Overview of available crossovers

The popularity of small crossovers in Russia, as well as in Europe, is growing rapidly. And the variety of models is so great that it is no longer possible to cover them in one review. In this material we will tell you about the seven most affordable ones - from 700,000 to 900,000 rubles for the basic version.

CROSSOVERS made a revolution in the minds of motorists and created a powerful consumer incentive - no one will deny this fact. Born in the 90s as an evolutionary offshoot of SUVs, they often lack an all-terrain arsenal, but retain other advantages - roominess, comfortable ride, high seating position.

Crossovers have seen a particularly rapid rise in popularity since carmakers began producing affordable compact versions. It is these cars that most of all attracted the most significant part of motorists - the townspeople. “Passenger” driver's ergonomics and a sense of size, dynamics and maneuverability, fuel efficiency ... Plus, there is a spacious interior, softened suspension for unimportant roads and, which is important, the image of a significant car.

Restyling: was not

Drive: front or full

Clearance: 17 cm

Dimensions: 441x182x166 cm

Trunk volume: 591-1.436 L

Kia spared no effort, money, or time to develop the ix35 - on the car that replaced the super popular in the Old World, and we also have a special stake in the Hyundai Tucson. And to make the crossover even more “European”, work on design and fine-tuning was transferred to the German division of “Hyundai” in Rüsselsheim.

A new style of “flowing sculpture” was implemented in the car. The exterior really turned out to be spectacular - at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the crossover gathered crowds of visitors around it. German specialists managed to make the interior of “ix35” just as expressive: the instrument panel, illuminated with pleasant blue light and decorated with crescent-shaped metal inserts, looks impressive, but not at all arrogant.

The technical stuffing “ix35” is excellent. The traditional lightweight chassis with McPherson struts at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear offers the desired compromise in comfort and handling. The new six-speed automatic transmission almost fully realizes the potential of gasoline and diesel engines. Buyers can choose the more economical ix35 front wheel drive or all wheel drive version.

“If“ Tucson ”looked very pragmatic, I would even say simpler, then in the appearance of“ ix35 ”you can see the desire of designers for beauty, if not pretentiousness”.

Dmitry GRONSKY, "Klaxon" No. 4 ‘2010

Crossovers "ix35" are equipped with gasoline "2.0 MPI" or diesel "2.0 CRDi", and the turbodiesel on the older version with the same volume produces 184 hp. Incidentally, this is one of the most dynamic modifications in the review.

The basic equipment does not look poor - it differs from the higher level "Comfort" only in that it has air conditioning instead of climate control, there are no roof rails, ESP stabilization system, some driver's adjustments and electric drives for folding mirrors. The "Style" trim adds Bluetooth, parking sensors, keyless entry and 18-inch wheels instead of 17-inch. The smartest version is “Prestige”. Leather, sunroof, chrome, deep toning ...

Four-wheel drive “4WD ECU” automatically distributes the torque between the front and rear axles. The off-road performance of the vehicle is enhanced by the Hill Descent Assist and the Hill Start Assistant.

Among the features are the presence of an air ionizer in the climate system, heated rear seats and a rear-view camera screen built into the salon mirror.

The ix35 has been produced at the Kia Motors plant in Slovakia since early 2010. Models in the most popular trim levels are available from dealers. Delivery times for a special machine can take up to four months.

Restyling: was not

Drive: front or full

Clearance: 17 cm

Dimensions: 444x185.5x163.5 cm

Trunk volume: 564-1.353 L

ONE of the most anticipated new products on the Russian market is the third generation “Kia Sportage”. For the first time, the car was presented to the general public at the Moscow Motor Show, and keep in mind: if you decide to place an order, you should not postpone your visit to the Kia dealer. After all, the previous model enjoyed the fame of an unpretentious crossover with a very favorable price / quality ratio and therefore was in short supply. The novelty turned out to be much brighter and more interesting.

The technical base of the third "Sportage" is common with the above-described "Hyundai ix35". Therefore, both crossovers are very similar in driving habits and dynamics, the level of comfort and roominess. But outwardly, nothing indicates their relationship. The brainchild of "Kia" chief designer Peter Schreier is slightly longer, wider and lower than its brother. And against the background of its predecessor, the novelty generally looks like a kind of ultra-fashionable coupe-crossover. The new front panel, divided horizontally into functional areas, is highly functional. The dashboard with sporty red illumination and large digitization also deserves praise. The steering wheel in general seemed to have migrated from some sports car.

These style differences will appeal to young buyers. Now “Kia Sportage” justifies its name in full.

“The temperament of the older generation car was almost more boring than its design. I will say right away that the new Sportage has become noticeably more dynamic. "

Yuri URYUKOV, “Klaxon” No. 10 ‘2010

In the future, there will be "Sportage" with small engines - 1.6-liter 140-horsepower petrol and 1.7-liter turbodiesel with 115 horsepower. And modifications with two-liter engines will be the first to enter the market.

The debutant will be presented in five versions: “Classic”, “Comfort”, “Lux”, “Prestige” and “Premium”. All models are equipped with a rear spoiler. Starting with the "Comfort" level, each has heated front and rear (!) Seats, a full set of airbags and curtain airbags, rear parking sensors and rain sensors. The top versions will get 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, combined or leather upholstery.

The lighting technology is very "advanced": all modifications are equipped with projection headlights and foglights with cornering lights. LED sections are also provided.

Basic versions have front-wheel drive only. On machines with AWD, the rear axle is automatically engaged using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. It can be blocked - this will increase the off-road potential.

From September 1, Kia dealers start taking orders for the new Sportage, and some sellers may even have cars in stock. The assembly of the model, adapted for our climate, has been established in Kaliningrad.

Restyling: was not

Drive: front or full

Clearance: 19.5 cm

Dimensions: 429.5x177x162.5 cm

Trunk volume: 415 L

FOR ITS small crossover, Mitsubishi did not invent its own name, but simply took the abbreviation “ASX” - “Active Sport X-over”. No revolutionary novelty can be traced in the external appearance - the car received the familiar “Jet Fighter” front part and a longitudinal side rib, which is now found on almost every new car. Nevertheless, it is this model that has the chances of becoming a bestseller in the near future. If there were such a criterion as price / authority, then for ASX it would go off scale beyond all conceivable limits. After all, there has never been a more affordable crossover with three diamonds on the hood.

A big plus of "Mitsubishi ASX" can be considered its technical base: it was developed on a very successful platform "Outlander XL" and even retained its wheelbase and ground clearance. This, of course, left its mark on the design - the car has practically no overhangs. But this approach allowed Japanese engineers to maintain a very spacious interior with a lower body height. In the suspension, only the settings have been revised - the new product turned out to be much softer on the go than the donor model. Among other advantages of "ASX" it is worth highlighting a rich selection of trim levels, among which there are those that will cause respect even among the owners of premium crossovers.

“No one of the competitors has such a panoramic roof. At night, the edges are illuminated with orange LEDs - looks amazing. ”

Vyacheslav KITSIS, “Klaxon” No. 9 ’2010

The range of motors is by no means poor. The petrol "1.6 MIVEC" comes in combination with a manual transmission only. Known from the “Lancer” model, the 1.8- and two-liter “MIVEC” (only the all-wheel drive version is equipped with this engine) work in tandem exclusively with a variator.

Already in the basic "Invite" configuration, the crossover is equipped with air conditioning, heated seats and mirrors, and full power accessories. The “Intense” version adds a color information display, alloy wheels and a set of seven “air bags”. Instyle Plus has turn signals in mirrors, leather upholstery and electric seat adjustments. But this is still not the top. The most advanced versions are “Ultimate” and “Exclusive”.

The exclusive turquoise blue color “Kawasemi” was developed especially for ASX.

Versions with 1.6 liters are devoid of traction control and slope retention systems, which are found on more powerful front-wheel drive variator modifications. Four-wheel drive on two-liter models is realized through an electronically controlled clutch - the rear wheels are connected when the front wheels slip.

The car is manufactured in Japan and delivered to Russia in an adapted form - with a battery of increased capacity and a system for starting the engine in severe frosts.

"ASX" has been sold in the stores of the "Rolf" chain (and only there) for only a month, and there are so many orders for the new product that they have temporarily ceased to be accepted. Everything is scheduled until December.

Debut: 2006 (“Qashqai + 2” - 2008)

Restyling: 2010

Drive: front or full

Clearance: 20 cm

Dimensions: 433x178x161.5 cm (454.1x178x164.5 cm)

Trunk volume: 410-1.513 L (130-1.510 L)

AN EXAMPLE of perfect targeting is the Nissan Qashqai. From the point of view of discerning connoisseurs of dynamics, comfort and handling, this may not be the best choice. But for the average consumer “Qashqai” is optimal for all reasons. This car is inexpensive, very reliable, economical, practical and, in addition, endowed with a very expressive appearance. And with the release of the elongated seven-seater version of the “Qashqai + 2”, spaciousness was added to the number of advantages. True, the seats in the "gallery" in this modification are not designed for adults.

Engineers "Nissan" managed to eliminate all the weak points of the crossover in the restyled version. The equipment has been expanded. Sound insulation has been significantly improved. The suspension settings have changed - the car can no longer be called shaky. The smooth and smooth ride brought the compact crossover closer to the much more expensive Murano in terms of comfort. The interaction of the variator with the motor has also been brought to perfection. And although this version does not dispose to gambling driving with sharp accelerations and aggressive cornering, it saves a lot of fuel. On the highway at a speed of 120 km / h, the car really fits into the consumption standards of eight liters per “hundred”, and in the city - ten liters.

“I tighten my grip on the steering wheel, subconsciously prepare myself to take blows and ... nothing like this happens. "Qashqai" calmly crawls forward, smoothly swaying on the bumps. "

Alexey BARASHKOV, “Klaxon” No. 3 ’2010

There are few motor-box combinations. The 114-horsepower 1.6-liter petrol engine is offered only with a manual transmission, while the two-liter 141 hp. - exclusively with a variator.

Although all configurations are fixed and do not imply factory retrofitting, the choice is still very wide: the five-seater Qashqai is offered in 24 variants, and the seven-seater Qashqai + 2 in 19. The simplest XE version is not available for the all-wheel drive two-liter models with a variator, and the highest LE + is excluded for 1.6-liter crossovers.

The “4WD” system with electronic control of the transmission of torque on demand “Torque on demand” also allows you to switch to a mono drive “2WD” or to a drive with a locked differential. The latter will not be superfluous on light off-road.

The seven-seater model provides adjustments for the second and third rows of seats.

The “Nissan Connect” system, which combines audio, hands-free and navigation functions, compares favorably with the competition at an affordable price.

Cars come to Russia from Great Britain. Adaptation to our conditions affects the suspension and power supply system. These parts of the car are reinforced.

“Qashqai” is no longer a scarce model, although not all modifications are available from dealers, but mostly expensive ones in the highest performance. However, the order of other versions is executed quickly - from a month to three.

Restyling: was not

Drive: front

Clearance: 19 cm

Dimensions: 430.5x183.7x163 cm

Trunk volume: 630-1.604 L

This model appeared in EUROPE in 2009, but it came to Russia with a delay and was presented just the other day - at the Moscow Motor Show. The first small crossover "Peugeot" is an original development, and not a clone of another model, such as the larger "Peugeot 4007". At the heart of the "3008" is the platform of the compact hatchback "308". Thanks to this, as well as the dynamic roll control in the rear suspension, the model received very good handling.

"3008" looks more like a monocab - the design is made in a passenger style, fashionable oblique headlights almost reach the windshield. In addition, the car does not have such huge wheels as those of competitors. And yet, outside the roads, he will not be helpless. The ground clearance of the “3008” reaches 19 cm, and the ESP system, which can be adjusted for different roads, considerably increases the cross-country ability of even the “1.6 THP” mono-drive model with “mechanics”.

As for the interior, "3008" has a high quality finish and comfortable chairs. The console, which wraps around the driver's seat, flows into a tall and beautifully designed center tunnel (option), just like a sports car. And for passengers in the back, there are even adjustable air ducts. However, there is not as much space in the second row as in classmates - these seats are designed for teenagers rather than adults.

“Everything is really like on an airplane: consoles with buttons, a display, toggle switches ... Whoever designed the interior of the Peugeot 3008 is clearly not indifferent to aviation.”

Vadim OVSYANKIN, “Klaxon” No. 18 ‘2009

The 120-horsepower "1.6 VTi" is offered only with a manual gearbox, while the choice of transmissions for the 156-horsepower turbocharged versions "1.6 THP" has been expanded with a new six-speed "automatic".

The base model in the “Comfort Pack” version is equipped with air conditioning, ESP, all airbags and curtain airbags, a steering column with two adjustments and an electric parking brake. The "Premium" trim will include heated seats, fog lights, a tall leather-trimmed console, alloy wheels and climate control. A huge panoramic roof and two types of leather interior - for an extra charge.

In the class of small crossovers "3008" is still the only one for which such an option as a projection onto the windshield is offered.

The luggage space is well organized in this model. A rigid additional shelf, installed in different positions, divides the already rather large volume in height into different parts. The flap under the tailgate creates an absolutely level and comfortable loading dock. And the left ceiling light is removable and turns into a stand-alone flashlight.

So far only front-wheel drive "3008" will be presented in dealerships. However, these cars are prepared for Russian winters - they have a reinforced suspension with increased ground clearance, more powerful interior heating and ventilation, and are designed to start in frosts down to -37 degrees.

Restyling: was not

Drive: front or full

Clearance: 18 cm

Dimensions: 422.3x179.3x169.1 cm

Trunk volume: 405-1.760 L

The FIRST crossover in the history of “Skoda” received a very extravagant appearance, but it was not built from scratch. The car is based on the VW A5 Passat platform. Before the official release of the Yeti, many wondered whether the novelty will inherit the characteristic of Volkswagen cars or get a compromise in handling? Czech engineers managed to get around all the problems - “Yeti” is comfortable and well controlled. This result - close to the benchmark for a small crossover - is achieved through a low center of gravity and wider track. And by the way, it is "Yeti" - the fastest four-wheel drive car in the class. Version “1.8T 4x4” is capable of accelerating to “hundreds” in less than nine seconds and reaching a maximum 200 km / h!

The second significant advantage of the model is the interior. It is impossible to find fault with the quality of finishing materials. They did not save on sound insulation. The interior design is made in the traditional Skoda style - rational, simple, but not poor. Separately, it is worth noting the possibility of transforming the cabin. The "Varioflex" system allows you to slightly move the rear seats horizontally, change the angle of the backrest, and if you remove the middle seat and move the two side seats closer, you get a spacious interior for four riders. The second row can not only be folded, but also removed from the car altogether - then the passenger station wagon will turn into a cargo van with a very decent capacity.

At first, car enthusiasts reacted with disbelief to the 105-horsepower modification, in which the engine volume seemed shockingly small - 1.197 "cubes". But it is these versions that are now in the highest demand.

"If you additionally activate the off-road mode, the downhill control system is activated, ESP begins to simulate the locks of inter-wheel differentials."

Yuri URYUKOV, “Klaxon” No. 10 ‘2009

The choice of “motor-box” options is still limited. The turbocharged petrol “1.2 TSI” is offered only for mono-drive cars with “mechanics” or “robot”, and the powerful “1.8T” - only with a manual transmission and a “4x4” drive. Delivery of the turbo diesel model “2.0 TDI DSG” is planned.

The top version “Experience” is not available for the initial modification, but this does not change anything - “Yeti” and in the middle version “Ambition” can be ordered with any options, including with a leather or Alcantara interior. There are restrictions on retrofitting only for the budget “Active”.

Especially for Russia, 200 cars were produced in the “Limited Edition” version - with a robotic DSG gearbox, excellent equipment and sports-style trim.

ESP is not included in the manual transmission model, but it is still worth ordering. This system is able to simulate a differential lock and will seriously help on slippery roads or light off-road conditions.

SKD "Yeti" was established in Kaluga, but since the plant is currently moving to small-node assembly, the machines will be supplied from the Czech Republic on order. The term is 2.5-3 months. There is “Yeti” and in stock - dealers have stocks of all-wheel drive models and “1.2 TSI DSG Limited Edition”.

Restyling: 2008 and 2010

Drive: front or full

Clearance: 18-19 cm

Dimensions: 444.5x181.5x168.5 cm (462.5x185.5x172 cm)

Trunk volume: 410-540 l

By releasing an inexpensive front-wheel drive version of the RAV4, Toyota has succeeded in capturing the attention of buyers who previously thought they couldn't afford the popular crossover. And this summer the offer became even more tempting - Toyota dealers began to offer the latest restyled version, which already belongs to the 2011 model year. Improved equipment, increased engine power, finalized design of the front part - these are the main changes.

The “RAV4” needs no introduction - it is a legend among small crossovers. The modern third generation of "rafiks" has lost the three-door modification, but an elongated version has appeared, with a more spacious second row of seats and a trunk. True, its restyling has not affected.

“RAV4” is characterized by high quality performance, endurance and an enviable level of comfort even when driving on bumpy roads. You need to try pretty hard to “break through” its energy-intensive suspension on the bumps. This quality is hereditary. After all, the first "rafiki" were created specifically for lovers of outdoor activities, which is reflected in the model name - "Recreation Active Vehicle". And all the newcomers of the class, described in our review, are still more "sharpened" on the asphalt.

“It has retained the“ rafik ”and its main advantage over the competitors - accurate, predictable behavior on the road, worthy of cars.”

Alexey AKSENOV, “Klaxon” No. 15 ’2009

For the short-wheelbase version, the standard is a 158-horsepower two-liter gasoline engine with a variable-phase system “Valvematic”, and for the extended version - a 170-horsepower “2.4 VVTi” with a traditional “automatic”.

Restyled cars are offered in four fixed trim levels. The rest are presented in two versions - the middle "Comfort Plus" and the highest "Prestige Plus". The latter has a leather interior, power seats, an advanced navigation system with "hard drive" and a keyless entry system.

The choice of color options for the interior is not rich. But in the accessories section, you can pick up a sports steering wheel and gearshift lever, as well as various decorations. And externally, the car can be transformed by ordering stainless steel sills or stylish footrests - together with the spare wheel placed at the stern, they will give the crossover a real off-road image.

Edition Klaxon No. 16 2010 Photo photos of manufacturers

Manufacturers offer motorists a wide range. Each of them has its own significant advantages and some disadvantages. How can a buyer make a really correct choice when buying a car, and choose for himself exactly the model that will satisfy all his needs? In today's review, we will try to give an objective assessment of the Skoda Yeti, which we will compare with its direct competitor. The opponent of the "Czech" will be the one who has long occupied a leading position in the domestic automobile market due to its excellent exterior design and satisfactory dynamic and speed characteristics. Which car is better than Kia Sportage or Skoda Yeti? We will try to answer this question in today's review.

Kia Sportage or Skoda Yeti are compact crossovers that have long been fighting for primacy in the domestic market.

A little about exterior design

One of the key factors behind the popularity of the Kia SUV is its eye-catching appearance that exudes confidence and aggression. If the car is made in the corporate orange style, fans simply cannot resist delightful exclamations. The "Korean" makes a particularly strong impression. The athleticism and diversity of the exterior design deserves only positive reviews. The designers did a great job and created a truly unrivaled sophisticated car style.

Kia Sportage is every woman's dream

In contrast to the Korean car, outwardly, the "Czech" looks more modest. Of course, but no color will put Skoda on a par with the Sportage regarding the attractiveness of the exterior design. A middle-aged man and a young girl will look the same behind the wheel of the Bigfoot, although the strict, masculine exterior design suggests that this car is more suitable for men. There is nothing supernatural in the appearance of the Czech car, and therefore the "Korean" has a significant advantage in terms of external design.

Skoda Yeti - a crossover with a strict character

A few words about the interior

Nothing bad can be said about the ergonomics of the Korean car. A fairly comfortable electric console did not cause any particular complaints. One notable drawback is the thick stands that limit your view. The ergonomics of Skoda are distinguished by a high level of convenience in the arrangement of elements. The driving position in a Czech car is great. It is worth noting the effective lateral support rollers, which in the Kia Sportage are not very well adapted to perform their functions, and the driver's seat is a little worse compared to the Czech car, it does not look so elastic and full. The big drawback of the Skoda Yeti is crampedness. The salon does not fit, because only two people can fit on the back seat sofa without hindering their movements.

In Kia Sportage, on the other hand,. Passengers will enjoy long journeys. If there is a choice between Yeti or Sportage in terms of interior design, the "Korean" has the advantage. By the way, the Kia also has a larger trunk than the Skoda.

Comfort and coziness are the hallmarks of the Kia Sportage interior

Dynamic characteristics

Test drive of the Skoda Yeti car:

- the undisputed leader in speed characteristics... A 152-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged engine accelerates the SUV to a hundred in just nine seconds. The accelerator pedal responds well to driver input. The Czech car perfectly enters the turns of any complexity and keeps perfectly on the straight. Kia has lower speed and dynamic characteristics. The Korean is a little heavier than the opponent, but this is not the main reason why Sportage is inferior in speed competition. Uniformly stretched thrust along the entire length of the gears at all speeds, with a sufficiently high engine volume, without "explosive" points. This is the main reason for the "rotten" movement of the Korean car. Kia cannot boast of acceleration either, there are certain problems when overtaking. Considerably inferior in terms of dynamic characteristics. Here the Czech car took revenge after its defeat in terms of interior and exterior design.

Test drive a car Kia Sportage:

Summing up

It's time to take stock. After comparing two similar "" one can say that the "Korean" has an advantage over the "Czech" in terms of internal and external design, but the speed and dynamic characteristics are higher in the plain Skoda Yeti. So the choice of one of the two compact crossovers is in accordance with the needs of the buyer. If a car is bought for the beautiful half of humanity, then it, undoubtedly, must be Kia Sportage. For a more efficient ride, requiring higher dynamic and, the Skoda Yeti is better suited.

Unfortunately, our campaign did not include Dzhuk or Kashkai, one of which was also planned to be tested. Representatives of Nissan dealerships as one insisted that in order to issue the car they need a request, time to approve the request, authorization, approval, confirmation of approval, a stamped resolution and fingerprints of all editorial staff. We're kidding, of course. Well nothing. The talented members of the group, even with an incomplete lineup, were able to play a good game.

Many will immediately notice that the company is quite diverse. Cars differ in size, engines, transmissions, trim levels and prices. However, our task in this test is not to identify the winner and the loser. It is more interesting to see who each car is focused on and how the expectations of buyers will coincide with real possibilities. After all, whatever one may say, all three cars belong to the class of compact all-wheel drive crossovers. And by and large, small discrepancies in the characteristics are not as great as consumer qualities are similar.

At first glance, it might seem that Opel is one of the smallest crossovers. But this is not the case. Mokka, for example, is 2.3 cm higher than the Sportage, 5.5 cm longer than the Yeti, and Juka is much larger in all respects.

Let's start, of course, with a beginner. As it should be, Opel Mokka was born thanks to the efforts of two parents: Opel and the Korean division of Chevrolet DAT. In a happy family, triplets were born immediately (Mokka has two more twin brothers, Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax, and the latter will appear in Russia, albeit under the less ambiguous name Tracker).

But despite the joint German-Korean platform Gamma II, external data do not allow us to doubt that it is Opel in front of us, a very cute and pretty Opel. The absence of any brutality in the exterior design, the contours of the headlights summed up by "black ink" and a variety of chrome and silver "ruffles" - overlays immediately determine the target audience - it is undoubtedly female.

The opposite of the Opel Mokka is the Kia Sportage. The "Korean" literally exudes aggression with all his appearance, although he has no less chrome-plated decorations, but they are more for pathos. In many ways, the attention-grabbing styling has been a key factor in popularizing the Kia crossover. The only pity is that the test car was in an expressionless dark gray color, and not the corporate orange.

Skoda Yeti is a kind of unisex. Both a young girl and a middle-aged man will look equally harmonious in it. The main thing is, again, to choose the right color. And if at the beginning of his career the exterior of the "Snowman" seemed a bit frivolous for the thoroughly pragmatic Skoda brand, then after the release of more prominent competitors, the Yeti style became quite commonplace.

Interior. The most capacious of the three, of course, turned out to be the Kia Sportage - it is the largest in size. There is enough space for everyone, without exception, but it is especially comfortable for those who sit on a comfortable and wide sofa with the largest stock of legroom of the trinity.

In addition, the Kia crossover has the most expensive in appearance and touch interior: high-quality finishing materials with black lacquered plastic inserts, a spectacular instrument panel, a touchscreen display of the multimedia system and (in our configuration) a leather interior and a panoramic sunroof. And the best part is that this wealth does not go against ergonomics - using almost all functions is intuitively simple.

The second in terms of volume is the Skoda Yeti. The main feature of the Czech crossover is the second row, three parts of which can be adjusted separately by changing the backrest tilt or moving the seats back and forth. It is on the chosen position of the rear seats that the space in the cabin or in the trunk depends.

The appearance of the Skoda's interior is the most unpretentious - even an advanced radio with a large touch screen does not help. It should be noted that unlike the two rivals, the Yeti got us in a modest configuration. However, the quality of the materials is not satisfactory, and the ergonomics are traditionally excellent.

Despite the fact that the Mokka is longer than the Yeti, there is a little less space in the Opel. A man with a height of 180 cm sits behind himself almost end-to-end, and there is no talk at all about accommodating the three of them behind - in width, the German crossover wins only from all direct and indirect competitors against Nissan Juke and Suzuki SX4.

The back row was also disappointing in terms of fit - the non-adjustable backrest is too vertical, and the sofa cushion is too short - it will be convenient only for people with perfect posture. The tactile sensations from the interior leave a favorable impression, the design pleases the eye a little less than in Kia. The only thing you have to get used to is a scattering of buttons on the front panel, among which you can't immediately find the right one.

But the Opel Mokka has the most comfortable driving position. "Baranka" has the most optimal thickness and diameter, the chair hugs tightly with lateral support, but just as much as necessary. A lot of adjustments, including changing the length of the cushion, allow you to choose the position of the seat for any fit.

The Skoda's driver's seat is a little worse - it pleases with a verified profile and an equally dense filler, but in terms of the number of settings it loses to Opelev's. But the relief of the Kia seat is only visual - the Sportage has the widest and flattest seat with indistinct lateral support. But it is on such seats that people of dense build will be comfortable.

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The largest trunk is predictably in the Kia Sportage - 564 liters. He is the only one who has a full-size "spare wheel" in the underground. The cargo compartment of the Skoda Yeti with a volume of 405 liters is the most functional in terms of transformation - the rear seats can not only be moved or folded, but completely pulled out of the passenger compartment. The most modest hold of the Opel Mokka is 362 liters. Its capabilities are quite enough for urban needs.

Dynamic performance and handling.

In terms of speed parameters, the undisputed leader is Skoda Yeti. Its 152-horsepower 1.8 turbo engine takes the crossover to 100 km / h in 9 seconds. But the best part is that decent protocol performance figures completely coincide with the sensations. The agility with which the Yeti reacts to pushing the accelerator encourages a hooligan manner of movement.

And the chassis of the Czech crossover is ready for provocations. Skoda perfectly keeps in turns, and, even more so, on a straight line. And the steering leaves no gap in unity with the machine. For active driving, the DSG preselective gearbox with the ability to turn on the sport mode is also well suited. She is afraid of only one thing - "ragged" driving, when the electronics are confused with the inclusion of a low or high gear.

It's even more fun to drive the Opel Mokka. Opel's suspension is tuned more sensitively, and the power steering is poured more heavily than the Skoda. Due to this, the accuracy increases both in the deflection of the steering wheel by the driver and in the reactions of the car itself.

Eh, if Opel had a more powerful motor, it would look great as a drivers car. However, Mokka cannot be called sluggish: the old naturally aspirated 1.8 engine is honestly lucky with its 140 forces, evenly accelerating and picking up in the upper zone of the tachometer. In addition, a smooth but agile six-speed “automatic” works in tandem with the motor.

The Kia Sportage is an outsider in speed disciplines. It is clear that it is 75-80 kg heavier than its rivals, but this is not the difference in weight that justifies such a sluggish dynamics. The reason is the thrust of the gasoline two-liter engine, evenly spread across the entire tachometer scale and six gears, without a pronounced pickup.

It is useless to twist the ringing of the 150-horsepower Kia engine - this cannot be accelerated, which is especially sad when overtaking. In addition, the Kia Sportage has the most uninformative steering wheel - in the near-zero zone it "dangles", and when turning it stumbles over an artificial "step" in force. However, the "Korean" keeps to the road regularly, not allowing any noticeable rolls or deviations from the trajectory.

Riding comfort.

But in this nomination, Kia Sportage performed better than its rivals. In the salon, the "Korean" pleases, first of all, the silence. The noise isolation of the crossover copes well with both tire hum and the sound of the engine. True, here Kia had a head start in the form of friction winter tires, while Skoda and Opel moved on spikes. But the work of the Sportage suspension to level domestic potholes does not need any head start. The crossover, without choking, swallows all the flaws in the road surface.

Skoda Yeti copes with the realities of Russian roads a little worse. The suspension also does not notice small and medium potholes, but the passengers in the cabin shakes more than in Kia. It is better to try to bypass large obstacles - it is not even an hour, as shock absorbers can close on rebound. Despite the presence of studded rubber, the "Bigfoot" did not bother with obsessive noise accompaniment.

Opel Mokka surprised - it was he who turned out to be the loudest, which is usually not typical for Opel. The howling of the wind, the hum of tires and the sound of the engine, especially at high revs - all this makes the sound of the radio tape recorder turn up and the passengers speak louder. It is pointless to expect soothing comfort from a tight and tuned for active ride - either one or the other. It does not allow breakdowns, but with the accuracy of a gramophone needle it transfers the slightest irregularities of the road to the salon.

Off-road capabilities.

Such a check may seem pointless to many - the lion's share of compact crossovers is sold in Russia exclusively in a single-drive version. And even those who choose the 4x4 modification most often drive off the asphalt, perhaps on a primer. Car manufacturers also know this, so they don't bother much with the all-terrain capabilities of their models. But since the test Opel Mokka, Skoda Yeti and Kia Sportage row all four wheels, we could not find the limit of their capabilities outside the asphalt.

The declared ground clearance of the Kia Sportage is the least of all - 172 mm. Skoda Yeti and Opel Mokka have 180 mm each. All three cars are equipped with downhill assistants, Opel and Kia additionally have a hill start assist system. And only Sportage has an electronic clutch lock.

The surprise came from Sportage. It turned out that this glamorous "Korean" who looks great in the parking lot of a business center or a fitness club, sparkling with chrome, xenon and LEDs, crawls along the snow-covered hills better and easier than anyone else. First, only Kia has an electronic clutch lock. Secondly, it has the widest, albeit non-studded tires, which increased the contact patch on deep and loose snow. Thirdly, the "Korean" has the most loyal settings for electronic "collars" - the traction control system and ESP intervened very correctly, without particularly interfering with the movement by braking the wheels and dropping the speed.

Well, fourthly, on the off-road Kia Sportage was just helped by the "sleepy" settings of the engine and gearbox - precisely due to the fact that the "Korean" has absolutely even traction without peak picks, it is easy to move evenly on the unsteady virgin soil without the risk of overgas and bury the car. But putting a heavier Kia on its belly is easiest - the Sportage has the smallest distance to the ground under the crankcase.

Judging by the name, one would assume that for the white Czech crossover, the almost untouched snowy hills will turn out to be a native element. And, in general, the Yeti did not disappoint, overcoming all the obstacles to which we sent him.

But in order to flounder in the snow, on the Skoda you need to work a little more carefully with the gas pedal. In addition, it is also advisable to switch the DSG box to manual mode, since too active playing with the accelerator again entangles the two transmission clutches. But Skoda has the most correct front bumper in shape, which, without much fear, allows Yeti to climb rather steep climbs.

But the Opel Mokka with the front bumper is in real trouble. For a third of the obstacles that Kia and Skoda overcame without problems, we were afraid to send Mokka precisely because of the possibility of damaging the front bumper or at least tearing off its "skirt". But Mokka definitely has potential.

Let it be the most difficult for Opel to climb the virgin snow - often it is necessary to step back and punch the way for the second, third time: the car does not have enough traction at the bottom, and at the upper rev limit there is a risk of squeezing the damped gas pedal and burying itself. Mokka is also hindered by the overly fearful safety electronics, working ahead of time - they had to turn it off. But still, Opel crawls through sufficiently deep snow - both in a straight line and uphill! It only requires an experienced hand from the driver. So we will not dare to recommend moving off the asphalt on Mokka, but if necessary, the crossover will pass on easy off-road.

Mokka could not afford to drive in and out of this slide. What the people from Opel were thinking about when they made an all-wheel-drive crossover with a “muzzle lying on the ground,” which Mokka clings to almost everything, is absolutely incomprehensible. Even if the potential owner will never be out of the asphalt, in the city, when parking the Opel, the front will collect all the curbs.