Not too big, not too small — they’re just right for many

The booming growth of small SUVs is such that all three were unavailable a year ago. Volkswagen’s T-Roc, Mazda’s CX-30 and Kia’s Seltos are new names for Australian motorists. All are ready for buyers stepping up – quite literally – from conventional hatchbacks and sedans. They’re bigger than baby SUVs but smaller than family-oriented models.

VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC

Volkswagen is late to the baby SUV party, and the new T-Roc comes later still, reaching dealers nearly three years after its European debut.

Based on the popular Golf, VW says its car “really rocks the segment” by bringing Golf GTI know-how to a relatively new class of car.

While Mazda customers choose from eight CX-30 models and Kia serves up five Seltos, there is really just one T-Roc in Volkswagen showrooms — two if you count a mechanically identical red-and-white tribute to VW’s Sydney Swans sponsorship.

Priced from $40,490 plus on-road costs, or about $46,000 drive-away, the T-Roc isn’t cheap. But you get cool tech such as a digital dashboard and 8-inch infotainment screen with sat nav, smartphone mirroring and wireless charging.

Safety gear includes auto emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and lane keeping assistance.

Handsome 19-inch wheels shown here are part of a $2000 pack including multi-mode suspension and a Beats stereo. Leather, a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate are bundled together for $3500. VW servicing is also dear, near-doubling the non-turbo Mazda and clearing the Kia by more than $1000.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine which uses 7.2L/100km to send strong 140kW/320Nm figures to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Crisp looks meet a sporty interior anchored by a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The best driving position of this trio places you low in the car, and the digital dash makes rivals look oldhat. Fans of the band will notice cabin plastics that are a step down from VW’s usual fare.

Rear seat occupants get a good degree of space, plus power outlets and air vents.

But the happiest person will be the driver, as the T-Roc is a delight to steer. Quicker than rivals here, it keys into the road with impressive tenacity and composure in the bends. Responses to steering and brake input are beautifully measured.

The trade-off is a ride on the firm side of plush, part of its pseudo-GTI nature.

PRICE From about $43,000 drive-away

ENGINE 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 139kW/252Nm Warranty/Service: 5 year, unlimited km / $1692 for 5 years

SAFETY 5 stars, 6 airbags, front and rear AEB, active cruise, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert

THIRST 6.8L/100km

CARGO 317L

SPARE Space saver

MAZDA CX-30

Slotting in between the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5, the new CX-30 blends an eye-catching cabin with more rear space and a lofty stance.

The interior features better materials than the Volkswagen, though rear space is tighter and there’s no power to the back seats. It also has the smallest boot of the lot. Up front, Mazda’s 8.8-inch widescreen display forces you to use a divisive physical controller as opposed to touch inputs to access sat nav and smartphone mirroring.

Few would argue its head-up display is nice to have, as is a safety suite which builds on everything you’ll find in a VW or Kia while adding reverse emergency braking.

The broad CX-30 range spans from about $34,000 to $48,000 drive-away, represented here by the CX-30 G25 Touring model with allwheel-drive priced from $38,490 plus on-roads, or about $43,000 drive-away.

We picked one with a bigger engine and allwheel-drive to rival the Volkswagen. Powered by a 2.5-litre non-turbo motor, the Mazda uses 6.8L/100km to make 139kW and 252Nm maximums. It’s the most efficient car here and the cheapest to service.

Leather trim, a head-up display and digital auto come as standard in the CX-30, which benefits from a 360-degree camera and front parking sensors if you spend $1300 more.

PRICE From about $46,000 drive-away

ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 140kW/320Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5 year, unlimited km / about $3150 for 5 years

SAFETY 5 stars, 6 airbags, AEB, active cruise, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert

THIRST 7.2L/100km

CARGO 392L

SPARE Space saver

Longer than the Kia or Volkswagen, the Mazda also has a ground clearance advantage which could come in handy if you take it beyond tarmac. Tall springs translate to a stiff ride which feels unsettled in this company, conspiring with a noisy suspension action to undermine Mazda’s sound reduction efforts.

The CX-30 steers sweetly but a woodenfeeling brake pedal lets the side down. We also have mixed thoughts about its non-turbo engine, which delivers lag-free responses and decent grunt while being noisier than the VW.

KIA SELTOS

Like the Mazda, the new Seltos comes in a variety of flavours spanning $26,690 to $42,690 drive-away. We went with the range-topping Seltos GT-Line model with the most powerful engine and all-wheel-drive traction. Even so, it is the cheapest car here – one packed with kit.

You get a premium Bose stereo, sunroof, three-zone climate control, LED headlights and a power driver’s seat as standard. Other niceties include heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, sat nav, digital radio and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with mood lighting that pulses in time to your music.

Seltos customers also get a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty while Mazda and VW bring five-year guarantees.

PRICE From $42,690 drive-away

ENGINE

1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 130kW/265Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE

5 year, unlimited km, $1914 for 5 years

SAFETY

5 stars, 6 airbags, AEB, active cruise,

THIRST 7.6L/100km

CARGO 433L

SPARE Full size

The cabin isn’t particularly stylish, and faux leather seats aren’t the height of luxury. But it has plenty of equipment and the most headroom in the front or rear, thanks to its taller body. USB points in the rear also make it a winner with families. It also has the biggest boot, the only one with a full-size spare wheel.

Kia’s compact 1.6-litre engine uses a turbo to deliver 130kW and 265Nm to both axles. Its seven-speed dual-clutch auto isn’t as crisp at speed or smooth around town as the Volkswagen, which has more experience with this transmission type. Official 7.6L/100km fuel use makes it the thirstiest here, possibly because it combines the heaviest body with the least powerful engine. That engine works well around town but can sound boomy when overtaking.

Likewise, the suspension is plusher than either the Volkswagen or Mazda. That’s great on the school run but less impressive on country roads that can induce body roll when cornering, or a heaving sensation after particularly big bumps.

VERDICT

The Mazda takes bronze here, let down by its cosy rear seat and firm ride. The other two are tougher to split. Keen drivers shouldn’t look past the Volkswagen — it’s a great steer, and tech leader for the class. But the Kia’s superior value and usability make it the practical pick.

Small SUVs are popular with retirees due to their easy-to-access ride height. A Kia Seltos is of good size, drives well, looks fantastic and seven-year warranty gives peace of mind. The Sport model ($30,190 drive-away) ticks all your boxes bar auto wipers, but service costs are pricier than some rivals, such as the Mitsubishi ASX. Not as talented as the Kia, but for $29,490 drive-away an ASX in ES ADAS grade services your needs and also has seven-year warranty. Also consider an ex-dealer demo Ford Focus Active from about $26,000 drive-away. These have a higher ride height than other hatchbacks, drive beautifully and have really strong specification.

These previous generation Mazda3s were

We approached Subaru Australia as rust should not be a problem at this young age. I’ve learnt you independently had the repairs carried out by a specialist, and Subaru Australia refunded you the full amount of $876.48. I was told that your brand loyalty (ownership since 1998 and eight Subarus owned in total) ensured the goodwill repair. Great result, but the dealer should have acted faster for such a loyal customer. noted for intrusive cabin noise, and it’s not just the tyres to blame. Sound absorbing material wasn’t up to scratch. Mazda owners have recommended Michelin Primacy tyres as a quieter solution.

No, it’s not. Rest assured the dealer will bulk buy oil far cheaper than it’s sold to the public too. Ask the dealer what your next service price will be if you

Don’t cut your options in half by demanding the indicator stalk be a specific side. Your brain will adjust to a change rapidly. The Corolla hatch is a quality offering, but the boot and rear seat are tiny. It must be the current generation (from 2018 and with Batman wing-esque front lights) if you want Apple CarPlay. A used Hyundai i30’s a safe bet and cracking value, but I’d lean towards a new car with your budget. Check out the Kia Cerato hatch (seven-year warranty and from $21,490 on the road), and if you can stomach the indicator on the ‘wrong’ side, a Skoda Fabia Wagon ticks all your boxes and has a huge, easy-loading boot. Bargain too at $19,000 drive-away for the manual and $22,000 the auto.