SMALL WONDERS
Small SUV buyers are spoiled for choice these days, with more than 20 models available. Toyota added a new challenger, the Corolla Cross, to the mix at the end of last year, while Nissan has just released a new version of the ever-popular Qashqai and Kia has updated its impressive Seltos.
We put the trio to the test, selecting the midrange front-drive models.
KIA SELTOS
The easiest way to spot the latest edition of the Kia Seltos is by the twin 10.25-inch wide-screen displays in a cabin inspired by the rangetopping Kia EV6 electric car.
Subtle exterior tweaks include machined alloy wheels, although the overall look is more or less unchanged.
We tested the Seltos in mid-grade Sport+ two-wheel-drive trim. It’s currently priced from a competitive $38,490 drive-away, a $1500 discount.
Standard specifications include the widescreen dash, smartphone mirroring, smart keys and climate control.
As the most affordable car here, the Seltos misses out on modern touches such as LED headlights, reverse auto braking and a frontcentre airbag between the driver and passenger.
The hard and shiny cabin plastics also feel cheap in this company but many buyers won’t be put off, given the price gap between the Seltos and its rivals.
Kia scores points with a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and it’s the most practical pick with a big boot and superior rear seat space. It’s also the only car in this trio with a full-size spare tyre.
As the only engine here working without the help of hybrid or turbo tech, the Seltos’ basic motor has the least impressive power figures (110kW and 180Nm) and fuel economy (a claimed 6.9L/100km), which lets the side down. We weren’t enamoured with its slow to react automatic transmission, either.
A more powerful 1.6-litre turbo is available on more expensive all-wheel-drive models.
It steers well, with a measured response to driver input accompanied by a ride that feels well controlled, if occasionally bouncy.
But the Seltos is the loudest of this lot on the highway and generally feels less refined than the Toyota and Nissan.
TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS
Near-silent at low speed and surprisingly quiet on steep hills where an electric motor does the heavy lifting, the hybrid Toyota has impressive fuel economy. Its claimed 4.3L/100km fuel use is achievable both on the highway and around town.
Better still, it makes a whopping 146kW of power – easily the most of this lot – and is the cheapest to service at just $1250 for five years.
The catch is that it costs nearly $5000 more than the Kia at about $43,250 drive-away.
Some of the price is justified by handy extras such as wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera and LED headlights.
It also has two extra airbags (including a front centre airbag and driver’s knee protection) and reverse auto braking.
A high-mounted 10.5-inch infotainment screen works well and there is plenty of room in the back seat, but hybrid hardware under the boot floor robs it of boot space. That’s disappointing, as the Corolla Cross is the biggest car here.
It feels grown up on the road, with a comfortable ride helped by relatively small 17inch alloys. Easy to drive, it has plenty of go but isn’t particularly memorable to steer.
The same could be said of its general style and execution. This is a classically conservative Toyota.
NISSAN QASHQAI
From a purely visual perspective, the new Qashqai is the most attractive car here. The Nissan rides on attractive 19-inch alloys with wide tyres. Sharp looking lights and premium looking paint make a strong statement.
Our test model’s black-and-blue cabin felt premium, with quality materials finished to a high standard.Its 12.3-inch touchscreen is the largest here and the Nissan is the only model that serves up heated seats, wireless phone charging and wireless CarPlay without asking customers to buy the most expensive car in the range. But it is not cheap.
The mid-range Qashqai ST-L costs about $45,000 drive-away, making it the most expensive model here.
It’s also the dearest to service (set aside $2916 for five years) and has the least spacious back seat, thanks to the car’s swooping roofline.
Powered by a new 1.3-litre three-cylinder turbo engine, the Qashqai matches Kia’s 110kW but claims significantly more torque at 250Nm, landing the silver medal for sprints and efficiency.
Quick steering, low profile tyres and firm suspension help the Nissan make a sporty first impression. Its ride isn’t as comfortable as the Toyota, though, and the tiny engine feels stressed compared with the effortless hybrid.
Australian buyers are flocking to small, city-friendly SUVs in record numbers
VERDICT
Pick the Kia if space is a priority or the budget is tight and choose the Nissan if style and tech appeals. While it’s not particularly exciting, the Toyota Corolla Cross is the best all-rounder for our money, particularly in frugal – and fast – hybrid trim.