2016 Drive Car Of The Year
Here are our finalists for the Small SUV category
Our Best Small SUV category represents an important battle this year in one of the fastest-growing segments on the road. Volkswagen took an unlikely victory in 2015 when Hyundai's otherwise-excellent Tucson was rubbed out by a shock four-star safety result that has since been overturned. The Alltrack has serious in-house competition in Volkswagen's feature-packed Tiguan 110TSI with Audi-style virtual cockpit and cylinder on demand technology, while Kia's new Sportage posts an excellent argument backed by the best consumer guarantee on the road. Renault's Koleos Zen could also spring a surprise by blending European design flair with proven, Nissan-sourced mechanicals at a compelling price.
Kia Sportage SLi Diesel View vehicle
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| Price: | From $38,990 plus on-road costs |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Turbo Intercooled Diesel |
| Power: | 136kW at 4000rpm |
| Torque: | 400Nm at 1750-2750rpm |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Sports Automatic, 4X4 On Demand |
| Fuel use: | 6.8L/100km |
It's no coincidence that Kia broke away from its conservative design theme with its latest Sportage SUV, as the Korean car maker strategically wanted it to stand out from the crowd in one of the world's most competitive segments. Whether you love or hate the way it looks, the Sportage is an impressive family SUV, particularly in the SLi Diesel specification we've chosen as our finalist, as it's good value, packed with gear and has the gruntiest engine among our finalists.
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack View vehicle
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| Price: | From $38,340 plus on-road costs |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder Turbo Intercooled Petrol - Premium ULP |
| Power: | 132kW at 6200rpm |
| Torque: | 280Nm at 1350-4500rpm |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch, Four Wheel Drive |
| Fuel use: | 6.7L/100km |
Exactly what constitutes a modern, compact SUV? That was a question that raised its head after the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack toppled the Mazda CX-5 from its perch as the best Small SUV in Drive's Car of the Year awards. Like its rivals, the Golf is a high-riding wagon with plenty of space, excellent driving dynamics and all the latest safety features. It won because of its more car-like road manners, but will that be enough to stay ahead of some fresh new family favourites?
Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI Comfortline View vehicle
Volkswagen has a two-pronged attack at the Small SUV title this year, supporting its defending champion with the all-new second-generation Tiguan - ultimately a more conventional soft roader. It comes in base-level 110TSI Comfortline specification and is powered by the smallest but fuel-efficient 1.4-litre turbocharged engine here. In its favour though, the Tiguan has plenty of smart, family-focused features in its corner, the option of technologies previously reserved for genuine luxury cars and a high-level of standard safety gear.
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| Price: | From $36,990 plus on-road costs |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder Turbo Intercooled Petrol - Premium ULP |
| Power: | 110kW at 6000rpm |
| Torque: | 250Nm at 1500-3500rpm |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch, Front Wheel Drive |
| Fuel use: | 6.3L/100km |