Mini and Volkswagen have conjured up new models to take on Volvo’s family SUV stalwart, the XC40. Let’s see if this spells a changing of the guard

Photography: John Bradshaw

Forgive us if you think we’re stating the obvious, but sales of SUVs don’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, there are those who predict that up to three-quarters of all new car registrations will be SUVs in just a few years’ time. That could mean that there will be nearly twice as many British homes with an SUV parked outside as there are families with a games console.

Right now, we have two new arrivals in the family SUV class. First up is the Mini Countryman. While its predecessor was a rival for small SUVs such as the Volkswagen T-Roc, this latest iteration is significantly larger all round and, you’d imagine, more family-friendly as a result. That’s great news if you’ve outgrown the Mini Cooper hatchback. The entry-level petrol version (called the Countryman C) is powered by a 1.5-litre engine, and we’re testing it in our recommended mid-spec Exclusive trim with the £2800 Level 1 option pack included to cover all the equipment you’re likely to want.

In comparison, Volkswagen has taken a more measured approach to the evolution of its big-selling Tiguan. This latest iteration features new technology and a little more interior space than its predecessor, while the engines are officially more economical than before. For its balance of performance and value for money, we favour mid-rung Life trim and the more powerful of the two 1.5-litre petrol engines available.

Among the key rivals that both of these new contenders will have to face is the Volvo XC40 – our 2018 overall Car of the Year and still one of our favourite family SUVs. For very similar money to the Tiguan, you can get this premium model in entry-level B3 petrol guise and in Core trim. The XC40 has repeatedly brushed off newcomers in our comparisons over the (numerous) years it’s been on sale; can it do so again?

MINI COUNTRYMAN

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

VOLVO XC40

DRIVING

Performance, ride, handling, refinement

Although you won’t choose any of our contenders because you expect thrilling performance, they’re easily brisk enough for everyday driving. With its engine producing the most power (168bhp), the Countryman sprints from 0-60mph in 8.4sec – just ahead of the 161bhp XC40 (8.7sec) and 148bhp Tiguan (9.0sec).

BEST HANDLING

BEST RIDE

The Countryman and XC40 also have plenty of mid-range muscle when you ask for a burst of acceleration (to get up to motorway speeds or overtake a slower car, for example), whereas the Tiguan’s engine has to be worked harder in the same situations.

To help compensate for this, the Tiguan’s automatic gearbox delivers snappier gearshifts than those of its rivals and is the most eager to change down when you press the accelerator pedal. Fortunately, it does so just as smoothly as the gearboxes in the Countryman and XC40. However, the Countryman and Tiguan can be slightly hesitant when setting off from a standstill, whereas the XC40 is more responsive and is therefore the smoothest and easiest to drive around town.