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 ho-hum 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 multi-?activity runabout.
Nissan Qashqai Premium 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1997cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 90.1mm
Compression Ratio 11.2:1
Max power 144bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 200Nm at 4400rpm
Power to weight 104.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.1 seconds
Top speed 184km/h
Consumption 14.5km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 159g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 5
Size 225/45 R19
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4380mm
Width 1806mm
Height 1590mm
Wheelbase 2646mm
Kerb weight 1379kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $120,300 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Most upscale cabin, smoothest transmission, most pliant ride quality
– Thirstiest powertrain, no memory function for driver’s seat, relatively inefficient air-con
BEST IN COMFORT
Suzuki Vitara Premium 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1586cc
Bore x stroke 78mm x 83mm
Compression Ratio 11:1
Max power 118bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 156Nm at 4400rpm
Power to weight 95.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 13 seconds
Top speed 180km/h
Consumption 17.5km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 131g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiPremiumContact 5
Size 215/55 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4175mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1610mm
Wheelbase 2500mm
Kerb weight 1240kg
Turning circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $114,900 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Surest handling in all conditions, outdoorsy character, solid value for money
– Least aesthetic aggression, leisurely performance, shortest rear backrests
BEST IN SUREFOOTEDNESS
Honda HR-V LX 1.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1496cc
Bore x stroke 73mm x 89.4mm
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Max power 130bhp at 6600rpm
Max torque 155Nm at 4600rpm
Power to weight 109.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.8 seconds
Top speed 181km/h
Consumption 17.5km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 129g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop Enasave EC300
Size 215/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4310mm
Width 1770mm
Height 1605mm
Wheelbase 2610mm
Kerb weight 1190kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $113,999 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Most ergonomic cockpit, roomiest backseat, coldest air-conditioning
– Too common on local roads, sombre interior, least convenient connectivity
BEST IN DRIVER-FRIENDLINESS
Mazda CX-3 Deluxe 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 83.5mm x 91.2mm
Compression Ratio 14:1
Max power 156bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 204Nm at 2800rpm
Power to weight 123.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.5 seconds
Top speed 192km/h
Consumption 16.4km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 146g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Toyo Proxes R40
Size 215/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4275mm
Width 1765mm
Height 1535mm
Wheelbase 2570mm
Kerb weight 1265kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $135,800 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Punchiest performance, most precise steering, most responsive gearbox
– Highest price by far, tightest rear cabin, least useful cargo hold
BEST IN SPORTINESS
