Cupra’s first standalone model is a handsome crossover with decent road manners and plenty of space
Pros Sharp looks, handles well for a crossover, plenty of space and equipment
Cons Fiddly touch-sensitive heater almost as annoying as having to explain the badge to your mates
Pros Strong range of engine options Great interior style and quality Genuinely good fun to drive for an SUV
Cons Fairly limited personalisation options There are more practical options Some infotainment frustrations
The Cupra Formentor doesn't feel as playful as the closely related Volkswagen T-Roc R, but it’s every bit as fast in its similarly priced, range-topping form, plus it handles with composure and has a much nicer interior. In addition, cheaper, less powerful versions of the Formentor offer the same sporty looks as the flagship model – something that isn’t the case with lesser T-Rocs. Just bear in mind that you can have our 2021 Sports SUV of the Year, the Ford Puma ST, for not much more than the cheapest Formentor.
Pros Well equipped Surefooted and grippy handling Smart interior
Cons TSI 310 isn’t as much fun as the very best sports SUVs Slightly hesitant automatic gearbox Fiddly controls
The Mitsubishi ASX doesn’t get the pulse racing, and its size makes it better for inner-urban use than open road touring. Because fuel economy can suffer if the engine is required to work too hard, it’s also better suited to terrain where engine performance is less of an issue.
Pros Flexible, pragmatic interior Well-specified equipment list Goldilocks size for inner-urban use
Cons Outdated material and build quality Drivetrain really lacks verve NVH and wind noise
Pros Phone integration; spacious interior; five-year warranty.
Cons Tyre noise.
The Mitsubishi ASX is a compact SUV that is, well, a little bit boring – something that matters in a class full of funky rivals such as the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and Honda HR-V.
Pros Low running costs Roomy interior Decent levels of kit
Cons Not game changing Not very stylish Plasticky interior
