Cars for 2017: Top 5 SUVs

THERE’S plenty of action ahead in one of the fastest growing parts of Australia’s new-car segment in a year that SUV sales are expected to overtake those of passenger cars for the first time. Here are five of WhichCar’s top cars to watch.

TOYOTA C-HR Not satisfied with the fact it already sells more SUVs than any other brand in Australia, Toyota will enter the baby SUV segment in February with the C-HR. The sharp-looking model will take on rivals such as the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V. One confirmed engine is a new 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 85kW, though it’s the 185Nm of torque available between 1500 and 4000rpm that promises flexible performance. There will be two trim grades, though even the entry version will feature as standard adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, auto high beam, reverse camera, and autonomous emergency braking. A starting price in the low-$20,000 bracket is likely.

MAZDA CX-5

JEEP COMPASS

HOLDEN EQUINOX

SKODA KODIAQ

2017 Top 5 SUVs