Test drive Comparison of four urban crossovers
Citroën C3 Aircross, Kia Stonik, Nissan Juke and Seat Arona
Ten years ago, Nissan Juke actually founded the small crossover segment with original designs. Now it was the turn of his successor to fight the competition, which had intensified by that time.
It's been ten years since Nissan built the Juke at its UK plant in Sunderland; every 104 seconds, one car leaves the assembly line, and the total circulation so far exceeds one million. The automotive industry has gone through a lot of changes over the past decade - not all positive, of course, but the fact is that diversity in some classes is richer than ever. Take, for example, small crossovers such as the Citroën C3 Aircross, Kia Stonic and Seat Arona, all with front-wheel drive and three-cylinder engines. And this is just a small selection of at least 18 models that today compete with the founder of the Juke segment.
Why has this category become so popular? Urban SUVs are practically not heavier or more economical than their counterparts in the standard small class, and at the same time more practical. At least some of them. For example, the C3 Aircross allows the rear seat to be adjusted horizontally with a range of up to 15 centimeters. But let's start with a few words about the next generation Juke.
Provocative but more mature than before
Visually, Nissan has remained true to the extravagant design of its predecessor, but some details have taken on a much more elegant look. For example, the extremely strange headlights at the front have given way to a much more stylish solution, and the same goes for the taillights. In addition, the new model no longer looks fluffy, but almost aggressive. The Juke has grown to eight centimeters in length, the wheelbase has even increased by 11 centimeters, and the trunk holds 422 liters - more than three competitors. As expected, passengers in the second row now have significantly more room than its narrow predecessor, and a longer roofline gives extra headroom. Overall, the ride in the second row was quite pleasant, although not as comfortable as in the Arona.
On the other hand, driving comfort did not improve much - especially in urban conditions, the test car, shod with not so low-profile tires (215/60 R 17), jumped sharply on literally every bump. At higher speeds, everything balances out, although over 130 km / h, aerodynamic noises get quite loud.
The only engine available for the model is a 117 hp three-cylinder liter engine. and 200 Nm - the voice begins to become intrusive only to us at 4000 rpm, there is almost no vibration either. Unfortunately, the Juke is not at all nimble, the Stonic (120 hp) and Arona (115 hp) are much more maneuverable. If you rarely have to drive on the highway or climb steep slopes, the dynamics in the city are probably enough in general. The steering is good, but not the best. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission didn't make much of an impression on us either - soft starts are a real problem even with a little throttle, and the Juke is often prone to jerky and unwarranted upshifts and downshifts. The solution in this direction is the use of plates for manual step change from the steering wheel.
The interior of the Japanese model is incomparably more comfortable, more ergonomic and more attractive than that of the previous generation. The control of the air conditioning system, for example, is as intuitive as possible, but there are no convenient niches and places for objects. The touch screen with several analog buttons is also quite convenient in everyday life. The quality of the materials is also excellent - given that the tried and tested version of the N-Connecta is not the most expensive option in the Juke line. Nissan has done a lot in terms of safety - the base model is richly equipped in this direction, and the top versions even have adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assistant and active steering intervention.
Maneuverable but not comfortable
The Kia Stonic shows some gaps in safety and comfort systems, such as no adaptive cruise control at all. On the other hand, a well-made Stonic evokes sympathy with excellent interior ergonomics - everything here is taken for granted. Large and conveniently located buttons, classic rotary knobs, smart infotainment system controls and clear controls - only Seat can compete with the Korean model in this regard. In addition, the seats are more comfortable than in the C3 Aircross and Juke, their position is also excellent, and in general, driving with a Kia quickly becomes a pleasure.
The liter engine is relatively cultured, develops speed almost without failure and provides a 1,2-ton car in terms of dynamics at the Arona level. In addition, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission ensures fast, adequate and smooth gear changes. T-GDI is not only nimble, but also economical - 7,1 l / 100 km. Unfortunately, the Kia also has its shortcomings - the steering could be more precise, and the suspension is not very comfortable overcoming short bumps on the pavement.
Wiggle instead of dynamics
Speaking of suspension comfort, it's impossible not to mention the C3 Aircross, where comfort is the mission. Yes, the interior is clean, but a bit impractical, but there is plenty of space for items and the atmosphere is almost homey. Unfortunately, this does not bring points in the final standings. The seats have limited lateral support, which, combined with the harsh bobbing that the tall SUV struggles with cornering, makes the road feel rather odd. The six-speed gearbox definitely lacks shifting precision and the 110 hp engine. Citroën has just one idea less slow than Nissan.
However, we can't help but rejoice in the 15cm adjustable rear seat, which allows you to choose between more rear space or large cargo volume (410 to 520 liters), as well as adjustable backrests. In addition, Citroën, with its high seating position and ample glazing, offers the best visibility in this test. Realistically, the C3 Aircross could have ranked alongside the Juke and Stonic, but its real problem was in the braking test results, which cost him many valuable points.
Athletic and balanced
How high he sits in the Citroën becomes especially noticeable if you immediately switch to the Arona 1.0 TSI. Here you are 7,5 centimeters closer to the asphalt. The 115-horsepower Arona performs turns with precision unmatched by the other three models in this competition. Also, while the Stonic and Juke have issues with shock absorption, the Seat rides great and doesn't tend to be uncomfortable. In combination with light and precise steering, the car handles with childlike ease even in difficult corners. And at the right speed, as impressive results in slalom show. At the same time, Arona is a champion in tests and in longitudinal dynamics - its engine works fine, harmonizes perfectly with the DSG transmission and consumes at least (7,0 l / 100 km) in total. Definitely - Arona delivers maximum driving pleasure. Ergonomics are also on top. The rear seats are absolutely suitable for long trips, and the boot, ranging from 400 to 1280 liters, holds almost as much as a Citroën.
In the end, Seat finishes first thanks to the excellent balance of qualities it possesses. Juke and C3 Aircross are significantly behind. Even the lucrative and solid Kia has no chance of taking the victory away from it.
EVALUATION
1. SEATING
The agile Arona has almost no weak points in this test, and it wins by a wide margin thanks to its successful combination of spacious interior space, dynamic performance and reasonable price.
2. LET
The Stonic is neither very comfortable nor especially sporty - but it offers plenty of interior space, a wide range of assistance systems, a seven-year warranty, and is quite profitable.
3. NISSAN
The Juke has long been known to be relatively expensive. Unfortunately, at the same time, the suspension is solid and the engine slows down on the track. In the latter case, the manual transmission option works slightly better.
4. CITROEN
By itself, the concept of this car is great, but it does not help improve the final rating. However, if you are primarily looking for a comfortable crossover, it is worth taking a test drive with this model - you might like it very much.
text:
Michael von Meidel
a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert
