Into the bout
TEN CONTENDERS, BUT WHICH WILL REALLY SHINE?
AUDI E-TRON
Ingolstadt’s all-new EV SUV has proved itself in previous testing to be a brilliantly refined and swift contender. Its range doesn’t break any new boundaries, though, and it will need to overcome high prices and the slightly underwhelming standard spec of the entry-level 50 quattro model.
VARIANTS ON TEST:
50 quattro; 55 quattro
BMW 4 SERIES
To date, more notorious for its front-end styling rather than its outright abilities, but COTY could change that. Chassis and powertrains are brilliantly sorted in both variants, and packaging is strong for a coupe. M440i xDrive is a junior M4, so really, anything could happen.
VARIANTS ON TEST:
420i Coupe; M440i xDrive Coupe
FORD ESCAPE
Proved just how quick and capable it is from last issue when it went head to head with Mazda’s CX-5, but is Ford’s feisty mid-size SUV sufficiently well rounded to land clean scoring shots against the COTY criteria?
VARIANTS ON TEST:
Base FWD; ST-Line FWD; Vignale AWD
FORD PUMA
The Blue Oval’s small SUV was sitting on the COTY sideline in the role of first reserve, but with Hyundai’s Palisade a last minute no-show, Puma makes the starting grid. Question is, does it bring advances to what is a very crowded class?
VARIANTS ON TEST:
base Puma; ST-Line
GENESIS GV80
Large, luxo SUV wants to be considered as a credible alternative to BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, so brings a load of luxury equipment and a stack of tech, as well as a choice of three powertrains. Will be judged here on its merits, not brand recognition.
VARIANTS ON TEST:
2.5T RWD; 3.0D AWD; 3.5T AWD Luxury
KIA SORENTO
Large seven-seater SUV has earned our deep respect on both test and in the long-term Garage, but eagerly awaited hybrid models are not here in time for COTY, and the atmo petrol V6, driving only the front wheels, could hold it back.
VARIANTS ON TEST:
S Diesel AWD; 3.5 GT-Line
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Reborn off-road icon has garnered rave reviews locally, and the range is not yet complete. Design is a clever homage to the original without being a pastiche, but is the legendary off-road ability compromised? And how will the value equation stack up?
VARIANT ON TEST:
110 P400 SE
MAZDA CX-30
Stylish, design-led crossover based on the Mazda 3 is a known quantity for fine dynamics, great overall function, and strong safety. Not cheap, and the compressionignition engine option adds dollars, but the interior feels expensive. Strong contender.
VARIANTS ON TEST:
G20 Evolve FWD; G25 Touring FWD: X20 Astina AWD
MERCEDES-BENZ GLB
Upper-compact SUV from last year’s COTYwinning brand makes a strong case for its packaging, by virtue of providing thirdrow seating, and the technology and safety credentials are solid. Could M-B do a Volvo and go back to back?
VARIANTS ON TEST:
250 4MATIC; AMG A35 4MATIC
TOYOTA YARIS
Brings previously unseen powertrain tech to the light-car segment with its three-cylinder hybrid, as well as firstin-class centre air bags. But for a small car, it wears large price tags. Homologation special GR Yaris injects a whole new dimension of sizzle.
VARIANTS ON TEST:
Ascent Sport CVT; ZR Hybrid; GR