The SUV and crossover market is one that has seen enormous growth over the past year or so, with every manufacturer seeking to get in on the act. This has led to more and more sectors popping up, not least the “crossover” that the Nissan Qashqai made so popular and the Honda HR-V perfected.
But what if you want something that looks a little more than a regular hatchback on steroids but not a full size SUV like a Land Rover Discovery? There’s even a sector for you, too. Welcome to the world of the medium SUV – here, we will take a look at five of the best.
1) Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The best known brand in SUVs released the Evoque in 2011 and it has become Land Rover’s most successful model. It has all the refinement and style of its larger brother, including the super-smooth 9-speed automatic gearbox, but with a more engaging driving experience and some highly impressive fuel economy if you opt for the new Ingenium diesel. As an additional tempter, those looking to lease rather than buy can find some excellent deals here that bring the Evoque into any budget.
2) BMW X3
You know what you are getting with the X3. Solid build quality, a well appointed cabin and high residual values all make the Bavarian bruiser a compelling choice. However, the X3 has been around for a few years now, and looks a little dated compared with the Evoque or the latest offerings from Jaguar and others.
3) Skoda Kodiaq
If anyone had talked 25 years ago about the Skoda brand competing with BMW and Jaguar in the SUV market, you might have thought they had popped through from a parallel dimension. But with no-nonsense styling, fabulously appointed interiors and a seven seat configuration, this relatively new entrant to the market ticks all the boxes. With prices starting at around £22,000, it is certainly well worth a look.
4) Jaguar F-Pace
Jaguar purists could only look on, aghast, when the brand launched its first ever SUV, but the F-Pace is such an accomplished vehicle, you would think they had been making them for years. Of course, being a sister company to Land Rover helps, but there is no brand dilution here. In fact, the big cat has all of the sports car feel that you would expect from the marque, and if you are not worried about fuel economy, the 3.0-litre petrol is a breathtaking performer.
5) Seat Ateca
Another new name to the SUV market, the Seat shares plenty of features with the Volkswagen Tiguan, but is bigger, better and more cost effective than its cousin. Like the Skoda, it has the usual range of Volkswagen engine options available, and there are two or four wheel drive options available. The basic trim level is very rudimentary, but anything from SE spec upwards is well appointed. It won’t hold its value like A BMW or Jaguar, but for a good quality SUV at a reasonable price, the Seat should definitely make your shortlist.
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