Renault KADJAR
Renault KADJAR
The crossover is also referred to as a compact SUV (sports utility vehicle), they combine the practicalities of a family car with the height of an SUV but with more compact dimensions, increased comfort and lower running costs. They are more suited to town or city driving than an SUV.
Demand has increased in recent years – could it be down to their practicality and space, or is it just a trend?
According to SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) car-buying habits have changed and crossovers (Dual Purpose vehicles as they refer to them) were among the top selling segments this year. They also state the market for crossovers has increased by more than 88% over the last ten years.
They make the ideal family car and there are so many options on the market there is one to suit any requirement. We’ve provided a list of our top five crossovers so you can narrow down your choice depending on what you’re looking for.
Style-wise the Duster doesn’t compare to the likes of the MINI seen later in this article, however it is spacious and the interior is comfortable. The Duster’s price is its main selling point.
There are four trim levels – the Access, Ambience, Laureate and Laureate Prime (the latter being added in 2015). The Laureate Prime features a MediaNav Evolution Touchscreen infotainment system.
The interior is practical with enough space to seat five as well as a 475-litre boot, with the rear seats folded this increases to 1636. Four-wheel drive is available in the higher trim levels, however automatic transmission is not.
Selling points: Spacious and low cost
Safety: Three-star Euro NCAP, since that was awarded anti-lock brakes and stability control added as standard.
Engines and economy: The most economical engine is the 1.5 dCi 110 Ambiance 5dr, which gives 56.5mpg and emits 130g/km CO2.
4x4: Yes
Price: From £9488
The C4 Cactus certainly has quirky looks, it even made it on to our list of funniest looking cars, thanks to its bold styling including the Airbumps, the name Citroën has given to its rubberised plastic side panels. Not just for style they are designed to protect the bodywork from knocks. It has a lower roof than other crossovers on the market, making it seem longer than some of its rivals.
There are four engine options; three petrols and one diesel and three trim levels. Equipment levels are good on the entry level, Touch, with a 7-inch touchscreen, front electric windows and DAB digital radio as standard. The range-topping Flair adds sat nav and reversing camera, alternatively you could add a sat nav or City Park Pack as an option if you were to choose one of the other trims.
The interior is spacious and practical, with mostly plastic finishes, however this comes in handy for families need a hardwearing, wipe-clean interior space. There is enough space on the single rear bench seat for two adults. In terms of storage there is a top-loading glovebox, door pockets in all doors central storage in the front arm rest and boot space is 358 litres with the rear seats folding to expand the space to 1170 litres.
Selling points: Bold styling and practical space
Safety: Four-star Euro NCAP rating, multiple airbags electronic stability control and daytime running lights.
Engines and economy: The most fuel-efficient diesel is the BlueHDi diesel with approximately 90mpg the most fuel-efficient petrol engine is the PureTech 82 with 65.7mpg.
4X4: No
Price: From £12,988
The Captur is based on the Renault Clio but it rides higher allowing for good visibility. The sloping roofline gives it a style advantage on its rivals and it certainly stands out on the road. There is a range of personalisation options too, with the three themed collections with options to choose from each such as colour, interior touch and style. The steering is light and comfortable and there is a height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel for added comfort, perfect for longer journeys. There are five trims available and all are well equipped even the entry level Expression has electric windows, alloy wheels, air conditioning and cruise control as standard.
As you would expect the interior space is good with a boot capable of holding 455 litres with the rear seats pushed to the furthest forward position and 377 litres with them pushed back.
Selling points: Low running costs and many personalisation options
Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP rating – six airbags and crumple-point designed chassis.
Engines and economy: For fuel economy the diesel 1.5-litre dCi gives a combined 78.5 mpg and CO2 emissions of 95g/km.
4x4: No
Price: From £14,295
Released in May this year and bigger than the Captur the KADJAR is a mid-size crossover with striking good looks, the front is impressive looking thanks to the sweeping headlights and aggressive grille. That doesn’t stop on the outside, the interior is impressively high-quality too.
There are two diesels and one petrol engine to choose from the most efficient of the lot being the smaller 1.5-litre dCi diesel offering 72mpg, the one petrol option is the TCe 130 a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine returning 50.4mpg, the cheapest in terms of purchasing price, yet least efficient engine choice.
There are four trim levels the highest, Signature Nav, adds a panoramic sunroof, BOSE stereo system, parking sensors and 19-inch alloys wheels. The entry level Expression+ is still well equipped with electronic parking brake, LED daytime running lights, DAB digital radio, USB, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity as standard. The boot space is generous at 472-litres with 60:40 split folding rear seats increasing that space to 1478 litres with a simple lever mechanism.
Selling points: Stylish good looks and high ride height
Safety: As yet untested by Euro NCAP however there is six airbags, hill-start assistance, and electronic stability control.
Engines and economy: Most efficient engine is the 1.5-litre dCi diesel offering 72mpg
4x4: Yes, optional
Price: From £17,995
SUV styling combined with the distinctive good looks of the MINI brand. The Countryman is available in four- or five-seater options. The fifth seat was introduced as part of a facelift in 2014. There is increased practicality in terms of space in comparison to other MINI models and the additional height means visibility is good.
There are seven trim levels and engine choices with air conditioning, rear parking sensors, start-stop engine, DAB radio, USB, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity as standard. The diesel engines are the most cost efficient to run with the Cooper D two-wheel drive and the One D two-wheel drive options scoring top marks. If you want a petrol engine then the Cooper S returns 47.1mpg and emits 139g/km of CO2. The ALL4 option and automatic transmission will make a significant impact on emissions and efficiency.
There is plenty of head and legroom for the driver and passengers alike. There are various cupholders and cubbies throughout the cabin. As it stands boot space is at 350-litres, that increases to 1170 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
Selling points: Stylish with plenty of features
Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP rating with stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system and seven airbags.
Engines and economy: Most economical engines are Cooper D two-wheel drive and the One D two-wheel drive returning 67.3mpg and emitting 111g/km CO2.
4x4: Optional ALL4 four-wheel-drive system, on the Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper SD models.
Price: From £16,620
