It’s a lifestyle thing when it comes to buying SUVs

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Photos / Supplied, Stuart Munro

Photos / Supplied, Stuart Munro

Ever feel as if every second car you see on the road is an SUV? The market has exploded in New Zealand as more and more Kiwis discover they’re a natural fit for recreational and DIY lifestyles, the family holiday and, of course, towing anything from a boat to a caravan and everything in between.

There is a huge selection in the market, so there’s something for everyone, no matter what your budget or needs. We’ve handpicked a few of the most popular models in the New Zealand market.

Mazda CX5

The famous Mazda CX5 has become a bit of a staple when it comes to medium SUVs.

It’s a hard vehicle category to be competing within, particularly when there’s plenty of competition from the likes of Kia, Toyota and Hyundai. Mazda has put up a good fight by offering a well-rounded, comfortable, practical and affordable SUV.

Like many other models, the 2016 CX-5 has a Skyactiv-G, two-litre engine with i-stop — a great fuel-saving technology that shuts down the engine when stationary at traffic lights.

The Skyactiv-Drive six-speed, automatic transmission with manual mode offers a pleasant and comfortable ride for the whole family.

This SUV has been cleverly designed to consider all vehicle occupants – not just the driver. It’s equipped with ISOFIX child seat and restraint anchor points. This combined with the extra load capacity makes this vehicle ideal for growing families.

It’s also got great safety features including Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control systems, and Emergency Brake Assistance to keep you and the whole family safe.

VW Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan really fills a gap in the SUV market. It has crisp lines, a powerful engine and a dynamic look, which is common among the VW range. But, it also has all of the functionality and safety to be able to compete with its rivals, such as BMW, in the European SUV market.

There’s a relatively premium feel to this vehicle. The integrated Apple CarPlay screen comes as standard and there are plenty of add-ons as well, such as leather upholstered seats and an upgraded multimedia package. Its 4Motion Active Control gives it good road holding in all weather conditions.

It has a wide variety of engine choices to suit every driver’s needs. If you’re after something that’s small and more fuel efficient you may opt for the 1.4-litre engine, or for those who want something bigger there’s the two-litre turbo engine that allows you to cruise along comfortably. The Tiguan has Direct-shift gearbox transmission giving the driver the ability to shift through gears quickly. Next month will see the new arrival of the latest model. 

Suzuki Vitara

The Vitara combines the compact benefit of a hatch with the high riding position of an SUV and it comes with a low price tag.

The basic JLX model is a two-wheel drive and it’s a great, small SUV. It gets the job done with its peppy 1.6-litre engine and it’s available in two transmission options — manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shift.

The Vitara is completed with a 7-inch touch screen that incorporates Apple CarPlay and a reversing camera. It also has good safety features, including an impressive six-airbag system and a brake-pedal decoupler.

The model JLX is surprisingly high-spec considering it’s Suzuki’s basic model. If you’re considering a hatch as your new choice of car but like the versatility of an SUV, the Vitara is definitely worth looking into.

The SUV used to offer very limited choices, but now they come in different styles, sizes and are suited to a range of needs. Whether you’re looking for a large, luxury SUV because you’ve outgrow your saloon, or you’re looking for a vehicle with good towing capabilities, there’s bound to be one out there for you.

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