Hi,
I'm contemplating a sedici petrol engine version that's at a local garage.
I had decided on a panda4x4 but having seen it up close I forgot how small the panda is and also that it doesn't have 3 rear seat belts.
Hence the obvious alternative is the sedici. Want something sub 5k hence rules out newer panda and urban cruisers etc....
Just wondering how capable they are versus the little panda. I have a hill that is pretty bad in the winter but is fine in my discovery. Just thinking the sedici must be better than any front wheel drive alternatives out there?
Any of you guys had much experience with them is bad weather?
Cheers,
Keith

My Sedici, equipped with winter tyres is superb in snow, and I would rate it as almost as good as a Discovery and Freelander, both of which I have previously owned. The fact that it can be driven in two wheel drive mode, automatic 4 w/d engagement, or in bad situations 4 w/d locked, all by the flick of a switch, means that it is very economic on diesel, mine recording more than 50 m.p.g.

Another advantage, if you travel abroad, lowering the headlight beam prevents any dazzling to oncoming vehicles. This however, will be disputed by some know it all characters in this forum !! Good luck with your purchase.

Have a 2008 1.6 very reliable bought new; excellent in poor road conditions; very comfortable; it is underpowered however and unsuitable for long motorway journeys particularly if fully loaded; on the local country roads where I do 95% of my driving it is excellent and I get about 38mpg; has a suzuki engine that has been around for a while and is bombproof;

Meant to add:
1.6 is petrol
1.9 is diesel
Also look at the Suzuki SX4 which is the same car
NB not all Sedici/SX4 cars are 4x4 so check model

Haroosh, think I ought to warn you that the six gear 1.9 diesel has the most awful gearbox I have ever come across. When the engine is cold getting into 2nd gear is all but impossible, but this soon gets better in a matter of minutes.

As said above the old Suzuki SX4 is the same as the Sedici, and does have a few extras not available on the Sedici. I am not sure what the gear box issue is with the SX4.

Looking at a few 1.6's currently at Arnold Clark in scotland.
One thing I meant to ask is if the 1.6 petrol is a timing belt or chain? Just if it's a belt might try and negotiate it being changed...

That's it I've done it. Sedici won over the Panda pretty much due to Panda only having 2 seat belts in the back. Hopefully pick up new to us sedici at the weekend. Had test drive last night and pleasantly surprised. Bring on the snow!!!!!

Sorry its late Haroosh - looks like you've already been convinced but to confirm - the 1.6 is timing-chained! Excellant vehicles and very capable in the snow. We used to live down a 1/2 mile private drive through a field which had no heavy traffic on it and never gritted. We never once got stuck.

Well picked up the sedici yesterday and initial impressions are great. It's never going to be an amazing motorway cruiser but buzzed down the motorway last night and it was fine. It's superb round the country roads and has a higher driving position that I had realised. I'm now quite happy for the weather to deteriorate as I have that secret weapon button by the handbrake .

Great!
I love mine too.
First thing I had done was a full-service - at a nice, small, independent garage, that I trust.
Recommend it...