SD4 Pure TECH 190 5dr SUV

Great good looking British car

I looked at the usual suspects before buying, Audi, VW, BMW etc but I liked the idea of owning a British built car for the first time in many many years and not just British but capable too. It is fair to say I was smitten by its looks and as my wife and I were about to retire the car was just the right size and well appointed with it. after 3 years we still enjoy being in it and prefer the smart dash to anything that comes out of Germany. Price wise it was cheaper matched against an Audi Q3 for the same spec at list price. Before buying we drove one off road at a Land Rover centre, after that there really was no contest !

The car is in Indus silver with almond leather with sat nav, heated screen & washer, front and rear parking sensors. Standard wheels with still good tread on, Pirelli Scorpion all season tyres. Still looks good, what a great design.

Servicing costs seem a bit high but the car is now 5 years old with 49,000 miles nothing has gone wrong though I now use a good independent for servicing. Always service every year and use Shell V Power. In the 5 years it has had 2 sets rear pads, 1 set rear discs and thats all. ( I think the rear pads wear due to the electric handbrake design) The car is still on its original tyres with 3-4 mm left all round.

Negatives = 1st to 2nd isn't good but once moving the short throw gearbox is good. Jiggly ride on country lanes. CD download is slow. Original headlights poor so adjusted myself (easy to do) and fitted Osram Night Breakers (not quite so easy) Night driving is fine now.

Positives = Nice to be in, drives easy I find the 2.2 engine fine but always run on Shell V Power as it makes a noticeable difference on the manual. Undertook a journey from North Yorkshire to Sienna and back and found the car ideal and comfortable for 2 people. Great sound system.

The car gets criticised for the small boot but as I say, ideal for a couple. With the seats down I can get a mountain bike in quite easily. Rear vision just isn't a problem. Wind from the mirrors is fine most of the time apart from on some exceptionally windy days - I sometimes wonder if critics just have to find something to moan about, maybe its because the car is so quiet otherwise. The Satnav is criticised for its slowness but it did me proud travelling down through Europe.

Report as offensive