Which of these four “samurai” would appeal the most to urban warriors seeking a practical, comfortable and stylish Japanese crossover?
WHEN it comes to Japanese crossovers today, no model is more popular in Singapore than the Honda HR-V (or its evil twin, the Vezel).
Recently upgraded, the HR-V now has a stronger and more efficient motor that enables it to qualify for a $5000 CEVS rebate. Unchanged, however, is the Honda’s roomy and comfy cabin.
Like the HR-V, the Nissan Qashqai is also one of the most popular crossovers in Singapore. The Qashqai aims to impress buyers with its suite of technologies, such as Active Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which enhance both safety and handling.
Ready to display its handling attributes, too, is the Suzuki Vitara – the only contender here with all-wheel-drive. Apart from its ability to go off -road away from the concrete jungle, the Vitara can also turn a few heads with its snazzy styling.
The newest competitor in this segment is the Mazda CX-3, essentially the crossover version of the 2 hatchback. But the CX-3 has a more potent powertrain of 2-litre capacity, which will definitely appeal to petrolheads.
Which of these samurai crossovers would Singapore’s urbanites find the most appealing? Keep reading to find out.
NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 vs SUZUKI VITARA 1.6 vs HONDA HR-V 1.5 vs MAZDA CX-3 2.0
NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0
“QUIETEST PERFORMANCE”
ENGINE
Nissan’s 2-litre 4-cylinder with 144bhp and 200Nm is the most refined of the group.
COCKPIT
The group’s most upmarket cockpit has the softest plastics and the cushiest seats. It’s also the only car here with dual climate zones and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
BACKSEAT
Qashqai is best for occupants above 1.75m in height, as it has the tallest backrests and comparable legroom to the HR-V. It also provides cupholders in the centre armrest, and its panoramic sunroof is even larger than the Vitara’s.
SUZUKI VITARA 1.6
MOST WILLING ENGINE
ENGINE
Suzuki’s 1.6-litre 4-cylinder with 118bhp and 156Nm is the most eager performer, and matches Honda’s 1.5-litre motor for efficiency.
COCKPIT
Most stylish cockpit has dashboard panels in the same hue as the paintwork, plus a cool analogue clock. All-round visibility in here is the best, with the large windows by the C-pillars helping to reduce blind spots.
BACKSEAT
Vitara accommodates a third, middle occupant most comfortably, because the squab of its bench is flat, with no hump in the centre. But the backrests are even shorter than the HR-V’s.
NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 vs SUZUKI VITARA 1.6 vs HONDA HR-V 1.5 vs MAZDA CX-3 2.0
HONDA HR-V 1.5
PUNCHIEST LOW-END
ENGINE
Honda’s 1.5-litre 4-cylinder with 130bhp and 155Nm feels the punchiest at city speeds.
COCKPIT
Most driver-friendly cockpit has the most intuitive infotainment, the nearest gearlever and an additional, kerbside mirror to assist with parallel parking. The air-conditioning is also the most effective.
BACKSEAT
Most spacious backseat even boasts the most footwell space for your feet and shoes. HR-V is also the only one here with LED map lights and a 12-volt socket for charging gadgets.
MAZDA CX-3 2.0
MOST POWERFUL OUTPUT
ENGINE
Mazda’s 2-litre 4-cylinder with 156bhp and 204Nm has the highest power-toweight ratio and delivers the quickest acceleration.
COCKPIT
The group’s most driveroriented cockpit has the sportiest driving position, most accurate helm and a gearshift lever with manual override points in the “correct” positions (forward to downshift, backward to upshift).
BOOT
Least generous backseat is better for two adults instead of three. But the pair of passengers will be travelling in comfort because the CX-3’s bench is the cushiest, surprisingly.
NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 vs SUZUKI VITARA 1.6 vs HONDA HR-V 1.5 vs MAZDA CX-3 2.0
NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0
BOOT
Qashqai’s 430-litre boot is the most commodious and also the only one with elastic straps for securing items such as bottles, tools and cleaning products.
SUZUKI VITARA 1.6
BOOT
Vitara’s 370-litre boot is the most flexible, thanks to its removable side partitions and the most underfloor storage for hiding valuables.
HONDA HR-V 1.5
BOOT
HR-V’s 400-litre boot has the lowest loading height, making it easier to transfer heavier and bulkier items.
MAZDA CX-3 2.0
BOOT
CX-3’s 240-litre boot is the smallest in capacity and aperture, and sits the furthest from the ground, so the Mazda prefers to carry smaller and lighter things.
NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 vs SUZUKI VITARA 1.6 vs HONDA HR-V 1.5 vs MAZDA CX-3 2.0
LAST WORD
When it comes to performance, the Mazda CX-3 is in a league of its own. It may not have the Nissan Qashqai’s nifty electronics that aid handling or the Suzuki Vitara’s all-wheel-drive, but the CX-3’s agility is still the best in this company of crossovers. Its powerful 2-litre engine is sure to please keen drivers, too.
The CX-3’s only shortcomings are its comparative lack of interior space and its rather high price tag (at time of writing). At over $135,000, the CX-3 costs about $21k more than the Vitara, the most affordable contender in this story.
Although the Vitara is the sleekest and cheapest “samurai”, its performance is a bit too relaxed for urbanites in a hurry. However, those who want a surefooted crossover with rugged looks and a versatile loadspace would be quite happy with this Suzie.
The Honda HR-V is arguably the best all-rounder in this bunch. Its performance is adequately perky and its well-packaged cabin is the most practical of the four. The HR-V’s only drawback is its hohum interior design. It also needs to duel with the dreaded Vezel at every turn.
Matching the HR-V in this “samurai showdown” is the Qashqai. Spacious, comfortable and almost upmarket compared to the competition, this Nissan holds plenty of appeal for urban warriors seeking a capable “samurai” to serve as their daily multiactivity runabout.
“THE QASHQAI IS THE MOST REFINED, THE VITARA IS THE MOST SUREFOOTED, THE HR-V IS THE MOST EASYGOING, WHILE THE CX-3 IS THE MOST ATHLETIC.”
