They’re in all places, small SUVs.
Final yr, of simply over 1,000,000 automobiles offered in Australia, 123,016 belonged to the mass-market Small SUV phase in VFACTS, which incorporates high sellers just like the MG ZS and Mitsubishi ASX.
Throw in an extra 52,756 automobiles from the (somewhat arbitrarily outlined) Mild SUV phase, dwelling to the perennially hot-selling Mazda CX-3, and one other 20,464 automobiles from the premium small SUV phase, which incorporates the Audi Q3, and you may see simply how in style these automobiles are.
As the normal mild automobiles (assume Toyota Yaris) and small automobile (Toyota Corolla) segments shrink in quantity, these consumers seem like transitioning to similarly-sized SUVs – despite the fact that that step up in journey top brings with it a step up in value.
It appears as if you’ll be able to name something an SUV these days, supplied there’s some black plastic cladding and a barely greater hip level.
And so it’s with these small SUVs that the overwhelming majority are front-wheel drive, with no off-road functionality and arguably little extra practicality than small wagons, that are unpopular and due to this fact nearly extinct right here.
For readability, we’ve bundled within the flock of automobiles from what are known as the Mild SUV and Small SUV segments in VFACTS.
We’ve additionally restricted our scope to the mass-market Mild and Small SUV segments, so there are not any Audis or BMWs on our record.
We all know this segmentation is usually solely identified by anoraks, so we’ve revealed a full record of automobiles beneath.
Every member of the CarExpert editorial crew has picked their selection from the record… nicely, apart from Alborz, who didn’t comply with the project.
Alborz Fallah: Nothing
These choices don’t gel with me, primarily as a result of they’re pretending to be SUVs and that’s like pretending to have an arts diploma. It’s not precisely one thing to attempt for simply because each one else has one.
Absolutely the majority of those automobiles are simply raised hatches whereby producers have labored out that they will cost $3-5k extra simply by placing on some black physique cladding and elevating the journey top. I imply critically, what’s a Corolla Cross? Is it a cross-dressing Corolla? Does it establish as an SUV simply because it says so?
There’s a whole lot of discuss in the meanwhile concerning the next-generation of automobiles being the tip of the SUV period. I positive hope so, as a result of the small SUV phase is just about all the pieces that’s mistaken with the SUV phase which in itself, is all the pieces that’s mistaken with the automobile market.
Scott Collie: Skoda Kamiq
Wow, there’s a whole lot of selection right here.
The larger new Hyundai Kona is a powerful possibility, as is the older however nonetheless wonderful Kia Seltos. I just like the quirky little Peugeot 2008, too.
The Skoda Kamiq can be my choose, although. It’s the right measurement for tight metropolis streets on the skin, however packs a shocking quantity of area inside. The 110TSI engine has sufficient grunt to make the Kamiq really feel fast sufficient, and it has the identical strong, greater automobile feeling we’ve come to anticipate from different Volkswagen automobiles based mostly on the identical platform.
MORE: Skoda Kamiq new automobile offers
Anthony Crawford: Hyundai Kona
Proper from the outset the Hyundai Kona was quick on area, particularly if you happen to had been attempting accommodate children and important child package.
Hyundai clearly listened to its prospects who had been telling them as a lot, as a result of the new-generation Kona is a surefire hit with sufficient area to haul children, prams and important gear with out compromise.
It’s additionally a cutting-edge design from any angle – inside and outside.
Jade Credentino: Honda HR-V
My vote can be the Honda HR-V. I had the possibility to drive it for per week or so earlier this yr and it was my first Honda expertise as nicely.
It’s so well-packaged, and you understand what to anticipate price-wise with Honda’s pricing scheme – no nasty disappointments on the dealership.
My favorite options within the top-spec e:HEV L embody heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and keyless begin – tick, tick, tick, tick!
Jack Fast: Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 G25 Touring SP – $40,510 earlier than on-roads.
If I used to be presently trying to purchase a Mild or Small SUV I’d undoubtedly be contemplating a hybrid, however none of the present choices actually get my coronary heart racing.
That’s why I’ve chosen the Mazda CX-30 in blacked-out Touring SP guise with the peppy G25 engine.
The CX-30 with the two.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is correctly heat hatch-like in a straight line, with enjoyable and smile-inducing driving dynamics to match.
It’s not all sunshine and roses nevertheless as having halogen DRLs on a automobile that prices greater than $40,000 earlier than on-roads isn’t an awesome look, and plugging in your cellphone for Apple CarPlay within the centre armrest can get tiresome.
William Stopford: Ford Puma
I’ve at all times most popular sedans and wagons, so if I’m going to be satisfied to purchase a small SUV it can should be one thing both tremendously sensible or able to placing a smile on my face.
The Ford Puma will not be the previous, but it surely’s actually the latter.
It mightn’t be significantly highly effective, but it surely’s remarkably fun-to-drive. One memorable fang alongside Mount Superb Highway cemented the Puma in my thoughts as probably the most pleasurable car within the mainstream Mild/Small SUV segments. Sharp turn-in, nearly no physique roll, and wonderful steering imply that is an SUV you’ll really wish to deal with some twisties in.
The in-car tech can be good and the inside is inoffensive, although rear seat area is missing.
An electrical model is coming subsequent yr and I’m curious if it has equally pleasurable dynamics. What I’d actually wish to see, nevertheless, is for Ford Australia to convey the Puma ST right here.
A runner-up for me can be the extraordinarily well-packaged Kia Seltos, or its redesigned Hyundai Kona cousin. The Mazda CX-30 is sweet too, but it surely’s a disgrace we miss out on the turbocharged 2.5-litre 4.
MORE: Ford Puma new automobile offers
James Wong: Mazda CX-30
Normally I scoff at small SUVs, as up to now they’ve appeared like money grabs when the equal passenger automobile isn’t any much less sensible and extra succesful dynamically.
Nonetheless in 2023 there are much better decisions available in Australia, although we’re nonetheless pretty restricted by way of electrified choices within the phase.
I maintain coming again to the Mazda CX-30 as my benchmark. The combo of on-road enjoyment and cabin refinement actually isn’t a formulation matched by mainstream rivals, and the inside is the nicest compact crossover cockpit this facet of one thing with a premium badge.
All variants come well-equipped out of the field, with good security and expertise inclusions, and you may possibility the Imaginative and prescient Expertise Package deal for a nominal sum on decrease grades to get flagship tech like surround-view cameras and a semi-autonomous freeway assistant with out having to spend massive on the top-dog Astina.
My solely actual gripe is the dearth of a correct hybrid possibility. The G20e M Hybrid and difficult X20 M Hybrid don’t have a leg to face on in comparison with a Corolla Cross Hybrid or Kona Hybrid in relation to outright gas financial savings, and particularly the e-Skyactiv X motor with its much-hyped compression-ignition tech is sort of dear all issues thought of.
If I used to be to select a second different, I’d most likely go for the Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Kamiq.
If the upcoming Qashqai e-Energy sequence hybrid drives something like its bigger X-Path e-Energy sibling it’ll have the premium powertrain to go along with the upscale inside provided in greater grades, whereas the standard Skoda Kamiq stays a high contender for its punchy and environment friendly turbocharged powertrains, and sensible inside packaging that will make you query whether or not you want a dimensionally bigger car.
