Irish Times best buys: Crossovers

It’s worth pointing out that the Tuscon, a large(ish), (relatively) expensive crossover is currently, and has for the past few months, been Ireland’s best-selling car. Ahead former favoured sons such as Focus, Golf and Corolla. From a brand which, a decade and a half ago was barely on most buyers’ radars. That then is a demonstration of the combined power of styling (the Tuscon, almost all of which are front-drive, looks every inch a rugged 4x4), practicality (big boot, massive back seat), pricing (a €25,000 starting price looks tempting) and that long, five-year warranty. Plus, the Tuscon has pulled a fast one on its cousin, the new Kia Sportage by being identical mechanically but far more handsome. To drive it’s only ordinary, indeed occasionally a little underpowered, but as a rounded product, you can see why buyers flock to it.

Best buy: Tuscon Executive 1.7 CRDI from €30,495. Prices start at €25,745.

PCP packages start from €252 a month.

Read the review: Hyundai Tuscon targets Irish Qashqai buyers

It's worth remembering that everything we say about the Kadjar goes equally for its more famous, more established cousin, the Nissan Qashqai. Under the external and interior skins, the two cars are pretty much identical, so choosing between them is simply a matter of deciding which one you more like the look of. And in the looks contest, we think it's an easy win for the Renault. The Qashqai is handsome, the Renault is more so, especially with those big, C-shaped LED running lights. The cabin is big, comfy and well put together and the driving experience perhaps a little unexceptional, but entirely pleasant all the same. The only thing which trips the Kadjar up, relative to the Qashqai, is its touch-screen infotainment system which is noticeably more fiddly and inconsistent than that of the Nissan.

Best buy: Kadjar 1.5 dCi Dynamique Nav from €28,490. Prices start at €25,190.

PCP packages start from €199 a month.

Way back in 1991, the original RAV4 was the progenitor of the fun-but-practical crossover explosion, but since then it’s, like the rest of its rivals, grown up and become a little more sensible. Facelifted earlier this year, the RAV4 now looks a little more smoothed-off and, in some paint finishes, faintly futuristic. Shame you can’t say the same for the dashboard, which is still a little bit too plain, a little bit too grey. Still, the RAV compensates for that by being unusually spacious (it surely has the best rear legroom in the class) and actually quite good to drive, with sharp steering and well-controlled suspension. 2.0 D4D diesel engine is the default and best choice, but the hybrid, still somewhat compromised by the CVT gearbox, is worth a look for those who do most of their miles around town. Tends towards the expensive, though.

Best buy: RAV4 2.0 D4D Luna Sport from €33,950. Prices start at €29,950.

PCP packages start from €287 a month.

Wild Card:

To be honest, this is the only car you'll ever actually need. The Duster is not stylish (although there is something of the anti-fashion cool about it), not fun to drive (although it is at least comfortable and holds the road with reasonable tenacity) and not very quick (what did you expect from a 1.5 diesel in a relatively large body. It is not the most spacious car in the class (although it's at least adequate) and nor can it off-road in the manner of a Land Rover Defender (although with 4WD it'll get further than you might think). What it is is just enough car for just about anyone. Goes. Stops. Carries people and things. Reliable. Costs buttons. Seriously, what more do you actually want?

Best buy: Duster Signature 1.5 dCi 4x4 from €18,390. Prices start at €16,390.

PCP packages start from €298 a month.

Is it just us or does the Yeti look more like the perfect Tonka Toy you always wanted in childhood than any other vehicle on sale? It’s four-square looks haven’t captured the hearts of buyers in the same way that the Nissan Qashqai managed, but the Yeti is roomy, reliable, good to drive and exceptional value for money. Buy a 1.2 TSI petrol if you live in town, or a 2.0 TDI 4x4 if you’re out in the country. Diesels need timing belt changes at 130,000km, while a ‘tinkling’ sound on a petrol means the timing chain needs work. DSG gearboxes need careful, regular servicing and some items, such as the electric window switches, can be fragile. Post-2014 facelift cars look a little smarter and had an upgraded dashboard.

Best buy: 2013 Yeti Ambition 1.6 TDI Greenline for circa €17,000.