New commute

[dema]

Due to a change in commute, I’m looking to change my gen 2 Volvo V60 D4 manual.
For what I know, I would be expected to travel to a site 25miles each way 2 days a week, half A roads, half motorways, but the second part of the journey will be spent on the M25 driving into Hounslow / Heathrow area therefore I would expect heavy traffic. (Amersham to Hounslow if you know the area).
The rest of the week will be a 8 mile journey to the station or working from home. The odd long trip required, possibly once a month. I’m thinking 10k miles per year overall.
Not sure a diesel will survive, hence looking at petrol or hybrid (no plug-in as I have no access to charging points).

Needs are:
Comfortable but can still chuck around when I feel like.
I’m not boy racer but I don’t like to hang about either therefore some power is required, torque (the more the better) over top speed.
Reliable and not ruinous on maintenance or mpg (is 40mpg unreasonable to ask for?).
SUV, Estate or large hatch boot to carry bikes or.. option for a towbar (ideally fitted as they seem to cost a lot to retrofit).
Manual or auto, if the latter, I need it to be responsive from the word go, think BMW/Alfa or Volvo/Audi.
Budget 20/25k. Less than 60k miles on the clock. Any vintage as long as I can retrofit apple car.
AWD would be a bonus (hitch to scratch).

I’ve spent ages on AT with only the below coming up of interest:
F-Pace 25t or XF estate 2.0 gen 2 (the rear of the latter is not the most appealing)
Golf R ticks most boxes but leaves me cold.
A5 sportback - won’t fit bikes in it

Anything else I’m missing? - No Skodas, BMW 3 series , Prius, or Seat. Might be good cars but do not fancy them.

Thanks

[Stuart70]

Arteon (fwd), Tiguan (awd), rav4?,

[fflump]

Is an A4 Avant too spicy?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310112...

This A6 Allroad would be a comfy ride and plenty of torque

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311133...

A C-class and E-Class PHEV if that type appeals. Both north of 300 bhp

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404128...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403217...

[dema]

Thanks,
Arteon and Tiguan I’ve not considered, will take a look.
My dad has a RAV4, really don’t like the way it drives..

I’ve looked at the C and E class Mercedes but both are plug-in unfortunately.
The S4 is a good shout

[ZX10R NIN]

V6 A7:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404028...

[dema]

ZX10R NIN said:

V6 A7:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404028...

That is a beauty and would love one but, I think it falls under the ‘ruinous running costs’ category due to mpg, insurance and service?

I’ve seen on AT a local 2017 Lexus RX 450h, thoughts on those?

If I would stick with a diesel, and look at X5 or 5 series, would I kill the engine with the type of usage (50 miles round trip 2 or 3 days a week and mostly short journeys for the rest of the week, with the odd longer trip)?

Thanks

[Ezra]

dema said:

That is a beauty and would love one but, I think it falls under the ‘ruinous running costs’ category due to mpg, insurance and service?

I’ve seen on AT a local 2017 Lexus RX 450h, thoughts on those?

If I would stick with a diesel, and look at X5 or 5 series, would I kill the engine with the type of usage (50 miles round trip 2 or 3 days a week and mostly short journeys for the rest of the week, with the odd longer trip)?

Thanks

I wouldn't rule out a diesel A7. I've had 3 in recent years. They're beautiful cars and certainly not ruinously expensive - mind you, I guess thats always quite subjective. 50mpg easy with the more efficient engines. Plenty in the franchised dealer network that meet your spec requirements.

[mikeiow]

Can’t see why the Volvo diesel would struggle with that, but if you fancy a change, go ahead!!

[ZX10R NIN]

dema said:

That is a beauty and would love one but, I think it falls under the ‘ruinous running costs’ category due to mpg, insurance and service?

I’ve seen on AT a local 2017 Lexus RX 450h, thoughts on those?

If I would stick with a diesel, and look at X5 or 5 series, would I kill the engine with the type of usage (50 miles round trip 2 or 3 days a week and mostly short journeys for the rest of the week, with the odd longer trip)?

Thanks

Why is it ruinous? It has the same drivetrain as the S4 & you were shortlisting that car. In the real world a 450h won't be massively better than the A7 & Lexus's are suffering with insurance costs due to a lot getting stolen.

The 450h is a good car but personally I'd take the A7.

You're usage would suit a diesel.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Friday 19th April 13:24

[dema]

With ruinous I meant mpg and service, fair point on the S4 being in the same category. I incorrectly saw the A7 being higher in costs.

Also wasn’t aware of the Lexus insurance point, good to know!

If diesel still suitable for the type of use, it does open a lot more choices!

[ZX10R NIN]

dema said:

With ruinous I meant mpg and service, fair point on the S4 being in the same category. I incorrectly saw the A7 being higher in costs.

Also wasn’t aware of the Lexus insurance point, good to know!

If diesel still suitable for the type of use, it does open a lot more choices!

On a 55 mile round trip I averaged between 39-42mpg with my 350d with my E400d it's 43-47mpg, it gets up to temp within 5 miles now & 8 miles in the minuses in winter.

You'll get a very nice low mileage 3.0tdi for the same money as the V6 A7:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404138...

AUC which means you'll get a years worth of warranty:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404098...