SOME OF THE BEST BABY SUV'S IN SA!

In less than a year the Haval Jolion has proven to be a favourite among South African new car buyers. As the first of the current Chinese-built small SUVs, Jolion has been a trend-setter, in a way coat tailing on the success of its predecessor, the H2. Jolion is a relatively large SUV in the segment, providing lots of interior passenger as well as luggage space. This makes it a choice vehicle for small families who value these propositions, as well as adventure seekers in the entry-segment.



Features found in the Jolion include LED daytime running lights, two front grille choices, a premium interior feel with neat touches like the rotary gear knob, full-colour touch screen infotainment, a USB port behind the rear view mirror for on-board cameras, and lots more. The Jolion was first to teach South Africans that comfort, premium features and space should not necessarily cost an arm and a leg.

Haval Jolion prices range from R309 900 to R408 900

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With Honda Motor South Africa now having the WR-V as its entry-level SUV, the HR-V moved up the rung in the brand’s product hierarchy. We chose it over the WR-V because we believe it represents the best of the Honda promise at a price that will not level a building. Yes, Hondas do tend to be pricier than competitive equivalents across the board. However, we all know that they are faultless, run forever and offer some fun driving.



HR-V a range of features, some of which are not seen in the segment. One of these is Magic Seat System, which gives a variety of configurations to the second row of seats, therefore freeing up space in ways that are highly innovative and practical in daily use.

A solid interior with appointments such as a touch screen, Start/ stop button in some models, chrome and piano black access, an electromagnetic handbrake with Auto Hold function and so on, the HR-V stands out as an elegant option in the segment. If its engines were turbocharged it would really boost – so to speak – its positioning among the more enthusiastic young buyers.

Honda HR-V prices range from R437 800 to R517 900


One of the most enjoyable drivers baby SUVs is the Hyundai Venue, something that Hyundai does not seem to harp on too much. The combination of its turbocharged 88kW engine and its 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch transmissions, along with some pretty direct steering and feedback from the chassis, should make it a top choice for fun-seekers in the segment.



While the Venue is a small car by its nature – at 3.99 metres long and 1.77m wide, inside there is good use of available space. Occupants sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The interior itself is modern, with an offering that is par for the course. Included in the package are items such as an infotainment system that carries Apple Carplay and Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.

Hyundai Venue prices range from R262 500 to R419 900

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Peugeot has been diligently working at restoring its previously good name in the eyes of the South African public. Under the Stellantis company, the brand seems to continuously launch fresh, desirable and high quality products, such as the 2008. No longer anonymous and awkward, the 2008 is now firmly positioned within its segment as a leading vehicle model, and rightly so.



In this country the 2008 is offered with a 1.2-litre engine producing 96kW of power, mated to a 6-speed auto. With this single powertrain Peugeot SA reckons they have hit the segment sweet spot. Sales have been rising over the past two years, so there may be merit in this strategy. The 2008 is a highly attractive car to look at, with some creative and unconventional design lines. Not only outside, but inside as well, where the interior gives off a more expensive feel, with matching technologies.

Best of all the 2008 drives like a hatch, meaning fun and responsiveness in both engine and steering. Therefore while it has a practical disposition about it, the car straddles easily between the genres of SUV and hatch.

Peugeot 2008 prices range from R425 900 to R511 900



Toyota’s Urban Cruiser had “success” written all over it from the moment it was launched in the country. Famously based on another highly regarded car, the Japanese entrant immediately asserted itself in this segment, taking charge of some of the best sales figures from the get go. Since then it has become commonplace, regularly featuring in the top 10 best-sellers list every month.



And for good reasons too. Yes its base is strong, but there is also the big Toyota name with all-round support, from strong Marketing departments, to a wide network of dealerships, to established after-sales support structures. Combine all these with a product that offers a high seating position (a popular requirement), compact but spacious dimensions, current technologies and a handsome face, there is no way the Urban Cruiser would falter.

To highlight one of these technologies we can mention Toyota Connect with standard on-board WiFi. Perhaps in the face of high fuel prices it is worth noting that the Urban Cruiser is capable of returning 6.7 litres per 100km on average.


Toyota Urban Cruiser prices range from R264 300 to R333 300



One of the more advanced cars in its segment, the Volkswagen T-Cross has attracted a range of customers looking for a familiar, well-established and dependable name. Its market introduction shook the landscape, simultaneously elevating it towards a more mainstream road.



T-Cross is pleasant to look at, especially when specified with one of the more individual colour combination options. It exudes confidence even when parked, while the interior is a familiar sight, thanks to its resemblance to the outgoing Polo. Since this is a Volkswagen, tech is a must-have, and includes the mandatory touch screen infotainment system with satellite navigation, as well as the optional Beats sound system.

One of the T-Cross’s popular selling points are the motors, which are the 1.0-litre TSI with two power outputs; 70kW and 85kW, as well as the 1.5-litre TSI making 110kW. Drivers seem to enjoy these powertrains that are mated with either manual or automatic transmissions.

Volkswagen T-Cross prices range from R365 100 to R481 700