10 SUVs We Might Like to Get on Our Market
We love SUVs, don’t we? Whether they’re subcompact crossovers or full-size behemoths, these vehicles are versatile, comfortable and equipped with all-wheel drive for winter. While we’d think that SUVs are a typical American buying trend, there are plenty of them sold elsewhere in the world—including some pretty interesting ones—that we don’t get on our market. Here are but a few of them.
Acura CDX
The CDX is a subcompact-size SUV sold on the Chinese market. Based on the same architecture as the Honda HR-V’s, it’s equipped with a turbocharged, 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 180 horsepower, matched to a dual-clutch, eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive is available. The Acura CDX would be an interesting addition to the brand’s North-American lineup, seeing as this segment is rapidly expanding. Alas, Acura has no plans to sell it here for now.
Kia Stonic
The Stonic, cousin of the immensely popular Hyundai Kona, was launched in Europe at the end of 2017, and we’re still waiting for it here. We must say that it would likely kill sales of the aging Kia Soul. Like the Kona, the subcompact Stonic boasts a modern design with a wide choice of splashy paint colours, including a contrasting roof. We won’t exclude the arrival of the Stonic on our market just yet, but for now, Kia hasn’t confirmed anything as to whether they’ll sell it here or not.
Mazda CX-4
Sold in China for the past two years, the CX-4 shares its wheelbase with the compact CX-5, but wears slightly different bodywork, with a flatter roofline and a longer rear overhang. The company seeked to an SUV with a slightly more dynamic appearance, but that shares the CX-5 powertrains, including the 2.0- and 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines. An all-wheel drivetrain is also available.
Renault Arkana
It’s not yet on sale, but Renault’s new SUV was presented in August 2018 at the Moscow Auto Show, and benefits from the latest four-door coupe styling trend. The Arkana unveiled in front of the Russian public boasted 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof as well as all-wheel drive, giving it off-road capability—according to the manufacturer. The Russian market is the second biggest for the Renault Group, and that’s where the Arkana will initially be launched, following by Asian markets. We won’t get it, of course.
Dacia Duster
The second-generation Duster, launched in 2017, picks up where the first gen left off by proposing the style and versatility of a compact SUV, along with a very affordable price—its main purchase criterion. Also sold in other parts of the world as the Renault Duster, this utility vehicle can be equipped with one of several powertrains in addition to optional all-wheel drive. This second generation also includes new technologies such as a 360-degree camera system, blind spot monitoring and automatic climate control.
Lada 4x4
It used to be called the Niva, but now, it’s the Lada 4x4. Its design takes back to the early Seventies, and has changed very little since. We can still spot one from time to time on Canadian roads—and especially in Quebec. The 4x4 is available in three-door and five-door body styles, equipped with a 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 83 horsepower. According to Lada, the Bronto edition benefits from a reinforced chassis, extra ground clearance and knobby tires for enhanced off-road capabilities. We even get treated to heated seats and—no joke—outside mirrors adjustable from inside the cockpit. We want one!
Suzuki Jimny
Successor of the Samurai, the Jimny was redesigned in 2018 and has lost nothing of its square shape. We could even qualify it as a miniature Mercedes-Benz G-Class! Several powertrains are available in the Jimny, from a 660-cc three cylinder to a 100-horsepower, 1.5-litre four. Obviously, the little SUV boasts a four-wheel drive system for some off-road fun.
Volkswagen T-Roc
We’re waiting for a subcompact SUV in Volkswagen’s lineup in our country from some time now, but it won’t be the T-Roc. Too bad, because it’s rather attractive with its sophisticated look and a body available with a contrasting roof colour. A slew of powertrains are available, the most interesting being a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine good for about 190 horsepower. Of course, 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available.
Mahindra XUV500
This midsize SUV from Indian manufacturer Mahindra boasts a rather unique design as well as a long list of features for the asking price. It’s equipped with a 2.2-litre engine that produces 155 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain, while its cockpit serves up quilted leather upholstery, a leatherette-trimmed dashboard as well as a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto integration.
BYD Song
This Chinese manufacturer offers a few SUVs, and the Song is its compact model. Aside from an attractive design, this utility vehicle can be equipped with a turbocharged, gasoline four-cylinder engine—including a 2.0-litre unit good for about 205 horsepower—, a plug-in hybrid powertrain with an estimated EV driving range of 80 kilometres, or a fully electric drivetrain that generates 218 horsepower and provides a driving range of up to 270 km.