Used test: Audi A5 Sportback vs Chevrolet Volt vs Range Rover Evoque
The Audi A5 Sportback, Chevrolet Volt and Range Rover Evoque all offer something a little different, but which one makes the better used car buy?...
Our Verdict
With three such disparate cars, it might seem a difficult task to pick a winner, especially because each one seems to offer something a little different. But surprisingly, in the final reckoning, there's a distinct hierarchy, with one standing out as a winner, and one car falling behind the other two.
The Volt is still a futuristic-looking vehicle, with the potential, if it fits into your lifestyle, to be very cheap to run. That it doesn’t always turn out to be so cheap in real-world motoring, with its limited electric-only range, is a disappointment. However, it is the cheapest to buy. That heavy depreciation is either a huge negative or, viewed from the point of view of someone buying one now to keep it for some time, a distinct advantage. In reality, it’s also symptomatic of the relative lack of sales success it enjoyed.
The Evoque is still a super-stylish and highly desirable car, despite the preponderance of them on the road. It’s not the best to drive here, though, and its strong residuals mean it’s expensive to buy next to the other two. On top of that, its inferior claimed fuel economy will make it the most expensive of the three to run. We still like the Evoque, but we think there are better versions to buy used than this one.
The understated Audi may be the most sober-looking car in this test, but it is the nicest car of the three to drive, and its strong performance and classy interior make it the best for anyone contemplating long journeys and motorway schleps. Its resale values split the other’s in two, and it also has the advantage of being more spacious and more practical. It’s the one we’d pick.
Read our review of the latest Audi A5 Sportback
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Also consider:
Mercedes-Benz CLS
For Strong performance; great to drive; classy interior
Against Offset driving position; firm low-speed ride
Verdict The best car here to drive, as well as the most spacious and practical
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full used Audi A5 Sportback review
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2nd – Range Rover Evoque
For Strong residual values; refined cruiser
Against Worst fuel economy here; unsettled ride; disappointing to drive
Verdict Not the best version of the Evoque, but still a highly desirable car
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Range Rover Evoque review
Find a used Range Rover Evoque in the What Car? Classifieds
3rd – Chevrolet Volt
For Potential fuel economy; futuristic looks
Against The least impressive here for quality, space and practicality
Verdict Cheap to buy now, but you’ll have to make sure it’ll fit into your lifestyle
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Chevrolet Volt review
Find a used Chevrolet Volt in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI 177 SE
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £29,595
Price today £14,000*
Power 175bhp
Torque 280lb ft
0-60mph 9.4sec
Top speed 142mph
Fuel economy 61.4mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 120g/km
Specifications: Chevrolet Volt
Engine size 1.4-litre petrol (plus electric motor)
List price when new £29,995
Price today £11,000*
Power 150bhp
Torque 273lb ft
0-60mph 9.6sec
Top speed 99mph
Fuel economy 235.0mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 27g/km
Specifications: Range Rover Evoque eD4 Pure 5dr
Engine size 2.2-litre diesel
List price when new £27,955
Price today £17,000*
Power 148bhp
Torque 280lb ft
0-60mph 10.6sec
Top speed 112mph
Fuel economy 56.5mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 133g/km
Price today is based on a 2012 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
