As fuel prices rise and environmental pressures mount more people are looking for economical, environmentally friendly cars. Traditionally SUVs are neither, so manufacturers have been responding to demand and are jumping on the compact crossover wagon. So which are the best urban friendly SUVs? Here's my pick from cheapest to most expensive.
Nissan Juke
At the top of the list is the ?12,995 Nissan Juke. The smallest of Nissan's crossover family is a mix of hatchback and SUV, and although its distinctive sporty looks have divided opinion the Juke is one of the most exciting crossovers to hit the market in the last year. The most efficient of the Juke's engines- the 1.5 dCi Diesel -powers the Juke for 55.4 miles per gallon, and produces 134 g/km of CO2. The Juke's closest rival is the MINI Countryman.
Kia Sportage
The first Kia Sportage was introduced to the US market in 1993, when it was available as a 4 door SUV and 2 door soft top convertible. Now in its third generation, the Sportage is proving to be a very capable urban crossover in an increasingly crowded segment.
The most efficient engine is the 1.7 Diesel 2WD ISG with 6-speed manual which does 54.3 miles per gallon (combined cycle). Prices for the Kia Sportage start from a reasonable ?17,015 and will be a popular choice with families.
MINI Countryman
Whilst most manufacturers are downsizing, MINI are growing up. The newest addition to the MINI range- the Countryman - is MINIs answer to a family car. Although the Countryman has been criticised for being 'overstlyed' one thing is for sure it hasn't lost any of the character or sporty driving dynamics that MINI are renowned for.
And the best bit? The diesel powered MINI One D Countryman, which costs ?19,210, emits just 115 g/km of CO2 and does 64.2 miles per gallon (combined cycle).
Land Rover Freelander
Most compact SUVs are considered to be 'soft roaders' rather than a hardened off road vehicle not the Freelander 2 though, it is a Land Rover after all! The Freelander TD4 was the first SUV in Britain to feature stop-start technology and the 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 manual produces 165g/km of CO2 and boasts a fuel economy of 45.6mpg.
A 2011 2WD model is also available, and is being touted as the cleanest Land Rover ever. The Freelander 2's biggest competitor is the Honda CR-V, but with the CR-V costing over ?2000 more than the Freelander 2 and doing less miles per gallon I know which I'd choose.
BMW X3
The BMW X3 has received a bad rap over the years, but don't let this put you off. The cheap interior plastics of the old X3 have now been replaced by soft touch materials and leather trims, far more in keeping with BMWs reputation for quality.
Despite being marginally larger than the old X3, which means more cabin space, the new 2011 BMW X3 is more efficient thanks to the clever Stop-Start system. The 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine produces an impressive 184bhp, but does around 50.4 miles per gallon (combined cycle).
With prices for a BMW X3 in Edinburgh starting from ?31,135 it's not cheap, but then that's not what BMW is about.
Amy Sawyer is an online marketing executive currently researching BMW X3 in Edinburgh.
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