Affordable Vs Traditional Luxuries : Big Bucks or Big Logo (Part 2)

In the previous article (Affordable Vs Traditional Luxuries : Big Bucks or Big Logo), we gave you an insight about affordable sedans which could give traditional German giants a run for their money. Here on, we continue our discussions with the big guns, literally. Yes, we are talking about SUVs, Crossovers and MPVs.

Mid-size SUVs, MPVs and crossovers are often some of the most capable passenger vehicles on the market, and not only can they haul friends and family, but they can also tow a trailer and stow a significant amount of cargo. Not necessarily, everyone need an SUV, but for those who do it's important to figure out whether that final set of accommodations is adult-friendly, cost-savvy or best suited for the particular age group. Given that luxury SUV's or crossovers costs more, they also provide a practical advantage. To this, there are strong rivals also in regular cars segment who are similar on the practical advancements track plus affordable in the big wheels price range. Therefore, SUVs/crossovers come from many different walks of life, starting out with affordable transporters and ranging all the way up to high-end luxury vehicles.

Some of these vehicles tap into a rugged aesthetic via their off-road prowess, while others are content to flex their muscle as they obliterate hauling tasks with ease. In either case, it's hard to argue against the practicality of these high-capacity people movers. We at Carbay, have put together a comparison of the best SUVs/crossovers that touches on each of these important points, and which draws from the widest possible pool of people movers in terms of price and prestige.

Toyota Alphard Vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Price

• Toyota Alphard - RM 393,100.33
• Mercedes V-Class - RM 434,888.00
• Difference – RM 41,787.67

Toyota Alphard Highlights

• Twin Moonroof
• Powered Back Door and Sliding Door with Easy Closer
• Smart Entry & Start System
• DVD-AVN System and Reverse Camera with Guide Lines
• Triple Zone Automatic Climate Control Air Conditioning System with nanoe Technology
• LED Ceiling Illumination
• 2nd Power Captain % Ottoman Seats with Combination Leather Seats
• Multiple Seating Configuration
• 7-Speed CVT with Sports Sequential Shiftmatic

Mercedes-Benz V-Class Highlights

• Parking Package with 360° camera
• Intelligent COMAND Online
• Linguatronic voice-operated control
• Luxury seats in Lugano leather
• 7G-Tronic Plus including Direct Select steering-wheel gearshift paddles
• Easy-Pack Tailgate
• Lane Tracking Package
• Burmester surround sound system
• Thermotronic automatic climate control
• Agility Control suspension
• Agility Select Switch

Toyota Fortuner Vs Audi Q3

Price

• Toyota Fortuner – RM 173,594.95
• Audi Q3 – RM 212,600.00
• Difference – RM 39,005.05

Toyota Fortuner Highlights

• Instrument Panel Centre Cluster
• Adjustable Optitron Meter
• Steering Wheel with MID & AudiO Switch Controls
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Dual Air Conditioning System
• Combination Leather Seats
• 6-way adjustable driver's seat
• 8-inch Roof mounted Display Screen with DVD Combo
• Leather-wrapped Shit Lever
• Parking Sensors
• Highly Rigid Frame

Audi Q3 Highlights

• Electric seat adjustment for both front seats with electric lumbar support
• Leatherette seats
• Aluminium satellite inlays
• Automatic air conditioning with sun sensor
• Headlight washers
• Audi Concert radio
• 6.5 inch TFT colour display
• Single CD player and SDHC memory card reader with MP3, AAC and WMA compatible
• Voice dialogue system
• Audi Drive Select - Auto/ Comfort/ Dynamic
• Auto light function – Coming home/ Leaving home

Volkswagen Tiguan Vs BMW X1

Price

• Volkswagen Tiguan – RM 178,888.00
• BMW X1 – RM 237,800.00
• Difference – RM 58,912.00

Volkswagen Tiguan Highlights

• Stop/Start system with regenerative braking
• Climatic semi-automatic air conditioning system
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function
• Milan Alcantara seat upholstery
• Auto headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ function
• Heat-insulating green tinted glass
• Park distance control PDC
• Radio RCD 510 color touchscreen with MP3 player and 6 CD changer
• Rear Assist’ rear view camera
• Adjustable front center armrest with storage box
• DSG 6-speed direct shift gearbox
• Folding table on the back front seats

BMW X1 Highlights

• Interior trim finishers Satin Silver matt
• Nevada leather upholstery
• 8-speed automatic transmission Steptronic
• Brake Energy Regeneration
• Automatic air-conditioning, 2-zone control
• Seat adjustment, electric, with memory function for driver’s seat
• Armrest front, sliding, including 12-V socket
• Convenience telephony with extended smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth and USB
• High-definition 8.8” colour monitor
• 3-D map and arrow display
• iDrive Controller with direct menu control buttons
• Radio BMW Professional CD, including MP3 decoder