40K to 50K SUV comparison test

[Michel Deslauriers]

We wouldn't normally think that a Ford and a Mercedes-Benz could face each in a comparison test, but we just did it. Two factors explain what was unthinkable 20 years ago. Mainstream brands saw the opportunity to create uplevel versions of their products and sell them at higher prices. On the other hand, luxury brands exploit their prestigious logos to develop lower-end vehicles, assuming people will buy a reputation instead of all-out extravagance.
[full story]

[MaybachFever]

I knew the XC60 was a good car

[adjutor]

This road test wont change my mind. I dont dispute that Volvo have the potential to be good cars but again if you check their reliability they are among the worst and in my experience their customer service is less than mediocre. I called Volvo Canada to discuss about numerous unsolvable problems with my new Volvo. In résumé I was told : we're sorry but it is not our problem. I was told about those facts and I did not listen. It cost me a fortune. Volvo never again. Anyway they are on the verge of bankruptcy.Volvo problems for life.

[dontbug]

We recently went shopping and actually drove many of these cars.Maybe you should try COMPARABLY equipped configurations of these vehicles. For example, the Acura comes FULLY LOADED at that $45k price. The Mercedes? Try adding on Xenon HID lights, navigation, backup camera, etc. You will easily top over $50k for the same stuff.The Volvo pricing is realistic, we went to the dealer and priced it out with the gadgets we'd want (like, for example, a GPS...) and it is very pricey. On the other hand, it is very, very, very nice inside.

[adjutor]

The jetta wagon tdi is as practical and uses half too two third less gasoline (diesel in fact).In America we like it big.Here it seems they are doing everything to keep diesel out of the market.(Americans). Again, we are 25 years late on the European.

[Pritch]

Statistically speaking, North American's don't like diesel. There are groups of people who LOVE it, but these make a very small portion of the total car buying public, especially given that the diesel model is more expensive. If any carmakers could make money by selling diesel models here, they would do it. Selling a small number of diesel cars isn't going to justify the costs of bringing a diesel model here, in most instances.

[adjutor]

I dont know anyone who had the chance to drive a vw tdi , bmw 335d , a volvo d5 (their only good - fuel efficient engine ) or any last generation diesel engine who did not like it. Again we are 25 years late on European. American companies did not modernise their structure to keep the cost low , to maximise profits in short terms. They kept flooding the market with cheap cars with old technologies. They did not adapt . They made some effort recently. To little to late. And now we are paying for their almost inevitable bankruptcy and their short term views.Curiously enough they are offering better cars with diesel engine in other country and they continue to make profits.Are we too dumb to buy those cars. Maybe. We rather buy big, cheap , non-efficient cars and big useless for 90% of the population SUV.In America we rather think big than think smart. See were the usa are now with their sacro-saint way of life that is destroying everything they touch. I hope they will change. I hope we will change.

[dontbug]

Up until recently, North America had an issue with the quality of the diesel, so that prevented those companies that had diesels from bringing it over (in addition to the making-money issue).Look at Honda, they have a nice diesel over in Europe. Why don't they sell it here now? Because so far no market.... look how quickly the buying public changes preference again as soon as gas prices dropped.Unfortunately for Canada, our buying power is so low, we're basically stuck with what the US gets.We have another issue where we live ... hard to find diesel stations. Yes you could find them, but it means you have to plan your routes really well to fill up.Should we go to diesel or at least offer the alternative? Yes, I think so, but until they see a sufficient market, it will be tough. Even bringing over an existing vehicle isn't necessarily easy once you go through the paper work and qualifications specific for each country.