If you want a small car that’s well-equipped, relatively spacious and styled like a chunky SUV then the Renault Captur is in with a shout
Pros Cheap running costs Spacious for a small car Funky looks
Cons Noisy diesel engines Not much fun to drive No four-wheel-drive option
The updated Renault Captur is still a looker, and is cheaper to own and run than you might imagine. The flagship Zen is an interesting Hyundai Kona/Toyota C-HR/Mazda CX-3 rival.
Pros Looks great, brimming with character Agile urban dynamics None of your friends own one Cheaper to own/run than you'd think...
Cons No airbags for rear passengers Unsettled over sharp bumps EDC transmission less suitable than a torque-converter-style unit
Pros Spacious Well-equipped Good value
Cons Interior quality Gearbox Limited engine choice
At first that may seem faintly ridiculous, but when you look at the Venn diagram of price, proportions and performance, the Ateca lives in a little world of its own. To get vaguely comparable speed and power from any other medium-sized SUV, you’re looking at spending around £50k+ on a Porsche Macan S or an Audi SQ5. But although it may be marooned in its own micro-sector, that doesn’t mean it has a free pass. A £40,000-ish Seat – sorry, Cupra – has a lot to prove, starting with how it drives
Pros Hot hatch performance with SUV styling and practicality
Cons £40k for a Seat with somewhat unconvincing branding
The Cupra Ateca SUV is a brilliant family car that’s fast and great to drive, but you’ll have to accept its gloomy interior and boy racer exterior complete with tuner-esque branding.
Pros Surprisingly nimble Fizzing performance Still practical
Cons Boy racer looks Dark, gloomy interior A VW Golf R costs less
