The number of small SUVs has exploded recently. Five models that stand out from the crowd.
Small SUVs are now available en mass. In addition to numerous offers for a wide range of tastes, there are also some crossovers with a special character. Five examples.
Ford Puma - the athlete:
Highly built and a bit chubby - small SUVs are actually not born dynamics. The Ford Puma shows that they can be very fast. It takes over the sporty character from its close relative Fiesta, which provides technology and engines. The fact that additional weight and a higher center of gravity are hardly significant is due not only to the skilful suspension setup but also to the biting mild hybrids in the portfolio. Even the 92 kW / 125 PS entry-level petrol engine (from 23.400 euros) makes a bold move thanks to 48-volt electrical assistance. If that is not enough, the completely conventionally powered ST version of the small crossover will shortly be available from the dealer - with 147 kW / 200 PS and a speed-100 sprint time in the six-second range.
Opel Mokka-e - the electronics technician:
While the first Opel Mokka was still a rather conservative car inside and out, the new edition gave the whole brand a boost in modernity. This is not only due to the new family design, which is celebrating its premiere at the crossover in the form of a front design inspired by the motorcycle visor. And not just in the harmoniously digitized interior. The optional electric drive with 100 kW / 136 PS plays a decisive role. Powerful, powerful and quiet, it goes perfectly with the small city SUV. If the starting price of around 33.000 euros is too much despite government purchase subsidies (in this case 9.480 euros), you can also find pure gasoline and even diesel at prices from 20.000 euros.
Jeep Renegade - the off-roader:
The term “crossover” should not be heard at Jeep in relation to its own models, as they also see themselves as a robust off-road vehicle brand in the segment of jacked up small cars. In fact, the smallest Jeep easily outperforms most of its off-road competitors. As a rule, they can't even come up with all-wheel drive, the Renegade even offers a gear reduction and bumpers with an increased slope angle in the particularly off-road "Trailhawk" version. Because the stick-and-stone equipment package is only available in conjunction with the top engine, a 177 kW / 240 PS plug-in hybrid drive, an impressive 41.530 euros are due for the off-road crossover. However, part of this is offset by the environmental bonus.
Toyota C-HR - the eye-catcher:
For many years, Toyota was accused of the staid design of its cars. With the brand's small crossover, critics are now bothered by the opposite: the expressive, angular anti-boredom style of the jagged body. The design may well be a bit exaggerated - but the C-HR with it stands out from the gray monotony. And maybe straight into the eye of its urban and young clientele. They buy the strong appearance with a narrow, dark rear and a moderate overview, but in return receive the brand's sophisticated hybrid drive, which is particularly suitable for city and short-haul journeys. Prices start at 30.900 euros. There is no environmental bonus because the Toyota lacks a cable connection.
Suzuki Ignis - the tiny:
After the wave of SUVs had swept from the luxury class to the compact models and into the small cars, it seemed like the next logical step to flood the segment below. But after Suzuki founded the micro-SUV class with the Ignis, not much came after. The 3,70 meter short five-door model is almost unrivaled in the urban jungle and in the surrounding area. There, thanks to the all-wheel drive option, it gets along well, while in the city it benefits from its compact dimensions and the economical four-cylinder petrol engine (66 kW / 90 PS). With prices starting at 15.100 euros, it is also one of the particularly affordable crossovers.
On the cover picture: Jeep Renegade