My test-drives: Yeti vs 3008 vs Qashqai

[MSIC]

Thanks for the previous input to all who helped point me towards my next family car (growing family etc).

I first drove the Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dci, since i liked the exterior styling. Overall, the engine was quite 'rattly' both in terms of noise, and vibration in the steering wheel. Some body roll around roundabouts, although ok, and drive ok otherwise. It actually felt quite well screwed together overall. Biggest problem however, which reminded of my car-before-last (BMW mini) was that despite the high driving positiion, the roof height was actually quite low and despite me being on mildly tall (6ft exactly),I had to duck down in order to look up to see traffic lights - not a great experience, and makes you feel like its a cramped car

The Skoda was next, and it was lovely - I suppose that driving the 'Elegance' spec coloured the view to some degree (although I tried to ignore that aspect), but the 2.0 diesel even in the bottom 110 horsepower mode worked well (i wouldnt call it quick, but it was good, solid and did the job). Clever seating, very solid feeling, nice to drive, great visibility - it even looks great in real life, apart from perhaps from directly front on, where the bonnet isnt the best. Great driving position, the steering felt precise and connected to the road. Overall it left a lovely experience.

The 3008 (1.6 diesel, 6 speed) next... and wow. In a bad way. My expectations were high based almost entirely on 'What Car's best car of 2010 etc, and i have to say that it rolled, didnt take pot holes well, my friend and dad (who were also along in all cars as another perspective) reported feeling sick in the back, and when i went around a roundabout, in damp conditions, at 20 miles per hour, the rear slid out. The Skoda, on the same roundabout, had clung on tightly at 30 mph. What didnt help was that it felt like the steering wheel was connected to the road via some trifle - not a very reasurring feeling. On the plus side, the Peugeot had lots and lots of equipment, but our over-riding view was "How much of this is going to fail over the next 3 years". A very, very poor experience. All this, and it looks like a pig ! The only really positives were a well designed boot (the false floor as well as a folding down tail-gate to sit on, reminiscent of Land Rover et al.), and a very nice car dealer who didnt pressure us. But then, that doesnt really mean anything much, and you wouldnt make a purchase decision based on that.

Overall for me, i'm going for the Yeti. My dad (who currently drives a diesel 08 Golf) may also have inadvertently found his next car too!

Oh, and finally, the icing on the cake is that for Hire Purchase, Skoda are offering 1.5% APR on Yetis currently Do I sound like i'm interested ??

[schmunk]

Boo hoo hoo. I own a Peugeot 3008 and somebody has said nasty things about it.

You post like a goon.

[0iD]

(heavily edited by me, just for the fun )


you are obviously a top bloke to be so biased by saying such great stuff about the 3008 and the nissan

And your banned, sod off.

[MSIC]

Oh - thanks chaps - I hadnt even seen Mr Troll.
Did I really slate the 3008 that badly???

[0iD]

Didn't miss much tbh

[finlay666]

Friends don't let friends buy French

[99Flake]

I'm quite surprised by what you say about the 3008. Only due to the fact that the motoring press have all said that although it wasn't the sportiest car in the world, it was the beginning of a return to form for Peugeot.

Just goes to prove, if you want to really find out about something, do it yourself.

The Yeti does look like a very good car, I just can't get over Skoda's latest grill styling, I know the old ones weren't exactly pretty but the new one I just find odd.

Out of interest did you look at Zafiras? They are supposed to be great family cars, good to drive etc and the C-Max (which is being replaced soon so you might get bargains on the current shape).

I know they aren't the small off roader look and are more MPV but they always seem to be highly rated by owners.

[Tumble]

I have a Zafira - love it. Also, every single Peugeot I've ver driven was a bag of nails. Don't like em at all

[MSIC]

Just goes to prove, if you want to really find out about something, do it yourself.

Absolutely - and please dont take my word for it, go try for yourself.

The Yeti does look like a very good car, I just can't get over Skoda's latest grill styling, I know the old ones weren't exactly pretty but the new one I just find odd.

When i first saw photos, I was very much against it. In fact, when I first posted my initial thread and Vimeous suggested the Yeti, my actual quote was

however (in photos) the yeti looks like it was hit with more than one ugly stick

I am so glad that i decided to check it out in the metal, as photos do not do it justice.
That said, from the front,it's still not special. Maybe they will facelift this aspect in 4 to 5 years, and leave the rest as it is.

Out of interest did you look at Zafiras? They are supposed to be great family cars, good to drive etc and the C-Max (which is being replaced soon so you might get bargains on the current shape).

They are theoretically possible, as I'm not purchasing a 4WD car, although I think i'm set on a Yeti now. I agree though that a Zafira or new C-Max may have been more practical, however the Yeti seems practical enough for me at this time.

That all said, i havent signed on the dotted line yet (i intend to do that this Sunday), and my Dad keeps reminding me of the new Hyundai ix35... maybe??

[MSIC]

Well well, looks like I wasn't the only one holding these views

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...vs_rivals.html

[Phage]

I have a Zafira - love it. Also, every single Peugeot I've ver driven was a bag of nails. Don't like em at all

I had a 306 XRDT years ago - it was unkillable. Still going strong when I sold it with 200+ miles on it.
The Citroen OTOH only had 60k miles and was a bag of manure.

[menthel]

Does sound like a return to form for peugeot if the back end goes out for no reason! Reminds me of my old 306 XSI, except that was fun to drive and quite comfy!