The Question: I’m after an economical small car to do extensive touring of the eastern states. I’ll be solo so rear and boot space aren’t important, but as I’m 188cm and 120kg there needs to be space in the front. I don’t need fantastic performance or to go off-road. I’m looking to spend around $30,000. I’ve read good reports on the Ford Puma, but what would you suggest?
Grahame Uphill, email
Answer:
The Ford Puma SUV is pretty small for extensive touring, but it’s piqued your interest so we’ll examine it. Due to your size an SUV is a good choice for ease of entry and exit, although hatchbacks are better value for money. Good fuel economy and long service intervals will keep your touring bills lower.
Ford Puma: 1.0L, $31,990 drive-away
Ford has a drive-away special on the Puma but it’s still a pricey compact SUV.
Front space is generous and the boot’s a decent 410 litres. Features include an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and satnav. Active safety is decent, but there’s no radar cruise control or blind-spot monitor, which isn’t ideal.
The Puma’s well-insulated and relaxing to drive at highway speeds, while its perky 92kW/170Nm three-cylinder turbo returns an economical 5.3L/100km.
It corners sweetly and seems at home on the freeway and in the city. There’s a five-year warranty and services are great value at $1516 for five years/75,000km.
Volkswagen Polo 85TSI Comfortline, $27,990 drive-away
If you’re considering a city SUV, also try a small hatchback. The Volkswagen Polo feels solid and sizeable, with ample head room for tall drivers.
The cabin has a classy, well-built feel, although the 351-litre boot is smaller than the Ford.
Key to your needs, it handles highway speeds with the poise and noise suppression of larger cars. Show it a back road and it’s agile and fun. The 85kW three-cylinder is perky and uses only 5L/100km, although it does require more expensive premium fuel.
Included are Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8-inch screen and reasonable safety, but I’d buy the driver assistance pack ($1500) for radar cruise control and a blind-spot monitor. There’s a five-year warranty, but five services are a hefty $2661.
Kia Seltos Sport, $31,790 drive-away
If the VW and Ford are too small, try the Kia Seltos. As a larger SUV it’ll be easier to get in and out and you’ll appreciate the extra real estate inside. Its four-cylinder non-turbo 2.0-litre engine brings a non-eventful 110kW/180Nm and it chews more fuel at 6.8L/100km but it feels like a more expensive car.
Goodies include a giant 10.25-inch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and satnav. Safety’s okay, but $1000 buys a pack to make it comprehensive.
It feels solid, comfortable and composed for an SUV. A seven-year warranty trumps the rest, services for five years are an average $1914 and the boot’s the biggest at 433 litres.
Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure, about $33,750 drive-away
The Mazda’s more expensive but the Mazda CX-30 rides sublimely and is whisper quiet inside. The cabin has classy touches and includes an 8.8-inch screen, better standard safety than the others and all-important radar cruise control for touring.
Front space has been prioritised (the rear seats and the 317-litre boot are small) and the 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder engine’s no firecracker, but as a cruiser it’s fine. It’s thirsty, though, at 6.5L/100km. There’s a five-year warranty, but you’ll need to service it every 10,000km, which could be a pain if you’re planning to do long distances. The first five services cost $1991.
Verdict: If you can fit in it, the Puma suits your needs quite well but I think long trips would be more comfortable in something larger. I’d go for the Seltos.
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