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TMR Best Buy 2016 – Top 5 Small SUVs: Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Skoda Yeti, Nissan Qashqai, BMW X1

While small cars remain the dominant segment in the Australian new car landscape, guess which is the fastest-growing? Small SUV sales are 'on the up' in a big way, with segment sales swelling by a huge 27.4 percent in 2015 compared to the year


While small cars remain the dominant segment in the Australian new car landscape, guess which is the fastest-growing?

Small SUV sales are 'on the up' in a big way, with segment sales swelling by a huge 27.4 percent in 2015 compared to the year prior. In contrast, small car sales declined by 7.6 percent over the same period.

Why are people gravitating to small SUVs? Well, it’s not for anything to do with off-roading, that's for sure - many vehicles in the segment don’t even come with the option of an AWD drivetrain, and with a monocoque chassis and limited ground clearance their dirt-track credentials are slim.

Rather, taller seating positions, roomier interiors and a rugged image are driving the uptake of these compact crossovers. What’s the best buying in this rapidly expanding segment? Here is our Top 5:

BMW X1

Price range: $49,500 to $59,900
Engines: 141kW/280Nm 2.0 turbo petrol 4cyl, 110kW/330Nm turbo diesel 4cyl, 140kW/400Nm turbo diesel 4cyl, 170kW/350Nm 2.0 turbo petrol 4cyl
Transmission: 8sp automatic, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive

An all-new generation of the BMW X1 launched last year and took BMW’s baby SUV from a longitudinally-engined, rear-drive/AWD platform to a transverse-engined, front-drive/AWD one.

And we’re glad it made the switch.

The previous-gen was cramped in the back and its cabin didn't really do justice to the premium badge or the ticket-price. Its replacement is roomier than rivals the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA-Class, and carries a substantially more premium feel inside and out.

With a sliding second row, 40/20/40 split rear seatbacks and a sizable 505 litre boot, it’s got the most versatile interior in the luxury small SUV segment, and that counts for a lot.

 

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