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Used Car of the Year Awards 2021: Small SUVs
With demand for used cars on the rise, you’ll want to know which are the best buys. That’s where our annual Used Car Awards come in. These are our favourite small SUVs...
Seat Arona (2018-present)
With so many small SUV offerings bolstering the used car market, you’re spoilt for choice at any price point, but the Seat Arona really stands out from the crowd.
For starters, it has a finely judged ride and handling balance that makes it fun to drive without sacrificing comfort. Its interior may not be as classy as that of the posh Audi Q2, but it’s just as well screwed together and matches the Q2 for equipment in like-for-like trim. It also has a capacious boot to keep young families happy.
The Arona sees off the Suzuki Vitara and Hyundai Kona at this price point because it has a more upmarket interior than the former and is much better to drive than the latter.
In the battle for overall honours in this category, the Arona gets the nod over the Q2 because it’s newer and significantly cheaper to buy, while it’s much better to drive and more sophisticated than the Renault Captur.
Shop for a 1.0 TSI 95 SE Technology model for the best combination of efficiency, price and kit; you’ll find a two-year-old example for comfortably less than £12k.
Read our full used Seat Arona review >>
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Also consider...
Renault Captur (2013-2019)
Best buy less than £8000
A higher, five-star Euro NCAP safety rating is key to the Captur beating the three-star Suzuki Ignis in this price bracket, and, thanks to a rear bench that slides to increase luggage space or rear passenger leg room, it also has more flexibility than the Peugeot 2008. We’d look for a 2016 0.9 TCe 90 in Dynamique Nav spec.
Read our full used Renault Captur review >>
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Audi Q2 (2016-present)
Best buy less than £16,000
It’s a close call between the Q2 and the Mini Countryman in terms of interior quality, but the Audi takes the lead with a more comfortable ride, without being any less nimble in corners. We’d look for a 2017 1.4 TFSI 150 Sport for the best blend of comfort, fuel economy and equipment.
Read our full used Audi Q2 review >>
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