SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Granted, the sport utility vehicle segment has a different luster than that of more than a decade ago, when the class was fresh and burgeoning, and manufacturers were falling over each other to fill the slots in the new opening. Then, robustness was generally the operative word, so an SUV had to be tough to tackle terrain and yet be compliant enough for urban use. Not the easiest thing to manage, you can imagine.

Time – as well as trial and error – has seen the category become more refined, and the sparkle these days is probably better at wooing buyers. A more focused scope has come about, with the need to be able to traverse the great outdoors in rugged fashion pretty much left behind, like it should have been in the first place. Today’s SUV is very much a suburban-centric offering, aimed at the urban crowd for which a sedan doesn’t have enough space and presence, and a MPV too much, and boringly so.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Now, most of us know how capable these vehicles are, taken on their own, but how do they fare when pitted against each other? With that in mind, we decided to take a closer look at how they match up, pitting five examples – the Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Peugeot 3008 – in a quintet face-off to see how it all shapes up.

There are other contenders, namely the new Kia Sportage, the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the long-in-the-tooth Ford Escape as well as the likes of the Chevrolet Captiva, for example, but adding more than what we ended up with would have made the task unmanageable. It’s all nice to read a nine or 10 SUV shootout, but doing one is another thing altogether.

That said, on with the show to see which one ends up as the king of this particular hill.

EXTERIOR

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Danny says

The five SUVs assembled here range from a big box to one not much bigger than the hatchback it’s based on, from building blocks to fluidic sculptures, so there’s bound to be one to suit one’s taste. Agree?

I’m not much of an SUV kind of guy (the Audi Q5 is another matter), and there is no overwhelming favourite for me either, but I like the blend of sharp lines and compact proportions of the Mitsubishi ASX. This deep shade of red probably isn’t the most flattering, and it could do with a sportier set of wheels, but I like it best.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The most flamboyant of the group by a mile is the Hyundai Tucson. It’s very eye-catching, and like Anthony, I like that muscular rear three-quarters view the best. Not so in love with the fussy face, but this is a great example of a self-confident, expressive design, as opposed to the “play safe, don’t offend” looks of previous gen Koreans. It’s a gamble, but it’s paying off big time for Hyundai.

Never liked the popping eyes + double grille look of the CR-V, which for reasons unknown, brings a startled hippo to mind. The Honda is no longer repulsive thanks to familiarity, but it’s not pretty either, which brings us to the Peugeot. The 3008 is just too odd for me – the proportions, overhangs, and that face – I just don’t get it. Would love to interview the designer someday, just to know what inspired him. I quite like how its MPV sibling 5008 looks, though

One can’t fault the X-Trail for being a box, because that’s wholly intentional on Nissan’s part. The carmaker says that first-gen X-Trail owners (and there are many of them) love their SUV’s macho square cut lines, so they made more of the same. And with more rivals going the crossover route, the “keep it true” X-Trail may find itself serving a large number of taste buds.

As they say, one man’s meat…

Harvinder says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Lets face it. Looks are somewhat important when you talk about cars and it’s correct to assume so in this case. Good looking cars somehow attract us, but at end the of the day, if a car is good looking to one it doesn’t necessarily mean it is good looking to another. All subjective, to say the least.

In the case of these five SUVs I must admit that two cars stand out from the pack. One is the Peugeot 3008, while the other is the Hyundai Tucson. I think you can safely guess why the 3008 is in my standout list. Well, yes, you’re right, it stands out because it does look a little quirky, perhaps a little too modern for today’s tastes.

Don’t get me wrong, the 3008 does have some good angles, but definitely not as many compared to the rest of the line-up we have here. The taillights remind me of strawberries for some reason, while the front makes me think of JAWS. Weird, I know, but that’s what crossed my mind. Then we have the Hyundai Tucson at the end of spectrum, something that has gone through a lot to come this far.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

At first glance, the Tucson strikes you as a good looking thing. Very sweet and pleasant from almost any angle. Hyundai’s designers have been working around the clock to come up with the designs they have now, which I must say, are rather appealing. In this case, just like other Hyundais at the moment, the form is treated with the fluidic design concept and it’s working well here.

However, I do feel that the car is a little too ‘fluidic’ for me, if you know what I mean. There’s a tad too much on the design lines, which I consider the only off-putting thing the Tucson has in terms of design. Nevertheless, that’s just me as the design seems to the be cup of tea to many out there, and I can understand why.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

As for Nissan X-Trail, I find this one a bit too utilitarian, a little too boxy. It looks as though it has a lot of design elements that doesn’t seem to fit well together. At times, I feel that some design elements on the X-Trail are afterthoughts. The Honda CR-V seems like a decent looking offering, with the right proportions and not overcooked. However, I think the Tucson comes up ahead of the X-Trail and the CR-V in the design department.

Among all the SUVs we have here, I consider the Mitsubishi ASX as the SUV with the right balance in the looks category. I like the fact that it has Mitsubishi’s trademark jet fighter grille. The aggressiveness is a nice touch and it doesn’t breach the “too much” point in the scale. The ASX looks very good from almost every angle, and is the only SUV here that really looks like a car.

Overall, the Hyundai Tucson and the Mitsubishi ASX are my choices in terms of design. Comparing both, I find that the Tucson is a bit too flashy for me, probably like a model who has a little too much make up, while the ASX feels about right.

Anthony says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The assembled bunch looked every bit the motley crew, what with the box-like X-Trail mixing it up with the flowing Tucson, and the ASX and 3008 looking more crossover than SUV. An interesting mix of shapes, to say the least.

From an aesthetics point of view, the X-Trail isn’t going to win any contests for being the curviest creature, or indeed the sexiest thing on four donuts. With a shape that feels like slabs chunked together, this is very much a box on wheels. The utilitarian shape, however, hints at the volumetric scope within, and you just know this one – which is larger than the first-generation model – is going to offer loads of it. Function over form, indeed.

The Tucson takes its place at the other end of the swing, and showboats all those curves and swoops like it’s going out of fashion. Certainly, there’s nothing reserved about how it parades its wares, though I have reservations as to how the lines will hold up as time progresses. I love the rear though, viewed straight on from behind; of the five, it’s the derriere with the most flair and appeal.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

As for the CR-V, the third-generation model is heading towards its end of duty tour, but retains a balanced appeal about it. Not the most exciting, the RE, but plying the safe route means the exterior has held up well enough over the four years plus of its life cycle so far. For sure, the buying public has found – and continues to find – its quiet elegance to be more than agreeable, and this includes my other half; the CR-V here happens to be her vehicle.

Meanwhile, the Peugeot rolls into the fray here looking a bit of an oddity, like it doesn’t quite belong. It’s the smallest looking vehicle of the bunch, and the shape drew mixed opinions from the team. I quite like the front from certain angles, but for sure it’s not the type of vehicle you’d gawk at the whole day. The European influence in its lines is unmistakable though, and it does look very solidly hewn compared to the Asian opposition.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Finally, the ASX. It’s the one with the leanest, most athletic stance, essentially looking very much the prowler. The wedge front works for me and the overall lines offer good proportionate scale, despite its lack of overall mass.

Indeed, it’s my pick of the five from the exterior point of view, the ASX. I’ve always preferred my cars lean and on the smaller side, and while the 3008 may also be so, its disposition is a bit too soft and too rounded for my taste. I’ve gotten so used to the CR-V it’s become a familiar shoe, so it doesn’t have quite the charm it once had. You can probably tell the X-Trail doesn’t work at all for me, and it never did even with the first incarnation. The Tucson’s flash is striking though, so it’s a close second in my books.

INTERIOR

Danny says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Throughout our test period, I spent the most time in the Nissan and Peugeot, collecting the former and returning the latter to their owners. I love the X-Trail’s cabin for its excellent view out (lots of glass, square corners) and comfort. The fabric seats are big and cushy, typically Nissan, and there’s nothing to learn or get used to – you just step in and drive.

However, the spartan look and feel may be a disadvantage in the showroom, making Nissan look stingy. But that’s not entirely true either.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

While the X-Trail lacks some basic kit such as climate control, leather and buttons for the steering, as well as flashy toys such as the Hyundai’s push start button/panoramic roof, Mitsu’s 2-DIN head unit or Honda’s cool instrument panel, it’s the only car here to come with electric adjustment for the driver’s seat as well bi-xenons, kit that even the “fully-loaded” Euro-spec Peugeot doesn’t have. And if given a choice, I’d have those over auto air con and auto cruise.

It’s a car that that the family will love as well. Tall seating position, high roof, large windows and the useful boot trays with compartments are good for road trips or ronda-ronda sessions.

The Peugeot is a good family car as well, if you have a small family with young kids, that is. The expansive panoramic glass roof is spectacular, but rear legroom is very tight. Passable if someone my height is seated in front, but if they are tall, rear knee-room can go down to almost nothing. The 3008 must be tried for size, because it’s not for all.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

It’s for those who want some sports car feel from their SUV. The Pug’s driving quarters is very cozy and enclosed, with a sloping centre stack and a tall centre console that divides the front section into two distinct areas.

It’s very cockpit like, and the driver is boss, which matches the driving character of the 3008. He/she is faced with plenty of toggle switches and twin pod dials. There’s also the much boasted head-up display (HUD), although I personally find this to be rather gimmicky.

Unlike BMW’s version, the image here is shot on a separate screen that can be erected by a toggle switch, and although the image (only digital km/h) can be adjusted for height, I still had to lower eye focus to view it, defeating the very purpose of HUD. The operation of the screen in our test car was also very noisy.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

That aside, I wasn’t very comfortable with the angle of the left foot rest, and my idle foot became quite restless as a result. This is an unusual observation, since I’m usually immune to many ergonomic challenges pointed out by Paul and Harve.

Step into the Honda CR-V and it becomes clear why this is THE SUV to have for many upper middle-class households. It doesn’t have as many toys as some other cars in this test, or even as much soft touch plastics, but feels the most premium from behind the wheel. This isn’t easy to explain, but the lighting, that nice MID between the dials, the brushed trim, the tactile quality of the knobs and buttons, and the full house centre stack gives off a full-function, technical and expensive feel.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

I also like the abundance of storage spaces and cubbies in the Honda, derived from locating the gear lever on the centre stack. Rear passengers are also in for a treat – legroom is superb in this company, although it could feel even more spacious with a lighter coloured cabin, as opposed to black.

The Mitsubishi ASX, which also has a dark room cabin, is much less spacious than the CR-V inside, something the spec sheets won’t tell you – the ASX’s 2,670 mm wheelbase is actually 50 mm longer than the Honda’s.

The good stuff surrounds the driver – nice sporty steering wheel, long magnesium shift paddles, clear (almost VW/Audi like) dials – but MMC has improved perceived quality over that in the Lancer.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The dash areas closest to occupants are now padded with soft touch plastics, as are the door caps. The multi-info display is colourful and high res, a big improvement over the jagged figures in the Lancer. Also, the instantaneous FC bar also has a “bookmark” for the average done so far, so there’s extra motivation to be light-footed, if that’s your direction.

The head unit is the usual locally-fitted (by MMM) Kenwood system, which isn’t the most user friendly, but it’s feature-packed (reverse camera, DVD player, large full colour touch-screen, etc) and looks impressive, so no complaints.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Last but not least, the Hyundai Tucson. Just like the bold shell, Hyundai has gone for showcar dashboard design that matches the exterior bravado. Lots of sweeping curves and elements means your eyes are in for a workout. There’s this theme of two opposing kinks in the overall dash mould, the centre stack as well as the steering wheel. As with modern Hyundais, the theme is blue. I can understand the modern, techy appeal of the Tucson’s dash, but personally I prefer something more subtle and refined.

Plenty of adjustment available in the Tucson, so driving positions for various sizes shouldn’t be a problem. Outward visibility is not great in this group, a high waistline and shallow windows see to that. Off the shoulder rear view is also poor, but with such a design, you can’t win it all. The showroom appeal and many toys (keyless entry, push button start, integrated stereo with USB, iPod and AUX input) might delay the dreaded knuckle rap, which reveals hard plastics. They don’t feel super nasty or cheap though, and is not an issue to many.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

It’s also good that our 2.0 High Spec test car comes with a panoramic glass roof (split into two, like the W211 Merc E-Class, Sonata YF), since the cabin feels rather enveloping and dark in this company.

In terms of design, in and out, the Tucson is everything the X-Trail isn’t, vice versa. One is unapologetically utilitarian and functional, the other designed to wow and impress. I want some from both ends, and like the CR-V’s blend of good comfort and space, plus premium feel dashboard.

Harvinder says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The cabin is one of the most important things one should consider when buying a car, and unfortunately many potential buyers or owners out there spend less time thinking about a car’s interior before making the decision. It is a place where the driver and his passengers will spend most of the time throughout the ownership experience.

Before I continue with my bit on the interior, I must point out that out of all the SUVs we have here, three are Japanese, one is Korean while another is French. Now, I don’t think I need to emphasize that when it comes interior, the European guys have been doing it well and the Asian rivals, although some are pretty good, are still playing catch up in this department.

To me, I feel that is is true in this case at least. The Peugeot 3008 to me, has the best interior when it comes to tactility and comfort for the driver. As soon as you get into the driver’s seat, you’ll instantly tell yourself that “this is not a driver’s seat, this is a cockpit”. The driver’s section is truly like a jet-fighter’s cockpit with the centre dash somewhat focused towards the driver.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Even the switches and knobs make you imagine you are in a car with wings. The tactility of the interior is pretty good as well, with soft-touch materials in the right places. Personally, I take seat comfort seriously and it is important to have something that is able to support your back properly. It pays when you have those long distance drives and to me, the seat also plays a role to making you feel that you are in a premium vehicle.

The French have got it right with the 3008. The front seats are very comfortable and they offer the best support among all SUVs we have here. I particularly like the headrest design, which reminds me of the ones used in the W211 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. You can tilt it forward to better support your lower neck.

Other features like the glass roof, the rear two-piece tail gate, dual zone air-conditioning and electric parking brake is a nice touch too, but I do agree with Danny on the part HUD portion which is a bit tricky to use. The major downside of the 3008’s interior is that the rear legroom is a little on the tighter side of things. It’s not a very comfortable place for large-sized occupants. Also, it would be great to have a fully-electric front seat, at least for the driver.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The Nissan X-Trail is not a bad place to be in either. It does look a bit utilitarian on the inside, with a rather simple feel to things, but it is quite comfortable and the space, including the rear cabin, is pretty good too.

If you’re okay with the simplistic approach, the X-Trail’s interior can be a nice place for you to be in. There are plenty of compartments, including a double luggage floor system, as well as a 6-way adjustable power seat for the driver, which interestingly is not offered with rest of the SUVs we have here.

The Honda CR-V also has a decent interior and for some reason, it does feel a little premium despite not having many soft-touch surfaces. Honda seems to be good in doing this, even with less expensive cars like the entry level City.

To me, the most striking thing about the CR-V’s interior is its rear legroom, which is very good. You’d be a very happy rear passenger; it’s reminiscent of the Civic, which also offers good legroom space. Just like the X-Trail, storage compartments are very much adequate in the Honda. There are also features like dual zone air-conditioning and cruise control, similar to the 3008.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Just like the exterior, the interior of the Hyundai Tucson also has carries over the flowing design. It looks pretty good if you ask me, but there is a let down though. The interior does not feel premium and it is even outperformed by the X-Trail, if you ask me. There are hard plastics everywhere and even for a car that has done over 30,000 kilometers, the interior felt worn a little, which isn’t a good thing.

Don’t get me wrong, the design is nice, but you have to wonder if it’ll last the distance. Things like the start-stop button are nice to have, but it does little to overshadow the flaws. The ASX has a decent interior which doesn’t look cluttered and at the same time, it doesn’t look cheap as well.

The seating position for the driver is just about right, making it a better option for those who like a sporty feel behind the wheel. I find that the full colour high-resolution LCD multi-information display nestled in between the instrument gauges quite a cool feature to have, thanks to a fuel consumption monitor that incorporates both instantaneous as well as average readings. The rear cabin could have used a little more legroom though.

Overall, I find that the Peugeot 3008 has the best interior; I can make do with the smaller rear cabin, although I really feel that an electric driver’s seat should have been included.

Anthony says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

From an interior perspective, the differences in character continue to show. With practically most of the time being spent in the driver’s seat during the comparo, there was little time to delve in detail the sub-practicalities of things such as boot space and rear seat comfort levels, save for the CR-V, which I’m, erm, rather intimate with.

First up, the Tucson, which lends its allure through more sweeping contours on the inside, as well as with a host of tech bling – there’s stop-start button ignition and an auto dimming rear view central mirror, for starters. These mask the lack of items such as cruise control and going the manual air-conditioning route.

If there’s a gripe with the Tucson’s interior, it’s with the presentation – no complaints about how the layout is presented, but the design elan notwithstanding, the hard-looking plastics cheapen the visual appeal considerably. There are also questions about material durability. The interior of the evaluator, with more than 30k on the clock, looked a bit worse for wear. For example, the engine stop-start button’s wording was already looking quite worn, hence the questions.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Still, there’s much more fanfare in it than on the likes of the X-Trail and ASX, which both feature rather austere cabins. The ASX, with its blackened interior, feels the more spartan of the two, and is reminiscent of the Lancer sedan’s bare approach. It’s more premium in feel though than the Lancer material-wise, so points for this.

The ASX also doesn’t feel as small as you think it would be. The cabin is intimate, but not claustrophobic, even if larger-sized drivers in the Mitsubishi look like they’re driving a Hyundai Getz (not my words). The driving enthusiast will find much to like in this one, with everything presented in line with the vehicle’s sporty pretensions, as will those who like their porridge plain.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Meanwhile, the X-Trail offers very much the same path, presenting a cabin that looks plain bare upon first glance. The plastics are typically Nissan, serviceable but not the final word in premium. This plainness is offset by plenty of practical features – cubby holes and storage space are to be found galore, and items such as rear air-con vents, for example, add to the list. And that volume suggested from the outside is translated when you’re in the vehicle. It feels downright spacious, the X-Trail does.

A note too about its seat comfort, which is the softest in terms of comfort of all the five vehicles; it is a little bit too soft for my liking, especially over long distances, but many will no doubt value its plushness. The Peugeot’s front seat, however, is the standout for me.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The Peugeot’s cabin also features the best material and trim, clean and unfettered, but all hewn together in solid fashion and very elegant in its presentation. Cabin space, however, feels pinched, and if you have tall occupants in front, it’s bad news for those in the rear, where legroom is concerned.

And the 3008 still feels lacking in open and accessible storage space, as previously noted when I drove it during its original media test drive a good while back – attempts to house wallet, phone, keys and cigarettes without having to call in the large storage box were as challenging as before. I still think there’s a photon torpedo launcher housed underneath that huge-assed centre console tunnel, but the firing button is proving rather elusive to find.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

So, of the lot, my pick is with the CR-V’s interior. It’s easy to forget how well Honda gets it right where it matters – aside from the excellent rear legroom, the cabin presentation has a premium feel to it, even if there’s not much bling and fanfare in terms of tech and features.

The plastics may be hard, but they don’t look cheap, and the centre console layout, along with the instrument cluster – especially lit up at night – is fetching. It’s not quite Pug territory, but it’s well ahead of the rest of the group. Storage in the CR-V’s front is more than adequate, though there are quirks elsewhere, like where the 12V socket is placed, which is set too low and difficult to access, especially in the dark.

Still, throw in items such as cruise control and auto climate control as well as the small, almost imperceptible tactile bits (the feel of the switchgear operation is a perfect example) and you can see exactly how the Honda scores where it counts.

PERFORMANCE

Danny says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Although it’s no sports car, the Peugeot is the sports car of the group. It’s the only Continental on call here, and preaches Europe’s downsizing philosophy – direct injection, smaller capacity, forced induction. The 156 hp it makes is no big deal in our 2.0L SUV party, but it’s the turbo engine’s 240 Nm from a mere 1,400 rpm that makes all the difference here.

This gives the 3008 useful punch away from standstill, and good flexibility. Although the pace is subdued a little from the 308 Turbo, which it shares its drivetrain with, possibly due to the extra weight, it should be more than enough go for those shopping in this segment. The official 0-100 km/h time is 9.5 seconds – it practice, the 3008 feels faster than that. As usual, it’s smooth revving and quite linear in delivery.

We must also mention the six-speed automatic gearbox, which is a quantum leap over the “Porsche Tiptronic” four-speeder of old. It’s still not the fastest or snappiest torque converter auto around, but it no longer has a mind of its own, and is competent enough to not annoy.

The “sports car of the group” rep isn’t just from the pace, though. The 3008 feels quite agile and pointy in the bends, and the way the car resists body roll is impressive. This flat stance encourages one to push harder, since there’s no clumsy weight transfer to put you off. No, it doesn’t claw into corners like a hot hatch, but one can at least make the most of what he has in the Peugeot with ease. Sacrifices? Ride comfort is not the best, others soak up bumps better.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

If there’s an element from the other SUVs I would want in the Peugeot’s drive, it’s the ASX’s steering. Direct and blessed with good feel, the Mitsu’s helm is as “sporty” as the wheel itself looks. The ASX is also good to drive, but one downside is the lack of cruising refinement. There’s a good deal of road/tyre roar seeping into the cabin. I wonder if a tyre swap would help…

The ASX carries over the Lancer’s 4B11 engine and CVT gearbox. I’m not a fan of CVT, but the transmission works well, and there’s always the manual mode when the mood arises, although it still doesn’t feel 100% natural in those six virtual ratios.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

For non-fans, the company in the best position to persuade is Nissan. Their Xtronic CVT works like a charm in the Sylphy and the X-Trail we have here. It’s the CVT, as advertised. Mostly smooth and cohesive like the best torque converter autos (except pedal to metal from rest, perhaps), I never once used the manual mode because I couldn’t have done it better. There’s real connection between the speedo and tacho needle, and the drivetrain feels almost resistance-free as you pull away.

Stats that read 139 PS and 198 Nm look below par on paper, but the X-Trail’s smooth flowing style meant that I didn’t crave for more go. The only time it felt lacking was when we were searching for top speed way above the speed limit – a lot of effort was needed to get past the 130-140 km/h zone.

That easygoing drivetrain is part of a similarly likeable package. The X-Trail’s ride comfort is best of the lot for me, soaking up bumps like they were never there and staying rock steady on the highway. We get our supply from Indonesia, so perhaps it’s the local tuning to suit the harsh roads there at work? Whatever it is, our roads aren’t great either, so it’s all good.

All these fit well with a tall ride height with cushy seats and good all round visibility, making the X-Trail a great urban machine and a soothing long distance one.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The Honda CR-V would have also been a good highway cruiser, if not for its hyper sensitive steering. It’s good for the most part, but I found myself feeding constant small inputs to keep it on course during highway drives. It’s not a major or safety issue, but it meant that I wasn’t fully relaxed, and my hands got tired after awhile.

Other than that, the popular segment leader is typically Honda. The engine revs happily with a familiar mechanical buzz, and is quite nice to work on, although more grunt would have been very welcome here. The five-speed auto is as precise and quick as ever. The CR-V’s well judged ride is firm, but never crashy or noisy.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Which leaves the Tucson. I truly admire Hyundai’s brave new direction with its latest products, which has dramatically increased desirabilty. Their cars are now technically on par with class leaders, if not better, and there are plenty of toys to maximise showroom appeal. For me though, the most effective weapon in their new arsenal is design, capturing the imagination of many who previously overlooked Korean wheels. Perfect cars then?

Not yet. Technically, all’s good, but the Tucson (and Sonata) aren’t class leaders in subjective matters. For instance, while the 2.0 Theta II engine’s 166 PS and 197 Nm sound impressive and provide decent go, the engine isn’t the smoothest revving four-pot around, and is quite resonant in the third half of the rev range. The six-speed gearbox, while competent, isn’t as intuitive as the Honda’s, for instance.

There’s not a lot of mechanical grip either – I’ve seen the ESP light come on in corners where I didn’t expect any help. And steering, a very subjective thing, is something that Hyundai-Kia has yet to master.

But these finer points are invisible to the majority of buyers, so we don’t blame Hyundai for not putting “driving pleasure” and “finesse” as top priority. If I were them, my resources would have went into the exact same areas: on paper spec, equipment to wow and bold design.

Strangely, I ended up preferring the X-Trail in this segment, although the Peugeot’s pace and Mitsu’s steering are on the wish list. For me, SUVs are family cars, and the Nissan’s ride comfort, ease of use and silky drivetrain is the best combo here. Looking in the rear view mirror, my family agrees too!

Harvinder says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Now to the part I love the most. Let us start off with the CR-V. It comes with a 2.0 litre i-VTEC that makes 148 hp and 190 Nm of torque from 4,200 rpm. The numbers are anything but impressive, and unfortunately with 1,540 kg to haul it feels as if the CR-V can do with a more powerful engine.

Acceleration does feel heavy but once you’ve reached a set cruising speed, the power issues fades away, until you slam the accelerator to overtake the car in front of you, that is. The shifting of its five-speed automatic is decent enough and the electric power steering feels a little heavy at times, but it’s not really an issue to me.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Its ride comfort is good, with no irritating bumpiness whatsoever. In terms of handling, I find the CR-V performance at an average level. The X-Trail’s MR20DE twin-cam engine has less power than the CR-V, at 137 hp, though torque is slightly higher, 198 Nm to be exact, from 4,400 rpm. It does pull away slightly better than the CR-V, and it uses Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission, with a six-speed manual mode.

To be honest. I am not a fan of the CVTs – I find the sound that the engine makes because of it being rather irritating. However, the Xtronic isn’t that bad and it works smoothly, or fluidly, to use another term. Acceleration is effortless; however, it does take a while for it to achieve higher speed. In terms of ride comfort, the X-Trail does well in absorbing bumps and irregularities. At the same time it is also firm enough for high speed travel. The Nissan boys have got it right with this one.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The Hyundai Tucson’s Theta II 2.0 litre engine is quite powerful on paper, with 164 hp and 197 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm, and carries over the power into actual driving. It does however tend to sound a little rough when you rev it hard. The power unit is paired with a six-speed slush box, which does its job well enough, although it could use a little more refinement.

This applies to the drivability of the Tucson as well. It handles good enough for normal day-to-day driving and its un-refinement is easily hidden if you don’t push the car hard. Even so, you can actually toss the Tucson around corners, though it would definitely benefit from a more refined handling and a steering with a better feel. In terms of ride quality, this Korean seems to be a bit stiff, a little bumpier on the rough roads.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The Mitsubishi ASX is one car that seems to excel in the handling department. This is one SUV or crossover or what ever you fancy that handles like a car. Agile and nimble would be the right word to describe the ASX. It is no Megane RS, but among its rivals in this shootout, it is right at the top.

You can practically chuck it around bends and it won’t bite back, as long as you don’t go overboard. The chassis seems to communicate with you well through the steering wheel, which also offers a good feel. In terms of power, it is decent with its 2.0 litre DOHC MIVEC putting out 148 hp , identical to the CR-V, and 197 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm.

Although quite similar in terms of power figures, you do feel more punch in the ASX. This also joins the X- Trail in offering a CVT unit with six-speed manual mode.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Finally we have the Peugeot 3008, which doesn’t really give us an apple to apple comparison in terms of engine type when put against the other four SUVs we have here. There are two major differences. First up is the fact that the engine is a 1.6 litre, instead of a 2.0 litre with the rest. Secondly, it is force-inducted. It is basically the same engine as the MINI, the rather famous 1.6 litre Prince unit.

It makes 156 hp and most importantly, 240 Nm of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. The higher torque at lower revs proves to be very instrumental in zipping around traffic. Overall, you can safely say that 3008 is the most powerful of the lot, all thanks to the turbo, so no issues at all with acceleration and getting fast quickly. The Pug uses a good old six-speed transmission, which works without a fuss.

The ride comfort is pretty good, with high levels of comfort too. In terms of handling, you can take some pretty serious corners with it, but I still prefer the ASX. Something about the latter’s character makes the whole driving experience sportier. Overall, my pick would be the ASX in regards to overall performance from the SUVs we have here.

Anthony says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Ambling along the highway isn’t how one should define which of the lot to be the best, but the time spent plying the route did reveal a fair bit about each vehicle’s character; there was some hard driving done briefly on each later, which revealed yet more, but given that 99% of these SUVs owners aren’t likely to subject their rides to such, most of the basis – for me at least – was from that gleaned waltzing along.

The Tucson was my first ride out, and as before, when I drove it at point of launch, the 2.0 litre Theta II mill proved willing to get things moving. It feels perky from the get-go, buoyant in its character; conversely, it feels that bit less refined when pushed, and can be a bit zingy at the top end. As a cruiser the Tucson does well enough, though there is a fair amount of road noise, and the steering needs a bit of corrective input in terms of straight-line retention, but the light, easy feel of the rack makes it simple on the shoulders.

The plastics notwithstanding, the itemisation of the layout and switchgear operation in the Hyundai is pretty much fuss-free. One minus is the lack of reach adjustment for the steering, something that is also an oversight on the X-Trail and ASX. Seat comfort is decent, though not group-leading.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

As a driver’s car, or crossover, if you prefer, the ASX is by far the leader of the assembled five-pack. The level of steering feel and communication is by far the highest of the lot, as is the vehicle’s response to dramatic changing load/direction. Agile, in a flamboyant manner, the main reason why you’d want one is because you love to drive, with everything else secondary.

Meanwhile, the 3008 drove well, and the turbocharged Prince 1.6 mill chugged along with the least amount of strain of all the engines throughout the drive. It felt like it was consuming the most fuel, based on the onboard readout, but this proved to be deceptive (see fuel consumption section below). In-cabin comfort is high, and the plushness of the interior, despite that pinched feeling, makes doing the miles all that bit easier.

Still, its size means that it is at a slight disadvantage compared to the rest of the crowd here, the ASX notwithstanding. I still don’t think it’s a SUV, which it was tagged when it was launched. A good compact-ish crossover for the young urban family, yes. Super utility people mover, er, no. Drives well though, so it gets brownie points here.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

From an interior perspective, the Nissan simply overwhelms the rest. The rather-too-soft driver seat aside, everything about the X-Trail screams functionality. It isn’t the fastest, nor the most agile, nor does it have the sense of presence or grandeur. But there’s acres of space in that cavernous cabin, and something about it works, at least to me – I found myself liking it more with every passing mile.

Easy to drive, there’s nothing imposing in its character; it’s vanilla, really – you get in, turn the key and get to your intended destination without fuss, fanfare or any sort of emotion, for that matter. All that functionality, dished out in a completely neutral manner. It isn’t as bad as it sounds, actually.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Finally, we come to the CR-V. I spent the least amount of time in it during the test session, but driving it regularly keeps reminding me why so many view it as the de facto choice in this market when it comes to putting their money on the table for a mid-price, mid-size SUV.

Yes, the 2.0 litre block can feel slightly underpowered at the lower end pushing that mass (it felt the laziest of the lot in start-offs). The steering is also on the heavier side of things, and needs quite a bit of corrective input during highway driving.

But in every other sense, the Honda gets it right. From the tactility of the switchgear operation (which makes all the others, save the 3008, feel cheap) to the interior presentation levels, the CR-V feels good to the touch and sight. It is agile enough when asked, and balanced would best describe its overall level of driving engagement. In all, it feels well thought out, the type of product that you know a copious amount of time has been spent refining all the key points. In this regard, it’s an absolute toss-up between the neutral functionality of the X-Trail and the refined, cultured presentation of the CR-V.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

During the group test drive, we travelled 412 km from the Klang Valley to Ipoh, and back. It included stop and go traffic, town driving and, of course, highway cruising along the PLUS Expressway.

The route we selected allowed us to test the cars in various road conditions where we spent quite a bit of our time on the highway. During the test drive we also carried out a fuel test for all the SUVs involved, with measures employed to ensure accuracy such as adhering to the 110 km/h national speed limit, keeping a safe distance between the cars, ensuring that all cars are driven by all test drivers (to make sure all SUVs get a consistent driving pattern overall) and so on.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Here are the final results:

Peugeot 3008 (1.6 litre Turbo) – 7.37 litres / 100 km
Mitsubishi ASX (2.0 litre NA) – 7.5 litres / 100 km
Honda CR-V (2.0 litre NA) – 8.3 litres / 100 km
Nissan X-Trail (2.0 litre NA) – 8.6 litres / 100 km
Hyundai Tucson (2.0 litre NA) – 8.7 litres / 100 km

The 3008 took the top honours, with the ASX following closely behind. These were the only two which breached the 8.0 litre per 100 km mark following the test, and the 3008’s lower displacement (and turbocharger) 1.6 liter engine likely has contributed to its number one spot here.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

It’s also interesting to note that the ASX, which uses a normally-aspirated 2.0 litre engine, achieved 7.5 litres per 100 km, just 0.13 litres behind the 3008, which makes it the most fuel efficient vehicle among its 2.0 litre competitors and it is also very comparable to the Pug.

We reckon that the ASX achieved almost similar numbers due to its engine tune, its MIVEC (or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) calibration and of course its transmission tune. The engine also utilises a lightweight aluminium block which helps the ASX achieve positive such results. We must also take the vehicle kerb weight into account. It appears that the ASX is lighter than the 3008, with a kerb weight of 1,375 kg. Its French rival is 1,450 kg in comparison.

CONCLUSION

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Danny says

Big or small, boxy or curvy, there’s an SUV for every one. No lemons here, just entries that excel in various areas. At the end of the day, it depends on what you want out of an SUV, whether as a great family wagon (Nissan fits the bill, Peugeot is out), a personal urban mobile (Peugeot and Mitsu are compact enough and drive well) or great value and bold design (Hyundai).

I love to drive, but I also view the SUV as a family car, which means that practicality and comfort are high in the list. The Honda CR-V is a good all-rounder, but I like the honest, self-confident X-Trail. The Nissan is comfortable in its own skin, and will make you feel as comfortable, too. As for those itchy moments, I’ll buy a cheap fun car.

Harvinder says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

Overall, there’s no obvious winner here – all the SUVs here definitely pass the minimum requirement, so it’s a matter of personal choice. You should also look at other factors such as safety features and pricing. The 3008 comes with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating which is made up by 6-airbags, ESP and ISOFIX points, among others. It retails for RM146,888 (all prices here are OTR including insurance).

The Tucson on the other hand has two airbags and ESP and it retails at RM139,888 for the 2.0 litre High Spec. The ASX is also fitted with dual airbags and ESP (or ASC, as Mitsubishi calls it). Also in the list is Hill Start Assist. The ASX goes for RM139,980, which is similar to the Tucson. The CR-V comes with four airbags and ESP (or VSA) and it goes for RM149,980.

Finally, the X-Trail, which goes for RM149,500; it comes with, yes, you guessed it right, dual airbags but without ESP, which is interesting to note. It only has ABS with EBD and BA. That’s a bit of a downside, given a price tag that’s a shade off being the most expensive of the lot. To me, the fight would go down between the Mitsubishi ASX and the Peugeot 3008, if I were shopping for an SUV.

Anthony says

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

There wasn’t a runaway pick of the heap, not where I’m concerned; it’s nice to see how close things have gotten in the segment that there wasn’t one dominant player. The ASX is my weapon of choice from a driving perspective – the CVT aside, it is engaging, to say the least. But that’s never the only reason why one buys a vehicle in this segment. and its size means that those shopping for a full-fledged SUV may find this crossover too small for their needs.

The same goes for the 3008. Pluses are a highly refined interior and tractable, crowd-pleasing mill, but its lack of heft may preclude it as a straight choice to most. Its appeal lies with those who find the allure of a Continental offering winsome, and provides those seeking an alternative to the predominantly Japanese/Korean crowd a perfect option. A small family (quite literally, for rear occupants!) is also a prerequisite.

SUV shootout: Mitsubishi ASX vs Nissan X-Trail vs Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Peugeot 3008!

The Tucson shows how much the Koreans have closed the gap, but still, haven’t quite gotten the cigar – there are key areas in which its lack of absolute refinement shows it up (it’d have been very interesting pitting the plusher Sportage cousin into the mix against the Japanese competition). Still, the external shape is light years ahead of the previous one, and its main point is that it now offers a serious contender as an alternative if you don’t want to go with a Japanese offering, and think a Pug is too much work.

In the end, from the assembled crew, I’d take my pick from the X-Trail and CR-V. I didn’t expect the X-Trail to figure as highly as it did – looks truly can be deceiving. I liked its honesty; it doesn’t paint anything more into the picture than it should, and it goes about everything in such clean, unfettered fashion there is much to like about it and its character.

As for the CR-V, well, its strength is in its overall presentation and coherency – here, it never led in any particular aspect, but scored high and kept pace with its overall level of refinement and, most importantly, its consistency in delivery across the board. A large number of buyers have likely found that very essence – and composition – appealing, given the numbers shifted through the years. With this household being one of these, I’m not inclined to disagree with the collective, that plying the safe, consistent route is not such a bad thing. The tick goes in this box for me then in this particular five-way.

Look after the jump for mega photo galleries of all 5 contenders.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi ASX

GALLERY: Honda CR-V

GALLERY: Nissan X-Trail

GALLERY: Peugeot 3008

GALLERY: Hyundai Tucson

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • delio on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    nice review….i enjoyed it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • yes..
      please do this type of review more if possible

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Where is the VW Tiguan?Tiguan beat this all!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • May I ask anyone owned a 2010 CR-V used for site survey and minor off roading ? Appreciate it if you would share ? In addition to that have you crossed flood area and wetlands while on a CR-V that the water level reaches a sedan car number plate. Thanks

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • kacimara on Dec 20, 2011 at 8:20 am

      Add chart for HP and torque as summury will be the best.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • TIMOTHY DALTON on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    Given a VW Cross Polo 1.6 2009 is anytime better handling performance fuel consumption plus comfort compared to those japanese korean SUVs. The present VW Cross Touran of course perform better.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • durianhead on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:47 pm

      Are you a bald macha?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Why are you comparing a mini car here?? Double 07 or double 0 IQ? Mr Bond?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Surge on Dec 16, 2011 at 8:14 pm

      Mazda CX5 when it reaches our shore will be the one to beat. Their Skyactive engine and transmission manages 5.9l/100km!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The Enthusiast on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    Why ASX instead of Pajero?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Not the same class bro. It’s like asking why C class, not S class ?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • rocky on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:56 pm

      @enthu dude…

      becoz pajero is a full 4wd… hardly a suv u know…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Real real Masked Ryber, not fake one bro on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    Why not including the Sportage too? Or maybe the Sorento?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • thunder cats on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    nice review,should have included Kia sportage but it was an interesting read. do more such reviews on other segments n class of cars. nice work

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Too bad Sportage not in the list, then again i understand how hard it be pleasing 2 main customer.

    Anyway it was a real supprise to see that Tucson end up to be the heaviest drinker here !

    Hey maybe we car have reader vote for their favorite “Tester @ Writer” here,
    My choice = Harvinder
    Reason = Fair & Unbiased

    Danny ? ehh I think he really love Tucson. ;-)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Wallstreet on Dec 16, 2011 at 8:10 pm

      Korean cars still have not improve on fuel consumption. They are empasizing too much on design and neglected on other areas like handling and drivability. Car manufacturers today are into weight reduction and simplified aerodynamic design to improve fuel consumption and handling.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Masked Ryder on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Hmm this must be Article of the months.

    Where is Sportage ? :-(

    My little visual review.

    X-Trail = TCM should seriously consider bringing Dualis@Quahqai.
    ASX = like a glass of plain water, i wouldn’t remember how it taste like after 2 minutes.
    5008 = Stange ? Weird ? Maybe too futuristic ? Work of Art ? Not my Taste maybe !
    Tucson = Nice but a bit too fluidic @ sikit over, front remind me of python face.
    CRV = Strangely it still please the eye of all these year, nevertheless age is catching up, new CRV come at the right timing.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • Real real Masked Ryber, not fake one bro on Dec 16, 2011 at 8:07 pm

      Finally something from you that is less biased and normal lol.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Chris on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    More quality articles like this please =)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Black Dog on Dec 19, 2011 at 11:54 am

      It’s a great article, good job! You guys have bring this site to the next level.

      Just a thought, how many points you guys give for ugliness? Example if the Juara has best in class engine, performance & handling, will you guys declare it a winner? Of course I’m talking about the X-trail which looks totally ugly (to many people) inside out. The Pug also looks funny. The CRV is either you love it or hate it. The ASX design looks dated. Tucson looks fresh but let down on performance.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Martin on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    Thumbs up for the review. Not easy to get 5 SUVs together to do a shootout, considering all the resources poured into making this review. Good job done!

    This is a very practical review for Malaysians, who buy SUVs for maneuvering mostly in town areas and highways, and also a very practical perspective of evaluating each car’s performance.

    Keep up the good works folks and hopefully more shootouts will be carried out in the future. =D

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Datsun Buah Kana on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    i was thinking…. Paultan should had publish the magazine too….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Allan on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    Sportage engine is 100% same v tucson. i go see before.. when i open tucson and sportage front hood the view is 100% same.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • DM Amyril on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    cuba-try making another review lagi, this time around make a comparison those 5 above with Range Rover Evoque, Lexus rx350, Rav4,Audi Q5, and BMW x6.. ;)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
    • Real real Masked Ryber, not fake one bro on Dec 16, 2011 at 8:09 pm

      don’t that that would attract a lot of people to read, because mostly malaysians would buy these kind of compact suv instead of high end luxury ones. and wtf the rav4 was? it is not in the same class with those suvs, same thing happens to the x6. x3 would work.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • are you mad? comparing range rover and x6 to a junk like rav4? that is like comparing bentley to a dugong vios!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Tiguan on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:43 pm

    Which 1 performs better on off-roading? For your information, CRV comes with 4 airbags instead of 2 as mentioned in this post.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • sutheshkumar on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:51 pm

      Guys, I recalled CRV comes with 4 airbags and the ASX comes with a knee bag too.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Evidence of the uprising of downsize turbocharged engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • 4agze on Dec 16, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    the X-Trail looks the odd selection for comparison…should have replace it with Sportage..but I presume you couldn’t get a test drive car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • nabill on Dec 16, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    I kno for a fact dis shootout been in da works for da last few mnths!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kitkat on Dec 16, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    overall winner is 3008
    CRV slightly behind..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • tmt1881 on Dec 16, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    Patut la rasa macam tak cukup je…. Kia Sportage tak de.. kete idaman tu…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Maserati on Dec 16, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    It proves that korean cars are still crap at best..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Nissan on Dec 16, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Good article! The FC show that K-maker is still very much thirsty for petrol !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • lucifah on Dec 16, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    good article. took me almost 40-min to read through

    some errors on the ASX

    1. the steering wheel do has reach adjustment
    2. there are 3 airbags – 2 standard airbag + 1 small knee airbag under the steering wheel

    only gripe with the ASX is the lethargic INVECS III CVT transmission and lack of turbo-charger for the very capable 4B11 engine

    this comes from a satisfied owner of the ASX

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • skiborne on Dec 16, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    crv is so expensive, leather isnt even there. a joke in such a price bracket

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • do the xtrail comes with keyless entry??look at key fob.is it the same tech as the volvo s40?? no need to insert key but have to turn the thing.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • great reviews. good job guys! hopefully next would be:

    1) 207
    2) vios
    3) city
    4) sentra
    5) mazda 2 sedan
    6) fiesta sedan

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • agree, but not the sentra, that thing is ancient lols, perhaps latio lah
      i would love a shootout for sub-60K cars, as they are the biggest market
      great review, btw

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • next time, off course mpv battle

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jerami klaxon on Dec 16, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Very well executed PT and team… kudos all round.

    I would like to suggest these cars for your next shoot-out:

    1. Mondeo
    2. Pug 508
    3. Sonata YF 2.4
    4. Kia Optima (launching 27/12/11)
    5. Teana 2.4

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • jerami klaxon on Dec 17, 2011 at 5:13 pm

      Hi Paul and team,

      In case you are tracking this thread, while u r at it hope u don’t mind adding also:

      6. MAZDA 6,
      7. new Passat sedan and
      8. the citroen c5 (mill similar to Pug’s 508, but I would like to hear the Malaysian view on the difference b/w the Pug’s tranny and that of the Citroen’s)
      9. Last but not least for good measure if you can throw in the SKODA SUPERB, now that would really make it the MOTHER of shootouts for the current MALAYSIAN D-segment market!!! :)

      … and oh, in case u r wondering, I have deliberately left out the T&H (u know what and which)… but if u want to also sneak ’em in, by all means do, then we’ll have the ULTIMATE MOTHER OF ALL SHOOT-OUTS, D-segment category… yeeee haaaaaaH!

      cheers!

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  • kevin lee on Dec 16, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    Don’t bash me, not a Honda fan, but seems like Danny and Anthony would select the Honda. Although most agreeable is that the Peugeot is among the safest, according to Harve. Has all these factors considered :

    1. Warranty/Service costs
    2. Ownership value (depreciation costs)
    3. Ease of spare parts?

    That’s what I ask, since I drive a Volvo XC90 SUV. (Which was chosen against a host of other luxury large sized SUV)

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    • theanswer on Dec 17, 2011 at 12:13 am

      i have to agree with u..but with these kind of thinking makes T & H the biggest seller in msia even tho their lower range model is a crap.

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    • Anthony Lim (Member) on Dec 17, 2011 at 12:56 am

      Kevin, factors such as ownership value and warranty/service costs would be beyond the reach or ambit of a transient review as such, you’d no doubt agree. From the CR-V point of view, since the other half owns one, I can report that a year and two months in, she has had no issues whatsoever with the vehicle, and if it’s something I’ve learnt, the idea of depreciation costs isn’t really a factor or equation with a woman, well, at least I’ve never heard it at this end.

      Servicing costs beyond warranty, or rather downtime from the need for repairs, however, is. She had an E36 and then an E46 from new, and in making the next change she decided there was not to be an E90, even though it was well within reach (I was pushing her towards the W204 C). Not quite the same, but a simpler proposition, she said about the CR-V a month in. Come back in year five of ownership, if we get that far, and I’ll tell you how it all shapes up. :)

      And Danny’s pick is actually the X-Trail.

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  • BLACKMURANO on Dec 16, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    Nice reviews…other models please!! :D

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  • Supafly on Dec 16, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    How come Kia Sportage wasn’t included?

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  • I wonder which of these is better suited for part time off roading. The previous X-trail should be but since the new X-trail is CVT and only available in 2wd , the throne is now on CR-V and Tucson, both are better suited for soft roading but CR-V ground clearance is significantly low and its air intake is situated below the engine which make it non suited for crossing stream and wetlands.Since Tucson comes with 4X4 lock i guess the best off road performance is clearly Tucson

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  • subhero on Dec 16, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    just right time . im looking for SUV. could be japanese car

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  • alistair lim li wei on Dec 16, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    one of the best comparison by far. =D

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  • Rider Masked on Dec 16, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    Eh, where’s Maserati? Now’s the chance for Maserati to rebut the review that Kimchi car is at par, if not better than Toyota and Honda.

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  • IDK why, but i just love the ASX.

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  • Jimmy on Dec 16, 2011 at 11:09 pm

    Below RM150k, the winner is Sportage.
    Below RM200k, the winner (in look) is Sportage.
    For me, if I were to make a choice to buy an SUV below RM200K, it will be Sportage with the size of Ninja King, otherwise it has to be Fortuner with 6 airbags and 5-speed auto.
    A word for X-Trail, you are ugly and stingy, 2WD for RM150K. Not 4WD???? Bixenon for what purpose? Electric driver seat is your priority over other more important things like 6 airbags and ESP????
    To me, this article sounds like it is sponsored by Nissan (it does elevate my impression towards X-Trail). Without reading this article, the current generation X-trail seems worth less than an Exora, in terms of value for money.

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    • Real real Masked Ryber, not fake one bro on Dec 16, 2011 at 11:30 pm

      what is a fortuner? never heard it before? sounds like a old uncle junk pickup platform with some crappy 7 seats? and sounds like a lorry on the road?

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    • if the article followed what u suggested, there will also be ppl with comments like “this review is paid by kia” or “bias korean fanboy reviewer”

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    • theanswer on Dec 17, 2011 at 12:16 am

      sportage with the size of ninja king? do u know which one is ninja king? bro..tell me how many ppl use their crv or sportage for offroading?
      xtrail (old model) use to have 4wd but 4wd in town? whats the purpose?

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    • Surge on Dec 17, 2011 at 10:15 am

      Yeah Sportage is the winner, in petrol gulping..

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  • JeremyNg on Dec 16, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    We wan more of this type of review …. TQ

    *Paul, u forget to upload the review of M5 =)

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  • theanswer on Dec 17, 2011 at 12:25 am

    just please some of our reader here..maybe next comparo will be:
    Pajero sport
    Toyota fortuner
    Santa fe
    ford everest.

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  • mangata on Dec 17, 2011 at 12:27 am

    it seems tat te overall winner is crv n also thre is another plus point “according to a research done by an agency in U.S.A ,crv is one of te cars which will can run for 200,000 miles

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    • twerw on Dec 17, 2011 at 1:20 am

      problem sir? My nissan ad resort already ran 360k miles, still 90% of the part in the car still remain original, including the rims and also the engine.

      funny bro, the usa agency should also include the nissan then?

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  • akupunya on Dec 17, 2011 at 12:31 am

    the ugliest and stupid look in this road test is nissan x trail.
    ugly design and stupid design…hahahaah

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  • Thumbs me up ! on Dec 17, 2011 at 1:14 am

    Thank you for such review, although i did my fair pick on ordering the cr-v, it was the same thought that made my decision.

    Please keep making such review, with cars that majority of malaysians can actually purchase in their lifetime. Dont bother reviewing Audis and Mercs as these buyers have the money and care less with what others think. As for most of us, we care to save some cash and buy cars that are good in the long run. Lol

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  • jerami klaxon on Dec 17, 2011 at 7:12 am

    Hi all,

    Just to add, from my own experience,

    1. I own a Santa Fe CDI VGT and have driven a colleague’s Tucson (albeit for a short 20km or so distance, but enuf to get an impression). I remember distinctly the Tucson handles very differently and ended rather disappointed with the overall experience, especially in the ride n handling plus the steering depts (in comparison with my Santa Fe i.e) . I was impressed by the Tucson’s FC though… for a petrol mill, that it could consistently dip below 8l/100km. (BTW My SF is not bad, going as low as 7l/100km on PLUS KL-JB runs… when driven sensibly – at legal ‘limits’)

    2. I used to drive the Mitsu iO of old too and still vivdly remember its surprisingly good and thus enjoyable handling characteristics. I take it that the PT team here is confirming what Mitsu has been able to dial in to their SUVs since the iOs days. Mind you, prior to the iO, I was on the Pajero but Pajero is a true off-roader and that “Ride and Handling” are not terms in it’s vocabulary… :)

    Avagooweegend n Cheers everyone

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  • the x trail is simply too old skool in design and looks seriously dated in the pack.

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  • Halem on Dec 17, 2011 at 8:12 am

    The most puzzle question i have is how come Mitsubishi 4B11 & Hyundai Theta 2 engine from previous GEMA Project suppose to be almost identical yet the fuel consumption is by far different ? Could it be CVT better than 6 speed, or Mitsu still keep the best secrect for themself.

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    • adiia3 on Dec 17, 2011 at 2:02 pm

      hey, look at my lips.

      DRIVE TRAIN.

      and ECU tuning, and gear changing behavior. ;)

      the evo is not famous for nothing :D

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  • Redrules on Dec 17, 2011 at 9:31 am

    I think such shootouts which involves more than 3 cars and more than 3 reviewers warrants a docu-media presentation. Good write lenghty write up though.

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  • civicEK on Dec 17, 2011 at 10:50 am

    good job guys for the review :)

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  • skiborne on Dec 17, 2011 at 11:06 am

    4 airbags is for the facelifted units u know the one that had tagline “rain or shine” at federal h/way.., the unit tested here is the prior facelift one, so that had 2

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    • Anthony Lim (Member) on Dec 17, 2011 at 11:17 am

      Actually, the CR-V on test is a facelifted unit. Harve’s mention of two airbags has been corrected.

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  • limaunipis on Dec 17, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Can’t say anything else but excellent, excellent write-up on the cars, guys!

    Looks like a lot of work involved but we’re pretty sure it doesn’t feel like work for you guys. :)

    Priceless bit of the review: Peugeot 3008’s elusive photon torpedo launcher. Maybe 3008 owners already know or don’t know such device existed on board, LOL!

    Keep it up guys and moar reviews like this, please!

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  • Great review guys, this is superb, I will vote for 3008 coz I am fan of conti.

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  • SOC-Malaysia on Dec 17, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Dont think Kia Sportage -R need to put into this review comparision…As overall sportage still very strong except the FC result…Sporatage is slightly higher bout 9-10L/100KM..Wait until next year where Ford Excapt, Mazda CX-5, Honda new CRV and the Kia sportage…that only is a tough competition…But not the above car definately…sorry to said that…SOC Malaysia

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  • likehondanotsomuch on Dec 17, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Where is VW Tiguan,,,,,,,,,although different pricing at least we can make a better comparison with German mech and tech,,nice work by Paul n team.KUDOS.

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  • you guys need a videographer to produce stunning video reviews..writing is good but video with the sound and real movement of these machine would be better

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  • i guess to the 3 reviewers safety features was not a critical factor in the overall consideration. becuase i found it odd that the reviewers were going on and on about family but safety features were not counted. Odd? 6 airbags, ESP, the 3008 just gallops away from the rest…..

    Frankly the Europeans are still leaders as far as safety is concerned both active and passive….

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  • How does the Tucson qualify as a SUV when its just 2wd ?

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    • Real real Masked Ryber, not fake one bro on Dec 17, 2011 at 9:53 pm

      lol, so stupid man. Tell that to the X trial too? 4wd? will you use the peugeot for off road? same to the asx.

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  • FF Fortezen on Dec 17, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    It dissapointed me because there are no Kia Sportage.. Anyway its a great review

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  • hi danny, is it possible for comparison review for sedan below rm100K.. tq

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    • Danny Tan (Member) on Dec 18, 2011 at 12:19 am

      We will keep that segment in mind for the next shootout

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  • Very pity to PROTON..no SUV to review..maybe next year try to JV with mitsui & rebadge ASX, then call it first national SUV..design..r&d by own proton engineer…huhuhu.

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  • klimk on Dec 18, 2011 at 3:36 am

    To be honest, the front end of the X-Trial looks hideous and the back looks pretty much carried forward from the previous model. As for the Pug, what can I say? CRV looks a bit soft comparing to the previous 2 models after losing the spare tyre on the tailgate. Tucson and ASX offer a refreshing design, but that’s no guarantee it’s still that refreshing after 2 to 3 years. Only time can tell.

    For shoppers looking for an SUV, maybe Sportage and the new CRV could be a better choice, simply because of their still new introduction.

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  • LFA LOVER on Dec 18, 2011 at 9:37 am

    im not suprise that tucson is heaviest drinker giving it power produce. But the suprise is the x-trail, have heard that MR20DE engine is very economical one and couple with cvt should given more mileage but just 0.1 less than tucson

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  • I vote for the ASX and the 3008 a close second.

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  • kadajawi on Dec 18, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    Less than 6 airbags and no ESP is seriously disappointing in this price class in this day and age. So if it must be an SUV then the Peugeot. A VW Cross Touran for a bit more would make more sense though, in each and every aspect. More space, easier to drive, good FC and engine, better safety equipment, …

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  • Kamarul on Dec 18, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    Wonder why this post is not on RSS feed?

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  • Why as they mention its a family car again and again, safety features are not in consideration except Harvinder?
    Seriously, as well known site like this, it should really take effort to promote safety feature on cars, educate the readers to get more conscious on this department. If potentials customer asking the salesman more on safety, it will be feed back to the manufacturer to provide a more safer car than to the current malaysian safety spec.

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  • hway de Cruz on Dec 19, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    what can i say… to paul tan n guys, great review n photos, tackling 5 suv here, certainly not an easy task. we would like to see the other suv not “dated” too…. kia sportage, captiva, actyon and santa fe. that would be nice. the info on fc is an eye opener too, like the tucson, which is the heaviest drinker here…. caught me by surprised. the babe of the group, 3008…. drinks or rather sips like a lady, hah… tempting. ASX suits my taste though, any readers driving ASX? care to share some thoughts too? as i can recall, ASX doesn’t have electric seat adjustments, but full leather, which suits me fine. the gear shift is gate-type, love it. how about ground clearance? 200mm? it looks tiny compared to X-trail, higher than 3008… maybe sits in between. for the motorists out there, have a nice week ahead and pleasant driving… cheerio!

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  • Vince on Dec 19, 2011 at 5:43 pm

    Bravo to the Team!
    Five-fold mega SUV shootout is certainly a Big Bang! to close the Year.

    Best Wishes for 2012.

    p/s
    Slight disappointment for non inclusion of the Kia Sportage.

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  • Joe Radzif on Dec 20, 2011 at 10:09 am

    thumbs up for the review. good job.

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  • mchamburger on Dec 28, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    you said the other cars were a lot better than the x trail and then suddenly in the end you said the x trail was the winner?
    i guess that makes perfect sense..

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    • Anthony Lim (Member) on Dec 28, 2011 at 1:47 pm

      Dear tasty bun/ meat-in-between combi, might I ask who you’d be referring to that “said the x trail was the winner?” I certainly didn’t choose it as my top pick, so it can’t have been ‘the’ winner, not in absolute and across the board terms. We each picked differently, I believe.

      Your name, mmm. Some mayo, lettuce and pickles – yeah, it’s time for a hamburger! And it’s off to lunch! :)

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  • Hi Paultan,
    Will you test MPV soon?
    Like Honda Freed, Toyota Avanza, P2 Alza, P.Exora & Nissan Livina &…etc?

    Thanks.

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  • great write up guys!

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  • Dandy on Jun 05, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    So ASX is the winner for fuel consumption if compare among 2.0s… Nice

    “Peugeot 3008 (1.6 litre Turbo) – 7.37 litres / 100 km
    Mitsubishi ASX (2.0 litre NA) – 7.5 litres / 100 km
    Honda CR-V (2.0 litre NA) – 8.3 litres / 100 km
    Nissan X-Trail (2.0 litre NA) – 8.6 litres / 100 km
    Hyundai Tucson (2.0 litre NA) – 8.7 litres / 100 km”

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  • Dandy on Jun 05, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    what about Captiva’s fuel?

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  • Hi, Mr. Paul tan. Love your reviews on cars, man. I’m currently looking for a car to drive in malaysia that has everything, particularly an SUV with at least good power (3.0cc & above), 5 speed with both auto and manual (as in auto shift with +- shift), touch screen with gps, great look, an all-rounder and perhaps 6 airbags. Do you have any recommendation?

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  • A great review and shootout article, though I’m confused at the idea such a vehicle won’t be taken off-road. The only reason I’m interested in buying a new SUV is to have a family car also capable of going off-road and towing my boat up a slippery ramp.

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  • I dislike the entire segment if they are not real SUVs.

    Where is the “sport” about any of these? Where is the utility?

    To say it’s a good thing that none of these are capable of each broaching a grass verge is, to me at least, ridiculous. By all means call them crossovers but don’t call them SUVs. An SUV is tougher, rugged, with all-wheel drive, capable of at least hopping off road for a picnic.

    To me they should call these ‘crossunders’, as they are the underlings to any real SUV or truck.

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