Click to read the full Ford Puma review
Impressively, the Ford Puma picks up this award for the third year on the trot. In fact, it’s so good we named it our 2021 overall car of the year. With the small SUV category filled with newer alternatives, that’s no mean feat. As you’d expect from something based on the feisty Fiesta, it’s a great choice for those that enjoy driving. It has the same strong yet frugal engines and doesn’t feel a great deal less agile, either. Put simply, you’ll almost certainly have a broad smile after a B-road blast.
The interior has enough squishy materials and attractive trims to lift it above more dour rivals while the infotainment is easy to use. There’s even physical buttons and dials for the stereo and heating rather than having to use fiddly touch-sensitive icons or the main screen.
Rear seat space isn’t particularly spectacular for the class but there’s enough space for four six-footers to travel in reasonable comfort. More importantly for those with young families, the boot is simply massive thanks in part to the innovative ‘Megabox’ under the boot floor. Not only is it handy for storing stuff, it’s waterproof and has a bung to let liquid out. Perfect for stashing muddy boots or creating a mobile ice bucket.
Based on a 43year old Male the Ford Puma would cost £467.37 to insure
*Insurance quotes are from mustard.co.uk in September 2022 and are based on a 43-year-old, employed married male living in Stowmarket with 9 years NCD and no claims or convictions. Insurance quotes will vary depending on individual circumstances.
RUNNERS UP
Click to read the full Skoda Kamiq review
Don’t necessarily think of the Kamiq as the runner-up here, it actually scores the same overall 4.6 star rating as the class-winning Puma and will actually suit some families better. No, the Kamiq’s boot isn’t quite as large and it isn’t as enjoyable to drive, but it has a useful chunk of additional rear legroom and has a comfier ride.
The Kamiq also has a plusher feeling interior and equally impressive engines, making it something your head can easily pick. However, it’s also more sombre to look at inside and out, while a number of useful features are optional even on high trim levels. Those minor complaints are just enough for us to give the victory to the Puma, although we wouldn’t blame you at all for selecting the Skoda instead.
Click to read the full Dacia Duster review
If we’re honest, the Duster is a bit of a cheat here. Despite undercutting the Puma and Kamiq it’s bigger than both, great news for those on a tight budget if not those with tight parking spaces. Although the Puma has a bigger boot and the Kamiq more rear legroom, the Duster is a decent enough compromise especially given the bargain price.
You’ll find the Duster pleasant enough to drive if you’re in no hurry. Soft suspension means it’s one of the comfier choices in the class and the engines are both perky and efficient enough, if not class leading. You won’t find any hybrid offerings although the availability of four-wheel drive is unusual in this class and makes the Duster surprisingly capable off-road, proving more capable than plenty of more expensive SUVs.
