Top 5 Compact Crossovers (Part 1) - Subaru XV 2.0i Lineartronic CVT, BMW X1 sDrive18i, Nissan Juke 1.6 DIG-T Tekna AWD CVT

12/23/2013 11:34:25 AM

Crossovers are rising in popularity due to their jack-of-all-trades appeal, above average ground clearance, and SUV-like design. Here are our top 5.

Subaru XV 2.0i Lineartronic CVT

110 kW; 196 Nm; $30,555

Description: SUBARU XV 2.0i Lineartronic CVT

Subaru XV 2.0i Lineartronic CVT

The XV is definitely not the belle of the crossover ball, as Subaru adopted a boxy, tough design that only manages to pull in the gazes thanks to an attention seeking bright orange colour scheme and two-tone 17" aluminium wheels. On offer with the XV is a great ground clearance level of 220 mm and Subaru’s symmetrical allwheel drive system, helping the XV to go where rival crossovers fear to tread. On the interior, things are well screwed together, with plenty of interior head- and legroom. We appreciated the inclusion of hill start assist that prevents you from rolling backwards on an incline.

Specifications

· Make: Subaru

· Model: XV

· Variant: 2.0i lineartronic cvt

· Discontinued Date: Still in production

· Vehicle Style: Compact SUV

· Fuel Economy (claimed): 7.0 l/100km

· Fuel Economy (tested): 9.2 l/100km

· Boot Capacity: 310

· Load: 771

· Length: 4,450

· Ground Clearance: 220

· Gross Laden Mass: 0

· Height: 1,615

· Licencing Mass: 1,420

· Width: 1,780

BMW X1 sDrive18i

110 kW; 200 Nm; $34,856

Description: BMW X1 sDrive18i

BMW X1 sDrive18i

With the X1, BMW opted for an estate with a raised ride height design, rather than the big imposing SUV look associated with the X5 and X6. Beneath the bonnet resides a 1995 cc four cylinder petrol engine delivering enough power to bring up 100 km/h on the speedo in under 10 seconds. Even though brand appeal and style are the X1’s trump cards, fuel efficiency is also a big draw card with an average fuel usage figure of less than 8 litres per 100 km. Unfortunately the X1 is expensive and despite that, not the best equipped crossover in this comparison.

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight

· Length: 4,454 mm

· Width: 2,044 mm

· Height: 1,545 mm

· Wheelbase: 2,760 mm

· Kerb Weight: 1,505 kg

Capacity

· Seating Capacity: 5 Person

· Doors: 5 Doors

· No of Seating Rows: 2 Rows

· Bootspace: 420 litres

· Fuel Tank Capacity: 63 litres

Engine & Transmission

· Engine Type: straight 4 petrol engine

· Displacement: 1995 cc

· Fuel Type: Petrol

· Max Power: 150 bhp

· Max Torque: 200 Nm @ 3600 RPM

· Mileage (ARAI): 11.25 kmpl

· Valve/Cylinder (Configuration): 4

· Cylinders: 4, Inline

· Transmission Type: Automatic

· No of gears: 6 Gears

· Drivetrain: RWD

Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres

· Suspension Front: Double joint strut front axle

· Suspension Rear: multi-arm rear axle

· Front Brake Type: Disc

· Rear Brake Type: Disc

· Steering Type: Power Steering

· Front Tyres: 225 / 50 R17

· Rear Tyres: 225 / 50 R17

Nissan Juke 1.6 DIG-T Tekna AWD CVT

140 kW; 240 Nm; $31,890

Description: NISSAN Juke 1.6 DIG-T Tekna AWD CVT

Nissan Juke 1.6 DIG-T Tekna AWD CVT

Nissan’s Juke 1.6 DIG-T AWD CVT offers one of the best automatic transmissions in the smooth-as-silk CVT. Its all-wheeldrive system delivers plenty of grip on soaked streets and dirt back roads, but is not meant for bundu-bashing sessions. In terms of styling, the Juke boasts a love-it-or-hate-it design package that prioritises head turning appeal above interior space for rear passengers and luggage room. The Juke is not as fun to drive as the X1, but it can match the Beemer’s claimed fuel usage figures in Eco mode, as we managed to obtain 8.5 litres per 100 km.

Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

· Boot Capacity: 251

· Load: 251

· Length: 4,135

· Ground Clearance: 165

· Gross Laden Mass: 1,860

· Height: 1,565

· Licencing Mass: 1,362

· Width: 1,765

Engine and Gearbox

· Engine Layout transverse inline: 4