Choosing a compact suv - need your help

[allenjo]

My wife and i are planning to buy a compact suv within the next few months. We have narrowed down our list to a very broad choice of 4 models. I would like your opinion lang din sana. Here are some info that may guide you in helping us out.

- the new vehicle will be for my wife. She has previously owned a toyota corolla altis and currently driving a mitsubishi lancer itlog
- my wife mentions that she wants space
- my wife is not knowlegeable about cars so i am guiding her but she is a bit stubborn in listening to me (hence this post)
- my wife values brand image; though she will not admit it, she is the type of person who values how she projects her image towards others...i know her perfectly well
- use of the car will be for city driving
- we have 2 daughters, aged 3 and 7
- we currently have 2 cars, a honda civic and her lancer

Here are our choices:

Honda CR-V 4x2
Mazda CX 5
Subaru Forester 2.0 XS
Subaru XV Premium

Were not keen about the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson. Also, we're ruling out the Fortuner and the Montero Sport for personal reasons. All the models above priced very close so it's a matter of balancing the needs and the overall value.

Please do help us out.

[allenjo]

On a side note, i used to work an automotive manufacturing firm under their new car development section. I had a talk with the wife to get more information on how i can help her in choosing. However, i mentioned earlier that she is a bit stubborn listening to me. I have my own personal choice among these but she doesn't take my advice. Told her that you cant have it all, i mean everything she wishes in a car for her budget and said to evaluate your needs....to ask herself if she really needs it. I believe my wife is part of the car buying population that thinks big cars mean safer cars and they give you that sense of "class/sosyal" image. Im trying my very best to educate her in her choice but seems she is more emotional rather than rational.

[mda]

If she wants space, take either the CRV or the CX5. Both are very new in the local market and will carry more "wow" factor.

Brandwise, Honda carries a little more clout than Mazda here in the Philippines.

The CRV is CBU Japan (imported directly instead of knockdown unit), and if you wait a little longer for the Thailand variants you may be able to get a little more kit and toys for the same amount or cheaper. Better ask people from Honda if they have any idea re: this.

The Forester is probably an outgoing model as the Impreza platform was replaced only recently. Baka ayaw niya ng New-Old car.

The XV is smaller inside compared to the other choices, like an Impreza on stilts. Nice "porma" car though.

Bottom line I guess, the vehicles on your current shortlist aren't bad, so whatever the wife wants - I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[dct]

Bottom line I guess, the vehicles on your current shortlist aren't bad, so whatever the wife wants - I don't think you'll be disappointed.

agree..

[allenjo]

If she wants space, take either the CRV or the CX5. Both are very new in the local market and will carry more "wow" factor.

Brandwise, Honda carries a little more clout than Mazda here in the Philippines.

The CRV is CBU Japan (imported directly instead of knockdown unit), and if you wait a little longer for the Thailand variants you may be able to get a little more kit and toys for the same amount or cheaper. Better ask people from Honda if they have any idea re: this.

The Forester is probably an outgoing model as the Impreza platform was replaced only recently. Baka ayaw niya ng New-Old car.

The XV is smaller inside compared to the other choices, like an Impreza on stilts. Nice "porma" car though.

Bottom line I guess, the vehicles on your current shortlist aren't bad, so whatever the wife wants - I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Thanks mda for the inputs. On a side note, i doubt honda will trim the cost once they shift the crv production from japan to thailand. I just know the company too well hehehe

[mda]

Thanks mda for the inputs. On a side note, i doubt honda will trim the cost once they shift the crv production from japan to thailand. I just know the company too well hehehe

Trim price, maybe not (or maybe a little? like the Jazz EX CBU Japan --> 1.5 Thai).

Add more toys - maybe. The current 4x2 model doesn't have the goodies that the old 4x2 model did. At a way higher price point, it only seems logical to reintroduce the features when the Thai units come in, even if the price stays the same.

[JohnM]

I'd be happy with either the XV or the CX5 tech-wise (XV for the boxer and AWD; CX5 for SkyActiv). But AFAIK the XV only comes in Tangerine or Deep Cherry Red

[GTi]

Kung ako, I'd narrow down between the CRV and CX5. Both engines are known to be among the thriftier ones in the 2.0L gas CUV class. I am still slightly skeptical though, as to how the CX5's engine will fare with the local fuel in the long term since it is GDi. Para sa akin, the CRV exudes more class, while the CX5 is more youthful. Let your wife choose between the two then.

But then, those two are insanely expensive. For 1.33M you can already get a Sorento LX CRDi. Matipid sa diesel at malakas humatak. Higher class pa yan as compared to the two and it most certainly does not look cheap.

[allenjo]

I'd be happy with either the XV or the CX5 tech-wise (XV for the boxer and AWD; CX5 for SkyActiv). But AFAIK the XV only comes in Tangerine or Deep Cherry Red

Comes in all sorts of colors sir. Same colors as the forester. The tangerine and deep cherry were new additions. On a sidenote, noticed that subaru does not charge extra for white pearl models...which is actually good.

[dct]

subaru forester. subaru has the most "sosyal" image in these choices. so stuck up with forester and XV. for me, mas may class ang forester at mas malaki space, kung tutuusin pwede sya lagyan ng 2 seater sa likod e.

btw, what is your personal choice among these?