These will make most modern £30k SUVs feel sluggish, yet with a light right foot you can get close to 50mpg. A new Qashqai or Sportage takes nine seconds from 0-62mph and has fuel economy of around 44mpg.
Executive cars are built with more focus on long-distance comfort and the driving experience. Buying one means you gain in refinement and handling composure as well as getting cabin quality beyond that of a base spec mid-size SUV. That option might be more compact and more practical but, to me at least, it looks an expensive way to drive something forgettable.
Buying a used executive saloon is risky, of course. There’s no manufacturer warranty and parts are likely to be pricier than for a mainstream mid-size SUV. The worst of the depreciation will have run its course, however, so a used executive car can cost you a lot less to run than a new SUV.
If you come around to my way of thinking, remember that these are used cars, so check everything carefully. Be patient, do your research and buy smart. Get it right and you’ll end up with a car that drives better, feels better and looks better than the SUVs everyone else is buying – all for less cash.
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