The Qashqai is certainly one of the bigger cars in the small SUV class.There might be four models, but there are three specification levels. The ST has cloth trim, cruise control, air-conditioning, some fake leather bits and pieces, reversing camera, halogen headlights, four speaker stereo and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Pros Big interior Excellent build quality Comfortable ride
Cons Interior missing some tech toys Diesel servicing costs Fuel consumption high (no stop-start to reduce it)
This is the facelifted Nissan Qashqai, which has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. More than 230,000 examples of the Qashqai were sold in Europe in 2016, but that hasn’t stopped Nissan from giving the its family SUV a thorough overhaul. The headline change is the addition of autonomous driving tech called ProPILOT; by the end of the year, the Qashqai will have the ability to steer, accelerate and brake itself in a single lane on motorways. Nissan can’t yet say whether or not this will be standard on top trim levels, however. Nissan claims higher-quality materials give the SUV’s cabin a more premium feel. Visible changes include a new flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel and a fresh user interface for the infotainment system. And a new range-topping Tekna+ grade has been added, bringing luxuries such as 3D-effect quilted leather upholstery.
The new Qashqai features modifications to the suspension and steering to improve comfort, while new insulating materials are claimed to make it more refined. No changes have been made to the range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, however, so buyers can choose from an entry-level 113bhp 1.2-litre petrol, a 161bhp 1.6-litre petrol, and 1.5 or 1.6-litre diesels. The 1.5 dCi 110 should be the cheapest to run, with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.
With more personality than most small crossovers, the Fiat 500X is definitely worth a look.Fiat has a real chance to win over American buyers with the 500X, which is certainly its most mainstream offering here—perhaps ever. With the 500X, Fiat finally has a mainstream vehicle with widespread appeal. It's a compact crossover SUV that shares running gear with the Jeep Renegade. Rivals include the Honda HR-V, Buick Encore and Chevy Trax, and the Mazda CX-3.
Pros Tidy exterior styling Just right proportions Above average ride and handling More characterful than most rivals
Cons Automatic gearbox can be touchy Sunroof steals head room, especially in back Small infotainment screens Not an off roader
The number of available trims has decreased from five to three, and options packages have been consolidated and renamed. Otherwise, the 2017 Fiat 500X is unchanged.
Pros Distinctive and well-made cabin with easy-to-use tech controls Reasonably priced Offers safety features not usually available in this class.
Cons So-so fuel economy Confused and clunky automatic transmission Meager cargo room.
The 2017 FIAT 500X ranks 10 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Fiat 500X may have supermodel looks compared to its subcompact SUV rivals, but this chic SUV ranks toward the back of the pack for its unrefined engines, few standard features, and low predicted reliability rating.
Pros Upmarket interior Very maneuverable Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons Lackluster engines Few standard features
