Suzuki Vitara vs Citroen C4 Cactus & Renault Captur

The compact crossover market is more crowded than ever, with makers fighting hand over fist to get in on the lucrative action. The latest arrival is Suzuki’s new Vitara, which the company is attempting to transform from tough, no-nonsense SUV into a fashionable and fun family runaround.

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It’s smaller than before, and available with two-wheel drive for the first time, plus it features a range of funky customisation options. The new Vitara also gets the choice of the same eager 1.6-litre diesel and petrol engines as the SX4 S-Cross, while engineers have attempted to give the Vitara agile and engaging handling, like the Swift.

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Setting the benchmark for the Suzuki are a pair of desirable French crossovers that effortlessly combine kerb appeal with low running costs. The Citroen C4 Cactus looks like no other car and has the sort of relaxed driving experience that takes the stress out of every journey. It also has a classy cabin and decent practicality.

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The Renault Captur is equally eye-catching, and is available with a host of personalisation options. So which of our crossover contenders will gallop to victory? Read on to find out...

• Suzuki Vitara review

• Citroen C4 Cactus review

• Renault Captur review

Click the links above to read full individual reviews, and scroll down to see which compact crossover comes out on top...

Head-to-head

Custom options

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All three cars target style-conscious buyers, so there are customisation options available for each. Choose from contrasting roof colours, bright trim inserts and different wheels. The Vitara can also be specced with a beefy bodykit, while the Cactus and Captur get a range of decals. The Renault goes one better with its zip-up seat covers.

Infotainment

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Touchscreen infotainment is par for the course these days, but the Suzuki’s system is a highlight. From its simple layout to its touch-sensitive volume slider control, it’s really intuitive. The Citroen’s screen could be more sensitive, and the Renault’s is a little confusing to use.

Petrol engines

If you don’t want the diesel engine in our test car, the Vitara has a 118bhp version of the Swift Sport’s 1.6-litre petrol 4cyl. The Cactus gets a 1.2-litre 3cyl with or without a turbo. Petrol options in the Captur are both turbos: a 0.9-litre 3cyl or a 1.2-litre 4cyl.

Verdict

1st place: Citroen C4 Cactus

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This was a closely fought contest, but the C4 Cactus just snatches victory. With its blend of bold looks, refreshingly styled interior and relaxing driving experience, it represents a breath of fresh air in the crossover class. It also costs peanuts to run and has more than enough space for most growing families. And while it’s not as much fun to drive as the Vitara, it’s always composed and comfortable.

2nd place: Suzuki Vitara

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There’s plenty to like about the new Vitara; it’s great to drive, surprisingly fast and packs a roomy interior. It’s also remarkably frugal, well built and refined. Yet in this class, a car needs to stand out from the crowd and feature a dash of desirability – and the awkward looks and disappointing interior relegate the Suzuki to second place here. 

3rd place: Renault Captur

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The sleekly styled Renault Captur looks the part and is available with a vast array of customisation options. It’s also surprisingly practical and features a number of family friendly touches. However, it’s uninspiring to drive, while the diesel is sluggish and not as efficient as you’d expect. Finally, it can’t match the Cactus for interior style and quality.

Other cars for similar money...

NEW: Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi AcentaPrice: £16,715 Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 108bhp

The Nissan Juke started the compact crossover craze when it debuted in 2010. A facelift last year freshened up the already bold looks, while all models get plenty of kit. The interior feels low rent and it’s cramped in the back, but the Juke still attracts attention.

USED: Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 110 4x4 SEPrice: £16,995 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 108bhp

For just under £17,000, you could pick up a nearly new Skoda Yeti. We found a 5,000-mile 2014 model in desirable four-wheel-drive SE guise. And while its 2.0 TDI engine isn’t that refined and emits 154g/km of CO2, the Yeti is spacious, robust and great to drive.

Key specs