Ten of the best new small SUVs

Britain has fallen for the small SUV in a big way. Some of them, such as the Nissan Qashqai, are now firm favourites in the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars, thanks to their blend of rugged looks, high-mounted seats and family-friendly practicality.

The number of models on the market reflects this. Choice has never been greater. So to help you navigate through the array of small SUVs on sale, we’ve picked out the 10 best. Read on to discover your small SUV shortlist.

10 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is more of a high-rise hatchback than a real SUV – and this works in its favour in terms of the sheer amount of space within its practical interior. Prices are competitive, equipment levels are strong and you can even get a fully electric version if you don’t fancy diesel or petrol.

Best buy: 1.6 GDi 2

9 Audi Q3

Audi’s downsized SUV isn’t the cheapest model around, but it’s an appealing model nonetheless, one that’s selling in impressive numbers. It has the right image, the right sort of interior quality, is good to drive and cheap to run. All engines are strong too, particularly the 2.0-litre turbodiesel.

Best buy: 2.0 TDI 150 SE

8 Suzuki Vitara

A small SUV that was reborn in its latest guise. The Vitara has been cleverly designed so it’s both compact outside and roomy within, while value prices are blended with excellent equipment levels. It’s only really the 1.6-litre petrol engine’s efficiency that’s a bit of a let-down – its CO2 emissions are too high.

Best buy: 1.6 petrol SZ4

7 Renault Kadjar

Renault’s version of the Nissan Qashqai is just as practical as its British-built cousin. It’s one of the more distinctive-looking machines in this class, with a good quality interior, while refinement is right up there and comfort levels are also high.

Best buy: 1.5 dCi 110 Dynamique Nav

6 Audi Q2

Now the smallest and most affordable SUV in Audi’s range, the youthful Q2 is more distinctively styled than its bigger brothers, to draw a more youthful market. It loses none of their famed interior quality though, while the on-road performance is sprightly and fun. It’s impossible to make a duff engine choice with it.

Best buy: 1.4 TFSI 150 Sport

5 BMW X1

Another smallest SUV in the brand’s range, BMW’s X1 is offered in a broad array of versions, including four-wheel drive models. We’d stick with front-wheel drive though, and the entry-level 18d diesel, and you don’t need to go higher than SE trim to get pretty much all the equipment you could wish for.

Best buy: sDrive 18d SE

4 Volkswagen Tiguan

The old Volkswagen Tiguan was a well-liked machine and the cleanly-styled new one continues that trend. It’s even more practical, has an even nicer interior and, generally, is an extremely accomplished and comfortable family five-seater. Go for mid-range SE Nav trim and you get a generous amount of kit.

Best buy: 2.0 TDI 150 SE Nav

3 Nissan Qashqai

The best-selling small SUV on sale is a firm favourite in Britain, for very good reason. It drives well, has a practical and roomy interior, while prices are excellent value particularly if you stick with the entry-level models. A facelift is due, though, as it’s now been usurped from class-leading status…