The official line is that the Mokka is a traditional SUV, with butch looks and the option of four-wheel drive, whereas the Crossland X is intended to be a more family-friendly choice. To that end, all versions are front-wheel drive, which means there isn’t a driveshaft to the rear that robs the interior of usable space. The Crossland X also has deeper side windows than the Mokka to help create an airier feel inside, and it has smaller wheels, which have the potential to improve space, ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
The Vauxhall Crossland X is practical and comfortable, but it’s let down by an underwhelming driving experience.
Pros Spacious and comfortable Eager 1.2-litre petrol engine Plenty of standard safety kit
Cons Is it a genuine SUV? Steering too sensitive Wind noise at speed
The new Vauxhall Crossland X is a spacious, practical and well-equipped family car. It’s more desirable than the Meriva it replaces, but its positioning alongside the similarly-sized Mokka remains unclear despite Vauxhall’s best efforts to distinguish the two. The driving experience is similar and a little uninspiring, but for many Crossland buyers the excellent packaging and comprehensive infotainment system will be the biggest draw. A more modest engine should suffice for most, and in a less expensive trim, too.
With warm hatch performance matched to all-wheel drive surety, the Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro is arguably the sweet spot in the German car maker's compact SUV range.
Pros Quick without being manically so Adroit handling Edgy styling Seamless seven-speed S tronic transmission Excellent off-road dynamics
Cons Plenty of road and wind noise Some cheap elements in the cabin Pretty cramped second row Boot space well short of class leaders
The 2018 Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI Quattro has arrived, and it all makes sense. And there have been a couple of extra little tweaks to the Audi Q2 2018 range. There isn't much major visual differentiation between the newly added 2.0 TFSI Quattro version and the more affordable petrol model aside from this version rolling on 18-inch wheels as opposed to the 17s of the base petrol, and the entry-level model misses out on body-colour mouldings around the wheels, side skirts and bumpers. Both the quattro models look identical to one another.
Pros Decent levels of equipment New petrol AWD model is a peach A fairly charming thing overall
Cons Limited boot space in quattro models Back seat isn't massive Lacks some storage
The Audi Q2 is a small SUV with a smart interior, plenty of optional high-tech touches and a raised driving position, but the rear seats are quite upright and therefore not particularly comfy.
Pros Relaxing to drive Stylish, well-built interior Great high-tech options
Cons Back seats a little too upright Expensive top-spec models Poor rear visibility
