Test drive Kia XCeed, Mazda CX-30, Mini Countryman: in random order
Test Drive

Test drive Kia XCeed, Mazda CX-30, Mini Countryman: in random order

Test drive Kia XCeed, Mazda CX-30, Mini Countryman: in random order

Two new compact crossovers challenge a respectable countryman to the tournament

What don't these three cars mix? The new Kia XCeed combines intelligence with the spirit of adventure, the Mini Countryman the desire for flexibility with dynamic handling, and the Mazda CX-30 with its engine combines the principles of Nikolaus Otto and Rudolf Diesel. And in addition - all three models are bewildering in the compact class. With this comparison, we will check which one is the best. So - let's not wait any longer, but let's connect!

One of the secrets of the path to success lies in the fact that we do not know where they are taking us and what turns they are waiting for and how it turns out that when we look in the rearview mirror, the path we are walking on seems straight. One can only assume that in fact it was full of impassable sections and required major repairs. How else to explain the fact that models with off-road attributes move best on it today? And how the Mini Cooper S Countryman, Kia XCeed 1.6 T-GDI and Mazda CX-30 Skyactiv-X 2.0 will cope with this - we will find out in a comparative test. Good luck to us!

Unlike some compact models, which achieve stylistic and technical roughness off-road with just the air deflectors and slightly more ground clearance (yes, that's what we mean, Ford Focus Active), the design transformation of the Kia Ceed into an XCeed was a major undertaking. , affecting both basic and upgrade. Everything is new in the 8,5 cm elongated body and 2,6 cm widened body, except for the front doors.

Kia: Nothing of the sort

Despite the increased clearance of 4,4 cm by 18,4 cm, the Kia XCeed rides its passengers on comfortable seats that are only slightly raised above the level of the compact class. It doesn't make for really good visibility, especially to the rear, due to the sloping rear window and thick C-pillars.

We are forced to attack them so sharply because they are the only reason for the more serious criticism offered by the Kia XCeed. Otherwise, everything is as it should be. The double bottom aligns the inner edge of the large luggage compartment, the volume of which varies depending on the folding of the three-part rear seat back. By itself, passengers sit comfortably and fairly wide, and the solidity includes control of functions, for which Kia relies on the leadership of the clearly labeled buttons. The dashboard features a touchscreen monitor large enough to display two separate controls. In addition, the Kia XCeed navigates to its destination with real-time traffic data.

And what is the purpose? Some argue that the goal is the road, so compared to the Kia Ceed, the steering has a more direct gear ratio and more feedback. In addition, the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension received new settings - with softer springs and new shock absorbers. All this doesn't make the Kia XCeed as a hectic master of tight corners as the Mini, but for a compact car raised off the road, it's surprisingly fast. The model starts fiddling with the front wheels, understeer earlier than the other two, and transmits less feel through the steering wheel. But everything remains safe, winged and comfortable. The suspension absorbs even uneven bumps well, and with a load - best and despite the softer springs - without much swaying in corners or subsequent oscillations after long waves on the pavement.

Meanwhile, the turbocharged petrol engine pulls decisively with the friendly support of the six-speed gearbox. In addition to quiet and smooth operation, the consumption in the test of 8,2 l / 100 km makes a good impression. In general, many things make a good impression on the Kia XCeed, such as powerful braking, comfortable seats, a decent supply of support systems and especially the price, equipment and warranty - in short, good prospects for Kia.

Mazda: a self-igniting idea

It may be true that there are no shortcuts to success, but Mazda knows a few unused but promising parallel tracks. In recent years, the Japanese have made great progress with smart ideas and the courage to leave things to the old, for example by avoiding forced refueling of gasoline engines. Instead, they developed Skyactiv-X, a gasoline engine that self-ignites like a diesel. Well, not really, but almost, because it happens to the spark plug support. Shortly before self-ignition, it emits a weak spark, which, so to speak, explodes the barrel of gunpowder and, thus, allows you to control the combustion process. In this way, Skyactiv-X combines the efficiency of a diesel engine with the low emissions of a gasoline engine. And quite successfully, as our recent tests have shown.

Skyactiv-X is also the most powerful engine for the Mazda CX-30. The model largely repeats the "troika" technique, but with a smaller overall length and wheelbase. So it fits into the format of the Kia XCeed and Mini Cooper Countryman, while the passengers sit more tightly in the rear seat with a short floor and a steep back. There is no big difference in cargo volume, more in maneuverability. It is limited by a split back. There is no passage for weights, longitudinal sliding and tilt adjustment.

On the other hand, Mazda has invested a lot of effort and resources into beautiful, durable materials, as well as standard safety equipment, from distance-adjusted speed to lane change assistants and head-up display to LED lights. Navigation and a rearview camera are also there, but all this still does not make the car good. That's why the Mazda CX-30 pays special attention to the most important thing in a car - driving.

Here the model performs convincingly with slightly firm settings, providing pleasant comfort - despite stiff response to short bumps - and easy handling. To achieve this, the car doesn't have to exhibit the restless demeanor of the Mini Cooper Countryman, because its direct, informative steering-to-road feel drives it precisely through corners. The CX-30 handles them neutrally, and the understeer starts late. If you don't press the throttle for a moment, the change in dynamic load will push your butt out. This never reduces the high level of road safety, but it does provide a small amount of torque that gives dynamic handling.

And finally, shifting, which in itself could be a reason to buy this Mazda - with a slight click, short lever movements and that minimally heavy travel that makes precise mechanical precision something tangible and makes shifting a pleasure. This is especially useful when you need to keep an eye on your opponents. With separate drive, the two-liter petrol engine has enough temperament, but when it has to catch up with both turbos, it has to accelerate.

This increases fuel consumption slightly, as the Skyactiv-X is particularly advantageous in partial load conditions. At high revs, the engine switches from self-ignition to external ignition and a richer fuel mixture. Overall, however, the CX-7,5 is significantly more economical than its rivals in the test at 100 l / 30 km. In addition, it stops well, the features are easy to operate and not expensive. Parallel track Mazda turns out to be an overtaking lane.

Mini: storm and pressure

When it comes to overtaking, the Mini Cooper S Countryman has always been on hand, although it hasn't always won. This has changed in the current generation, which, in addition to being more solid, has acquired a certain seriousness with which you can win first places in comparative tests - something that rarely happened before on the Mini.

For example, the Mini Cooper S Countryman now scores points with full flex, plenty of interior space and a handy trunk. In addition, its workmanship has become more durable, and the control of functions is organized more clearly - at least as far as the infotainment system is concerned. Very good things, while not interfering with the traditionally bewitching handling of the model - everyone will think. But it turns out the Countryman has gone too far. Due to the mischievous and harsh steering, it breaks its straight-line movement and increases the speed of the steering instead of dynamics. You might like that as well as back service and you probably even expect that from a Mini. However, in everyday life, this behavior is often annoying, especially because this hyperactivity is accompanied by a lack of driving comfort due to the cramped undercarriage.

It's clear that this is part of the core idea of ​​the Cooper S, as is the powerful 192 horsepower of the two-liter turbo engine, which is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in the test car. It shifts gears on time and accurately and gives the Mini a speed that, according to the measured values, is almost not inferior to the pace of the slightly more powerful, but much lighter Kia XCeed, and subjectively even surpasses it. However, this engine achieves in terms of consumption (8,3 l / 100 km), and the Countryman as a whole - both in price and to a much greater extent. With a comparable configuration, it costs almost 10 euros more in Germany than the Kia XCeed and Mazda CX-000. And the fact that this is the oldest of the three models is also evident from some gaps in the support systems - for example, there is no warning that the car is in a dead zone.

Tell me, isn't it symbolic? Because when traveling, the Countryman unannounced two newcomers on the road to success.

CONCLUSION

1. Mazda CX-30 Skyactive-X 2.0 (435 points).

The Mazda CX-30 Skyactive-X 2.0 quietly takes the award home. The model wins in economy, excellent ergonomics, ease of use, pleasant comfort and high quality.

2. Kia XCeed 1.6 T-GDI (418 points).The XCeed 1.6 T-GDI is an even better car than the Ceed - with solid, everyday-use qualities, powerful drive and a low price with generous equipment and warranty.

3. Mini Cooper S Countryman (405 points).What happened? At a high price and value, Cooper lost the silver medal. Exceptional talent, but now more with a flexible cabin than hectic handling.

Text: Sebastian Renz

Photo: Ahim Hartmann

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