Which of these three cool-looking compact crossovers has the most pleasing blend of style and substance?
THESE three contenders are out to attract hip drivers looking for a stylish crossover. But these motorists don’t just want a car that looks good – it must have substance beneath its sheet metal, too.
Aiming to capture the attention of buyers with funky tastes is the equally funky Renault Captur Flamme Edition, which has plenty of flame-inspired orange-coloured exterior bits. And with its little turbocharged engine, the Captur aims to fire up keen drivers, too.
Sure to draw admiring glances is the Suzuki Vitara. Unlike its predecessor, which targeted off -road enthusiasts, the latest model is aimed at fashion-conscious suburbanites. The only hint of the Vitara’s rugged past is its all-wheel-drive system.
The SsangYong Tivoli is the newest contender in this segment, and it has already garnered plenty of sales, going by the numbers we’ve seen on the road. Apart from its sleek design, it offers a roomy interior and a muscular engine.
Which of these cool crossovers has the coolest mix of stylishness and capability? Keep reading to discover what we think.
RENAULT CAPTUR 1.2 Most frugal motor
ENGINE Renault’s turbocharged 1.2-litre 4-pot with 120bhp and 190Nm is the most efficient here, and delivers the quickest century sprint.
SUZUKI VITARA 1.6 Most willing engine
ENGINE Suzuki’s 1.6-litre 4-pot with 118bhp and 156Nm is, surprisingly, the most enthusiastic of the three engines.
SSANGYONG TIVOLI 1.6 Most refined drivetrain
ENGINE SsangYong’s 1.6-litre 4-pot with 128bhp and 160Nm is the quietest and also the most powerful.
RENAULT CAPTUR 1.2
COCKPIT Has the best overall visibility, but the least intuitive controls. The removable and washable seat covers are ideal for people with active lifestyles.
BACKSEAT Has the least legroom and is only suited to petite occupants. But it caters well to those with big feet, thanks to the spacious footwells.
BOOT Captur’s 377-litre cargo capacity has the most generous underfloor storage for keeping valuables hidden. Like the Vitara, one side of the floorboard is water-resistant.
SUZUKI VITARA 1.6
COCKPIT Sportiest and most stylish of the trio, with dashboard trim that matches the paintwork. It’s also the only one with paddle-shifters and semi-suede seats.
BACKSEAT Smallest backseat is better for two instead of three adults, as the rearward-protruding centre console reduces space for the middle occupant.
BOOT Vitara’s 370-litre boot volume is the most flexible, as it has the most tethering points and two binnacles for loose items. The 12-volt socket is conveniently located by the boot light.
SSANGYONG TIVOLI 1.6
COCKPIT Most practical, with the largest storage points, and the sturdiest. It’s also the only one with dual climate zones and adjustable steering assistance.
BACKSEAT The roomiest of the three cabins has the tallest backrests and biggest doorbins. The rear windows are also the only ones that are fully retractable.
BOOT Tivoli’s 423-litre boot is the best for hauling bulky items, but doesn’t have additional side compartments. The standard elastic straps can only secure light objects, such as wiping cloths.
LAST WORD
The Renault Captur is clearly ahead of the Suzuki Vitara and SsangYong Tivoli in terms of funkiness and perkiness, but lags behind when it comes to user-friendliness. Despite this, the Captur’s competitive price – $6.9k and $15.8k less than the Vitara’s and Tivoli’s respectively – should enable it to capture its share of buyers.
The Vitara is impressive – it’s a well-designed crossover with off -roading abilities. But it could use a roomier backseat and sprightlier performance. These drawbacks, however, are relatively minor to fashion-driven crossover customers.
The Tivoli’s asking price may be the highest here, but the Korean model justifies it by being spacious, practical and refined. Add sleek looks to the justification and you’ve got a compact crossover with an even more pleasing blend of style and substance.
The captur is the most manoeuvrable, the vitara is the most surefooted, while the tivoli is the most upmarket.
