This one is being hailed as the next challenge to the Rav 4's crown, and its going to be available with the 2.5 ST engine. What do you think ?

[url="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa57/ailrav/car_photo_218524_51.jpg"]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa57/ai...o_218524_51.jpg[/url]

Cheers,

Dave.

[quote name='dave.m' post='639992' date='May 31 2007, 02:55 PM']This one is being hailed as the next challenge to the Rav 4's crown, and its going to be available with the 2.5 ST engine. What do you think ?

[url="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa57/ailrav/car_photo_218524_51.jpg"]http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa57/ai...o_218524_51.jpg[/url]

Cheers,

Dave.[/quote]
Never owned a Ford in my life, is it a Freelander in disguise!!. Have been looking at photo,s of the new VW Tiguan and Audi Q3 now those are a threat to the Rav.
The Ford looks like a revamped Volvo XC60, of course it,s the same company!!!!
Clare

Hi Clare,

The photo comes from the Auto Express website, if you read it they say there is no connection to the new Freelander. I have had Fords in the past, the recent ones are definitely better than they ever were, but probably still a "bread and butter" car if you know what I mean. Still I think this new X max looks good, but I think you have hit the nail on the head with Volvo. I read a magazine article recently about the forthcoming new Volvo, the XC 60. Smaller than XC 90 and pretty smart. Will I be changing my Rav? nawwwwwwww.

Cheers,

Dave.

It looks good, but even the 'modern' Fords still have a habit of rattling themselves to bits after a few years!!
Mate of mine's got a 55 plate Focus ST and it's not as well built as you'd think.
The rear 3/4 glass on the Ford 4x4 looks a dead spit of the 4:3 too. As if we haven't already got enough plagiarism from the "Hundai" Santa Fe!!!!
Had a drive of the new X5 over the weekend................... might fancy putting my hard earned £ there though......

[quote name='Sussex_Paul' post='640122' date='May 31 2007, 09:29 PM']The rear 3/4 glass on the Ford 4x4 looks a dead spit of the 4:3 too. As if we haven't already got enough plagiarism from the "Hundai" Santa Fe!!!! [/quote]

Hi Paul,

The guys at Suzuki were not as clever as the ones at Hyundai, when they copied the Rav for the latest grand Vitara they chose the 4.2 instead of the 4.3. One of the guys at my work has one, when parked nose to nose for comparison no one could believe it .

Cheers,

Dave.

[quote name='dave.m' post='640144' date='May 31 2007, 10:45 PM']The guys at Suzuki were not as clever as the ones at Hyundai, when they copied the Rav for the latest grand Vitara they chose the 4.2 instead of the 4.3. One of the guys at my work has one, when parked nose to nose for comparison no one could believe it .

Cheers,

Dave.[/quote]

Having had a Suzuki Grand Vitara for five years (my wife's car) we considered the new model but discounted it when I discovered they'd switched from the 2l PSA diesel to a 1.9l Renault one - PSA have long been at the forefront of highspeed diesel manufacture but I've never been impressed with Renault's efforts. Once I'd tried the Honda and Toyota offerings it came down to just those two on the shortlist (and Toyota won on the overall package - comfort, mainly).

Liked the T180 engine for it's lower pollutant levels but nothing in the rest of the package to make it worth an extra £4k - and definitely didn't like the lack of a spare on the back.

Look, its the 4:3 parked next to the 4:2............or is it???

[img]http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa124/Sussex_Paul/santa-fe-grand-vitara-comparo-7.jpg[/img]

Whats that old saying ? imitation is the best form of flattery ? Coincidentally I read Planet 4X4 magazine and in there buying guide they say that the Suzuki Grand Vitara is Britains worst 4X4.

Cheers,

Dave.

[quote name='dave.m' post='640209' date='Jun 1 2007, 09:41 AM']Whats that old saying ? imitation is the best form of flattery ? Coincidentally I read Planet 4X4 magazine and in there buying guide they say that the Suzuki Grand Vitara is Britains worst 4X4.

Cheers,

Dave.[/quote]

Here's some more on it....

[url="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/208843/focus_4x4_is_here.html"]Focus 4X4[/url]

And as FORD also own's a share in Mazda here's the Mazda 4X4... no similarities at all to the Focus 4X4

[url="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/208766/mazda_4x4_a_click_away.html"]Mazda 4X4[/url]

I personally think it's ugly....just a jacked up S-Max/C-Max in breed.....

Would much prefer this...

[img]http://www.toyotaoffroad.com/Articles/Toyota/RSC/Images/01_RSC.jpg[/img]

[quote name='Fizz' post='640237' date='Jun 1 2007, 10:59 AM']Would much prefer this...

[img]http://www.toyotaoffroad.com/Articles/Toyota/RSC/Images/01_RSC.jpg[/img][/quote]


Looks like a Celica thats been on steroids and banned drugs NICE

Indeed it does...

Its the Toyota RSC.. load more pics and info here..
[url="http://www.toyotaoffroad.com/Articles/Toyota/RSC/rsc_gallery.htm"]http://www.toyotaoffroad.com/Articles/Toyo...rsc_gallery.htm[/url]

VERY NICE!!!!!!!

Wonder if it could fit 2 kids, a dog and countless tons paraphenalia in too????

Perhaps Toyota ARE thinking of bringing back a 3 door Rav after all!!!!!!

nahh.. this is very old news.. it was in the last Gran Turismo Game which was released 2 years ago.

Think its just a marketing ploy and wont see production. Looks very similar to the Paris Dakar rally cars in design...

[quote name='Fizz' post='640242' date='Jun 1 2007, 11:25 AM']nahh.. this is very old news.. it was in the last Gran Turismo Game which was released 2 years ago.

Think its just a marketing ploy and wont see production. Looks very similar to the Paris Dakar rally cars in design...[/quote]

Had a friends dad who worked on those LR creations for Judge Dred....Remember them....This could quite easily blend in with those....

Any way the tree hugging sandal wearing green activist will hate it...all those scoops and angles will decapitate them.....I WANT ONE.....

I have always viewed Ford cars as 40 a day smokers...I have had a couple of fords that got to 50.00 miles and smoked like a 40 a day addict since that time I would never touch a ford as a main car again...I now have two Toyotas, a Yaris Blue and my Rav4 and cant see a change coming in the not too distant future.

Another Rav4 rival coming out is the Mazda CX7

[img]http://admin.newmazdacx-7.com/Assets/Images/ppbtwoj0.oot.jpg[/img]

[quote name='Chris.S' post='641781' date='Jun 7 2007, 02:24 PM']Another Rav4 rival coming out is the Mazda CX7

[img]http://admin.newmazdacx-7.com/Assets/Images/ppbtwoj0.oot.jpg[/img][/quote]

This will be the Focus 4X4 as Ford own Mazda and they always get to use the platform first.....then when the Focus 4X4 comes out you pay ££££ for what is in fact a re-badged Mazda...but without the bits that fall off...

I also see there is a new Scenic 4x4 and Corsa 4x4, all seem to be jumping in the mud now....

This will be the Focus 4X4 as Ford own Mazda and they always get to use the platform first.....then when the Focus 4X4 comes out you pay ££££ for what is in fact a re-badged Mazda...but without the bits that fall off...

I also see there is a new Scenic 4x4 and Corsa 4x4, all seem to be jumping in the mud now....
[/quote]

Alas good old badge engineering, it used to be done with telly's and videos and stuff but now its common place with the car industry.
Another for the list, the new Mitsu Outlander is also a Peugeot and a Citreon 4X4.

A CITREON 4X4 ! now there's a scary thought.

Cheers,

Dave.

(A CITREON 4X4 ! now there's a scary thought.)

Ive seen a Citroen AX 4x4 and a Citroen Berlingo 4x4 recently in Andorra, apparently they are very popular ?
[url="http://www.citroen.co.uk/gallery/gallery.asp?pagetype=C-Crosser"]http://www.citroen.co.uk/gallery/gallery.a...etype=C-Crosser[/url]

I owned a series of Citroens (a couple of BX's and then a couple of Xantias) - all very comfortable and reliable (averaged ~20,000 miles/year). A lot came down to a dealer who gave a first rate after sales service without charging the earth. I had a BX 4x4 on loan for a couple days and it impressed.

When I was going for an SUV six years ago, I'd have probably taken a Citroen without hesitation (especially if it had the hydraulic suspension). They didn't have one so I ended up with a Suzuki Grand Vitara for my wife (with the PSA diesel - the car, not my wife) and a Freelander for myself (with the BMW diesel). Both did everything asked of them but we fancied a change last year and we switched to a pair of Toyotas (the missus wanted the Yaris, and I took the Rav4) - and both mightily pleased with our choice.

Toyota will be a hard act to follow but I'd put Citroen on my short list in 4 years, if they have a model - but that's a long time away.

Corsa 4X4.... What no spoilers or loud exhausts.... but then at least they can bump up the kerbs in Tesco carparks.....


[url="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/208953/corsa_4x4_is_go.html"]Corsa 4X4 [/url]

Toyota will be a hard act to follow but I'd put Citroen on my short list in 4 years, if they have a model - but that's a long time away.
[/quote]

Hi Steve,

You are probably right, but i fear if its anything like the Picasso you wont be. My nieghbour has one and allways seems to be
underneath it. Not just the odd little jobs but major suspension and steering parts which seem to fail quite regularly.

Cheers,

Dave.

[quote name='chatman' post='641868' date='Jun 7 2007, 07:45 PM']Corsa 4X4.... What no spoilers or loud exhausts.... but then at least they can bump up the kerbs in Tesco carparks.....


[url="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/208953/corsa_4x4_is_go.html"]Corsa 4X4 [/url][/quote]

Chatman,

I think now is the time to throw the towel in a Corsa 4X4 ? saturation point has definitely been reached.

Cheers,

Dave.

I must admit, I do like the look of the Focus 4x4.

Another one coming out is the Seat Altea 4x4. However, it just looks like a jacked up Altea to me!!

Mazda CX7, I thought this was being pitched higher up the market, against the likes of the Lexus RX300.
I believe it's been out a while in the US?
Also new in this sector is the Subaru Tribeca.

[quote name='sywy' post='641983' date='Jun 8 2007, 12:51 AM']I must admit, I do like the look of the Focus 4x4.

Another one coming out is the Seat Altea 4x4. However, it just looks like a jacked up Altea to me!!

Mazda CX7, I thought this was being pitched higher up the market, against the likes of the Lexus RX300.
I believe it's been out a while in the US?
Also new in this sector is the Subaru Tribeca.[/quote]
Corsa4x4 that must be the ultimate Chav mobile!!!!. Whilst were on about the Subaru Tribeca, what compels a firm to launch a new vechile and within 12 months completely redesign the front end?. You can get absolutely massive discounts on the current model because of this new redesigned front end, due in the UK at the end of the year.
Clare

[quote name='Manxrav' post='642019' date='Jun 8 2007, 10:39 AM']Corsa4x4 that must be the ultimate Chav mobile!!!!. Whilst were on about the Subaru Tribeca, what compels a firm to launch a new vechile and within 12 months completely redesign the front end?. You can get absolutely massive discounts on the current model because of this new redesigned front end, due in the UK at the end of the year.
Clare [/quote]

Clare remember they did the same with the bug eyed scooby...... but the Tribeca is just so dam UGLY not even a massive discount would make me buy one....Don't even mention the fuel consumption.....

You'd think they would have known from last time...But then again this Tribeca is specifically designed for the US market.... (Look who they have in charge )....

(runs away and hides behind desk now )

as long it's being build on this island it's in no way any challenge for the rav 4

Ah Yes............
The Subaru Tribeca - A car thats possibly even more ugly than the new CRV?????
[img]http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa124/Sussex_Paul/07-tribeca-hero.jpg[/img]

Comes with 5 Years free interest, servicing and everything at the moment as an incentive!!!!
Wouldn't buy one if they paid me to drive it!!!
Apparently the front end is supposed to represent an aircraft (fuselage and wings), looks more like a comedy face (nose and moustache) mask to me though!!

Hi all,

Have to be honest, I,ve never actually seen this one before (there aint a lot of Scooby dealers up here). Yes the front end is
ugly even by CRV standards, but just a thought, side view from mirror back, is this another 4.2 clone ?

Cheers,

Dave.

[quote name='Manxrav' post='642019' date='Jun 8 2007, 10:39 AM'][quote name='sywy' post='641983' date='Jun 8 2007, 12:51 AM']I must admit, I do like the look of the Focus 4x4.

Another one coming out is the Seat Altea 4x4. However, it just looks like a jacked up Altea to me!!

Mazda CX7, I thought this was being pitched higher up the market, against the likes of the Lexus RX300.
I believe it's been out a while in the US?
Also new in this sector is the Subaru Tribeca.[/quote]
Corsa4x4 that must be the ultimate Chav mobile!!!!. Whilst were on about the Subaru Tribeca, what compels a firm to launch a new vechile and within 12 months completely redesign the front end?. You can get absolutely massive discounts on the current model because of this new redesigned front end, due in the UK at the end of the year.
Clare
[/quote]

Quick run away now.....

There already testing it...arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[url="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/208954/vauxhall_corsa.html"]Corsa SUV Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo[/url]

when i was living in torino, italia they had fiat 4x4 panda's... help me!!!

Fiat Panda 4x4 still available (new model).

[quote name='sywy' post='643117' date='Jun 12 2007, 03:56 PM']Fiat Panda 4x4 still available (new model).[/quote]

I had a Fiat once..............

Fix It Again Tomorrow (F.I.A.T)

Also news in that FORD is selling LR and Jag......

Must be great news for those who shelled out 24K+ for new LR Freelander 2, then again I have only seen two (and one was in a showroom)

Must be great news for those who shelled out 24K+ for new LR Freelander 2, then again I have only seen two (and one was in a showroom)
[/quote]

We have a LR Squealer about a mile away, seem to be selling quite a lot of new shape NedFlanders

Dave.

yeah i see lots of them driving to and from gaydon on the m42/m40

[quote name='Biton Walstra' post='643148' date='Jun 12 2007, 05:35 PM']yeah i see lots of them driving to and from gaydon on the m42/m40[/quote]

Just a bit wondering of topic a bit....But past today by a new Mondeo Estate

Not normally taken aback by these but hey that is one nice looking car....

OK back to Topic now......

Seen three more NedFlanders now.....

O no not again

This is what happens when a load of people high on Red Bull and Viagra design a 4x4

They must have been Hard at it for at least a couple of hours........

[url="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/209298/dodge_nitro.html"]Nitro[/url]

Now where's my bucket I'm going to be sick.......

[quote name='chatman' post='650733' date='Jul 5 2007, 03:42 PM']O no not again

This is what happens when a load of people high on Red Bull and Viagra design a 4x4

They must have been Hard at it for at least a couple of hours........

[url="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/209298/dodge_nitro.html"]Nitro[/url]

Now where's my bucket I'm going to be sick....... [/quote]

Now that [size=6]IS[/size] an ugly car!!!!!

Your right, think someone has taken a new Disco and added some bling to the front

Dave.

I don't think the RAV 4 has anything to worry about from the Nitro after reading that first drive review, only cut price wantabe drug dealers are going to buy that car.

Talking of drug dealing scum, seen a full blinged up WHITE Hummer in town yesterday, chrome 20+ inch wheels, the full chrome works and it wasn't the streched limo Hummer I sometimes see slowly crusing along the M56, just your ordinary supersize Hummer, it was massive! .

My God, did it make my lovely RAV feel small has I was passing it in traffic, but I had the consolation that I wasn't going to be looking for my next hit of fuel in the next five minutes if we continued to struggle through the traffic.
Just by coincidence, in front of me, overtaking the Hummer, was a beautiful brand new Corvette
Now have I checked my lottery numbers this week.

Happy driving

[quote name='Fujisan' post='650834' date='Jul 6 2007, 08:37 AM']I don't think the RAV 4 has anything to worry about from the Nitro after reading that first drive review, only cut price wantabe drug dealers are going to buy that car.

Talking of drug dealing scum, seen a full blinged up WHITE Hummer in town yesterday, chrome 20+ inch wheels, the full chrome works and it wasn't the streched limo Hummer I sometimes see slowly crusing along the M56, just your ordinary supersize Hummer, it was massive! .

My God, did it make my lovely RAV feel small has I was passing it in traffic, but I had the consolation that I wasn't going to be looking for my ne xt hit of fuel in the next five minutes if we continued to struggle through the traffic.
Just by coincidence, in front of me, overtaking the Hummer, was a beautiful brand new Corvette
Now have I checked my lottery numbers this week.

Happy driving [/quote]
O r as 4X4 and MPV driver says "In yer face Yank hamstrung by crude mechanicals and soggy drive. No point unless you love the look". Myself I would,nt touch it with a barge pole.
Clare

I quite like the look of this though................
[img]http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa124/Sussex_Paul/6050711_001_1L.jpg[/img]
The forthcoming Audi Q5.

[quote name='Sussex_Paul' post='650962' date='Jul 6 2007, 08:41 PM']I quite like the look of this though................
[img]http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa124/Sussex_Paul/6050711_001_1L.jpg[/img]
The forthcoming Audi Q5.[/quote]
Paul, the Audi Q3 and VW Tiguan are even better!!!!!
Clare

Agree with Clare, the Q3 and Tiguan look better. The Q5 looks like an over inflated A3 sportback!

Point taken, but it still kinda looks nice from this angle though!!!
[img]http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa124/Sussex_Paul/audi_q5_2.jpg[/img]
And I was told by the dealers that it's more of a 5 seat version of the (Humungus) Q7 rather than a beefed up A3, so sizewise it's up there!!

[quote name='Sussex_Paul' post='651698' date='Jul 9 2007, 08:43 PM']Point taken, but it still kinda looks nice from this angle though!!!
[img]http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa124/Sussex_Paul/audi_q5_2.jpg[/img]
And I was told by the dealers that it's more of a 5 seat version of the (Humungus) Q7 rather than a beefed up A3, so sizewise it's up there!![/quote]

I sat at the side of one the other day and it had a what sounded like a 6 cylinder diesel ticking over that was just music to the ears. It had completely blacked out windows and looked like a big pimpmobile.

I wouldn't mind a spin though.

Oh yes! It is much better looking from this angle. Much more interesting.
Guessing £30K+ when it goes on sale?
Hope it has a better mpg than the Q7 But then again most things do And it couldn't be anymore thirsty!

[quote name='anchorman' post='651897' date='Jul 10 2007, 01:18 PM'][quote name='Sussex_Paul' post='651698' date='Jul 9 2007, 08:43 PM']Point taken, but it still kinda looks nice from this angle though!!!
[img]http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa124/Sussex_Paul/audi_q5_2.jpg[/img]
And I was told by the dealers that it's more of a 5 seat version of the (Humungus) Q7 rather than a beefed up A3, so sizewise it's up there!![/quote]

I sat at the side of one the other day and it had a what sounded like a 6 cylinder diesel ticking over that was just music to the ears. It had completely blacked out windows and looked like a big pimpmobile.

I wouldn't mind a spin though.
[/quote]
Anchorman, it,s a Pimpmobile with CLASS!!!!!!!!
Clare

[quote name='Fujisan' post='651962' date='Jul 10 2007, 04:44 PM']Oh yes! It is much better looking from this angle. Much more interesting.
Guessing £30K+ when it goes on sale?
Hope it has a better mpg than the Q7 But then again most things do And it couldn't be anymore thirsty![/quote]


Try 60k for the V12 diesel