Kia Niro against Mazda CX-30 and Skoda Karoq: compact SUV in the test

newsabc 4 weeks ago

0 10 5 minutes read

Rising prices everywhere you look, plus a lot of uncertainty as to where the journey is going with the drives. Not easy times for German new car customers. But there are also bright spots. Among the popular compact SUVs, Mazda CX-30 and Skoda Karoq belong to the reliable and affordable types. The ones where, even with good equipment, there is not a four or even five at the beginning of the bill.

Selected products in tabular overview
	Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI ACT	RRP EUR 30,980.00
	Kia Niro 1.6 GDI Hybrid	RRP EUR 30,690.00
	Mazda CX-30 e-Skyactiv G 2.0 M	RRP EUR 27,690.00

The Kia Niro has so far been more of an outsider. Good, but so inconspicuous that it was quickly overlooked. That should change radically with the new second generation. Narrow LED lights at the front and rear, plus a massive black C-pillar with an integrated air outlet like the Ford GT. That’s noticeable. No wonder that the opponents seem like gray mice.

Kia pleases with bold design

Design is also important to Mazda. The CX-30 presented in 2019 looks independent and dynamic, the flowing forms almost timeless. The Karoq, which has been on the market for five years, is much more pragmatic and antiquated. Not even the latest, extremely subtle facelift can change that. Maybe not even necessary, after all it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Here, too, the Koreans are showing courage. The Niro is dominated by an 80 centimeter wide panel that combines the screens for the instruments and infotainment. They are also proud of the generous use of recyclable materials. The processing is correct right away, the operation is sufficiently intuitive and requires little getting used to. The climate is controlled separately, there are haptically well-made knobs. The largest in the center console replaces the selector lever of the automatic, as is now usual with Kia.

Engine type/cylinder

installation position

valves/camshafts

camshaft drive

displacement

kW (HP) at 1/min

Nm at 1/min

V max

transmission

drive

Brakes front/rear

test car tires

tire type

wheel size

Exhaust gas CO2

Consumption*

tank capacity

fuel type

particle filter

pass-by noise

trailer load used/unused

drawbar load

trunk volume

Length Width Height

wheelbase

basic price

Test car price (is evaluated)

103.6 (141)/5700 (system performance)

265/1000 (system performance)

Continental Premium Contact 6

4420/1825-2050**/1545mm

Falken Azensis FR 510 SUV

4395/1795-2040**/1540mm

4382/1841-2025**/1603mm

The seating position takes some getting used to. You sit high and always look down at the fittings. In addition, the headrests move too far, the steering wheel not enough. That works better in the Skoda. In general, the Karoq looks much more holistic. Apart from the missing rotary control for the volume, the operation is almost perfect, the processing is very routine. What is missing is a tilt adjustment for the seat.

The Mazda leaves its driver alone

The Mazda driver experiences a journey into the past in the best sense of the word. Classic analog instruments, few, easily accessible buttons and a rotary pushbutton for infotainment.

Mazda CX-30 e-Skyactiv G 2.0 M Selection

If you want to be left alone by your car, this is the place for you. It’s a pity that the processing weakens in detail away from the line of sight. The space available in the CX-30 on the back seat and in the trunk is also modest. Rear passengers are in the best of hands in the Kia, while the Skoda swallows the most luggage.

Kia saves thanks to hybrid drive

Unfortunately also the most fuel. The only turbo in comparison approved on the test round 7.2 liters and thus 1.4 liters more than the Kia. Somewhere in between is the Mazda with 6.6 liters. The fact that the Niro is so economical is due to its standard hybrid drive. A 44-hp electric motor powered by a 1.32-kWh battery helps the 1.6-liter vacuum cleaner.

Power is transmitted by a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Even if the typical howl of the stepless competition is absent, the driver gets a very clear idea of what is happening under the hood. High speeds under load spoil the otherwise positive noise impression.

Little punch despite the largest displacement in the CX-30

A problem that also knows the Mazda. Despite a full two-liter displacement, it lacks torque. If you want performance, you have to look for it above 5000 rpm.

After all, switching with the crisp six-speed box is fun. The Skoda unit goes to work powerfully and smoothly in every position. 250 Nm of torque from 1500 tours allow a lazy shifting driving style.

There is versatility in the Karoq chassis

The Karoq is also ahead when it comes to handling. The performance package with progressive steering and DCC chassis for 850 euros is an absolute recommendation. Whether it’s crisp and taut or surfing on the soft wave – everything is possible.

At most, the early and rigorous intervention of ESP thwarts final driving fun on the test track. Kia and Mazda leave more leash. In this class but probably easy to forgive. The CX-30 is also sporty when driving, bounces tightly and directly. The crisp steering should be less sensitive to shock.

acceleration

0-50km/h

0-100km/h

0-130km/h

0-160km/h

intermediate sprint

60-100km/h

80-120km/h

curb weight/load

Weight distribution v./h.

Turning circle left/right

seat height

braking distance

from 100 km/h cold

from 100 km/h warm

interior noise

at 50 km/h

at 100km/h

at 130 km/h

consumption

saving consumption

test consumption

Average of the 155 km test lap (deviation from the WLTP specification)

sports consumption

CO2 (test consumption)

Range (test consumption)

The Kia shows a balanced footwork with pleasant slow driving comfort. At high speeds, however, it stretches out too far and lifts its crew out of their seats. The steering is light, but offers little feedback. All in all, he’s the type for a relaxed urban pace.

At checkout, Kia is the strongest

This is where the savings potential of the hybrid comes into its own. It’s just a pity that the savings from expensive insurance classes and the by far highest purchase price of 39,070 euros are nullified. That’s a whopping 7,380 euros more than the 31,690 euros that Mazda calculates for the CX-30. At 35,780 euros, the Skoda Karoq is in the middle, but thanks to its calm, balanced nature it is at the very front – a safe bet in these troubled times.

picture gallery

Three compact SUVs in the test

newsabc 4 weeks ago

0 10 5 minutes read