Results

SKODA

THE Karoq is still king thanks to its blend of style and usability, agility and comfort, plus performance and efficiency. You can add a longer list of more advanced equipment to its attributes, plus lower running costs. A few foibles mean it’s still flawed, but these are small and the gulf to its rivals here is so big that it can’t stop the Skoda pulling off a convincing win.

SUBARU

BY the smallest of margins the XV beats the Mitsubishi to second spot, but it’s no triumph. Thanks to its more bearable ride quality compared with the Eclipse Cross and performance to match, plus a more extensive kit list and a higherquality cabin, the Subaru is better than its predecessor. But it’ll be pricier to buy and run for private buyers, while it still lags some way behind the Skoda.

MITSUBISHI

THE Eclipse Cross is a better effort from Mitsubishi and shows the brand is moving forward. Strong practicality means families will be well catered for, yet the brittle and busy ride, substandard infotainment system and lack of refinement hurt it against the better-engineered Skoda. It’ll be pricier to run than its rivals, but it trails on quality even if it’s well equipped.