Top Four Picks For Budget Crossovers

To the uninitiated, no one would guess that this Nissan crossover sports possesses anything less than a 1.6 or 1.8-litre powerplant under the hood. However, the fact is that the Qashqai was recently launched with a tiny 1.2-litre engine that surprisingly packs enough 'oomph' for day-to-day urban driving.

The 4-cylinder turbocharged motor pushes out 114bhp and 165Nm of torque, figures that are not dissimilar to the naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engines from most Japanese manufacturers. Not only does this small engine give the car fairly good fuel economy for its size at about 12km/L, but it also puts the car into Category A COE, making it rather competitively-priced next to its competitors.

Coupled with a refined and spacious cabin, the Qashqai is a sensible crossover for the whole family.

Thanks to its clean and handsome lines, the Kia Sportage is one of the best-looking crossovers on the road.

While the competition storms into the battle with turbocharging, diesel engines, and smart fuel-saving technology, the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Sportage simply offers a suave-looking crossover package which is packed chock-full of toys and all at a competitive price. A full panoramic roof, ventilated driver’s seat, and a quality interior with soft-touch materials is standard.

The Sportage, with its solid feel and talling riding gives one the impression that is closer to an SUV than a crossover. What’s more, the engine is fuel efficient despite being a 2.0-litre lump, offering about 11km/L for the 151bhp and 191Nm it puts out.

The Renault Captur is one of the newest Crossovers on the market, and looks one of the freshest, thanks to its two-tone paint, newfangled 17-inch rims, and swoopy attractive lines.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine may only possess just 88bhp, but it packs 220Nm of torque, which is enough for the car to feel eager and light-footed. Fuel consumption, is excellent; we managed 22.2km/L on our test drive. The Captur also sits comfortably in Category A COE, placing it in an affordable price range.

The unique theme continues inside the cabin, with a large infotainment screen being the focus of the console. Despite its petite size, the boot is spacious and cabin space isn’t lacking either. Another area this car doesn’t lack in is charm, and that’s why it’s on the list.

The Peugeot 3008 has been around for some time, but was blessed with a mid-life refresh last year that gave it a new gearbox, a more chic and revamped look with its smart-looking LED front and rear lights.

The 3008 features the same 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine as before, producing 115bhp and 270Nm, giving the car decent punch on-the-go and an amazing fuel economy of about 17km/L.

The 3008’s trump card lies in its practicality,with neat touches like the split folding tailgate, huge boot, and capacious interior. To top it off, the Peugeot 3008 is well-specced; with plush leather seats that bear attractive red accents, a panoramic roof, and large infotainment screen, to match its bubbly character.

Credits: Wang Shirong