Which car? Benz B-Class or a soft-roader?

If you don’t really need an SUV, then there are other options that give greater value for money.

 

THE QUESTION

Some years back you pointed me in the right direction for a new car. The time has come for a change. I need higher ground clearance, wider doors and the latest safety and driver aids. My thoughts are turning to a 2017-18 model mid-size SUV, such as the Kia Sportage GT Line, Hyundai Tucson Highlander, Mazda CX-5 Akera or Volkswagen Tiguan TSI 132 or 162. Complicating my decision, I made an impulsive stop at a Mercedes-Benz dealer where I looked briefly at an entry-level GLA 180 but passed it over due to tight rear seating and lack of headroom. Then I looked at a B 250 demonstrator with all the options. Which is the best car? Is the B-Class worth including?

The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty in the business.

Mike Clifford, email

ANSWER

If you don’t really need an SUV, then don’t buy one. Mid-size SUVs are good cars these days and Australians are spoiled for choice and value. But these vehicles are mostly for families, usually young families, who need the comfort and convenience of what amounts to a high-riding 21st century station wagon. Spending big on a fully loaded SUV might seem a good idea and your driving life will definitely be more enjoyable and secure with all the fruit and safety gear. They will depreciate faster than basic models so you need to be thinking about the long-term value.

CHOICES

KIA SPORTAGE GT From about $47,500 drive-away

A perennial favourite with the motoring crew, thanks to local suspension tweaking and the longest warranty in the business. The Sportage is a smartly sized package and the GT brings a 2.4-litre engine, all the safety kit including auto safety braking, huge sunroof and wireless charging for (some) smartphones. But the value is not good at the top end.

MAZDA CX-5 Akera From about $51,349 drive-away

Mazda’s CX-5 Akera has had more quality and refinement added.

Stepping all the way up to the Akera is a costly exercise, even if it brings all-wheel drive in addition to a 2.5-litre engine and the best of Mazda’s SUV safety suite. The CX-5 has just been updated with more quality and refinement and that makes it a smart pick. The brand has one of the best reputations in Australia.

VW TIGUAN HIGHLINE From about $48,490 drive-away

The Volkswagen Tiguan Highline is a classy SUV.

The classiest contender on your SUV list is solid, refined and quick — even quicker with the 162kW engine in the range-topping Highline package. But even spending nearly $50,000 doesn’t get you the full safety package. The driver assistance option adds $2000.

WILDCARD

MERCEDES-BENZ B 250 From about $61,000 drive-away

Benz’s B 250 costs more but has excellent safety and is more car-like to drive.

Choosing the baby Benz will mean a much bigger spend or a substantial discount on a demonstrator to get within range of your SUV contenders. Even though it’s getting a bit old and is not as flashy, the B-Class makes sense for long-term ownership. It packs excellent safety in a practical body that’s close to SUV proportions and it’s more car-like to drive.

VERDICT

Test the VW and Benz back to back then crunch the numbers. The Tiguan is the winner in a straight-out top-end SUV comparison but the B-Class is from a different, better world. If you don’t need the size of an SUV and the extra money isn’t a deal-breaker, the B 250 is the one.