It’s not all about extra brand kudos and customisation scope, though, because the Volkswagen brings a sliding rear bench for improved flexibility, plus marginally better residual values than its Skoda and SEAT rivals. It’s broadly similar to cheaper cars from sister brands Skoda and SEAT, but if you’re willing to pay a little more for the privilege, the T-Cross is a great choice. Overall, the T-Cross is easy and relaxing to drive. The Volkswagen SUV drives well, feeling agile and grippy but stopping short of providing real excitement, while the light steering is great around town and in tighter spots. Volkswagen T-CrossĪnd the T-Cross is a great choice if you want all the benefits of the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform but want to express your individuality: Volkswagen offers a range of design packs, each of which adds a unique look to the already-handsome SUV.Ī familiar line-up of engines covers all the bases, with the more powerful of the 1.0-litre petrol units providing a particularly good blend of performance, economy and refinement. The Skoda is a talented, practical car that’s pretty hard to beat. It lacks the VW’s sliding rear seats but counters with great legroom in the back and a decent load space with the seats folded. The Kamiq is as good to drive as the T-Cross, rides comfortably and feels almost as nice inside.
Top-spec SE L cars have a great 9.2-inch infotainment system that pairs nicely with Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit display, while SE models have an eight-inch system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay functionality. You’ll spot the difference between the Kamiq and its relatives – notably thanks to inferior interior plastics up front – but it’s still well built and sensibly appointed.
It shares most of its mechanicals with the Volkswagen T-Cross and SEAT Arona elsewhere on this list, but trumps both of these models on value for money. It’s spacious, practical and powered by a range of efficient, tried-and-tested engines, all the while remaining decent – if not totally electrifying – to drive. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s widely used MQB A0 architecture, it hits all the right notes. The Kamiq is Skoda’s smallest and newest SUV. Ford’s newcomer is a great all-round package, and only a whisker behind the award-winning Captur. The Puma makes a lot of sense as a fun-to-drive, practical, small SUV that goes about its business with a bit of flair. Elsewhere, a 456-litre boot and good rear passenger space help the Ford’s family-car credentials. Inside, all will be familiar to Fiesta owners in terms of design and quality: it’s not quite the best in class in either respect but does a solid job, while the driving position and seats are particularly comfortable. A new mild-hybrid engine sits under the bonnet and while it’s not the most sophisticated or refined unit, it performs well and should be economical. The new Puma is one of the best-driving cars in this class thanks to its great steering, honed chassis and slick six-speed gearbox it feels much like a higher, more spacious Fiesta. While the use of the old Puma coupe’s name has ruffled some feathers, Ford has done a great job of making sure its new SUV lives up to that sporty heritage. Just as the latest Renault Captur shares its platform with the Clio, the new Ford Puma is based on the Fiesta supermini.