COMPACT SUVs

1st - BMW X3 2.5si auto
Carnage in this category saw the CR-V, Captiva, Forester, Freelander and Suzuki SX4 fall to the sword. BMW’s baby SUV came to the fore, despite its comparatively high price. This proved the closest finish in GSC, with just 0.7 percent separating first and second, with third trailing by 0.9. The X3 beat the RAV4 on resale, just, but couldn’t match the Mazda. That excellent BMW 2.5-litre straight six can’t keep up with the RAV4 on economy, but comfortably beats the CX-7 on thirst. All three feature superb safety packages, but what got the X3 across the line first was its unlimited-kilometre warranty and smart variable service intervals. In truth, however, all three are valid choices — especially compared to a few that fell.

2nd - Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (auto)
Bigger, beefier RAV4 still the business despite carry-over engine from previous model. Affordable insurance, frugal fuel consumption and full safety kit are definite pluses. RAV4 does everything well – albeit nothing brilliantly – but is just as good a drive as the $30K pricier BMW.



Mazda CX-7 Luxury (Auto)
Move over, RAV4 – the CX-7 is the new dynamic benchmark in class. Don’t argue with the 2.3-litre turbo four, or the package’s impressive grip and poise. Fuel cost is expectedly high, but insurance isn’t. The X3 makes it look cheap, and resale potential is sky-high.