Whereas not all the time a strictly needed buy, SUVs are the dominant automobile sort within the Australian new automotive market, and small SUVs have seemingly overtaken hatchbacks and sedans because the automotive of selection for singles and younger households.
A whopping 181,197 small SUVs have been bought in 2024, a 4 per cent enhance over the 12 months earlier than and practically double the small automotive gross sales tally.
Producers are nicely conscious of our insatiable demand, a lot in order that there are 41 totally different fashions accessible within the present market. There actually is a small SUV for everybody.
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Hyundai Kona Hybrid -
Mazda CX-30
On the decrease finish of the worth spectrum, the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4 Professional, and GWM Haval Jolion all command favour amongst budget-conscious consumers.
The Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and BMW X1 will all be acquainted to followers of European luxurious motoring. That’s to not point out the numerous choices that match someplace in between.
However which small SUV nails the method greatest? And which is worthy of a spot in your driveway? We requested the CarExpert crew, and right here’s what they got here up with.
Tell us your decide within the feedback beneath!
Marton Pettendy: Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai has lengthy been my decide within the small SUV phase, and now it’s about to get even higher.
A complete mid-life makeover will quickly make it sharper wanting and higher-tech, and I anticipate pricing to stay aggressive with key rivals which might be largely smaller and fewer sensible, much less ergonomic and fewer refined.
The intelligent, punchy and environment friendly e-Energy hybrid system is one more reason the Qashqai is extra in style than most of them in Europe, and it deserves extra followers in Australia too.
The Mazda CX-30 comes a detailed second for me, however the facelifted Qashqai seems to be higher and will proceed to supply a extra polished journey and dealing with package deal than most small SUVs, and its intuitive multimedia and security applied sciences received’t drive you loopy.
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James Wong: Nissan Qashqai
I typically bemoan the rising variety of car-based compact crossovers as a result of they’re often simply slower, much less environment friendly and fewer dynamic variations of the passenger automobiles they’re primarily based on.
In contrast to the opposite automobiles on this record, the Nissan Qashqai doesn’t have an equal small automotive that I’d be inclined to suggest over it, and it continues to straddle segments in dimensions and practicality in addition to normal design and refinement.
It’s bigger and extra sensible than most of its direct rivals, and has sufficient premium cabin appointments to make among the entry-level premium German SUVs sweat a bit. The accessible e-Energy hybrid drivetrain is one other level of distinction, with a easy, punchy and comparatively environment friendly various to a Toyota hybrid or Chinese language EV.
With the brand new facelifted model, we’re anticipating a revision to the spec record to make the Qashqai pretty much as good worth as ever. It sells its bumpers off within the UK and wider Europe, and there’s no cause why our extra European-leaning tastes in Australia aren’t seeing extra bought Down Beneath.
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Jack Fast: Hyundai Kona Hybrid
After loving the brand new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid just lately, I look ahead to seeing how the brand new mild-hybrid engine goes within the forthcoming 2008 Hybrid. It might take this to the highest of my record.
Within the meantime nevertheless, my decide within the small SUV phase is the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. It’s extremely gasoline environment friendly round city, and when the petrol engine begins revving it doesn’t produce an annoying CVT droning sound. Sure, I’m you Toyota Corolla Cross.
Positive the Kona Hybrid isn’t overly punchy on the freeway and the petrol engine must typically rev out, however its cabin feels up to date and high-tech. There’s additionally a lot extra space inside in comparison with the previous-generation Kona.
In contrast to some hybrid small SUVs, the Kona can be fairly competitively priced. You will get ones dressed up within the sporty N Line package if that’s your fashion.
Should you’re not able to go for a hybrid but, nevertheless, I’d urge you to think about the Mazda CX-30 as a result of its cabin feels so plush and premium for the worth tag.
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William Stopford: Volkswagen T-Roc
The top says Hyundai Kona Hybrid, however the coronary heart says Volkswagen T-Roc.
I’m going to offer it to the center this time. The small SUV phase is stuffed with completely smart, sensible however completely uninspiring decisions, and it’s towards this slightly drab backdrop that the T-Roc seems to be extra fascinating.
Though it’s on the very finish of its lifecycle, it’s nonetheless a good-looking, dynamically poised machine that appears and feels extra like a hatchback than an SUV. With its mid-life replace, Volkswagen additionally mounted the cheapo inside.
In case your finances can’t stretch to a Cupra Formentor, the T-Roc is the following smartest thing. It’s not low cost itself although, as a mid-range T-Roc prices greater than a top-spec Kia Seltos. That’s the place the worth proposition begins to return undone for the Volkswagen, even when it’s the extra Euro-chic possibility.
A particular point out goes to the Skoda Karoq which is a frumpier however extra sensible cousin to the T-Roc.
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Josh Nevett: Nissan Qashqai
This matter left me torn, as there are some wonderful small SUVs available on the market proper now.
I’ve to offer honourable mentions to the Skoda Kamiq and Cupra Formentor, each of which tick loads of containers for 2 several types of purchaser.
However neither blends fashion and substance fairly just like the Nissan Qashqai. The up to date Qashqai is because of arrive in Australia quickly, and it not solely seems to be a bit extra trendy inside and outside, however it additionally boasts significant enhancements on the expertise entrance.
If the abroad model is something to go by, we will anticipate Nissan’s slick 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen to take pleasure of place on the sprint, bringing with it wi-fi smartphone mirroring.
And hopefully one of the best attributes of the pre-update Qashqai stay – the powertrains are easy and environment friendly, whereas there’s house for full-sized adults within the second row.
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Max Davies: Mazda CX-30
Mazda stays one of many best-selling manufacturers in Australia, and fashions just like the CX-30 are a giant cause why.
The SUV was Mazda’s fourth best-seller final 12 months, coincidentally the identical place it achieved within the small SUV phase behind solely the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona and GWM Haval Jolion.
Behind the CX-30 is a model with a robust status constructed off a protracted and profitable historical past, which suggests you’ll be getting behind the wheel of one thing well-built and durable.
You get two totally different powertrains, all of that are priced at lower than $48,340 earlier than on-road prices. Although there aren’t any hybrid choices, its pricing locations it nicely towards rivals just like the Kona and front-wheel drive-only Qashqai.
Gas economic system is first rate even in all-wheel drive CX-30s, and also you’ll discover there’s extra space each within the second row of seats and the boot regardless of its unassuming exterior proportions.
All that – plus the actual fact there are a large 10 distinct variants to select from alongside quite a few choices – makes the CX-30 laborious to disregard.
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Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Kona
There are few automobiles as versatile in Australia because the Hyundai Kona, accessible with petrol, hybrid and electrical energy to cater for all segments of the market.
It’s additionally one of many latest fashions in its class, has daring seems to be (which I’ve personally warmed to) and a recent inside.
The sharp N-Line package deal can be enticing, making it stand out amongst comparatively bland opponents.
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Sean Lander: Nissan Qashqai e-Energy
I spent a number of months driving the present spec Qashqai e-Energy and of all of the choices within the class, it might be my prime decide.
The Subaru Crosstrek can be a detailed second, however the packaging, expertise and tools the Qashqai e-Energy gives, it’s too laborious to go up.
Plus, you’ll doubtless be capable to discover a fantastic run out deal on them within the very close to future.
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