These small SUVs hold their value well on the second-hand market, making them a good buy, writes Paddy Comyn
Nissan Qashqai
Price:€24,745-€33,745
NCAP Crash Test:* * * * *
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engines:1.6, 2.0, 1.5d
Trim Levels:SE, SVE
CO2:145g/km - 204g/km
Quality and Reliability:* * * *
Despite the fact that the Qashqai is very good value, it feels of high quality both inside and out, and the engines have been used before in cars like the Micra and Note and they have given no trouble, not that you would expect that from Nissan engines anyway.
Performance:* * * *
The entry-level engine is the 1.6-litre petrol putting out 113bhp, giving a 0-100km/h time of 12 seconds and although this might sound slow, the engine never really feels overwhelmed and is quite perky. The 1.5-litre diesel suits the car a little better if anything, with 105bhp but much more pulling power. This offers similar performance to the 1.6-litre petrol, but with better fuel economy. At the top of the range is the 139bhp 2.0-litre petrol which is not likely to be in huge demand, but at this stage many potential owners in the long queue will take what they can get.
At the wheel:* * * *
Because it is a little hard to put the Qashqai in a category, you could judge it as a really good handling SUV or a pretty average handling hatchback, depending on your viewpoint. Most Qashqais are front-wheel-drive only and are pretty good to drive with car-like ability and comfort. Even if you do get a 4wd version it is not intended to ever really go off road. The cabin is a good place to be, with the now familiar Nissan layout which doesn't take much getting used to.
Space and Comfort:* * * *
This is essentially just a slightly tall family hatchback, so you get comparable passenger space to the likes of a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. The front two seats are fine and average-sized adults will be okay in the back. Ride comfort is good, with most bad Irish roads tamed by the suspension.
Safety:* * * *
Back in May, the Qashqai scored the highest ever adult occupant protection score in the Euro NCAP safety tests. It received almost maximum points in the front, side impact and pole crash tests, as well as a high performance score in the child occupant protection. ESP is an €800 option in Ireland and should really be standard, so that loses it a point here.
Running costs and depreciation:* * * * *
There is currently a long waiting list for the Qashqai so depreciation is not really a factor, as some owners can sell theirs for close to what they paid for it. The 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesels are fuel-efficient engines too.
THE CONCLUSIONS
For:Great value, great looks, a smart family car Against:You can't get one
The Irish Times Verdict:Debatable if it's an SUV or not, but you guys sure love it
Best Buy:1.5 dCi SVE
Honda CR-V
Price:€42,415-€56,825
NCAP Crash Test:* * * *
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engines:2.0, 2.2D
Trim Levels:ES, ESL, EX, EX-T
CO2:173g/km - 195g/km
Quality and Reliability:* * * * *
A big step up in quality from the old model and even that one was well put together.
There is a big improvement to the quality feel of the materials inside and out and Honda's reliability scores speak for themselves - they are consistently at the top.
Performance:* * * *
Irish buyers would probably prefer some smaller engines, but the choice here begins with a 2.0-litre 148bhp petrol engine, which is refined but could do with a little more oomph.
The second and infinitely better option is the 138bhp 2.2-litre diesel which is one of the finest engines you can find anywhere. Choose the automatic transmission if your budget allows because it really suits the car.
At the wheel:* * * * *
One of the nicest SUVs to drive. Forget about using it off-road, not that you would ever want to anyway - this is all about road manners and Honda has done a marvellous job of making this one of the most composed SUVs around.
The suspension is very good and copes with poor road surfaces particularly well. The new car has a lower centre of gravity and is more composed through bends now than before.
Space and Comfort:* * * * *
This is a five-seater only, but it is a very comfortable one. Although the CR-V is lower and shorter than before, there is plenty of interior space and the rear seats can slide and be lowered. Boot space is good too, and the load area is very versatile.
Safety:* * * *
Scored four-stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and comes well equipped in terms of safety kit with things such as active head restraints, ABS, front, side and curtain airbags, electronic brake force distribution and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which is Honda's version of ESP.
Running costs and depreciation:* * * *
This is now a pretty expensive SUV but Honda's reliability keeps used vehicles' values high.
THE CONCLUSIONS
For:Brilliant build, low emission engines, great comfort
Against:Very expensive for the higher spec models
The Irish Times Verdict:Much more refined than before and now one of the best options around
Best Buy:2.2 i-CTDI ES
Hyundai Tucson
Price:€29,495-€35,645
NCAP Crash Test:* * * *
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engines:2.0. 2.0D
Trim Levels:Comfort, Arizona, Sport
CO2:184g/km - 210g/km
Quality and Reliability:* * * *
Some of the interior plastics are a little downgrade and some areas inside feel a little flimsy, but otherwise the Tucson doesn't feel bad quality. And in terms of reliability, Hyundai offers a long warranty and its cars tend to give no trouble.
Performance:* * * *
The choice of engines is pretty simple, you can have either a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel. The 2.0-litre petrol has 140bhp and 184Nm of torque and the diesel has 110bhp and 305Nm of torque. We prefer the diesel with its extra torque and decent fuel consumption.
At the wheel:* * * *
You can choose between 2wd and 4wd versions and the latter feels more assured on the road when the conditions get tough, but most of the time is in 2wd mode anyway.
We were impressed by the road holding of the Tucson. It could do with a bit more steering feel but is actually quite agile, if not quite as good as the likes of the X-Trail or Rav4.
Space and Comfort:* * * *
The Tucson is high on equipment and creature comforts so it is a nice place to be. Sure enough, the cabin is a little dull but it is functional. Space is fine for kids in the back, but taller adults will find the front seats don't quite move back far enough.
Safety:* * * *
Scored four stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests. Standard safety equipment includes ABS, anti-lock brakes, six airbags, traction control, three-point seatbelts and headrests plus ISOFIX child seat anchorage points.
Running costs and depreciation:* * * *
The diesel engine is frugal enough, and the demand for the Tucson has made the residuals stay strong too. You are probably better off getting the diesel model as there will be a higher demand for it used.
THE CONCLUSIONS
For:Good price, decent equipment, a good buy Against:Kia Sportage looks better, cabin feels a little flimsy in places
The Irish TimesVerdict:You can't ignore value. Bit too bland for us but price wins over many customers.
Best Buy:2.0 diesel 4wd
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Price:€25,495-€34,995
NCAP Crash Test:* * * *
Seats:5
Doors:3, 5
Engines:1.6, 2.0, 1.9D
Trim Levels:One spec
CO2:190g/km - 208g/km
Quality and Reliability:* * *
Suzuki has a reputation for its engines and the ones featured in the Grand Vitara will be reliable. It feels well built too, but some of the interior plastics are a little downgrade compared to some of its rivals.
However,the good value offered by the Grand Vitara will make up for this for most buyers.
Performance:* * *
The 1.6-litre engine in the three-door has to work pretty hard in the Grand Vitara, with its 109bhp engine taking 13.4 seconds to get to 100km/h.
The 129bhp 1.9-litre diesel is better, with 300Nm of torque and accelerated marginally quicker. Few buyers are likely to go for the 140bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and it doesn't really offer better performance than the other two engines.
At the wheel:* * *
You sit high up in the Grand Vitara and the switchgear is all pretty straightforward. The ride is a little unsettled by poor roads and the handling is bit on the twitchy side, but it is reasonably fun to drive and is easy to flick around town.
Space and Comfort:* * * *
The three-door doesn't have bad space in the back, but suits those without kids who just want a fun small SUV.
Those with families will appreciate the five-door model better. The slightly restless ride and vocal 1.6-litre petrol spoils the refinement somewhat.
Safety:* * * *
Driver and passenger airbags and side airbags are standard. There is no ESP, but there is permanent four-wheel drive which makes up for it.
This model scored four-stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.
Running costs and depreciation:* * * *
The initial signs are good that the Grand Vitara will hold its value pretty well, but then SUVs of this size are good at retaining their value by and large. The 1.6-litre is a great value car and will be cheap to run.
THE CONCLUSIONS
For:Good value, cute looks Against:Interior quality, noisy 1.6
The Irish TimesVerdict:Hard to ignore the value on offer, but a second-hand Rav4 might make a better buy
Best Buy:1.6 3-door
Toyota Rav4
Price:€34,140-€43,990
NCAP Crash Test:* * * *
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engines:2.0, 2.2D
Trim Levels:Luna, Sol
CO2:173g/km - 212g/km
Quality and Reliability:* * * * *
It is almost starting to sound boring, so much do we go on about Toyota reliability; you almost wish a few would break down, but this is very unlikely. The Rav has the same solid build as the rest of the range with engines that will run forever.
Performance:* * * *
Two engines are offered. One is a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 150bhp and there is a 2.2-litre diesel with 134bhp. The diesel makes more sense because of the better fuel economy and the better torque, which always suits this kind of vehicle better.
At the wheel:* * * *
The cabin is straightforward and similar to one of Toyota's family cars, so is easy to use. The Rav4 has always been pretty entertaining to drive and while it no longer feels like a hot hatch on stilts, it has matured into a fine family car. There is a little bit of body roll but then you are reasonably high up.
Space and Comfort:* * * *
While rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe have got bigger and offer seven seats, the Rav4 remains a five-seater but has increased in size from the old model. Head, leg and elbow and shoulder room are good for all occupants, even in the back. Ride comfort is good and the engine noise is quiet, thanks to good noise dampening.
Safety:* * * *
There are nine airbags as standard and that is pretty impressive. Scored four stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, which is pretty good for an SUV. There is ABS with Brake Assist, but no traction control or ESP.
Running costs and depreciation:* * * * *
Traditionally this has been one of the slowest depreciating cars in Ireland and this continues to be the case. The diesel is the better choice for keeping the fuel bills down, returning 6.6 l/100km on the combined cycle, which is pretty good.
THE CONCLUSIONS:
For:Great build, great diesel engine Against:A little expensive at the top end
The Irish TimesVerdict:A really well-built SUV that has great road manners. Its strong resale value is a big draw too
Best Buy:2.2 D-4D 4x4 Luna