Bearing in mind the questions we asked in this story’s introduction, the Golf has to take the day off today. Its Teutonic sobriety is not an advantage in the context of this comparison test, and it is just not fashionable enough in the company of the latest crossovers in town. Having said that, Volkswagen does have something in Europe that might fit the bill: the new CrossGolf.
The Yeti is an intriguing cross between a soft hatchback and a hard SUV, with a touch of MPV thrown in. It is a post-modern wagon with traditional Skoda values of toughness and usefulness. But some corners have been cut in the transition from typical Golf platform to atypical Skoda product, making it decidedly downmarket despite the distraction provided by that panoramic glass roof. If the Yeti is priced closer to the Kia, then it might have aced this contest.
So the Soul is our winner. Kia hatched a hip idea and delivered on its promise of funky functionality. With development money saved by raiding the Forte parts bin, Kia’s engineers could let the designers do their thang and create one of the most innovative Korean cars in recent years, with keen pricing to boot. Drivers in the “correct” demographic, such as youngsters and young couples, will surely appreciate the Soul like we do.
Skoda Yeti 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 8-valves, turbo
Capacity 1197cc
Bore x stroke 71mm x 75.6mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 105bhp at 5000rpm
Max Torque 175Nm at 1500-3500rpm
Power to weight 76.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12 seconds
Top Speed 173km/h
Consumption 15.6km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear Excellence
Size 215/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4223mm
Width 1793mm
Height 1691mm
Wheelbase 2578mm
Kerb Weight 1375kg
Turning Circle 10.3m
BUYING IT
Price $98,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Cool SUV styling, lively and efficient performance, decent equipment
– Less roomy than thought, awkward rear seating, ugly alloy wheels
Volkswagen Golf 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 8-valves, turbo
Capacity 1197cc
Bore x stroke 71mm x 75.6mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 105bhp at 5000rpm
Max Torque 175Nm at 1550-4100rpm
Power to weight 99.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.6 seconds
Top Speed 190km/h
Consumption 17.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Turanza ER300
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4199mm
Width 1786mm
Height 1479mm
Wheelbase 2578mm
Kerb Weight 1241kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $101,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Comfort and refinement, frugal yet fun drivetrain, image and quality
– Predictable design, regular interior space, not much of a lifestyle slant
Kia Soul 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1591cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.4mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 124bhp at 6300rpm
Max Torque 156Nm at 4200rpm
Power to weight 93.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12 seconds
Top Speed 162km/h
Consumption 13.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Nexen CP643a
Size 225/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4105mm
Width 1785mm
Height 1610mm
Wheelbase 2550mm
Kerb Weight 1329kg
Turning Circle 10.5m
BUYING IT
Price $74,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Genuine design character, plenty of cabin space, great value for money
– Average ride quality, accessories add up, still suffers badge snobbery
