DEMAND AND CHOICE in the crossover market has never been higher. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve picked eight crossovers that are family-friendly (ie have a decent amount of space and practicality), look good and handle well out on the road.
We’ve also tried to pick models that come with plenty of equipment as standard – so you’ll actually get some bang for your buck.
1. Honda HR-V (from €26,995, motor tax from €190)
The Honda HR-V is a flexible crossover thanks to its ‘magic seats’ which can be arranged in 18 different combinations. And the boot can accommodate up to 1,462 litres of luggage, golf clubs, buggies, shopping etc.
The HR-V scored a full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and a particular high score for adult occupant safety. Its chassis balance is good, with adequate grip and a decent ride so long journeys are rather comfortable.
2. Kia Sportage (from €27,995, motor tax from €200)
For less than €30k, you can drive away in a new Kia Sportage in LX trim powered by a 115hp 1.7-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s plenty of room for all occupants, while the boot, at 491 litres, compares well to the competition.
The Sportage scored a full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests. Add a well-sorted chassis and good pothole and speed bump absorption, and you’ve got a comfortable ride.
3. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (from €27,900, motor tax from €390)
Mitsubishi’s new Eclipse Cross comes well equipped with standard features including 16-inch alloy wheels, LED brake lights, voice control, a reversing camera and plenty of in-car tech.
Apart from being well kitted out, the Eclipse Cross is well designed too with practical space and cubby holes in the cabin. The 448-litre capacity boot can swell to 1,140 litres with the rear seats tumbled. The Eclipse Cross scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and an excellent score (97%) for adult occupant safety.
There is a sporty setup and feel from its suspension and the ride quality is firm, though not overly so. The steering has a nice feel with more feedback than its rivals, which along a flowing road makes it more enjoyable to drive. Click here to read our Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross review.
4. Nissan Qashqai (from €26,370, motor tax from €180)
The Nissan Qashqai is known as the King of the Crossovers, because it’s the car that kicked off the crossover craze.
For under €30k you can get a well-specced SV trim model that comes with 17-inch alloys and the Nissan Connect Pack (Nissan Connect 2, Rear View Camera, Shark Fin Antenna and Privacy Glass). In terms of practicality, the boot can hold 430 litres of cargo with the seats up and 860 litres with the seats folded.
The cabin is well cocooned from wind, road and engine noise making for a nice relaxing drive. The ride is very comfortable and potholes are well absorbed. The Nissan Qashqai also scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and an excellent score (88%) for adult occupant safety. Click here to read our Nissan Qashqai review.
5. SEAT Ateca (from €25,145, motor tax from €200)
For your budget you can have an SE trim Ateca, powered by a punchy 150hp 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox or a 115hp 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The cabin is spacious and the boot can hold 510 to 1,604 litres depending on whether the rear seats are up or down. The car feels agile and easy to manoeuvre and offers a refined ride, especially in petrol guise. The SEAT Ateca has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
6. SsangYong Tivoli XLV (from €24,750, motor tax from €200)
The SsangYong XLV is exactly the same as the SsangYong Tivoli apart from a slightly extended rear end. The XLV offers plenty of boot space, a decent interior and a drive that matches many of its better known rivals.
It has a boot that can hold a massive 720 litres, expanding to 1,440 litres of space. The SsangYong Tivoli XLV scored four stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and a good score (82%) for adult occupant safety.
Most of the XLV range comes in at under €30k so you have a choice of powertrains and transmissions as well as the top-of-the-range trim level.
7. Suzuki Vitara S (from €27,995, motor tax from €270)
The rugged-looking Vitara S is a great family crossover and it comes with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP 4-Wheel Drive system. It has a durable and spacious cabin, a practical boot that can hold 375 litres with the rear seats up and 710 litres rear seats down and has a good safety record (five Euro NCAP stars and an 89% score for adult occupant safety).
The ride quality of the Vitara S feels good with the suspension soaking up the vast majority of rougher surfaces. Body lean is well contained and the ride is comfortable and relatively refined.
8. Toyota C-HR (from €26,895, motor tax from €180)
The funky looking C-HR has a spacious cabin that is practical and solidly built, although the boot is a tad on the small size with its 377 to 1,160-litre capacity.
For less than €30k you can have the entry level 1.2-litre petrol model, which comes with generous levels of equipment. Out on the road, the suspension is a little firm, but the supple damping means the C-HR does a good job of gliding over potholes and rough roads making it a comfortable car to drive.
The supportive seats and relatively quiet cabin also add to the comfort factor. The Toyota C-HR scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and an excellent score (95%) for adult occupant safety. Click here to read our Toyota C-HR review.
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