Compact SUVs are still in demand, including models with petrolers who are allowed to be sometimes more motorized – especially for the younger clientele. Especially athletic in this threesome comparison, the Ford Puma St 1.5 Ecoboost occurs. The Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDI is not quite as dynamic, lets it rather tackle. In the moved versions, the two start with prices from 31,800 or 30,000 euros. VW enters the slightly more expensive all-round talent VW T-Roc 2.0 TSI. All three of the good 4,20 meters long SUVs together is that, if desired, they can make powerful steam. Of course, customers can also rely on civilian model variants.

• The puma drives a three-cylinder
• Hyundai Kona: sporty “n line” outfit
• VW T-ROC: All-wheel is standard here

Ford Puma St: With his 147 kW / 200 hp thick 1,5-L three-cylinder he provides sports performance. Manufacturer

In the test, especially the Puma St 1.5 plays the role of the cracker, especially on dry and unchanged train. Thus, the Ford SUV is probably exactly the car that wishes many younger or young lucky.

The puma drives a three-cylinder

The Puma fully puts in stuff, although he works with three instead of four cylinders, he is turbocharged as well as the two counterparties. With 147 kW / 200 hp, the Ford marks the strongest and fastest in the trio, in the torque (320 Newton meters) he draws with the VW T-ROC 2.0. The performance, which supplies the Puma St in the sprint and in the top, speak for themselves, but above all the greedy curve behavior and the agile handling. Compared to the braver sister models, the steering of the ST is clearly more direct and the rear axle, a composite link construction, noticeably stiff. Even small steering commands are relatively abruptly off, some drivers likely to feel the reaction as a bit mixed. Similarly consistently, the drive reacts to gas pedal pressure, the engine rotates well, the clutch grabs energetically. The only one in the field of comparison candidates is the Ford Puma St as a six-speed manual switches, the others have a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Good too, that in case of emergency, the brakes spoil the brakes. Look at the standard mix: It lies at 6.8 to 6.5 l / 100 km.

Puma interior: red ornamental seams and chrome deco. Manufacturer

To a certain close in the interior, the body line of the Puma is likely to contribute, which probably also contributes the suggested coupé format. In the interior, some more space in width wishes. In the fond, large-growing threads a bit tedious because of the narrow doors. A sporty clientele disturbs that as little as the fairly hard shell seats, but offering a lot of page. The luggage compartment is the largest with 456 to 1216 liters in the circle of rivals. When it comes to operation, there are little doubt, less liked the quality of the monitoral representation and the partially simple plastic, after all in the cockpit by various aluminum inserts athletic.

Hyundai Kona: sporty “n line” outfit

In the discipline “Ride Impression” the Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDI N Line is in strong contrast to the performant PUMA. The engine does not depend on the conventional speeds in the traffic lights in the gas like the ST or the VW T-ROC 2.0 TSI. After all, the Kona in the torque separated 55 Newton meters from the other two. At higher speeds, however, the temperament of the Hyundai becomes light wax, which is reflected in the acceleration and also in the elasticity values. But at the same time, the 146 kW / 198 ps strong four-cylinder is acoustically intrusive. In addition, some step change of the DKG automatic appear, however, the upshift in the “Normal” mode often could be faster or the back switching on long gradients earlier. In “Sport” mode, the low stages are often kept too long. If you are looking for more power even more power, you can use the new top model KONA N, which makes 206 kW / 280 hp from two liters displacement.

Hyundai Kona: Two-tubing makes visually what. Manufacturer

Compared to the counterparties, the chassis vote falls in the Kona 1.6 T-GDI although routinely, but pretty good out. Overall, no dynamic star: More driving comfort also means more page inclination in curves. Some quickers still beat through. Otherwise, the steering leaves a harmonious impression, and ESP interventions are often made early and noticeable at forced driving style. The standard consumption is 6.7 l / 100 km.

Takes the switching work: The Kona brings a double-clutch transmission as standard. Manufacturer

Four adults feel well housed in the Hyundai Kona, with slight smears because of the small inner height. The seats on the front are comfortable, without a particularly strong formulation. Before the driver, the digital instruments offer different views, well recognizable the Navi info. In the 374 to 1156 liters large luggage compartment fits less than with the competitors. Advantageously, however, the low loading edge. The easy operability and comprehensive standard equipment also speak for the Kona such as the favorable price of 30,000 euros as well as last but not least the far-reaching guarantees. Of course, the material selection (much hard plastic) is saved. Navigation and dual-clutch gearboxes are on board as standard. On request (1700 euros) the Kona is to be obtained with four-wheel drive.

Freshly revised: VW T-ROC manufacturer

The T-Roc 2.0 TSI presents itself all around balanced. Already the equipment with standard four-wheel drive “4motion” and seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DSG) but lifts the price.

VW T-ROC: All-wheel is standard here

VW delivers the strong version exclusively in the “R-Line” equipment and from 39,635 euros. Even on bad asphalt ceilings, the T-ROC rolls particularly supple, especially with the carving adaptive dampers. The chassis has the VW technicians, as usual in Wolfsburg, a total of skilfully coordinated, the perfectly regulating ESP contributes to the positive impression. Inside, the inmates benefit from the good space, the comfortable seats and high functionality, a plus are also the big back doors. When the operation, the T-Roc is intuitive. Last but not least, the drive also convinces: the right spirited and harmonious two-liter four-cylinder with its 140 kW / 190 hp is not only carried out strong, but also smoothly, the DSG switches emotional.

T-Roc inner life: convincing material selection. Manufacturer

For Volkswagen, the T-Roc has become a success, even a convertible is offered. Nevertheless, the Wolfsburger has now thoroughly revised the series and deliver them accordingly from February. The great facelift mainly improves the equipment, the design has been replenished, which brought material quality to a higher level. In addition, the T-Roc gets the latest assistance systems, partly, of course, optional.

The update models are recognizable at the continuous front light bar, as well as on the two-divided LED taillights. The tailgate can be opened electrically (optional). On the hook takes the T-ROC to 1900 kilos. In the four “base”, “LIFE”, “Style” and “R-Line”, the full digital cockpit, the multifunction steering wheel and LED light are always on board; Further solutions such as matrix light and – instead of the standard 8-inch display – the larger 10.25 inches are available as extra or equipment dependent. This also applies to the freestanding infotainment display if it is desired in the opulent and format up to 9.2 inches. At the previously quite clear operation via the menu levels, little changes.

Ingo Reuss

Ford Puma St 1.5 Ecoboost: Power 147 kW / 200 hp, max. Torque: 320 nm, acceleration 0-100 km / h 6.7 sec, lace 220 km / h, consumption 6.8 – 6.5 L / 100 km (WLTP), Luggage compartment: 456 – 1216 L, Price from 31,800 euros.

Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDI 2WD: Power 146 kW / 198 hp, max. Torque 265 nm, acceleration 0-100 km / h 7.7 sec, lace 210 km / h, consumption 6.7 l / 100 KM (WLTP), Luggage compartment: 374 – 1156 l, price from 30,000 euros

VW T-ROC 2.0 TSI 4Motion R-Line: Power 140 kW / 190 hp, torque 320 nm, acceleration 0-100 km / h 6.8 seconds, lace 218 km / h, consumption (WLTP) 7, 4 l / 100 km, luggage compartment: 392 – 1237 l, price from 39.635 Euro