CROSSOVER GUIDE
The Crossover segment of the market is one of the most fiercely contested, which is good news for buyers, writes Geraldine Herbert
Hyundai Kona
THE Kona has been an outstanding success for Hyundai, wooing buyers with a compelling blend of style, value and day-to-day practicality. It’s chunky design is surprisingly attractive, especially when you combine it with one of the available two-tone colour options. Inside, it’s bright, modern and comfortable and there is a decent 361 litres of space in the boot. Available in two- or four-wheel drive, there is also the option of all-electric Kona with a range of 449km. ENGINE RANGE: Electric; 1.0 and 1.6 petrol; 1.6 diesel CO2 EMISSIONS: 0-158g/km PRICE RANGE: €21,495 - €38,130 TRIM LEVELS: Comfort, Executive, Premium EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2017)
Kia Stonic
SITTING beneath the Niro, Sportage and Sorento in the range, the Stonic sports black plastic cladding, roof bars and a raised ride height. Inside, the cabin is bright. On the road, the Stonic comes with reassuring handling and a well-cushioned ride. Overall it is the ideal car for people who want chunky good looks, reliability and space without taking up half the road. ENGINE RANGE: 1.25 and 1.4 petrol; 1.6 Diesel CO2 EMISSIONS: 106-134g/km PRICE RANGE: €19,099 - €25,360 TRIM LEVELS: K1, K2, K3, K4 EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★ (2017) (★★★★★ with optional safety pack)
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
MITSUBISHI’S often overlooked mid-sized SUV sits between the ASX crossover and the big seven-seater Outlander in their line-up. Outside, it sports a coupélike sloping roof but inside it’s roomy, practical and well finished. The 1.5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine is available in manual or automatic and while there is no shortage of oomph and overtaking is a breeze, the high emissions mean motor tax is more than many rivals. Standard spec on the Eclipse is generous and it comes with a very reassuring eight-year warranty. ENGINE RANGE: 1.5 petrol CO2 EMISSIONS: 151-154g/km PRICE RANGE: €27,900 - €37,400 TRIM LEVELS: Invite, Intense, Instyle EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2017)
Opel Mokka X
OPEL’S Mokka X is the more rugged alternative to the Crossland and is available in front- and allwheel drive transmissions. There are lots of nice details inside and it is good quality throughout. Boot storage capacity of 356 litres can be increased to 1,372 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. On the road it is not the most refined but it’s easy to drive and comfortable and excels in ways that will matter to most buyers. ENGINE RANGE: 1.4 petrol; 1.6 diesel CO2 EMISSIONS: 127-162 g/km PRICE RANGE: €25,295 - €30,595 TRIM LEVELS: X SC, 120 year edition, Elite, X Elite EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2012)
Peugeot 2008
THE 2008 is not the most stylish on the market but its practicality and low running costs have won favour with the car-buying public. On the road, it’s nippy and agile without being exciting. Inside, driver and passengers are well catered for. So, while it’s refined rather than exciting, the 2008 is a frugal, efficient and reliable family car. ENGINE RANGE: 1.2 petrol; 1.5 diesel CO2 EMISSIONS: 129-157g/km PRICE RANGE: €21,235 - €31,060 TRIM LEVELS: Active, Allure, GT Line EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2013)
Renault Captur
RENAULT’S smallest crossover continues to turn heads with stylish good looks, while inside the Captur is deceptively spacious and there are some nice details and clever touches. If a family car is measured on how much stuff it can hold, then the Captur’s boot space of 455 litres – or up to 1,235 litres with the rear seats folded – doesn’t disappoint. On the road, it’s nice to drive, nothing blistering, but it is smooth, agile and hushed. ENGINE RANGE: 0.9 petrol; 1.4 diesel CO2 EMISSIONS: 139-141g/km PRICE RANGE: €20,290 - €27,990 TRIM LEVELS: Play, Iconic, GT Line EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2013)
SEAT Arona
OUTSIDE, there is much to admire and the chunky bumpers, wheel arches, extra ground clearance hints at a car designed for more than just the urban jungle. Inside, the swathe of plastic across the dashboard is dull and charmless, but it is on the road is where the Arona really shines. Driving dynamics may not be a deal breaker in the family crossover market but the Arona’s agility through corners and firm suspension means it is far more fun to drive than rivals – and with its good looks, it brings something a little special to the small SUV market. ENGINE RANGE: 1.0 petrol; 1.6 diesel CO2 EMISSIONS: 112-115g/km PRICE RANGE: €18,415 - €23,695 TRIM LEVELS: S, SE, Xcellence, Fr EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2017)
Skoda Karoq
SKODA’S Karoq has all the clever touches and simple approach that has made Skoda such a success. Outside, the Karoq looks like a fun-size Kodiaq; inside, the well thought-out cabin is spacious and there is plenty of space front and rear. Families will especially appreciate the very generous boot. The Karoq is a great all-round crossover that offers space and functionality for five people – plus, it comes with clever and versatile seating. ENGINE RANGE: 1.0 and 1.5 petrol; 1.6 and 2.0 diesel CO2 EMISSIONS: 125-179g/km PRICE RANGE: €28,350 - €37,800 TRIM LEVELS: Ambition, Style, Sportline EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2017)
Toyota C-HR
BLAZING an impressive trail since it first launched, the funky C-HR will certainly stand out in the supermarket car park with its sleek coupéshape roofline, bulging wheel arches and sharp creases. Inside, it’s surprisingly roomy, even in the back, but headroom is tight for tall passengers and kids may find their vision slightly compromised by the upward-sloping rear windows. Opinion may divide over the styling, but the C-HR will appeal to the young and the young at heart, injecting some real fun both into the brand and the compact SUV sector. ENGINE RANGE: 1.2 petrol; 1.8 hybrid CO2 EMISSIONS: 86-135g/km PRICE RANGE: €27,170 - €34,595 TRIM LEVELS: Luna, Sport, Luna Sport, Sol EuroNCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2017)
Volkswagen T-Roc
AIMED at trendy urbanites, the T-Roc is a very eye-catching combination of rugged good looks and a sporty profile. The interior boasts the sensible styling for which VW is renowned, but the quality is a little disappointing and feels plasticky in places. While it may not be as practical as rivals, it’s head and shoulders above the rest in terms of driving dynamics and style. ENGINE RANGE: 1.0 and 1.5 petrol; 1.6 and 2.0 diesel CO2 EMISSIONS: 140-175g/km PRICE RANGE: €25,150 - €39,295 TRIM LEVELS: Design, Sport, R-Line EURONCAP RATING: ★★★★★ (2017)