Can you recommend a compact but spacious SUV?

I’ve had my MINI Cooper four-door automatic since 2015 and have loved driving it. However, as my husband and I get older, with more aches and pains, we’re finding it more and more difficult to get in/out of it. I’m therefore thinking of buying a small crossover, as its extra height would suit us better. I really don’t want one much bigger than the MINI and also want to keep the automatic engine.

Easy parking and good driver legroom are a priority. The car would be used for a mixture of short and long drives. What do you suggest I buy?

Asked on 18 January 2022 by Vicki Duffy

Answered by Russell Campbell

The Volkswagen T-Cross is about 200mm longer than your MINI so it's not much bigger, but should be easier to get in and out of. It's available with an automatic gearbox and comes with a range of petrol engines that would suit the shorter drives you do.

You can read our review, here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/t-cross-2.../

Another option is the Toyota CH-R, which is about the same size as the T-Cross but has sportier looks. It's petrol-electric engines get great fuel economy, but it has an SUV like body that means it's quite roomy inside and also easier to get in and out of.

Toyota CH-R review: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/c-hr-2016/

Tags: buying a new suv automatic suvs

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