Had this shootout been about finding the largest crossover for the least amount of money, the Kia Sportage would easily have outmuscled these other two contenders. Its spaciousness (which means great convenience) and unmistakable design are its key selling points, but it needs a more refined and fuel-efficient powertrain if it wants to truly outshine the competition. Without these two minuses, the Sportage would definitely have been the one to beat.
The Qashqai impresses with its nimble handling and refined ride, but its comparatively cramped cabin and lack of storage points in relation to its competitors means it scores lower when it comes to flexibility and practicality (the two main reasons drivers choose crossovers in the first place). Nevertheless, this European “nomad” remains an ideal choice for urbanites looking for a more useful alternative to the compact hatchback.
It is the XV, then, that emerges ahead of its rivals in this shootout. Although it doesn’t have the Sportage’s commodious interior or the Qashqai’s outright agility, the XV overcomes these shortcomings with its fantastic infotainment features, all-weather ability and frugal engine. These talents give it the versatility it needs to meet the demands of the modern city slicker.
Subaru XV 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Flat-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1995cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 90mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 150bhp at 6200rpm
Max Torque 196Nm at 4200rpm
Power to weight 104.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.8 seconds
Top Speed 187km/h
Consumption 15.1km/L (combined)
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 7
Traction Control ABS with VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4450mm
Width 1780mm
Height 1615mm
Wheelbase 2635mm
Kerb Weight 1430kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $154,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Likeable motor, all-wheel drive grip, great infotainment offering
– Limited steering feedback, noticeable CVT whine, inadequate boot
Kia Sportage 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 166bhp at 6200rpm
Max Torque 197Nm at 4600rpm
Power to weight 118.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.7 seconds
Top Speed 182km/h
Consumption 11.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Optimo H426
Size 235/55 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4440mm
Width 1855mm
Height 1635mm
Wheelbase 2640mm
Kerb Weight 1403kg
Turning Circle 10.5m
BUYING IT
Price $129,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Roomy cockpit, commodious boot, punchy hi-fi
– Engine lacks refinement and fuel efficiency, low rear headroom
Nissan Qashqai 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1997cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 90.1mmm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 138bhp at 5200rpm
Max Torque 196Nm at 4800rpm
Power to weight 106.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.7 seconds
Top Speed 180km/h
Consumption 12.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiPremiumContact 2
Size 215/55 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4330mm
Width 1783mm
Height 1606mm
Wheelbase 2630mm
Kerb Weight 1300kg
Turning Circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price $142,300 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Refined powertrain, quiet ride, good audio system
– Plain interior, tight rear bench, low tailgate opening
