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.
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.
Renault Captur 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1197cc
Bore x Stroke 72.2mm x 73.1mm
Compression Ratio 9.8:1
Max power 120bhp at 4900rpm
Max torque 190Nm at 2000rpm
Power to weight 101.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed dual-clutch with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.9 seconds
Top speed 192km/h
Consumption 18.5km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 125g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy 3
Size 205/55 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 4
Traction aids ABS, ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4122mm
Width 1778mm
Height 1566mm
Wheelbase 2606mm
Kerb weight 1180kg
Turning circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $103,999 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/150,000km
+ Perkiest performance, most efficient engine, cheapest price
– Least intuitive controls, shortest rear legroom, static-prone hi-fi
BEST IN MANOEUVRABILITY
Suzuki Vitara 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 PremiumContact 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 $110,900 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Most stylish design, most responsive powertrain, off-roading ability
– Smallest boot, least accommodating cabin, sounds faster than it goes
BEST IN SUREFOOTEDNESS
SsangYong Tivoli 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1597cc
Bore x stroke 76mm x 88mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max power 128bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 160Nm at 4600rpm
Power to weight 98.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12 seconds
Top speed 175km/h
Consumption 13.9km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 167g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Nexen N’Priz
Size 205/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4195mm
Width 1795mm
Height 1590mm
Wheelbase 2600mm
Kerb weight 1300kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $119,888 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most interior space, highest build quality, most refined drivetrain
– Optimistic pricing, only two airbags, not as well-known as its rivals
BEST IN PRACTICALITY
