The Mrs needs to pick a new work car, and she’s leaning towards the Kia Sportage.
Anyone had any experience with the Sportage or Kia in general? I had the impression they were a bit cheaper and bits might fall off but not sure why I thought that.
Any other medium SUVs she should consider?
I’m biased, but I would choose a Japanese car over a Korean one. Generally speaking, a better build/ higher quality. Not sure on prices in OZ, however, in that SUV range, I would choose a Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, or a Honda CR-V in that order before the Kia Sportage. Those three have better fuel efficiency, more space and in terms of the Subaru, a higher safety rating.
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Cool thanks. Since it’s a work car she won’t have to worry about petrol, servicing or retail value, just comfort and styling. Not sure if those other options are on the list but I’ll have a look.
Korean cars by default have more bells and whistles. Their quality had improved a lot.
Cx5 would probably drive the best. I’d avoid the Subaru unless she drives down some mud tracks otherwise go test drive and pick the best one.
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We’ve had a Kia Sportage for awhile now (previous model now off warranty) and the car is a trooper, no major problems, don’t reckon there is any discernable difference in quality anymore.
Having said that I don’t like the styling on the current one, I would go with the Hyundai Tuscon amongst the Koreans, very similar build wise.
Nothing wrong with all the others mentioned above, but I reckon Subi’s are a bit boring and overrated.
It’s amazing how the ride has turned.
Subaru once represented great value for money and in some models a bit extra herbs.
Kia/Hyundai were the ‘Kmart’ version of cars.
Now it’s almost the exact opposite.
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subi engines are also the same engine from 3 generations ago.
I say this looking to be buying a G3 wrx STi in the coming months.
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They are also a bit more expensive to run. Extra service p/a and boxer motor apparently.
I’ve test driven quite a few medium sedans/wagons recently and they were a bit lacklustre. But not a wrexy, alas I need a family car.
As a loyal Subi customer here in Japan, I disagree with the Subi hate. Safety wise, they are unparalleled compared with the other cars mentioned above. Superior suspension & handling & their engines (yes, @Kj_11 - boxer engine - the same one used in some Porsche cars) are far better than the engines in those other cars. 
p.s. I’m just about to go past 200,000 km in my 2010 Subaru Legacy wagon (badged as a Liberty in OZ) & it’s still running smoothly. Has been a super reliable family & work car over the past decade.
p.p.s. @Kj_11 - have you test driven the new GT Tourer Levorg STI Sport (wagon)? Here is a link (soz - in Japanese).
JR, can’t agree on the Subaru. Used to be a fanboi, but the engines have lost all zip.
Owned about 5 of them.
Styling poxy.
Safety is first class though.
Fair enough.
I also took the 2018 WRX for a spin not that long ago & it still had plenty of zip. Not sure they have lost all that much - more a case of them being built on the same platform as days gone by, so their performance has kinda plateaued. Price to performance, I still think Subaru offers value.
Upon reflection, I’d prolly go for the CX-5 in terms of the SUV range (rather than the Sportage). Do Mazdas still hold their value in OZ? Once upon a time they did. Cheers.
I can’t get behind the current gen wrx, looks like it competes with a commodore.
the shame about subaru is their engines have essentially been the same for 15 years.
The FA24 is a new engine (I think)?
In other news, I hear Toyota are bringing the Supra back.
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The ‘irony’ being that the best thing about the old Supra was its archaic iron block straight six.
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Not hate, they are bulletproof and top notch safety wise. Just getting a bit staid in general. Don’t know about costs in Japan, but here it is fact they cost a bit more. Lot of new cars only need serving once a year, they are still two.
I drove both of those, thought the liberty had a nice relaxed feel to the drive. The levorg, maybe it was the hype, but I just didn’t feel it.
Dislike the look of the new liberty and the bonnet scoop on the levorg is a bit try hard, otherwise I really liked the look.
Was considering getting the last gen liberty.
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VW Golf R is where it’s at, throw in the Wolfsburg pack and no need to keep looking.
Though the CarPlay can be a bit hit and miss with tethering. And I fricken hate the automatic braking when you’re trying to park next to a bush or overhanging tweet. System ■■■■■ itself every time.
Subarus expensive to service? I’ve got a 16 year old Outback (6cyl 3.0) and it’s costs me about $150 a year. Only a couple of things have ever gone wrong with it. It’s been so good that I can’t bring myself to part with it. Can’t stand the new ones, they’re like tanks. Considering a whole change of direction like a nice little manual BRZ.
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its a 16 year old car, cannot compare to current trends.
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I went out today and bought a Skoda Superb awd hatch. It has the engine from the Golf R in it. It’s a very slick machine.
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My new car has been in country since 20/8 and only now has the dealer told me probably by end of month I’ll have it.
■■■■ quarantine.