THE HEIGHT OF FASHION
What Car? UK|October 2023
High-riding and hybrid powered, these family SUVs couldn't be trendier. But which is the hottest outfit?
THE HEIGHT OF FASHION

The Temu online shopping app has been downloaded by millions of T users attracted by the premise of its 'shop like a billionaire' tagline. Its success was a shoo-in; people love to show off with the latest fashion and tech, and if it can be bought cheaply, so much the better.

The allure of affordable prestige is just one reason why family SUVS have become so popular. They look impressive, their elevated driving positions both feel good and aid visibility, and they're practical to boot - all while costing little more to buy and run than a family hatchback. Buyers are clamouring for them, so it's no wonder that car manufacturers are pushing them in such a big way.

Take Honda, for instance. It already offers the sizeable CR-V and more compact HR-V, and now it's plugged the gap between the two with the ZR-V we see here. The fact that it shares underpinnings with the brand's Civic hatchback (as well as its dashboard layout, infotainment set-up and engines) bodes well for the ZR-V's competence; the Civic was one of only a handful of cars to be awarded a full five stars by our road testers in 2022.

Then there's the Renault Austral. This new replacement for the familiar Kadjar places a real emphasis on technology, tempting buyers to the showroom with four-wheel steering (a technology typically reserved for much more expensive models), a complicated but supposedly highly efficient hybrid system and an Androidbased infotainment system that integrates the likes of Google Maps and Google Assistant (don't worry, it co-operates nicely with Apple CarPlay, too).

Our third contender - the ever-popular Kia Sportage - is the car both newcomers must beat. It was named Best Family SUV at our 2022 Car of the Year Awards, thanks to its impressive efficiency, competitive list price and fine driving manners.

Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA WHAT CAR? UKSe alt
Cupra Formentor
What Car? UK

Cupra Formentor

This sharp-looking plug-in hybrid family SUV has plenty of punch and a good electric range; can it be fun as well as frugal? We're finding out

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
OUR MANIFESTO FOR ACHIEVING EV GOALS
What Car? UK

OUR MANIFESTO FOR ACHIEVING EV GOALS

If the Government is serious about phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, this is what it should do, says Claire Evans

time-read
9 mins  |
February 2025
Bucking the trend
What Car? UK

Bucking the trend

Do you think electric cars are all too expensive? Well, think again, because the number of affordable options is growing steadily. We take three on a road trip to find out which one offers the best value

time-read
10+ mins  |
February 2025
Kia EV3
What Car? UK

Kia EV3

Smallest member yet of Kia's EV electric car family spells big trouble for plenty of rivals On sale January Price from £32,995

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Dacia Spring
What Car? UK

Dacia Spring

The UK's most affordable electric car arrives on our shores - but is it the bargain it appears to be? On sale Now Price from £14,995

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Porsche Macan Electric
What Car? UK

Porsche Macan Electric

Entry-level Macan has the longest official range of the line-up. Could it be the one to have? On sale Now Price from £68,555

time-read
1 min  |
February 2025
Vauxhall Frontera
What Car? UK

Vauxhall Frontera

A familiar name returns to replace the Crossland small SUV, and you can have it in petrol or electric form On sale Early 2025 Price from £23,495

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
BMW 330e
What Car? UK

BMW 330e

Plug-in hybrid exec gets a bigger battery for a boost in official electric range – and lower company car tax On sale Now Price from £46,985

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
BYD Sealion 7
What Car? UK

BYD Sealion 7

Chinese brand BYD's line-up continues to expand with this new, Tesla-rivalling electric family SUV On sale Late 2024 Price from £45,000 (est)

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Alpine A290
What Car? UK

Alpine A290

Sportier version of the Renault 5 electric car aims to deliver hot hatch thrills for a reasonable price On sale March Price from £33,500

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025