Top 7 compact SUVs

If we’re talking value for money then the conversation starts and ends with the workhorse that is the Dacia Duster. It now starts from £11,245, which is a little over £1,000 more than it has been priced since its launch but that is thanks to the introduction of more efficient and better-performing engines. The DCi diesel will now return a steady 64mpg on the combined cycle, which is excellent for an SUV of any size, and if you tend to do more localised driving you’ll be happy to know that the petrol TCe engine will return a stellar 52mpg. The Duster is available as both 4 wheel drive and 2 wheel drive and it has proven to be a dependable and honest servant for Duster owners. In terms of practicality, the biggest selling point must be the huge 1,623 litres of luggage space available in the back when you fold the rear seats down. More than enough for most UK buyers.

Right now the Duster is available from as little as £139 per month on a PCP deal with a £1,924 deposit. That is extremely accessible.

The MG ZS is a car that is still growing in popularity since its launch back in 2018 but we feel this car doesn’t get the attention it deserves despite being competitively priced and charming to look at and sit in. The ZS is available from just £15,495 and MG have been clever with how they have pitched the specs and engine selection. If you’d like a manual then the only option is the 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre DOHC VTI-tech engine which is petrol-powered and should return a solid 41.5 mpg on the combined cycle. If you prefer an automatic gearbox then the 3-cylinder 1.0-litre Turbocharged ‘GDI’ engine is your only choice, which simplifies the decision making, this 3-pot unit should return a modest 38.5 mpg on the combined cycle. As well as being a good-looking small SUV, the ZS comes with plenty of standard kit. Bluetooth, Cruise control, MP3 and chrome window accents are all standard fittings on the entry-level ‘Explore’ model. Definitely one worth considering if you want a relatively big car for relatively little money.

MG are currently offering their ZS for as little as £199 per month with a £1,987 deposit and 0% APR.

The new Mazda CX-30 is a step up in style, class and sophistication from the two models we’ve mentioned so far, and while this is reflected in the price, the CX-30 is an award-winning car that should definitely be shortlisted by anyone looking for a compact SUV at this price range. The CX-30 starts from £22,940, which is notably more than the two previous competitors but the CX-30 is considerably more luxurious and better equipped. The entry-level SE-L model comes loaded with alloy wheels, air conditioning, LED headlights, Rain sensing wipers and rear parking sensors all as standard - to give you a taste of how much Mazda pack into every model. While the CX-30 may look coupe-like, there is still 422 litres of luggage room in the back which extends to 1,398 litres with the rear seats folded down, so there’s plenty of room back there despite the stylish sweeping roofline.

The Arona from SEAT is only the Spanish manufacturer's second stab at the SUV market, following the Ateca, but they’ve hit the nail on the head thanks to a forgiving starting price (just £18,330) and plenty of equipment in the entry-level SE spec. Prospective buyers will appreciate that the entry-level Arona comes with big 17” alloys, contrast-coloured roof, LED daytime running lights and front park-assist technology. The sweet spot in the spec list is the SE Tech model, which has all the features in the SE as well as Sat Nav, wireless phone charging and rear parking sensors to complement the sensors at the front. 

Right now SEAT are offering their brand new Arona for £214 per month with nothing to pay for the first 3 months.

The DS 3 is the new kid on the block and it should be a standout car for the fashionistas among us. Not only is the DS3 extremely handsome to look at but when you step inside the cabin it’s unique styling and high-end materials do set the tone for what is the most premium small-SUV from the PSA Group, which consists of Peugeot, Citroen, DS and Vauxhall. Looking good rarely comes cheap though, and the DS3 starts from £22,515 which some may consider being steep but for a premium car, which DS is pitching the 3 Crossback as, it’s not bad. The PureTech 100 is the standout engine choice, and this petrol-powered unit will return a forgiving 52mpg on the combined cycle. If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd in a small-SUV then the DS3 Crossback is worth shortlisting.

Toward the top of the list of small-SUVs is the most premium and desirable model in the entire segment, Audi’s new Q2. Prices start from £23,300 but you want to aim for the S-Line model which is priced from £26,950. This model comes as-good-as fully-loaded, though. You get massive 18” inch wheels which look epic, dynamic suspension, embroidered S-Line half-leather interior, LED headlights and taillights and more aggressive body styling all around the car. There are 5 engines to choose from, 3 petrol and 2 diesel, and seemingly endless amounts of customisation options available. While the pricing of the Q2 might put off some buyers, if you’re in the market for a small-SUV but you don’t want to compromise on quality and refinement, then you’ll do very well to find an alternative to the impressive new Q2 from Audi.

Right now you can get yourself in a brand new Audi Q2 for as little as £265.76 per month with a £2,330 deposit and Audi will contribute a further £3,000 to your down payment.

Hyundai’s Kona is a brand new model that was built from the ground up as a solution to the ever-growing demand for b-segment SUVs and, as you can see, the design team have done a truly stunning job with it. The car is contemporary and angular but not obtuse ‘nor inappropriate for its purpose. Hyundai say the Kona offers a “cutting-edge combination of style, technology and performance to help you define it according to your rules.” As with all Hyundais, the Kona comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, Hyundai Road Assistance and 5 annual health checks all as standard.