Cupra News

The Cupra Raval has been created to be the small electric car you'll actually love to drive when it arrives in Australia in 2027.The first of four battery-powered small cars developed by the Volkswagen Group, the pint-sized Cupra Raval shares its MEB+ platform with the Volkswagen ID. Polo, ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq, with all four to be manufactured in plants in Spain.Built to battle the Mini Cooper Electric and Renault 5 EV available in Europe and coming Chinese small EVs such as the Geely EX2 and Nio Firefly, Cupra has priced the unashamedly sporty Raval from €26,000 (A$43,400), which means it will command a big five-figure premium over some of the cheapest Chinese EVs Down Under.The Spanish brand hopes you'll think it will be a price worth paying, with the small EV adopting features and levels of personalisation normally associated with more expensive premium offerings. Most will be attracted by the baby Cupra's striking looks, which were previewed by the 2021 UrbanRebel concept.Matching the show car's muscular proportions, the small Cupra's trademark shark nose front end, along with hidden door handles, front air curtains, active grille shutters and a rear spoiler and diffuser, all bless the Raval with best-in-class aerodynamics.Measuring in at 4046mm long, 1784mm wide and 1518mm tall with a 2600mm wheelbase, despite its small footprint, space is impressive within, with rear adults able to squeeze themselves behind the driver in the second row although the 430-litre boot is only average for a highly competitive segment.Behind the wheel, Cupra says the Raval will drive like nothing else in the segment and, to ensure it has the edge over the pair of Volkswagen and Skoda stablemates, the Raval comes with the firm's 'progressive' variable ratio steering, special wheel carriers, front and rear brake discs, and a wider front axle, for a sharper, grippier drive more akin to a hot hatch.Driving the front wheels is the choice of either an 85kW or 98kW e-motor that is combined with a modest 37kWh battery for a 300km range.Faster versions bag 155kW and a larger 52kWh battery that boosts the range to 400km, while the most powerful 166kW motor is reserved for the sportiest Raval VZ that gets large 19-inch alloy wheels electronic limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers and is claimed to launch from 0-100km/h in less than seven seconds.The sportiest suspension set-up sees the Raval sit 15mm lower, with a further 10mm wider front and rear track, while the adaptive dampers sharpen up handling further.New tech includes a brake-by-wire e-brake system that is said to herald improved feel and enhanced regeneration when slowing.If that doesn't sound sporty enough, an insider told Carsguide that the MEB+ has been engineered to swap out its rear torsion beam suspension for a multi-link set-up that makes room for a second motor, adding extra power and all-wheel drive.Expect the more powerful Raval to pump out more than 250kW and share its dual-motor powertrain with the rumoured ID. Polo R, which means it should sprint from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.Relying on 400-volt electrics means charging speeds for the 37kWh power pack is limited to 90kW, with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking 27 minutes. The bigger battery, meanwhile, accepts a 130kW charge for a brisker 23-minute 10-80 per cent refill.Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is available allowing you to power small domestic appliances on the move.The first Cupra to come with an Android-powered operating system, the Raval combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a larger 12.9-inch infotainment that launches with apps for YouTube, Spotify and other streaming services.As standard, the Raval comes with seven speakers, with the option of a more powerful 475W 12-speaker premium Sennheiser sound system.Elsewhere equipment levels are high. All models come with a 15W wireless phone charger and high-speed USB-C chargers, including in the rear, that top up at up to 90W.Dual-zone climate control, trick ambient lighting, remote park assist, rear traffic alert, 360-degree surround view and loads of standard safety kit, that includes seven airbags, adaptive seatbelts and interior cameras monitoring driver fatigue, should ensure a full five-star ANCAP rating.New safety tech includes a pre-crash function, that prepares the car for impact by closing windows and sunroof while activating hazard warning lights and tensioning the front seatbelts will also be offered for the first time.There's even onboard tech that can detect if you confuse the accelerator with the brake pedal at low speed and prevent a nasty impact.More big car tech includes adaptive cruise that works without painted roads, that slow the cars for speed bumps and even detects traffic lights.Available in seven exterior colours, including matte finishes, as well as a new iridescent paint finish, along with the option of a black or grey roof and up to eight different alloy wheel choices, Cupra says the Raval will get levels of personalisation well beyond any of its rivals.Lowering insurance costs is an ECU and data recorder that can estimate the severity of damage and make a workshop call to streamline the repair process, while deformable elements in the front and rear bumpers lower the cost of repair.Confirmed for an arrival in Australia, full timings and specification of the Cupra Raval we'll get will be locked in closer to its expected 2027 introduction in our market.

The Nissan Qashqai is among several models to learn their safety fate as part of the latest batch of Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) ratings.The updated Qashqai family SUV has received a four-star rating, down from the five-star rating awarded in 2017.The Qashqai maintained a high child protection rating of 91 per cent, but it saw substantial drops in the Adult Protection, Vulnerable User Protection as well as Safety Assist categories.The 78 per cent Adult Protection rating was in significant part due the front structure of the car presenting a moderate risk to occupants of oncoming vehicles in the frontal offset test.Its Vulnerable Road User Protection rating was at 68 per cent, while its Safety Assist rating was 62 per cent.The incoming Suzuki e-Vitara was also hit with a four-star rating.The e-Vitara was the first Suzuki to be tested by ANCAP since the Fronx compact SUV. The Fronx was subject to a major recall following its one-star rating, with ANCAP urging people to not travel in the rear seats of the car.With a 77 per cent Adult Protection rating, the e-Vitara had marginal protection for the driver’s chest and adequate protection for the passenger’s chest, with good protection elsewhere.The car was also marked down due to the lack of a centre airbag, according to ANCAP.The safety regulator’s Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg acknowledged the safety improvement from Suzuki.“It’s encouraging to see improvements in safety performance across the market, this latest rating achieved by the e-Vitara is evidence Suzuki can produce a model that offers sound levels of safety performance,” Hoorweg said.There were new five-star ratings for the revamped Audi A3 hatchback and the Q3 compact SUV. The A3 was awarded 86 per cent for Adult Protection and 80 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, while the Q3 got 87 per cent and 86 per cent, respectively.The other car to earn a five-star rating was the updated Cupra Leon hatchback. It received 88 per cent for Adult Protection and 86 per cent for Child Protection, with 82 per cent each for Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist.

China is dominating Australian new-car sales, but it’s also not alone, with a handful of legacy brands bucking the trend to somehow grow their sales in the face of BYD, Chery and GWM’s continued ascent.

Cupra Australia has confirmed the arrival of the VZ5 performance flagship version of its new Formentor SUV in the fourth quarter of this year.Powered by a retuned version of the Audi RS3’s 2.5-litre, turbo-petrol, five-cylinder engine, it sends 287kW and 480Nm (Audi RS3 294kW/500Nm) to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sophisticated all-wheel drive system.With ever-tighter (EU7) emissions regulations in the background, a limited run of just 4000 units (in left and right-hand drive) will likely see the final showing of its exotic in-line five.Scheduled to enter production this quarter, fewer than 100 units are currently allocated for the Australian market and cost-of-entry just under $95K means the hot SUV will go up against some heavyweight Euro competition like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Intensa, Audi SQ5, BMW X4 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC43.Cupra Australia said it will "continue working with global teams to explore additional volume should early customer demand exceed expectations".2026 Cupra Formentor pricing2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 engine/powertrain and efficiencyPower comes from a 2.5-litre, in-line five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 287kW and 480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and all-wheel drive system with ‘integrated torque splitter’ diff tech. Official combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency is 10.1L/100km.2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are:20-inch alloy wheels (in ‘Copper’)Aero body kit elements (extended front splitter, tweaked bumpers, wider arches)Sabelt 'Cup' bucket seatsDCC adaptive suspensionAkebona six-piston performance front brakesQuad diagonal copper exhaust tipsAmbient interior lightingPremium Sennheiser audioPanoramic sunroofOptions:Premium paint ($790)Matte paint ($3300)2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 coloursExterior colour options include: ‘Midnight Black’, ‘Dark Void’, ‘Magnetic Tech Matt’, ‘Century Bronze Matt’ and ‘Enceladus Grey Matt’Interior colour:Black leather/synthetic suede upholstery with copper stitching and accents 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 safetyThe current Cupra Formentor range received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment from testing in 2022:Adult occupant protection - 93 per centChild occupant protection - 88 per centVulnerable road user protection - 68 per centSafety assist - 80 per cent2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Five years / unlimited kmFive-year roadside assistFive-year paint warranty12-year corrosion warranty 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 dimensionsLength - 4451mmWidth - 1839mmHeight - 1505mmWheelbase - 2681mm

An updated version of the Cupra Born has just been released overseas, with the all-electric hatchback undergoing a serious revamp.The Cupra Born was pulled from sale in Australia last year, with demand for the small EV limited, starting from sub-$60K.It is unclear at this stage whether the Born will make a return to Australia, given its recent exit. Cupra's local division, has been contacted for comment, but late last year, the brand told CarsGuide it was considering a return to sales for the electric hatchback.“Cupra is monitoring the timings and business case for the Born range to return to the market," a Cupra Australia spokesperson said at the time.“We are currently focused on the dual medium SUV strategy of Terramar ICE and PHEV range, and Tavascan BEV range.”If it does come Down Under, the hatch will resume its rivalry against the Polestar 2 and Renault Megane E-Tech. The Polestar 2 starts from a little more than $60,000, while the Megane E-Tech sits in the mid-$50K bracket.The exterior design of the Born has received a facelift to the front and rear bumpers giving it a sharper overall look, with the new version also coming with a choice of 19 or 20-inch wheels.In the cabin, there have been some big changes, including the introduction of physical buttons, while the digital driver display has almost doubled in size up to 10.25-inches. There is a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, along with a touch-sensitive climate control bar as well as a head-up display. The car comes with two electric motor set-ups. The entry-variant has a rear-mounted motor, which produces 139kW. It has a 58kWh battery with 450km of driving range according to the WLTP testing cycle.Meanwhile, the mid-grade long-range version of the Born gets a 79kWh battery and a power bump to 170kW offering a driving range of nearly 600km.Finally, the top-of-the-range Born VZ, which is positioned as an electric hot hatch, has 240kW of power to pull from.DC charging for all variants hits a claimed maximum speed of 180kW and takes no more than 30 minutes to get from 10 - 80 per cent. Both 79kWh battery variants also introduce a one-pedal drive mode. This increases the strength of the regenerative braking process to virtually alleviate the necessity of using the brake pedal at low speeds.Cupra amassed 2830 sales in 2025, up 21 per cent year-on-year, although the brand is no doubt hoping the addition of the Terramar will see its volume jump in 2026.Signs are looking positive for the sporty Spanish marque, with sales in the first two months of the year trending in the right direction.

Premium medium-sized SUVs are a small but consistently popular segment of the new-car market, and it’s easy to understand why.While providing an aspirational mix of luxury, performance and technology, they’re still spacious, practical, versatile and – perhaps most importantly – relatively accessible SUVs.Basically, they’re the sporty family friendly reward purchase for people who’ve earned it –which means they have a lot to live up to.As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 mid-size SUV model ranges from the sub-$130K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Nearly four years late to Australia, the Q4 e-tron is available in elegant SUV wagon and racier SUV coupe body-styles that are both pleasingly spacious and practical.And despite leveraging a shared dedicated-EV architecture with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, the interior quality, layout and presentation are on-brand, matching the slick and easy driving experience, with a lovely balance of speed, agility, control and comfort.But the lack of full single-pedal braking and spare wheel are disappointing, while the 55 twin-motor/AWD’s prices are too high.Still, the Q4 e-tron is smart, stylish and sophisticated. And the 45 is all the Audi SUV EV you need.The third generation of Audi’s popular Q5 steps up in several ways, including in price, size and tech, adopting new mild-hybrid assistance for the petrol and diesel choices as well as a PHEV option.Chunkier than before, the Mexican-made medium-sized SUV sits on an evolved architecture. With the same wheelbase as before, it isn’t as roomy as its increased length suggests, whilst the screen-heavy dash looks modern but lacks physical buttons for too many vehicle functions.On the other hand, the boot is big, all powertrains deliver on performance, refinement and efficiency, whilst the handling and ride qualities have improved noticeable from before.Not class-leading, then, but certainly now highly competitive.BMW’s renaissance continues, following on after the excellent X5 and X1, with the fourth-gen X3, sharpening its reputation as the driver’s choice among mid-sized SUVs.Larger yet lower than ever, with ample space, the futuristic, tech-heavy interior is artfully executed, while there’s more equipment as standard nowadays.It’s mild-hybrid xDrive AWD all-round for the punchy inline petrol and diesel engines, along with a PHEV AWD providing ample muscle as well as impressive economy.As you’d hope, the chassis dynamics are first class, with an immersive and flowing driving experience that’s second to none.Expensive options, divisive styling, a fiddly transmission selector and no spare don’t overshadow a brilliantly executed luxury/performance SUV.Another VW Group EV, Spanish brand Cupra’s take on the Audi Q4 e-tron effortlessly melds style and attitude, elevating the genre in the process.With point-and-squirt acceleration, sharp steering and immersive handling – and all without ruining ride comfort – Tavascan is the keen driver’s delight. You can thank the sober German engineering underneath.The interior is spacious for its compact proportions, the ergonomics are fine and the front seats are brilliant, but the scaly-looking dash texture seems cheap, the lack of a spare wheel jars and, being sourced from China, we expect more standard equipment in the base Endurance.Still, there’s personality aplenty in this unique EV SUV and we’re here for it.Challenger brand Genesis’ take on the BMW X3, the GV70’s styling has the visual swagger of a Bentley, while providing a comfortable and functional cabin experience.The Series II facelift brings sweeping improvements, especially to refinement and tech updates, with lots more equipment, upping the lush Korean luxury SUV’s value quotient.Neither petrol engine is a slouch, but the V6’s considerable performance better suits the commanding roadholding and aggressive aesthetics more, while the GV70 Electrified EV’s effortless, isolated pace make it a peaceful retreat. Too bad the former is thirsty and the latter lacks a spare.Whichever you choose, Genesis’ mid-sized SUV is highly enjoyable – and better than you might think.One of this decade’s greats, the Ioniq 5 has been a breathtaking symbol of Hyundai’s tremendous engineering ambition, creating an EV benchmark that’s still yet to be equalled for the money.Yes, prices are creeping up, but the 5’s ability to deliver elevated performance, efficiency, driving athleticism, refinement and pleasure shade rival efforts.And that’s not even taking in the timeless design, vast cabin, thoughtfully presented ergonomics and exceptional practicality.We wish it included a spare wheel and some of the interior plastics look more Aldi than Audi, but otherwise there’s so much that’s radiant about the Ioniq 5. It remains a modern motoring masterpiece. And that’s before even considering the supersonic 5 N that out-Porsches any Macan.The second-gen NX cracks the German mid-sized luxury SUV code that its underwhelming predecessor could not, without abandoning hard-won advantages like exquisite quality and reliability.Basing it on the enduring fifth-gen RAV4 ensures a robust and refined platform, along with affordable hybrid tech access.Yet the NX transcends those with its unique design, sumptuous interior, great seats and ample practicality. The base turbo is rapid, the hybrids are efficient and the PHEV flagship powerful, while the steering, handling and ride qualities are also up to brand expectations.Inevitably, a spare wheel isn’t offered and the PHEV’s electric-only range pales against Chinese alternatives, but the NX provides luxury without the risk.A step forward in quality, ride comfort and refinement over the patchy previous model, the second-gen GLC from 2022 has remained Mercedes-Benz’s best-seller for sound reasons.Along with advanced technologies, a sturdy cabin, top-shelf safety and family-orientated practicality, the GLC provides the luxury of choice – from an attainable 200, through to indecently-quick AMG versions. The newly released PHEV is on the money for buyers seeking efficiency. And the GLC Coupe boasts a sleeker silhouette.The model’s sheer ubiquity may put some people off, options can be very expensive, servicing isn’t cheap, the stop/start tech can be annoying and most models are not exciting to drive, but there’s solid engineering behind the GLC.Devised before the global EV sales slowdown, the second-gen Macan was meant to be a bold, electric-only statement of intent, with Porsche’s formidable engineering expertise delivering a breakthrough experience.Though almost identical at first glance, everything changes, including the body structure and alluring double-screen interior presentation.But it is the 800-volt architecture (shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron) that moves the game on, providing tremendous steering, handling and ride-comfort attributes, along with a powertrain ranging from a brisk (and very on-brand) rear-mounted electric motor opener to the twin-motor AWD missiles.The Macan II’s driver-focused tactility, alacrity and control rewrite the rulebooks. Mission accomplished, then, but we wish it wasn’t so expensive.Launched in 2017, the second-gen XC60 proved to be a compelling premium contender, with lovely proportions, a gorgeous interior, stellar seats and state-of-the-art Volvo safety.An advanced platform provided a sophisticated base, adding to the luxury aspirations of the Swedish family SUV, and enhanced by progressive powertrains, including a rorty PHEV. The XC60 II was ahead of its time.Which explains why the 2025 facelift is so minor – a more-contemporary nose, updated multimedia and fresh trim are the main changes.But the driving experience feels as dated compared to the leading BMW X3 as the styling. Which is classic Volvo: evolve over time. The beloved 240 of the ‘70s lived nearly 20 years and XC60 II could be next!

The small car segment, especially on the premium and luxury end of the spectrum, has been very tumultuous over the last few years with hatchback and sedan sales plummeting, while SUV sales have climbed astronomically.In order to combat this, as part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, we’ve combined small premium passenger cars and SUVs into this segment.It’s worth noting that each shortlisted small premium car mentioned below is inclusive of the entire line-up, though its entry price must be under $80,000 before on-road costs for this particular category.The following is a rundown of our top 10 sub-$80K small cars in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Note Mercedes-Benz's current A-Class, CLA and GLA were ineligible as they were unavailable for review.While many brands are fleeing this segment of the car market, this German small hatch and sedan is still offered in Australia in a wide range of trim levels and variants. Beyond the normal A3 variants, there’s the sporty S3 and the fire-breathing RS3.It notably made this shortlist due to the latter which is still offered with an iconic five-cylinder engine. However, we do wish it made just a bit more noise like the older models did.Beyond this, CarsGuide reviewers praised the A3 line-up for its capable and engaging driving dynamics, as well as its luxuriously equipped and premium-presenting interior.While the A3 hatch and sedan may be newer, the Audi Q3 small SUV has been soldiering on for a couple of years now without any major updates.The current model is reaching the end of its lifecycle and is set to be replaced by a new-generation model during 2026.Despite this, CarsGuide reviewers liked how the Q3’s exterior design is ageing, even in the polarising Sportback body style, plus the on-road manners are both elegant and fun.The new-generation version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback launched locally late in 2024, offering everything from everyday commuter trims to the M135 xDrive hot hatch.CarsGuide reviewers were impressed with its driving dynamics and outright performance, though fuel efficiency took a hit as a result.Additionally we liked the new and modern front-row layout, however the exterior design, especially at the front, likely isn’t for everyone.The X1 small SUV is the most popular BMW in Australia currently and for good reason.It launched locally in new-generation guise in 2022 to popular fanfare, then the all-electric iX1 variants joined the line-up in 2023, cementing its status as a benchmark small SUV.CarsGuide reviewers praised X1/iX1’s on-road manners, as well as the modern and high-tech exterior and interior designs. However, common European quibbles like tyre roar and suspension bumps can intrude into the cabin.The X2 is a swoopy ‘coupe’ SUV counterpart to the X1 small SUV and still notably offers both petrol and electric (iX2) powertrain options.While its exterior design is polarising and not for everyone, CarsGuide reviewers appreciated how polished the drivetrains feel from behind the wheel. The X2/iX2 is also affordable when compared to premium rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.The few dislikes were centred around the X2 M35i xDrive’s firm ride due to its large (and thankfully optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as the slight reduction in boot capacity over the X1/iX1.This spicy Spanish small crossover SUV is the clear front-runner for Cupra in Australia. Arriving in 2022, the Formentor is offered in a range of variants from warm to hot, plus even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering.CarsGuide reviewers appreciated the lifted hatchback looks and the smile-inducing driving dynamics, however some found the multimedia system to be a little finicky and the ride a little too far on the firm side.An oft-forgotten entrant in the small SUV segment, this quirky French electric SUV impresses with its sleek design, maximised interior space and reactive driving feel.There is currently only one trim level of the Megane E-Tech offered in Australia, the Techno EV60, and it’s limited by its 7.4kW maximum AC charging rate, plus the lack of features like connected services that are available overseas.A huge step away from the iconic Fortwo of the early ‘00s and ‘10s, the Smart #3 is the brand’s largest car in Australia to date.With unique looks and a premium cabin feel, the #3 impresses though the driver-assist features can be a little overbearing and the panoramic glass sunroof has no sunshade.More sore points are the average warranty coverage of five years or 150,000km, as well as the hefty servicing costs for an electric vehicle.While a number of these shortlisted vehicles are high-tech or electrified offerings, the Subaru WRX stands out as a purist sports car.Still featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine and a manual transmission in certain trim levels, the WRX is offered in sedan and wagon body styles.CarsGuide reviewers praised the WRX’s dynamism, practicality and even value when compared to rivals with similar amounts of power. However, the WRX Sportswagon only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and doesn’t look as sporty as the standard WRX sedan.This vibrant and quirky Volvo electric SUV stands out on the road thanks to its stunning exterior design with boxy proportions.The interior also stands out, but sometimes not in the best of ways. CarsGuide reviewers found too many of the key features are tucked into menus on the central touchscreen, plus the lack of a proper instrument cluster was grating.

The mainstream mid-size SUV segment is one of the most hotly contested in the Australian market, as the prevailing family car of choice for so many.We’re truly spoilt for choice, with options available at many price points, and with the choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric, as well as from both old favourite brands and new challengers.While this has generally been a boon for buyers, it has also made this congested segment more difficult to shop in than ever before, so as part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, we’ve distilled a top-10 shortlist of our highest-rated Medium SUVs starting under $60K.Our top three and winner will be announced on February 6, but you can see the alphabetically ordered shortlist below.The Cupra Terramar serves as the Spanish brand’s take on the Volkswagen Tiguan formula - a true mid-size SUV, although it offers a truly sporty take over the Tiguan’s more wide appeal.Priced from $53,990, it’s a surprising value player considering its sporty look and feel, although if you want the full performance on offer, you’ll have to spend north of the $70K mark to get the spicy VZ version.Still Cupra continues to impress us with its edgy designs and impressive driving dynamics compared to its other Volkswagen Group relations.Perhaps a candidate for the most improved model on sale in Australia, the new GWM Haval H6 moves up in the world from simply a value player to a more impressive mainstream offering.Packed with standard kit and tweaked across the board when it comes to drivability and tuning, this Chinese rival takes more direct aim at the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 than ever before.Available as a 2.0-litre turbo as well as a 1.5-litre hybrid in plugless or plug-in form, it also covers the gamut of powertrain options Aussie buyers are looking for.While the sharply-priced Lux is impressive value, the plugless hybrids are the pick of the range with their trim fuel efficiency and smooth electrified transmission.One of the original nameplates which kicked-off the mid-size SUV segment altogether, the CR-V continues to this day to be a stellar offering in the segment, with Honda as always doing an impressive job of moving with the times.The CR-V is also one of the better value options in Honda’s current range, priced much closer to its rivals than the HR-V or ZR-V which sit below it.Again, the pick of the range is the e:HEV hybrid, although you’ll have to fork out for the pleasure with the hybrid powertrain still only sitting atop the mid-sizer’s range, priced at $59,900 drive-away.While it exudes quality like other Honda models, it also isn’t as efficient as some of its rivals, and doesn’t offer a plug-in or all-wheel drive in its hybrid form.Another impressive car from Honda, the ZR-V is a right-sized SUV to fill the increasingly large gap between the ever-growing CR-V and the still diminutive HR-V below.Again sporting the same Honda characteristics of great build quality, sharp driving dynamics and a practical interior space, with a smaller overall footprint than some of its rivals the ZR-V should be on any buyers shortlist.However, while it is marginally more affordable than its CR-V sibling, the ZR-V suffers from the same problem of only offering the sleek and efficient hybrid system on only its top-spec LX variant, eliminating savings from its fuel sipping powertrain via a much higher starting price ($54,900 before on-roads).Hyundai’s current-generation Tucson now has a few years behind it, but continues to be a strong seller thanks to gradual updates and price tweaks which keeps it high on the consideration list alongside its Kia Sportage sister vehicle and the segment-leading Toyota RAV4.Now strongest-selling as a fuel-sipping hybrid, the Tucson continues to be offered in a range of variants at many different price-points, with both front- and all-wheel drive options.The latest major updates synced the mid-sizer up with the rest of Hyundai’s range in offering a new interior design approach with fresh software, and even an array of buttons and dials for climate and volume controls we always like to see.Nissan has been embattled by rivals in recent years, but its ever-improving X-Trail continues to deserve a look-in as possibly the brand’s most competitive current offering.Spacious, modern, offered with up to seven seats, and with an innovative electric-first e-Power hybrid option, the X-Trail has a lot to offer buyers as a rival specifically to the RAV4 or Honda CR-V.Plus, it gets ergonomic fundamentals right, as well as a good level of refinement and a solid array of well-calibrated safety kit to keep newcomers at bay.Czech brand Skoda, as always, flies under the radar, and the Elroq is certainly worth your consideration thanks to a myriad of factors, not least of which is its surprisingly sharp starting price of (now) $49,990 drive-away. Did we mention it’s fully electric?On top of that, the Elroq is right-sized, with a modest but well-utilised footprint, which is laden with the brand’s clever touches like plenty of storage areas, an umbrella hidden in the door, and plenty of storage organisation options in the boot.The Elroq rides on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and is offered with either a long-range 85kWh battery, and now a standard-range 60kWh option. All versions are rear-wheel drive, keeping them efficient, with the longer-range one said to travel up to 529km on the WLTP cycle.The Enyaq is the Elroq’s larger sibling in Skoda’s two-pronged mid-size electric SUV range, offering a sportier look and feel.Recently updated to wear the brand’s latest and more futuristic design language, the Enyaq also inherits a lot of the same brilliant packaging as its smaller sibling. It also offers the same battery variants, which are still relatively long range considering their capacities, with the smaller version travelling 410km on the WLTP cycle, and the larger one travelling up to 548km.Not as affordable as the Elroq, but still good value in the segment, the Enyaq has a lot of the right ingredients to tempt buyers away from other popular offerings in this electric space like the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV5.To be clear here, the RAV4 being considered for our Car of the Year is the current generation, as the next-gen model hadn’t arrived in time for consideration.As dated as this top-seller may be though, it’s remained a top-seller for a reason, namely that it’s well laid out, comfortable, versatile and backed by Toyota’s ever-sturdy reputation.Its quality finish and ever smooth hybrid drive are still some of the best on the market, emulated by many to varying degrees of success.The RAV4 still bests them all in the sales charts though, and some may even argue the styling of this outgoing car is more appealing than the new one, which will also bring with it a long-awaited plug-in hybrid.Zeekr’s long-awaited third model has proven to be its most hyped. The Zeekr 7X is a fully electric premium SUV at the price of a high-end mainstream combustion or hybrid one.Despite its keen price-tag, this is still an impressively specified vehicle, with plenty of high-end features, a big battery with long driving range, and dynamics on par with much more expensive rivals.It also impresses on the design front, with Zeekr’s studio in Sweden next door to those of Polestar and Volvo making the Chinese newcomer feel like much more than a first attempt.

Feel like there’s suddenly a whole lot of new car brands with logos you don’t even recognise.

Volkswagen Group has become the top-selling EV brand in Europe, overtaking Tesla, through the first 10 months of 2025, according to an article in AutoNews.