Whereas not all the time a strictly obligatory buy, SUVs are the dominant car kind within the Australian new automobile market, and small SUVs have seemingly overtaken hatchbacks and sedans because the automobile of alternative for singles and younger households.
A whopping 181,197 small SUVs had been offered in 2024, a 4 per cent enhance over the yr earlier than and almost double the small automobile gross sales tally.
Producers are properly conscious of our insatiable demand, a lot in order that there are 41 completely different fashions out there within the present market. There really is a small SUV for everybody.
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On the decrease finish of the worth spectrum, the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4 Professional, and GWM Haval Jolion all command favour amongst budget-conscious patrons.
The Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and BMW X1 will all be acquainted to followers of European luxurious motoring. That’s to not point out the numerous choices that match someplace in between.
However which small SUV nails the method finest? And which is worthy of a spot in your driveway? We requested the CarExpert crew, and right here’s what they got here up with.
Tell us your decide within the feedback under!
Marton Pettendy: Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai has lengthy been my decide within the small SUV section, and now it’s about to get even higher.
A complete mid-life makeover will quickly make it sharper trying and higher-tech, and I count on pricing to stay aggressive with key rivals which might be principally smaller and fewer sensible, much less ergonomic and fewer refined.
The intelligent, punchy and environment friendly e-Energy hybrid system is one more reason the Qashqai is extra common than most of them in Europe, and it deserves extra followers in Australia too.
The Mazda CX-30 comes a detailed second for me, however the facelifted Qashqai appears to be like higher and may proceed to supply a extra polished journey and dealing with package deal than most small SUVs, and its intuitive multimedia and security applied sciences gained’t drive you loopy.
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James Wong: Nissan Qashqai
I usually bemoan the rising variety of car-based compact crossovers as a result of they’re normally simply slower, much less environment friendly and fewer dynamic variations of the passenger autos they’re primarily based on.
In contrast to the opposite vehicles on this record, the Nissan Qashqai doesn’t have an equal small automobile that I’d be inclined to suggest over it, and it continues to straddle segments in dimensions and practicality in addition to normal design and refinement.
It’s bigger and extra sensible than most of its direct rivals, and has sufficient premium cabin appointments to make among the entry-level premium German SUVs sweat slightly. The out there e-Energy hybrid drivetrain is one other level of distinction, with a easy, punchy and comparatively environment friendly different to a Toyota hybrid or Chinese language EV.
With the brand new facelifted model, we’re anticipating a revision to the spec record to make the Qashqai nearly as good worth as ever. It sells its bumpers off within the UK and wider Europe, and there’s no cause why our extra European-leaning tastes in Australia aren’t seeing extra offered Down Underneath.
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Jack Fast: Hyundai Kona Hybrid
After loving the brand new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid lately, I stay up for seeing how the brand new mild-hybrid engine goes within the forthcoming 2008 Hybrid. It may take this to the highest of my record.
Within the meantime nonetheless, my decide within the small SUV section is the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. It’s extremely gasoline environment friendly round city, and when the petrol engine begins revving it doesn’t produce an annoying CVT droning sound. Sure, I’m taking a look at you Toyota Corolla Cross.
Positive the Kona Hybrid isn’t overly punchy on the freeway and the petrol engine must generally rev out, however its cabin feels up to date and high-tech. There’s additionally a lot extra space inside in comparison with the previous-generation Kona.
In contrast to some hybrid small SUVs, the Kona can also be fairly competitively priced. You will get ones dressed up within the sporty N Line equipment if that’s your model.
If you happen to’re not able to go for a hybrid but, nonetheless, I’d urge you to contemplate the Mazda CX-30 as a result of its cabin feels so plush and premium for the worth tag.
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William Stopford: Volkswagen T-Roc
The top says Hyundai Kona Hybrid, however the coronary heart says Volkswagen T-Roc.
I’m going to offer it to the center this time. The small SUV section is filled with totally smart, sensible however completely uninspiring selections, and it’s towards this slightly drab backdrop that the T-Roc appears to be like extra attention-grabbing.
Though it’s on the very finish of its lifecycle, it’s nonetheless a good-looking, dynamically poised machine that appears and feels extra like a hatchback than an SUV. With its mid-life replace, Volkswagen additionally fastened the cheapo inside.
In case your funds can’t stretch to a Cupra Formentor, the T-Roc is the following neatest thing. It’s not low cost itself although, as a mid-range T-Roc prices greater than a top-spec Kia Seltos. That’s the place the worth proposition begins to return undone for the Volkswagen, even when it’s the extra Euro-chic choice.
A particular point out goes to the Skoda Karoq which is a frumpier however extra sensible cousin to the T-Roc.
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Josh Nevett: Nissan Qashqai
This matter left me torn, as there are some wonderful small SUVs in the marketplace proper now.
I’ve to offer honourable mentions to the Skoda Kamiq and Cupra Formentor, each of which tick loads of packing containers for 2 several types of purchaser.
However neither blends model and substance fairly just like the Nissan Qashqai. The up to date Qashqai is because of arrive in Australia quickly, and it not solely appears to be like slightly extra fashionable inside and outside, however it additionally boasts significant enhancements on the know-how entrance.
If the abroad model is something to go by, we will count on Nissan’s slick 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen to take delight of place on the sprint, bringing with it wi-fi smartphone mirroring.
And hopefully the very best attributes of the pre-update Qashqai stay – the powertrains are easy and environment friendly, whereas there’s house for full-sized adults within the second row.
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Max Davies: Mazda CX-30
Mazda stays one of many best-selling manufacturers in Australia, and fashions just like the CX-30 are an enormous cause why.
The SUV was Mazda’s fourth best-seller final yr, coincidentally the identical place it achieved within the small SUV section behind solely the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona and GWM Haval Jolion.
Behind the CX-30 is a model with a robust fame constructed off a protracted and profitable historical past, which suggests you already know you’ll be getting behind the wheel of one thing well-built and durable.
You get two completely different powertrains, all of that are priced at lower than $48,340 earlier than on-road prices. Although there aren’t any hybrid choices, its pricing locations it properly towards rivals just like the Kona and front-wheel drive-only Qashqai.
Gas financial system is first rate even in all-wheel drive CX-30s, and also you’ll discover there’s extra space each within the second row of seats and the boot regardless of its unassuming exterior proportions.
All that – plus the very fact there are an enormous 10 distinct variants to select from alongside quite a few choices – makes the CX-30 onerous to disregard.
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Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Kona
There are few autos as versatile in Australia because the Hyundai Kona, out there with petrol, hybrid and electrical energy to cater for all segments of the market.
It’s additionally one of many latest fashions in its class, has daring appears to be like (which I’ve personally warmed to) and a recent inside.
The sharp N-Line package deal can also be engaging, making it stand out amongst comparatively bland opponents.
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Sean Lander: Nissan Qashqai e-Energy
I spent a number of months driving the present spec Qashqai e-Energy and of all of the choices within the class, it might be my high decide.
The Subaru Crosstrek can be a detailed second, however the packaging, know-how and gear the Qashqai e-Energy provides, it’s too onerous to go up.
Plus, you’ll doubtless be capable of discover an important run out deal on them within the very close to future.
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