New SUVs for 2013
* New SUVs due on sale in 2013 * Includes Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti * Exclusive spy shots and information...
Nissan Qashqai
What is it? All-new reworking of the Nissan's big seller
Price from 16,500 (est)
On sale Winter
Don't expect any dramatic changes for the all-new Nissan Qashqai. The current car has been a huge success, so the next needs to build on that rather than start again from scratch.
Styling is likely to be influenced by Nissan's Hi-Cross concept car (pictured) and the dimensions will probably be much the same.
A choice of front- and four-wheel drive should be offered, while the current 1.6-litre petrol engine could well be replaced by a smaller-capacity unit.
It's unclear as yet whether a seven-seater Qashqai+2 will be made available. Nissan is also working on a replacement for the current X-Trail and this could be offered with seven seats for the first time.
Styling of all-new Nissan Qashqai is likely to be influenced by Nissan's Hi-Cross concept car
The X-Trail's successor - which will get a new name - is likely to be larger and more upmarket than the current car. It, too, is likely to have styling that's influenced by Nissan's Hi-Cross concept car.
Skoda Yeti
What is it?Skoda's popular small SUV gets a subtle face-lift and more-efficient engines
Price from 15,000 (est)
On sale Winter
Skoda Yeti will get a mild makeover in 2013; exterior changes are likely to be limited to new bumpers and light lenses
The Skoda Yeti is due an update in 2013, with the focus on minor improvements, rather than a radical redesign.
That almost certainly means improved cabin materials, a subtle refresh of the exterior styling (potentially including LED daytime running lights) and more efficient engines with lower CO2 emissions and company car tax bills.
Rumours persist that Skoda is also preparing a larger version of the car that could feature seven seats, although this may have to wait until the all-new Yeti arrives at the end of 2015.
Ford Ecosport
What is it? Fiesta-based SUV to rival the Nissan Juke
Price from 14,000 (est)
On sale Winter
Ford Ecosport was originally designed for other international market, but Ford has now decided to sell it in Europe, too
The Ford Ecosport SUV was revealed at the Delhi motor show in January 2012. It was originally designed for markets such as Brazil (where it's built), China and India. However, according to Ford, positive reaction forced a marketing rethink, and now the SUV will be sold in Europe, too.
The Ecosport is based on the Fiesta and will be a rival for compact SUVs such as the Nissan Juke and Skoda Yeti. Power is provided by Ford's latest three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine or a four-cylinder 1.5-litre diesel. All models will be front-wheel drive, although 4WD is a possibility for the future.
The cabin is very similar to the Fiesta's and uses much of the same switchgear, but some of the materials feel cheaper; there are no plans for UK cars to receive an interior trim upgrade.
The side-hinged tailgate isn't likely to change. It's something other markets are used to, but UK buyers may not be so keen. That said, if the price is low enough, the Ecosport should be able to carve itself a slice of the expanding compact SUV market.
Renault Clio SUV
What is it? Beefed-up model that will offer a higher seating position
Price from 13,000 (est)
On sale Autumn
New Renault Clio-based SUV will be a rival for cars such as the Nissan Juke and Skoda Yeti
A Renault Clio-based SUV will add to the growing number of supermini-based SUVs in 2013.
Renault has watched with envy as sister company Nissan has racked up thousands of sales with its baby SUV, the Juke, and Renault's new SUV will be a direct rival for that car.
Rumours suggest the new model could be called Captur; the same name was used for a Renault SUV concept car that made its debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show.
Spy shots indicate a similar look to the latest Clio, although the SUV will have chunkier looks and a raised ride height. The cabin is likely to be very similar to the Clio's, too.
Engine options should also mirror those on the Clio, so we'd expect 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder and 1.2 four-cylinder petrol engines, and a 1.5 diesel.
Suzuki SX4
What is it? New, larger SUV with five seats
Price from 13,500 (est)
On sale Autumn
Suzuki S-Cross concept cars gives a good idea of how the new SX4 will look
The 2013 Suzuki SX4 has been by previewed by the S-Cross concept (pictured), which was revealed at the 2012 Paris motor show.
The concept's size (slightly shorter but wider than a Nissan Qashqai) confirms that the SX4 as we know it is going to be replaced by a larger vehicle with space for five adults. Suzuki hopes it will attract buyers of small family cars and small MPVs.
The new model will be built in Europe and feature two- and four-wheel-drive layouts, with a choice of petrol and diesel engines drawn from Suzuki's own line-up and its collaboration with Fiat.
