QUOTE(zenix @ Feb 1 2015, 10:44 PM)
Honda Odyssey - I know you wanted an SUV and this is an MPV but just hear me out. It is an XL MPV which is larger than the Honda Stream thus more spacious. Secondly it rides lower to the ground with a sedan like setup unlike the Toyota Estima which is high up like a van, so ride and handling is very similar to a sedan or station-wagon. It has best in class FC as well with the help of Earth Dreams technology, with this technology when the computer sense the car isn't on full load and doesn't need the full power of the engine it shuts down part of the engine so instead of it being a 2400cc gas guzzling monster when you're driving alone to work it the computer transforms it into a 1800cc engine by shutting down parts of the engine. The engine is part of Honda's K-series engine and although there are slight variations between the engines used in the Stream, Civic, Accord, CRV and this model the commonality is enough to make replacement parts on an overall basis cheaper. This model is also very famous among the recon car sellers and you can see many on the road, so spares for even body parts are quite affordable for this category of vehicle.
VW Tiguan - is an option if you're looking for something european and it is quite affordable for it's size at 178k it is even cheaper than it's c-segment hot hatch the Golf GTi. It is actually a good thing VW set the price that low as it is well within the reach of it's competitors like Honda CRV, Mazda CX5, etc. However, if you're looking for a real larger one in XXL size then you've gotta consider the VW Touareg but that's going to really bust your budget.
you're welcomed!

Hi Zenix!
Thanks so much for the feedback. Much appreciated.
I've been doing a bit of test driving and it seems like the choice has really come down to the X1 sDrive20i or the GLA.
My follow-up questions/comments are:
The X1 is about RM30k cheaper than the GLA 200 and the GLA 200 is in turn RM30k than the GLA 250.
Next to the GLA, the X1 looks boring and dated.
I'm not a car enthusiast but performance wise the GLA 250 seems to lose out on the X1 (I test drove only these two models). But I don't understand why, given that the GLA 250 has more HP than the X1.
Looks and technology aside, I don't think there's much you can complain about the X1 other than the fact that the X1's transmission tunnel is huge and makes it almost impossible to seat a third rear passenger.
1. The GLA 200 is a 1.6l engine. My fear is that it would be under-powered. Should the GLA 200 even be considered? Or is it a trap for those who want to get their hands on a GLA but can't stretch their budget for the GLA 250?
2. If the GLA 200 isn't worth the money then between the GLA 250 and X1, which would you choose? And why?
Thanks again! I know this is aimed at Zenix but any other opinions/feedback is welcomed.
This post has been edited by bobsj: Mar 11 2015, 04:00 PM