KIA's german input doesn't come cheap and then there's the 7 year warranty........including the fine print.

 

 

Impressions from my next test drive

 

Toyota Verso (1.8 petrol, automatic)

 

Looks: one would definitely look a few yers older while driving this as it looks like a people carrier van, if you have a surfboard or mountain bike then everyone will probably think you are just helping out relatives to move the stuff around rather than using the equipment yourself

 

Interior: Clear, a lot of plastics, not the best place to indulge yourself - feel is closer to a commercial car than a family saloon. At the same time I do like the solid Toyota build quality and practical elements. Probably the most reasonable fit for a family with kids as the interior is likely to withstand a lot of torture. Massive boot in 5 seat version with a practical shape.

 

Drive: reasonable, feels solid and safe. Steering might feel too light and "electric", definitely not a drivers car. I did like that most of the extras/equipment is focused towards safety rather than sound systems or glossy screens. Seats seemed quite comfy and solid, no transmission tunnel in the back so can accommodate 3 in the back better than competitors. As this is not a small SUV then you need to forget about offroading at all.

 

Overall: probably a very good fit for a large family if you are mainly focused on practicality and robust interior. Meanwhile it definitely has no character and by interior/exterior design is the most dull car of all I tested, you won't be noticed even if you paint it yellow.

Practicality is often just so practical. 

Sometimes function over style is what suits people / buyers.

 

Safe and solid is good, Yeti does much of what you are after it seems, but an image as a young persons vehicle they are not, well not to many in many countries.

Most Yetis I see around where I live tend to be driven by middle aged women, probably due to their practicality and relatively small size - the car that is!

 

Briefly back to Kia. When coming home had a Kia Soul (had to Google it) a few cars in front of me which reminded me of the Yeti with its unique boxy looks. I only saw the rear and side but it looked pretty good in red with the contrasting gloss black trim and wheels.

 

Read the odd report and it's a pity that the engines aren't too good etc. otherwise it would be a creditable alternative to the existing Yeti for those that want to stick with something that is different and not too big.

 

Karlis - is that all the reasonable alternatives for you tested now? If so, I guess the Yeti is looking favourite? 

Edited 15 March, 20179 yr by VAGCF

Observations from the final test drive

 

Honda HR-V (1.6 diesel, manual)

 

Looks: somewhat like most of new SUVs; I do like the front, but rear not so much. Overall for me probably 2nd best looks after Yeti (as doesn't stand out)

 

Interior: Solid, feels on the premium side. Quite unusual looks as 80% of switches like ventilation, heated seats etc. are operated via touchscreen. Probably the most unique and futuristic interior from tested cars. Quality wise seems the same as Yeti but looks way more techy. Various lights and visual effects do provide a somewhat aggressive and engaging feel which I did like, however doesn't feel so spacious as Yeti for sure.

In the rear space is ok and the same goes for boot. 2nd row has magic seats which fold down as all other cars and you can also fold them up to get a very neat and practical storage between the seat rows (so you can almost put a small cupboard between seat rows and still load boot full of other stuff). Because of this and reasonable boot size this is the closest match to Yeti and Toyota Verso in terms of practicality within a small shape.

 

Drive: Nice, feels somewhat in between of small SUV and saloon - you get to sit higher but dynamics and handling is very close to a saloon. Closest match to Yeti but probably more engaging and aggressive. Engine worked well and did deliver when needed nicely. Honda HR-V and Yeti are the only 2 cars which I would like to drive a bit longer as they give a certain level of satisfaction for the person behind the wheel, however Honda because of the interior looks, somewhat odd gear lever and engine performance would be the winner based on the initial test drives.

 

Conclusion:

 

Yeti is probably the best all-rounder and actually one of the most affordable of all tested. Honda might deliver more engaging drive but Yeti wins on practicality and definitely on price as Honda is on the expensive side here.

 

1. Yeti - best all round performance, good practicality, solid build quality and the cheapest to buy

2. Honda HR-V - best car for driver, overall practical but can't beat Yeti, way more expensive than Škoda and less spacious

3. Nissan Qashqai - reasonable all rounder, with good pricing options, less practical than the 2 above

4. Toyota Verso - practical, rugged, best for family with low ambition towards looks and feel, more expensive than much better looking and driving Toyotas like Avensis which also has a decent boot but much better looks. If the price and looks were better then Qashqai would come 4th and we would have a tough choice between top 3 here. Main drawbacks for me: awful looks, no extra ground clearance, on the expensive side.

5. Mitsubishi ASX - there is nothing outstanding about this car, engine doesn't seem to cope with a car of this size, build quality didn't impress.

 

 

 

Nissan have a controlling stake in Mitsubishi so expect new ones