Going by the growing number of people participating in marathons and bicycle races, it seems like keeping fit has gone from being a pastime to being a lifestyle choice. This trend could have made crossovers more popular, as these vehicles are very suitable for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, wakeboarding and kayaking.
The oldest contender in this test is the Subaru XV, which was introduced three years ago. Apart from its chunky and muscular styling, the XV offers plenty of driving confidence as well, thanks to its dependable all-wheel-drive system and creamy boxer engine.
The newest player in this segment is the second-generation Nissan Qashqai, which is roomier than its predecessor. Despite being an entry-level model (a range-topping 2-litre variant is also available), the Qashqai 1.2 is well-equipped. In fact, the only items it doesn’t have are the 2-litre model’s roof rails and bigger alloy wheels.
Eager to showcase its athletic abilities is Suzuki’s S-Cross AllGrip. As its moniker suggests, the S-Cross is an all-wheel-drive crossover. In addition to all that grip, the Suzuki also seeks to impress with its functional interior and generous amenities.
Now, which one of these crossovers would appeal most strongly to sporty suburbanites? Continue reading to find out!
Given the “active” nature of this story, the Subaru XV definitely feels like it could conquer any outdoor activity, on or off the beaten path, with its capable all-wheel-drive system. Other strong points include the XV’s competitive pricing and solid construction, but these are offset by the fewer amenities and smaller boot capacity vis-à-vis the two rivals in this test.
The Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip offers a big boot and sizeable underfloor stowage, but its short rear seatbacks and inadequate cabin storage points make it a less useful tool for outdoorsy drivers who like to carry all their “Nat Geo Wild” utensils with them. Nevertheless, the S-Cross’ easy manoeuvrability and grippy all-wheel-drive system, which includes a Drive Mode selector (not available in the Subaru XV), will impress suburbanites – active or inactive.
Even more impressive than the S-Cross is the Nissan Qashqai. Although it’s a front-wheel-drive crossover meant for urban conditions, this car overcompensates with its classy and practical interior, effective 1.2-litre powerplant and excellent ride. In this story, it is the most ideal crossover for suburbanites with active lifestyles and a lot of sports gear to lug.
SPECIFICATIONS
Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1586cc
BORE X STROKE 78mm x 83mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11:1
MAX POWER 115bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 151Nm at 4400rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 96.6bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT
with 6-speed override
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 13.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 165km/h
CONSUMPTION 16.1km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 146g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental ContiEcoContact
SIZE 205/50 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4300mm
WIDTH 1765mm
HEIGHT 1570mm
WHEELBASE 2600mm
KERB WEIGHT 1190kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $131,900
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Lightest steering, “energetic” acceleration, most versatile boot
– Highest price, least cushy backseat, cabin is the least practical
* BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVER-FRIENDLINESS
SPECIFICATIONS
Nissan Qashqai 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1197cc
BORE X STROKE 72.2mm x 83.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 115bhp at 4500rpm
MAX TORQUE 165Nm at 1750rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 89.6bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT
with 7-speed override
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 12.9 seconds
TOP SPEED 173km/h
CONSUMPTION 17.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 129g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental ContiEcoContact
SIZE 215/60 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, VDC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4380mm
WIDTH 1806mm
HEIGHT 1590mm
WHEELBASE 2646mm
KERB WEIGHT 1285kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $127,800
(after $10k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Most upmarket cabin, most efficient drivetrain, smoothest CVT
– Least punchy low-end, no four-wheel drive, least roomy backseat
* BEST OF THE THREE IN REFINEMENT
SPECIFICATIONS
Suabru XV 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1600cc
BORE X STROKE 78.8mm x 82mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 114bhp at 5600rpm
MAX TORQUE 150Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 81.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 13.1 seconds
TOP SPEED 175km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 146g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Yokohama Geolandar G95
SIZE 225/55 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, VDC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4450mm
WIDTH 1780mm
HEIGHT 1570mm
WHEELBASE 2635mm
KERB WEIGHT 1405kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $115,600
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most rugged character, sweetest engine, highly competitive pricing
– Least spacious cargo hold, least ergonomic cockpit, relative thirst
* BEST OF THE THREE IN TOUGHNESS
