Suv World War

British and American “armoured units” face off against a German “panzer” and a Japanese “tank” in this heated battle for suburbanites’ hearts and minds.

- Jeremy Chua

COMPETITION for scarce resources has resulted in numerous conflicts throughout history.

In a similar vein, the increasingly crowded SUV segment has left motorists spoilt for choice and made the rivalry between car manufacturers that much harder. In this case, the scarce resources are the buyers and their dollars.

The British contender in this orbat is the MINI Cooper Countryman. It is bigger and roomier than its predecessor, yet promises to be more agile. Will this maxi-MINI have enough firepower to outgun its three rivals here?

Lining up beside the Countryman is a “Yank Tank” with military roots – the Jeep Compass. Can the muscular design and off-roading potential (it’s the only contender with all-wheel-drive) of the Compass direct SUV buyers towards the Jeep showroom?

Arguably the most formidable player in this contest is a “panzer” in the form of a Volkswagen Tiguan, for it is the only SUV here with an ST-Torque Best in Class award under its belt. Will the Tiguan’s keen drivetrain and well-built cabin be enough to fend off the competition?

The dark horse in this shootout might just be the Honda CR-V. It has the most ponies under its bonnet, and its seven-seater layout (the others are five-seaters) means it could also function as an “armoured personnel carrier” on the SUV battlefield.

Which of these “suburban tanks” will emerge victorious over both rivals and allies alike? We’re locked and loaded, so man your stations as this battle begins!

ENGINE & GEARBOX

MINI’s turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder with 136hp and 220Nm has the least firepower, but goes the furthest in a forced march because it has the highest fuel efficiency.

Cooper Countryman’s 6-speed automatic may have the fewest ratios, but makes up for this by being the keenest gearbox here.

COCKPIT