[Pazuzu]

Wife is looking for a "crossover". All three marques are making essentially the same speced vehicle right now...dimensions within an inch of each other, engines all 4 banger turbos around 200-215hp, all have AWD options, all running in the $32-50k depending on optioning.

We have not sat in one yet. She likes the MB looks, I like that it's the only one with a true double clutch setup vs. a slushbox, but it's a FWD with a power take-off, as opposed to the BMW which is a RWD with take-off. The Audi is FWD/AWD but comes better equipped stock.

Neither of us really want the electronics bells and whistles, and we would likely forgo any packages that have things like reverse cameras and lane change sensors and crap like that, so they are not part of the decision process.

Naturally I would want the MB AMG version, but honestly, I don't think she does.

Anyone have one? Shopped for them? Have another option?

She wants something more luxe, and has a hatch. I want something that fits under my outstretched arm (so, height limit of, lets say, 62 inches). Why? Just because. Something fun but "nicer" than the Mazda3 she's getting rid of. If they made the hatch STI still, it might be in the running. I like the R-Design Volvo V60, she kinda doesn't, but she hasn't seen one in person yet.


If anyone says Buick Encore I will reach through the computer and choke you.