Cook my sock Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 (edited) Went to look at an HRV and a Mazda 3 SP with the wife The HRV I test drove at Daokanong was a modulo model and was surprisingly smart inside. Good quality materials, v cool dashboard and well put together. It had the pano roof which I really liked altho I had to set the seat at its lowest point to get 2-3 inches of head room. Front space overall just about enough for my 6'2 frame to be comfortable. Rear space was limo like, acres of leg room. Boot was v impressive. The ride was good but I didn't get a chance to really put my foot down. I'm considering an EL model in dark metallic grey. The 2016 model now has an electric drivers seat (non memory)but parking sensors are optional(?) acc to the sales lady the price went up last year before the Jan tax thing. So it's now 1.1m for EL spec She gave me a choice of discount, 17,000 baht or free 1st class insurance worth 19000 or various optional extras inc parking sensors. In the end she threw in some of these extras with the first two choices, when she saw I wasn't that impressed with her discount. But she was confident I would be back after seeing the Mazda3 ! So next it was down to a Mazda showroom to check out a Mazda 3 SP. I didn't book a test drive so it was showroom only. The 2016 SP sadly loses the cream leather seats, only black now. It gains stop start. The sales lady claimed the price increase was just 5k - now 1.1m exactly the same as HRV EL. Impressions.. Lots of room for front passengers, more so than the HRV. quite a low driving position but a much wider cabin with plenty of shoulder space which I really liked. The driving position was very sporty with nice pedal layout and chunky wheel in the right place. Quality of cabin materials was haphazard, inconsistent. Also the seats were not very well made IMO. Bumpy and creased in places. I liked the minimalist look with the info screen and toggle control but now I'm not sure if it was even the SP I sat in -the dash had 3 dial heater controls rather than the more modern touch ones I've seen online. Can anyone verify this? Rear space was not so good in the leg department, Boot space also was not great, quite a shallow boot. No rear parking sensors even as options, but a camera and side warning. Shame I couldn't test drive one. When she saw my interest waning the Sales lady offered 30,000 baht discount and 1st class together, not too bad. Edited January 23, 2016 by Cook my sock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelomsak Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 Sounds like you look in great detail when shopping for a car. If you are going to do more shopping and happen to look at the Nissan x-trail I would appreciate it if you posted here what you think of it also. I would be interested in your take on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 23, 2016 Author Share Posted January 23, 2016 Passed a Nissan showroom today so may well do so tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 23, 2016 Author Share Posted January 23, 2016 (edited) Btw one potential issue with the HRV is long term/ long journey seat comfort for tall drivers. Reading this thread http://www.hrvforum.com/forum/289-honda-hr-v-general-discussion/12210-any-issues-seat-comfort.html#/forumsite/21046/topics/12210?page=3 I did notice the seats were on the small side and altho comfortable on my test drive I was concerned enough to read up online Edited January 23, 2016 by Cook my sock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeW Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Mazda 3 SP comes with those dials not digital. I might be wrong here so please correct me if I am, but the Japanese Mazda 3 (Axela) does have a different interior layout. I think the Axela does come with digital dials instead of the old-style ones.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share Posted January 27, 2016 (edited) Joe I think you are right. The model I saw had the dials. Bit of a shame really. I questioned a sales guy today - he hadnt seen the 2016 model yet, which may have some interior updates apart from black trim(but he thinks not) What is big news is I got the release date for the CX5 update and approx prices Edited January 27, 2016 by Cook my sock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguini Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Joe I think you are right. The model I saw had the dials. Bit of a shame really. I questioned a sales guy today - he hadnt seen the 2016 model yet, which may have some interior updates apart from black trim(but he thinks not) What is big news is I got the release date for the CX5 update and approx prices could you share the approx release date and price for CX5? I am considering getting a new or (one or two years old max) second-hand. Upcoming minor change for Mazda 3 and CX 5 are on my list of new cars (also including x trail). tks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExpatOilWorker Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Have you considered buying a second hand car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share Posted January 27, 2016 Upcoming minor change for Mazda 3 and CX 5 are on my list of new cars (also including x trail). tks 24th Feb release date for Mazda CX-5 refresh. 100k rise over current models -so it's kind of making the xtrail look like a bargain. But it's still the best in it's class IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jitar Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 (edited) The 2015 CX-5 2.5L was well priced at 1.4M but apparently Mazda are going to drop this version. It would be a shame if they cut the 2.5L because it had good power and poise. The diesel has always been a bit pricey at 1.67M. +100k will only help the X-Trail. Edited January 28, 2016 by Jitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 Ah that's interesting. The sales guy couldn't speak good English and seemed abit vague about model range/price. I was wondering why he mentioned the diesel and not the 2.5l version. Strange thing is he mentioned a price around 1.6M. Not sure what that price is for... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jitar Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Presumably around 1.6M would be the new 2.5L CX-5. A Thai friend told me they read about the 2.5L version being dropped. I hope it's wrong. Hopefully all will be revealed Feb 24. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMHO Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Presumably around 1.6M would be the new 2.5L CX-5. A Thai friend told me they read about the 2.5L version being dropped. I hope it's wrong. Hopefully all will be revealed Feb 24. I've heard the same - no more 2.5L gasoline variant in the minor change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jitar Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Presumably around 1.6M would be the new 2.5L CX-5. A Thai friend told me they read about the 2.5L version being dropped. I hope it's wrong. Hopefully all will be revealed Feb 24. I've heard the same - no more 2.5L gasoline variant in the minor change. Wonder what Mazda will sell for 1.6M? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 (edited) Nissan Xtrail. They only had a V spec non hybrid at Cha am. Inside it feels not that much bigger in the front than the HRV, just a bit more width and headroom but the dash was quite close to my knee. First thing I noticed was the rubber floor mat sticks up and gets in the way of your right foot. Kind of annoying. Decent leather electric front seats but overall it felt and looked very plasticky inside. Well priced but you can see why - the smaller HRV and CX3 are much more premium inside. You'd really need to want a hybrid for city driving to justify buying one IMO Edited January 28, 2016 by Cook my sock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavisH Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 (edited) Presumably around 1.6M would be the new 2.5L CX-5. A Thai friend told me they read about the 2.5L version being dropped. I hope it's wrong. Hopefully all will be revealed Feb 24. I've heard the same - no more 2.5L gasoline variant in the minor change. Wonder what Mazda will sell for 1.6M? for the MMC cx-5 there will be 2.0 benzine and a 2.2 diesel version see the link below http://community.headlightmag.com/index.php?topic=48520.0 edit...this looks like a story from japan...I guess we don't know the final versions available for Thailand yet. Edited January 28, 2016 by DavisH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMGImInPattaya Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Nissan Xtrail. They only had a V spec non hybrid at Cha am. Inside it feels not that much bigger in the front than the HRV, just a bit more width and headroom but the dash was quite close to my knee. First thing I noticed was the rubber floor mat sticks up and gets in the way of your right foot. Kind of annoying. Decent leather electric front seats but overall it felt and looked very plasticky inside. Well priced but you can see why - the smaller HRV and CX3 are much more premium inside. You'd really need to want a hybrid for city driving to justify buying one IMO ImageUploadedByTapatalk1453970844.502486.jpg I have test driven the X-Trail and my friend has an HRV that I've driven upcountry and back. They are really two different class of cars so not really fair to compare them. The HRV is very well spec'ed for the price and will probably have good resale being a Honda, if that's important to a buyer. However, it is pretty cozy inside and there is very little interior storage space. The X-Trail is more premium to me and much more comfortable. It's tech package is also more advanced than the HRV. Of course, it's also available in four-wheel drive, which isn't an option on the HRV, if that is important. I also prefer the Nissan's more analag dash controls to the HRV's touchscreen interface. Both are good for what they are and the prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 (edited) Agree very different vehicles. If I were going for a non hybrid 7 seat it would have to be the Everest, altho the xtrail is more compact and in a niche of its own The Mazda sales guy keeps calling me.. tempted to wait for the update cx5 price as I love that car. No idea how the diesel compares to the 2.5 petrol tho. Anyone? Edited January 28, 2016 by Cook my sock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 Putting a deposit down on a black HRV tomorrow if poss. What extras are worth haggling for? probably going to get that ceramic window film seperately Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMGImInPattaya Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Putting a deposit down on a black HRV tomorrow if poss. What extras are worth haggling for? probably going to get that ceramic window film seperately From Honda...you're be lucky if they will graciously include a full tank of gas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 They've offered me some as part of the deal but I'm negotiating the package tomorrow. On the top spec I'm not sure if it comes with ambient interior lights. Skirts or protectors, under door kick plates or whatever they are called etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayceenik Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Putting a deposit down on a black HRV tomorrow if poss. What extras are worth haggling for? probably going to get that ceramic window film seperately Please keep on posting about your coming new HR-V. I'm planning to buy an HR-V 2016 (the top model) in Ubon for my TGF as soon as we get our new house there finished. Need a place to park it ! We're living in Pattaya now. TGF has already scouted the two Honda dealers in Ubon and didn't seem much impressed with whatever "promotions" are available (none !). Next week she'll go scouting in a couple of other towns in the region and see if she can find a more "generous" Honda dealer. BTW She wants to add all the "skirts/protectors" you mention. 10k she says. Also she wants white color and that's another 10k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 (edited) The sales lady I spoke to wasn't there today. The wife's gone into a sulk now lol. I'll PM you with details when I go to the dealer in the week looking at ambient lights, floor mats and cargo mats or trays and maybe the front protector thingy. Side skirts possibly. Might be a bit ott for me Edited January 31, 2016 by Cook my sock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Anyone know if the DSP upgrade is avail in Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bearpolar Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Putting a deposit down on a black HRV tomorrow if poss. What extras are worth haggling for? probably going to get that ceramic window film seperately Please keep on posting about your coming new HR-V. I'm planning to buy an HR-V 2016 (the top model) in Ubon for my TGF as soon as we get our new house there finished. Need a place to park it ! We're living in Pattaya now. TGF has already scouted the two Honda dealers in Ubon and didn't seem much impressed with whatever "promotions" are available (none !). Next week she'll go scouting in a couple of other towns in the region and see if she can find a more "generous" Honda dealer. BTW She wants to add all the "skirts/protectors" you mention. 10k she says. Also she wants white color and that's another 10k. In phuket you don't even need to ask for those protectors. When you guys get your HRV(better choice) just use e85 right away, makes it completely different. No sluggishness and now after 1200km of e85 im actually saving money even at an average of 27kph compared to gasohol 91 with which i tried to accelerate less fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavisH Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Btw one potential issue with the HRV is long term/ long journey seat comfort for tall drivers. Reading this thread http://www.hrvforum.com/forum/289-honda-hr-v-general-discussion/12210-any-issues-seat-comfort.html#/forumsite/21046/topics/12210?page=3 I did notice the seats were on the small side and altho comfortable on my test drive I was concerned enough to read up online I've read that the subaru xv is better for long journeys. Some don't like the apparently sluggish engine/gearbox, but if you like 4wd it might be worth a look. Top model is about 1.2M. It's been updated since last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 (edited) So it a big difference between E85 and 95? Good to know. We are currently using 95 in our City(unless that's the same thing, 95ron) Edited January 31, 2016 by Cook my sock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bearpolar Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 (edited) So it a big difference between 85 and 95? Good to know. We are currently using 95 in our City I posted my experience in the HRV thread. First time i tried e85, i had bad consumption because it was too much fun to drive compared to 91, i would simply put it in sports mode most of the time. Now im using it with econ mode(which feels a lot better than reg mode) and getting good economy and much much better performance. From what i read its 10%+ gain in HP/torque, it makes a big difference on those weaker engines we get here. im still getting 9.6km/l with 27kph avg speed, AC cranked up and decently aggressive driving. On trips where traffic is low and i avg 32-35kph ish i get about 12.5-13km/l not holding back much which is 1-2km/l under what id get with 91 holding back. Have not tried it on the highway but aceof pop says he gets 16ish i think. That's pretty good for a 18b/l gas. Edited January 31, 2016 by bearpolar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cook my sock Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Ok bought the HRV just now cash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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