The way that you drive will actually have a larger impact on your carbon footprint when it comes to a car than the size of the engine...within reason of course. So use your car responsbily and choose whatever you are most comfortable with and the bunny rabbits will all be thanking you.
Since this thread has been resurrected I thought I would report back on how we are getting on with this car after a couple of months of family use.
It is fab! Practical for the family for all the reasons I picked it in the first place. It really isn't too big to park, and it isn't actually the fitting in the car park space that is a problem with these large SUV type cars but being able to open the doors and climb out of them - the rear sliding doors solve this problem for the kids at least.
It also has some weird eco thing on the engine ( can you tell I am not a car person?) but when you are stationary at lights etc the engine cuts out but then restarts as soon as you put your foot on the accelerator.
It isn't a sexy car, or one for the petrol heads or a yummy mummy car but boy does it fit the bill for a family car in CH
HTH
1) What is the big deal with sliding doors - are they at the front as well - if not how else does that help in a parking space?
2) I accept that massively bloated size is troublesome - but have you tried parking a modern front wheel drive car. Enormous front overhangs with campfered corners makes it a nightmare to park (unless you have PDC). Size itself isn't the problem it is visability and manouveribility
3) You want to park easily - get something with a good turning circle. Anything with front axle driveshafts won't be any good.
4) Anything that takes 7 people will need a good chunk of torque - and is unlikely to be shaped particaularly aerodynamically.
Sorry can't comment on the technical stuff as so long as when I put my foot on the gas and it moves and stops when I use the brake I don't car about the numbers.
Nissan Qashqai
Chevrolet Captiva
Opel Antara
Ford Kuga
Anyone have any opinions on the relative merits of these? Or are there any similar models I haven't thought of. Basically looking for a AWD, 2.0L or more, 7 seats (if possible, but not essential). I've looked at reviews and of those above the Quashqai comes up tops, but people have said it's a little lacking on headroom (I'm over 6ft), the Captiva is a little "plastic" and is overpriced. Antara has good write-ups, and not really looked into the Kuga so much.
I've driven everything on your list and ended up going for a Hyundai Santa Fe.
The 2010/11 models have a vastly improved 2.2 diesel engine with 194PS and 436NM. They park well and are not as big as the XC90 for example. Very capable 4WD system and dealt well with snow and ice this winter. Interior is a little plasticy but well built and tough. Clever 3rd row seating and very well priced. Definitely worth trying one.
Even Honest John is impressed ...
Cheers
Jekyll
we also looked at the vitara but they only do 5 seat versions, they are a lot more agricultural then the others, but also a lot more simple (so easier to fix). A lot better built then they used to be too, a real shame they don't do a 7 seat version else we'd probably have one now
We've more or less discounted the other models based on reviews and plasticness (if such a term exists).
Now actually looking towards a new car (couldn't help ourselves) and will be looking at Hyundais on Saturday (ix35 and Santa Fe). I must say we were impressed by the features and price of the Santa Fe and, as Jekyll pointed out, it has got some great reviews. The Swiss Edition comes with all leather interior and has similar bells and whistles to the equivalent RAV4 but at a cheaper price and has a 3rd row of seat. The only downer is it could take a while once ordered, but we'll see.
Overall, extremely pleased with our purchase. We chose a metallic dark grey, which looks very nice in the sun, especially if kept clean . Spacious inside, a very important point for me, and huge storage space. Swiss Edition comes with very nice leather seats and rear parking sensor. Dash and steering wheel controls are easily accessible and the displays are very clear. There is also a nice iGadget interface, also controllable from the steering wheel, if you have the correct cable.
Very comfortable driving position with excellent visibility all round. Responsive handling and a very quiet, smooth ride, but I'm yet to try out the 4WD drive lock, we simply haven't needed it so far. Surprisingly easy to park, compared with the Verso, it has a far tighter steering lock, making it easier to swing into our typically tight Swiss parking space. The only thing I have a small gripe with is the pick-up on the M-way; it does seem a little sluggish compared with the Verso, but I am comparing a heavy 2.4L Automatic with a far lighter 1.8L injection manual, so that can probably be expected until I get a feel for the responsiveness of the engine.
I get a shade over 500km on a tank of petrol on a mixed Urban/M-way cycle. This is about the same as the Verso, but obviously the Santa Fe has a larger tank (65L v 55L, IIRC), so not quite as economical, but not enough to break the bank.
Fully comp insurance is a shade over 1100.- a year with Smile.direct (and is 400.- cheaper than the same deal with our previous insurer, Nationale Suisse).