The Range Rover Evoque’s off-roading prowess and cool design are undoubtedly compelling, but its comparatively smaller dimensions mean compromised overall useability — a trait that matters to buyers of these vehicles.
On paper, the BMW X3 has what it takes to snatch outright victory. It’s the most driver-friendly, thanks to its punchy performance and great handling, while its interior spaciousness easily matches that of the Volvo XC60. But with the winning criteria in this case hinging on being fashionable as well as functional, the more utilitarian-looking X3 has to yield to the stylish XC60.
The XC60 may not boast the go-everywhere surefootedness of the Evoque or the potency of the X3’s powertrain, but it more than makes up for these shortcomings with its great build quality, refined character and advanced safety features. It is the designer trainer that will surely attract suburbanites seeking “footwear” that is as fashionable as it is functional.
BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1997cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 90.1mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 245bhp at 5000rpm
Max Torque 350Nm at 1250-4800rpm
Power to weight 136.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.7 seconds
Top Speed 230km/h
Consumption 13.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double-joint tension-rod, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli Cinturato P7
Size 245/50 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4648mm
Width 1881mm
Height 1661mm
Wheelbase 2810mm
Kerb Weight 1795kg
Turning Circle 11.9m
BUYING IT
Price $269,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Effective yet efficient drivetrain, good infotainment, great handling
– Least “designer” looks, weak air-conditioning, highest sticker price
Volvo XC90 T5 R-Design 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1999cc
Bore x stroke 87.5mm x 83.1mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 240bhp at 5500rpm
Max Torque 320Nm at 1800-5000rpm
Power to weight 136.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.1 seconds
Top Speed 210km/h
Consumption 11.8km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli Scorpion Zero
Size 255/45 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with DSTC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4627mm
Width 1891mm
Height 1713mm
Wheelbase 2774mm
Kerb Weight 1760kg
Turning Circle 12.1m
BUYING IT
Price $259,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Value-driven pricing, superb safety features, most comfortable seats
– Relatively relaxed performance, least ergonomic infotainment
Range Rover Evoque 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1999cc
Bore x stroke 87.5mm x 83.1mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 240bhp at 5500rpm
Max Torque 340Nm at 1750rpm
Power to weight 143.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 7.6 seconds
Top Speed 217km/h
Consumption 11.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiCrossContact
Size 245/45 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4355mm
Width 1965mm
Height 1635mm
Wheelbase 2660mm
Kerb Weight 1670kg
Turning Circle 11.3m
BUYING IT
Price $268,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most capable off-road, awesome design, willing powertrain
– Most cramped cabin, uninspiring engine note, bumpy ride at times
