If you're prepared to do the leg work, however, and compare specification levels and drive as many SUVs as you can, there is no reason you can't find a vehicle that suits your needs and your personality.
When buyers walk into a showroom totally focused on price alone, then sales staff will do the same and deals can be struck without buyers knowing too much about a vehicle's features - or lack of them, in some cases. While price is important so, too, is the overall experience with a particular brand and franchise dealership. The other important attribute to have when looking at different vehicles is patience and being prepared to be a good listener. Allow enough time in the showroom to let sales staff walk you through a particular vehicle from front to back and explain all the features and benefits. While you may start to hear much the same message delivered in a different way from each individual franchise, you may also find out something unique and different that one brand or model has over another.
Taking a relaxed approach can also provide an opportunity for sales staff to ask about your specific motoring needs and to demonstrate how their product or services can accommodate them. Yes, it's a bit of a game you play and it can be time-consuming, but, hey, it's not every day you're in a position to purchase a new vehicle, so why not take your time and enjoy the experience.
Peugeot 3008 Crossover 1.6-litre petrol
Prices range either side of your budget ($37,990 for the Active and $42,990 for the Allure). This is the exact model that would fall through the cracks for many looking for a suitable mid-size SUV/Crossover. The facelift 3008 is new to the market and has an extremely high build quality inside and out, including a soft-touch dash finish. Interior flow is well designed and it carries a very high specification level and safety package even on the base model.
It's a vehicle you can jump out of and say "wow, that is an impressive all-round package and drive experience". The 3008 also confirms my liking for smaller turbocharged engines which can turn on the power (115kW) and torque (240Nm) as required while the 6-speed auto is the perfect partner. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.6L/100km. One point of difference body-wise is the handy split rear tailgate, while the Allure model features a full-length panoramic glass roof, heads-up display (vehicle speed projects on to the windscreen) with a following distance alert, navigation, reverse camera, heated folding exterior mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Rear passenger space is a little tight but front seat occupants and their boot luggage are well catered for. Of note is the Active model's full-size spare compared to the Allure's puncture repair kit.
Subaru XV 2.0l
Some may argue it's more of a hatch-back on steroids than a true SUV or Crossover but, regardless, it does provide a point of difference in more ways than one.
It comes with the well proven Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system and horizontally opposed Boxer engine (110kW /196Nm) and has a street presence that strikes a good balance between aggressive and sporty.
A body kit, roof spoiler, roof rails, fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels provide the exterior appeal. Combined claimed fuel consumption is around 7.0L/100km depending on the transmission option. The automatic would be my recommendation. Prices vary between $38,990 (manual) and $40,990 (auto).
Jeep Compass North
Another alternative SUV/Crossover worth a look. This facelift model is being promoted by Jeep for $33,490 (normal retail $39,990). The brand name may suggest off-road ability but this model has a 2.0l engine (115kW/190Nm) and is 2WD only.
Features include navigation, reverse camera, heated seats, 17-inch alloys and 6 airbags. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 8.3L/100km.
Driven recommends
Take your time and be prepared to have a good look at what's on offer. Don't discount the mainstream players but focus on specification levels and overall appeal first, and price second.
