Winner: Toyota Yaris Cross
The small crossover segment has grown dramatically over the last few years and is now super competitive, but the Yaris Cross has come out on top with our jury for its looks, quality and driving experience. The Yaris Cross is available in four distinct specifications, including the tasty-looking GR Sport model, and comes with a 116hp 1.5-litre hybrid system which is very fuel efficient. It’s not the cheapest small crossover in Ireland, and nor is it the most spacious, but you’ll never feel short-changed driving it.
Runners Up
Ford Puma
The Ford Puma takes some of the essence of the original Ford Puma Coupé from the early 2000s and brings it into the modern era as a small SUV with a big boot, dramatic styling and the usual hallmark of Ford’s ultra-sharp handling. It comes with a choice of mild-hybrid petrol engines and there is also a high-performance ST version with a 1.5-litre 200hp EcoBoost engine, which is a total hoot to drive if you can afford it. Prices start from €30,240 for the regular versions.
Jeep Avenger
Sharing its underpinnings with lots of other models in the Stellantis group, the Avenger is Jeep’s first ever electric car and at a starting price just south of €36,000 it makes a compelling case for itself. The electric range of up to 400 kilometres is ample and it’s a well-equipped car for the money, but we suspect that most buyers will go for it because of its chunky design. And who could blame them?
