The 2019 Nissan Kicks’ expressive styling masks its economy-car bones.
Pros Intriguing style Standard automatic emergency braking Decent fuel economy Good space utilization inside
Cons Cheap bits show through Tiring highway cruiser Styling not for everyone Higher price this year
Nissan hasn't changed anything on its smallest crossover for 2019. The Kicks was all-new for 2018 and replaced the quirky Juke.
Pros Wonderfully efficient powertrain, Costco-size cargo space, charming design.
Cons Slow in our testing, driver-assistance features limited to the basics, warranty is nothing special.
It's slightly less powerful than last year.The 2019 Nissan Kicks comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.
Pros High fuel economy estimates Larger-than-average cargo capacity Inexpensive compared to rivals
Cons Leisurely acceleration All-wheel drive isn't available Missing a few desirable features
SsangYongs have been on sale in the UK since the ’90s – the company usually offers big SUVs for less than the majority of their competitors. Sadly, most of their models have proved to be lacklustre alternatives to the likes of the Kia Sportage, Suzuki Vitara and Nissan Qashqai. To drive, the Korando isn’t much fun, but most people buy one because they need an SUV either for tackling rough terrain or towing – two roles the SsangYong is perfectly suited to.
Pros Lots of space Relatively economical Generous standard kit
Cons Fast depreciation Dull styling Cheap feeling interior
The SsangYong Korando gives you a lot of car for your money – but nowhere near as much as a Dacia Duster.The SsangYong Korando is the brand’s mid-size SUV, pitched as a low-cost rival to the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. On the move, the Korando isn’t as stable as a lot of its rivals, either – it tends to wallow about when going around corners and has an uncomfortable ride.
Pros Good value for money Spacious interior Low emissions
Cons Noisy diesel engine Poor-quality plastics Uncomfortable suspension
Not only was it a handsome addition to the compact crossover market, it was also the firm’s very first monocoque model – meaning it delivered a far better approximation of a car’s handling characteristics than any of the body-on-frame SUVs that continue to fill out the firm’s modest lineup. On the plus side, the Korando gets large storage bins, reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and generous equipment levels on higher-spec models. It is also competitive on interior space; offering decent leg and headroom for rear passengers, and acceptable luggage space. The interior is slightly less forgettable, but only because it comes partly clad in the kind of cheap plastic which cannot otherwise find a home in this class. The redesigned dashboard makes ergonomic sense, although it hasn’t lost any of its brittleness.
