2021 Drive Car of the Year – Best Small SUV
There are nearly two dozen contenders in the Small SUV class, and choosing the best example overall was a close call. In the end there could only be one winner.
Drive Car of the Year 2021 - Best Small SUV
Finalists:
Australia's Small SUV class is arguably one of the toughest segments in the new-car market, with nearly a dozen contenders competing for attention.
Some models will suit certain buyer needs more so than others. Our job is to determine which ones have the broadest ability and do the most to move the category forward.
We started with a shortlist of five worthy contenders: the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Skoda Kamiq and Toyota Yaris Cross.
For all its relative merits, the Hyundai Kona didn’t quite make the final three in contention for this award. The cabin is roomy and the Kona drives well, but couldn't match the levels of confidence and comfort as the three finalists.
The Yaris Cross and its excellent hybrid drivetrain missed out too, largely due to its value position.
That left us with the all-new Mazda CX-30, all-new Skoda Kamiq, and Kia Seltos as the final three – and some tough decisions and plenty of robust discussions.
And the Winner is...
Skoda Kamiq
A clever and roomy interior in a refreshing and well equipped package.
Buyers are the big winners in this segment. Each new model is better than the last.
If the – let’s call them discussions – among the judges were a guide, there is much to like about all of these finalists.
Indeed, some buyers may favour longer warranty coverage, or certain features, style or badge appeal – or the ability to run on regular unleaded.
However, we aren’t here to sit on the fence. And so in one of the closest calls in this year’s event, the Skoda Kamiq emerged as the worthy winner of this contest.
Read the full comparison at Drive.com.au
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