Which petrol automatic SUV should I buy?

I have owned two Audis over the past 13 years, but now I've retired I drive fewer miles and need a higher seating position to ease entry and exit. I naturally favour a Q3 but the alternative choice of similarly sized vehicles and specifications is now quite daunting. I am also inclined to a petrol engine due to my reduced mileage (now about 10,000-11,000) and an automatic gearbox to make life easier. Additionally, I hope it would be a long-term purchase. I can run to about £18,000 plus my 2009 A4 Avant SE as a part-exchange. What do you recommend?

Asked on 14 April 2012 by MJT, Dawlish, Devon

Answered by Honest John

The Q3 makes sense with 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170PS and 211PS outputs but, at the time of writing, was not yet available with a autobox, though one has to be coming. You can get petrol automatic RAV4s, CR-Vs and Qashqais, otherwise it’s difficult to buy SUVs without diesel engines and the possibility of diesel particulate filter trouble.

Tags: automatics dpf suvs petrol engines

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Related models

Audi Q3 (2011 - 2018)

Stylish. compact SUV in a similar fashion to the Range Rover Evoque. Impressive fuel economy and low CO2. Two and four-wheel drive available.

Nissan Qashqai (2007 - 2014)

Very comfortable front seats with good ride. Feels well built. Strong Renault sourced dCi diesels. Elevated driving position and good visibility.

Toyota RAV4 (2006 - 2013)

Bigger and now 5-door only. More luxurious but not as practical as previous RAV-4. Car-like road manners. Petrol and diesel automatics. Facelifted 2010.