Urban Explorers

Which of these upmarket 2-litre SUVs can do the best job of exploring the concrete jungle in style and comfort?

AN SUV (sports utility vehicle) driven by outdoorsy suburbanites in Singapore will never encounter rocks, rivers or mountains. Instead, they’ll need to contend with kerbs, “ponding” and multi-storey carparks. This makes them more like urban explorers, as opposed to jungle adventurers. Lexus is hoping to capture more of these outdoorsy buyers with the NX200t. In addition to its aggressive design, this vehicle also promises a sporty drive with its turbocharged motor (the first Lexus model so equipped) and a comfy ride with its wellappointed cabin.

Taking on the Lexus in this shootout is Volvo’s XC60. Although it’s the oldest model here and the only one without all-wheel-drive, this car has nevertheless benefited from updates to its cabin (snazzy new instrument meters) and powertrain (more ponies and a new gearbox with more ratios), which enable it to remain relevant in this segment. The newest model in this division is the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which has replaced the Freelander 2. Like its two rivals, it is powered by a turbocharged 2-litre engine, but sets itself apart by off ering an extra pair of seats in the rear. Which of these SUVs will appeal most strongly to outdoorsy suburbanites in Singapore? Keep reading to find out.

Lexus’ turbo 2-litre with 234bhp and 350Nm is the most refined motor, and delivers the quickest century sprint, too.

Land Rover’s turbocharged 2-litre with 240bhp and 340Nm feels the most willing, but also has the most weight to pull.

Volvo’s turbocharged 2-litre with 245bhp and 350Nm is the most muscular and, yet, the most economical.

Six-speed automatic has the fewest ratios, but the most responsive manual override.

Nine-speed automatic delivers the smoothest shifts and the most forward ratios

Eight-speed automatic is as smooth as the. Discovery Sport’s 9- speeder, but the manual override function could be faster.

COCKPIT: Sportiest cockpit features contrast stitching, plus turbo and g-force gauges. Only one with an electrically adjustable steering wheel and ventilated front seats. BACKSEAT: Has less cabin space compared to its two rivals and lacks a power socket, but the flat floor makes it the easiest for three adults to sit abreast.

COCKPIT: The most spacious cockpit here is also the most practical, with the largest storage points. High seating position enhances forward and lateral visibility. BACKSEAT: Offers the most legroom of the trio (in five-seater mode) and is the only one with the flexibility of an additional pair of rear seats.

COCKPIT: Ideal for long drives as its seats are the most comfortable. All-digital instrument cluster is the coolest, but infotainment system is the least intuitive. BACKSEAT: This is the cushiest and has the tallest backrests, but the floor protrusion means it’s better for two occupants rather than three.

BOOT: Commodious capacity of 500 litres, but with a comparatively low internal height. Double boot lamps make loading/ unloading in dark places easier.

BOOT: Volume of 981 litres (with the third-row seats folded) is the largest, and the boot also comes with two power points and a wellorganised toolkit.

BOOT: Volume of 495 litres has the lowest loading height and easily accepts bulky/heavy objects. But the tiny boot light is not bright enough.

LAST WORD

Thanks to its updates, the Volvo XC60 never betrays its age. It strengths lie in its host of safety features, solid feel and awesome seats. At press time, the XC60 is also $16k and $25k more aff ordable than the NX200t and the Discovery Sport respectively. This Swede SUV’s only bugbears are its unintuitive infotainment controls and high floor protrusion in the rear, which makes it awkward for the middle passenger in the backseat.

KEYS (From left) The XC60’s device is the most useful as it’s the only one that can inform the driver if the doors are locked, the NX200t fob looks and feels the most elegant, while the Discovery Sport’s key seem to be the most solid

KEYS (From left) The XC60’s device is the most useful as it’s the only one that can inform the driver if the doors are locked, the NX200t fob looks and feels the most elegant, while the Discovery Sport’s key seem to be the most solid