Vehicle Tests > Little Wonders

The Nissan has a conventional straight-gate shifter (with an overdrive lockout) but otherwise the gearbox isn't too bad, even though it isn't the best either. Perhaps the fact the Nissan's engine has the strongest bottom-end and mid-range power helps here as autos always seem happier with torquey rather than peaky engines. Certainly there's nothing special about the gearbox itself, it's just that it mates relatively well to the engine.

The least decisive, indeed the least impressive gearbox is the Hyundai's. In give-and-take conditions it can easily lose its way in full auto mode, hunting back and forth between adjacent gears. At least it offers smooth changes and has a 'manual' tip-shifter for more accurate control.

Chassis dynamics
Compared to bigger, more serious 4WDs, all these compacts steer and handle well. In fact, compared to the real heavyweights they feel like nimble sports cars. Least impressive of the four in terms of its on-road dynamics is the Tucson. It's not a badly balanced car and the ride is quiet and supple, but the steering is vague and the suspension control ordinary. As a driver's car it's the least inspiring here although NVH refinement is a notable strong point and certainly better than Outlander or X-Trail.

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As ever, the Nissan is understeer-happy through tight corners and the steering is not as sharp as it could be. At higher speeds its balance is better, and the ride quality is also impressive on crook roads and the NVH levels aren't too bad. The Outlander is the nosiest on a gravel road and the ride a tad sharper and less forgiving compared to the others. The 17-inch wheels and relatively low profile rubber wouldn't help here. The upside is sharp steering and impressive handling. It's the sportiest drive here.

The Suzuki, however, is the best allrounder in terms of its ride/handling/NVH trade-off. Its steering is sharp and the overall dynamics close to the Outlander. At the same time it rides well, particularly on the bigger bumps, and its NVH control is close to the Hyundai's. On rough roads the Suzuki also feels more solid and better built than the others.

Tough stuff
The compact 4WD market is currently dominated by the so-called soft-roaders. Witnessed by the X-Trail, Tucson, and Outlander we have assembled here. The Suzuki? Well, it's a little different. It's not only the dual-range gearing that makes a big difference here, it's the fact that it also has a proper full-time 4WD system with a mechanical lockable centre diff (that doesn't rely on a viscous coupling). Check out the underpinning and you'll also find that the Suzuki looks far more sturdily built and has a clean underside. Good wheel travel as well, especially from the rear multi-link arrangement. The Grand Vitara also has sensible 70-series rubber on 16-inch rims, the only vehicle here with this combination.

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