Vauxhall Antara SE 2.2 CDTi 4x4 (184ps) Auto 5dr Car Review - March 2012

With a maximum power output of 181 bhp (184 PS) at 3800 rpm with torque figures of 295 lb-ft at 2000 rpm this car is capable of a top speed of 119 mph – more than sufficient for a 4x4. Acceleration is also fairly quick with the car reaching 0-62 mph in 10.1 seconds.

The engine performance is smooth and this means that the car is comfortable both on and off the road. Steering is fairly responsive and there is little body movement in turns thanks to firm suspension. The efficiency is also fairly good for a 4x4 with the car achieving 36.2 mpg on a combined cycle. This is lower than the manual version however and means refuelling will be required more frequently.

The SE model comes with a good range of standard equipment which includes power steering, central locking and stability control. Internally, the car also benefits from climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric door mirrors and electric front windows as standard.

Alloy wheels and leather seats are also standard fittings which enhance the overall appearance of the car and in-car entertainment benefits from an advanced stereo system with both CD and MP3 connectivity for no additional charge.

Those who want to upgrade their car further can choose to invest in Bluetooth and a built-in sat nav as a joint option for £1,100. The exterior can also be upgraded to a metallic paint finish £495.

With a decent boot size and organised layout of internal instruments, practicality is a great feature of the Vauxhall Antara SE 2.2 CDTi 4x4. With 420 litres of boot space expanding to 1,420 litres when the rear seats are folded down there is plenty of room for luggage and the interior cabin is fairly spacious for passengers too.

The materials used on the interior feel of high quality and the overall appearance is good. Safety levels are also high thanks to an advanced safety kit which offers driver, passenger and front side airbags as standard. An alarm and immobiliser are also standard features designed to deter thieves, raising the security profile of this model even further.

The car also comes with a 100,000 mile warranty for added assurance and a service interval of 20,000 miles is recommended.

Priced at £26,935 this model is more than reasonable considering its class. The range of in-car features is impressive and the overall reliability and practicality mean this car offers great value for money. It is cheaper than both its main rivals, the Ford Kuga and the Volkswagen Tiguan but these models offer an interior which feels slightly superior to the touch.

That aside, running costs for the Vauxhall Antara are more than reasonable for a car of this class with fuel efficiency of 36.2 mpg on a combined cycle. Unfortunately, poor green credentials let the car down and carbon emissions are relatively high at 205 g/km. Insurance premiums remain mid-range under group 28.

Depreciation is expected to be a problem however and this means resale values could be poor. Those thinking of investing in this model therefore need to give this consideration and be looking for long term ownership to get the best possible return on their investment.