coming on the next ship from Korea but they will damn well try to sell you whatever they have in the showroom even if it bears zero resemblance to your requirements.

Hope this helps.

Good luck and do feedback if you get anything. I am in the same market.

[culicine]

Just gone down the road a Orange Ford Ecosport, made me look as very noisy ?

The guy at the end house went out this morning in his D-Max [was outside watering the garden] and now come back with this on red plates..

Question to 'Keemapoot' are they noisy when your outside ? never heard one running before was rather shocked at the din they make.

Yeah, there's been some debate online in Brazil, India & Thailand about the "exhaust note" Ford chose for the Ecosport. Personally, I agree with you, that the muffler should be quieter, but I guess they made the decision that it somehow enhanced the SUV sportiness or something. I even asked the mechanics at the dealer about this, and they told me it was designed that way too. I will probably have mine quieted. If I wanted it to sound like an oil burner, I would have bought a diesel, and as they have designed it, it sounds like a boy racer machine.

**keep in mind these global auto companies spend millions on market research, focus groups etc., and they should know what they are doing on these things., i.e., understand their target customer and what that customer wants. Evidently, in developing countries, customers want people to stand up and take notice they're coming.

A twin loop exhaust should make it sound much better. good flow and quiet...too quiet actually!

[Bigstef]

what about the Kia Sorrento?

http://www.autospinn.com/2013/03/all-new-2013-kia-sorento-test-drive/

I own one and i must say i love it i got the V6 version........

[giddyup]

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what about the Kia Sorrento?

http://www.autospinn.com/2013/03/all-new-2013-kia-sorento-test-drive/

I own one and i must say i love it i got the V6 version........

500,000 baht more than I want to spend.

[stament]

Interested in reviving this thread as I'm considering spending around 1.2m+ what's the best car to get not north of 1.5m?

Everyone seems to criticise the crv.

[fish fingers]

Any reason why the new HRV is not on your list

Plenty of room inside, even for me (190cm), looks great, has thai street cred, reliable and best brand for servicing (and getting service), and the top spec one is 1M

[fish fingers]

Interested in reviving this thread as I'm considering spending around 1.2m+ what's the best car to get not north of 1.5m?

Everyone seems to criticise the crv.

If you need a CRV size then the new X Trail is good value imo and seven seats. The base model is surprisingly good value. Or a pick up based SUV like the new Pajero Sport at 1.4M

[stament]

Yeah the hrv is a consideration along with crv, fortuner and Everest which are bigger and pricier but the latter seem more live traditional 4wds like the old range rover

[jonnyscot]

Yeah the hrv is a consideration along with crv, fortuner and Everest which are bigger and pricier but the latter seem more live traditional 4wds like the old range rover

We test drove the top model hrv ( I think there was only 2 options if I remember correctly) when we were sussing out what car to go for before I took a brainstorm and spent quite a bit more than originally planned, for my money the hrv was a very comfortable drive, seats were comfortable although a wee bit on the small size, for me I found it a better drive than the Mazda which was also more pricier.

[stament]

Jonnyscott what did you end up buying and why?

[fang37]

Just pre-booked a new model Pajero Sport - 8AT, diesel, 2.4l (???). B1,399,000. A very similar Fortuner is B1.5 to 1.6m

[jonnyscot]

Jonnyscott what did you end up buying and why?

I ended up buying a Volvo xc60 petrol model,, why? Well all my time in the UK I'd always went second hand, buying a year old model, had BMW's and Volvo's in the past in UK, but buying second hand here in my opinion isn't as safe as it is in UK, service history's and such here are very rare,, always had a soft spot for the bmw x3 and the XC 60,, at time of purchase both were offering 5 years servicing costs I just thought I'd go for it, had the x3 slightly ahead of the xc60 in personal choice, that was until I test drove the Volvo.

Incidentally before that we had a 7 year old vigo from new also which we couldn't fault, no probs whatsoever in 7 years, and although the new model vigo is out now, at time we purchased the Volvo it was still the same vigo virtually unchanged exterior and interior in 7 years,

[stament]

I had the Volvo v60 from Hertz, took a while to get used to the sat nav but not a bad car. Only issue for a holiday was that the boot space isn't excessive but fine for everyday motoring. Some quite nice touches inside too.