Buyer's guide: TOP-5 models - B-SUV crossover, automatic, $ 15-18 thousand

 In this material, five compact crossovers have been collected at a price of about $ 15-18 thousand, certainly with automatic transmission and in a minimum-sufficient configuration. I operate only with those cars that I have in my reviews (below you will understand why), but with the help of points in individual categories, you can choose the best model - both in absolute terms and in the price / quality ratio.

 Top five cars for comparison

 Under the terms of this Buyer's Guide, I have selected five vehicles that meet the above requirements. And even then I had to work with reservations - the price range is too small: for example, Citroen and Renault are sold at a price only subject to promotional offers (auto in 2018 or purchase with all possible discounts). But the "French" with diesel engines - the more interesting the comparison. The Suzuki SX4 and Nissan Juke models represent the "Japanese" and also reflect the traditional approach to car design. The only difference is that the first is aimed at mature pragmatists, and the second is aimed at emotional youth. Here we had to give a small price head start to Suzuki SX4, but one of the most popular cars in the class cannot be ignored, and Vitara with automatic transmission is even more expensive. He also added JAC S3 - the representative of the "Chinese" and the most accessible in this comparison: no, I have not forgotten about him.

 Citroen C4 Cactus (1.6 liter turbodiesel 92 hp Manual transmission - from 462 thousand UAH)

 JAC S3 (1.6 l petrol 119 HP CVT - from 418 thousand UAH)

 Nissan Juke (1.6 L petrol 117 HP CVT - from 448 thousand UAH)

 Renault Captur (1.5 liter turbodiesel 90 hp EDC manual transmission - from 461 thousand UAH)

 Suzuki SX4 (1.6 l petrol 117 hp automatic transmission - from 500 thousand UAH)

 All cars will be compared in several main blocks, which describe their key qualities - from the price-to-package ratio, continuing with the spaciousness of the interior, to fuel consumption and maintenance costs. In each block I will give a summary table with the assignment of points from "1" to "5", and I will also give one photo of the car that is the winner of this block.

 Vehicle price and equipment

 It's simple - here the winner is JAC S3. For the lowest price, this car offers the maximum configuration: climate control, a rear-view camera, a large display in the cabin, parking sensors, a stabilization system, seat upholstery made of eco-leather. However, it lacks seat heating, so a maximum assessment is not possible. I will put Citroen C4 Cactus in second place (for the touchscreen display in the cabin and the presence of "climate") and Suzuki SX4 (for an additional knee airbag). Plus Nissan Juke and Renault Captur - the presence of alloy wheels. The rest of the cars are roughly comparable: you can count on at least air conditioning, a simple proprietary audio system, power windows, an on-board computer, front and side airbags, etc.

 Total:

 JAC S3 - 4

 Suzuki SX4 - 3

 Citroen C4 Cactus - 3

 Renault Captur - 2

 Nissan Juke - 2

 Buyer's guide: TOP-5 models - B-SUV crossover, automatic, $ 15-18 thousand

 It's simple: the JAC S3 model offers a maximum of "goodies" for a minimum of money - and here it is difficult to beat the "Chinese" to any of the competitors.

 Space and interior features

 In terms of interior space, there are two leaders at once - JAC S3 and Suzuki SX4. Nominally, the "Japanese" side has the best elaboration of details: there is an armrest and an adjustable backrest angle - but (attention!) Only in a more expensive configuration, which falls outside the agreed price range. But Renault Captur, even if it cannot boast of spaciousness in the absolute, but the quality of finishing materials is at a height, and a sliding rear seat is already present in the middle configuration. As a result - parity for the three models. The Citroen C4 Cactus car is good in the quality of materials in the front of the cabin, but in the back everything is as usual, and even there are no normal dropping windows. However, there are even more comments to the Nissan Juke: hard plastic in the trim, the cabin is cramped, the difficulty of landing in the back row.

 Total:

 Renault Captur - 3

 JAC S3 - 3

 Suzuki SX4 - 3

 Citroen C4 Cactus - 2

 Nissan Juke - 1

 Buyer's guide: TOP-5 models - B-SUV crossover, automatic, $ 15-18 thousand

 Three cars distinguished themselves, but the winner (albeit with a minimal advantage) I will call Renault Captur: for good materials, interesting interior design, practical mobile rear row.

 Character on the road, handling, comfort, dynamics

 Of course, we are not looking at sports cars or limousines - do not expect revelations in acceleration / handling / comfort, but rather focus on the average optimal option. The most balanced character is, perhaps, in the Nissan Juke and Suzuki SX4: they turn normally, they normally absorb pits on the road. The advantage of the Nissan Juke is its soundproofing. Plus Suzuki SX4 I will write 6-speed. "Automatic": largely thanks to the automatic transmission, the car reacts better to the accelerator pedal and, as a result, seems more dynamic. Cars JAC S3 and Citroen C4 Cactus are remembered for the comfort of the suspension, but a failure in acceleration control: the "Chinese" is too leisurely in the engine and variator, and the "Frenchman" often nods when switching manual transmission. Of course, the Citroen C4 Cactus has a more modern engine with a full-fledged "automatic", but this version is beyond the agreed budget. The second “Frenchman” - Renault Captur - does not stand out in any way against this background, but it also did not fail anywhere: the optimal middle?

 Total:

 Nissan Juke - 5

 Suzuki SX4 - 4

 Renault Captur - 3

 Citroen C4 Cactus - 2

 JAC S3 - 2

 Buyer's guide: TOP-5 models - B-SUV crossover, automatic, $ 15-18 thousand

 Let the Nissan Juke be the winner - a little more interesting in turns, a little quieter in the cabin compared to the other "Japanese". But if you are for the classic automatic transmission, then look towards the Suzuki SX4.

 Fuel consumption in the city and on the highway

 It is clear that diesel "Frenchmen" are winning: yes, you overpaid when buying - but now it's time to benefit! The most economical I will call Citroen: 6 liters in the city and 3.5-5 liters on the highway. Diesel Renault shows similar figures in the city during normal driving, but with a large number of traffic jams, it sometimes consumed more fuel, and it can eat an extra half liter on the highway. The most voracious is JAC S3: 10 liters in the city and 6-7 liters on the highway. "Japanese" are a little more economical: about 9 liters in the city and 5.5-7 liters on the highway.

 Total:

 Citroen C4 Cactus - 5

 Renault Captur - 4

 Nissan Juke - 3

 Suzuki SX4 - 3

 JAC S3 - 2

 Buyer's guide: TOP-5 models - B-SUV crossover, automatic, $ 15-18 thousand

 It's simple: the diesel Citroen C4 Cactus has the minimum fuel consumption in all considered cases. Renault was only slightly behind, though.

 Guarantee, liquidity, resale

 With a couple of "Japanese", everything is simple: a guarantee of three years or 100 thousand kilometers, well-known brands and models on the market, a good reputation - and therefore excellent liquidity in case of resale. Only one "but": the classic "automatic" Suzuki can be an advantage for those who are afraid of the variator - plus one point. With the "French" it is more difficult: because of the brand, because of the robotic transmissions. Here they would be given "deuces", but still the diesel attracts the buyer. And also Citroen and Renault offer extended warranty programs (albeit paid ones) with a coverage period and distance comparable or even longer than that of the "Japanese". As a result, let's add a bonus ball. Against this background, everything is complicated with the JAC car. On the one hand: a three-year warranty or 100 thousand km. On the other hand: a Chinese brand and a variator, a shorter period of work on the Ukrainian market (compared to the above-described competitors) Total:

 Suzuki SX4 - 5

 Nissan Juke - 4

 Renault Captur - 3

 Citroen C4 Cactus - 3

 JAC S3 - 2

 Buyer's guide: TOP-5 models - B-SUV crossover, automatic, $ 15-18 thousand

 For the realities of the secondary market of Ukraine, everything is simple: the "Japanese" are ahead.

 Total in points and afterword

 We summarize the results in two tests at once: "absolute" - the best result in points without taking into account the price, "bargain" - the ratio between the price and the number of points scored. Unexpectedly even for me, the winner in two offsets is the Suzuki SX4 crossover: it has balanced characteristics (there are no marks below three points), and the total score is so large that even taking into account the highest price, the SX4 turns out to be a bargain. The middle-aged crossover Nissan Juke is more contrasting in the estimates, but due to its attractive price it also makes a good option for buying. "French" are roughly comparable in terms of basic consumer properties and price - the final choice will determine the design or some characteristic detail of the car. A simple JAC S3 collected a minimum of points, but even the most attractive price could not compensate for this.

 "Absolute" - the best result in terms of the total points:

 Suzuki SX4 - 18

 Citroen C4 Cactus - 15

 Nissan Juke - 15

 Renault Captur - 15

 JAC S3 - 13

 "Bargain purchase" - the ratio of the price and the points gained:

 Suzuki SX4 - UAH 27.8 thousand for 1 point

 Nissan Juke - UAH 29.9 thousand for 1 point

 Renault Captur - UAH 30.7 thousand. for 1 point

 Citroen C4 Cactus - UAH 30.8 thousand for 1 point

 JAC S3 - 32.2 thousand UAH for 1 point

 Of course, not all cars of this class and prices are presented in this buyer's guide. If you need a modern "European" - look towards Opel Crossland X, Citroen C3 Aircross, SEAT Arona. If you need four-wheel drive, look towards Suzuki Vitara, FIAT 500X. If you need the lowest possible price, look towards Renault Duster.

 This "buyer's guide" became the first, but I hope it will not be the last: write in the comments below what other classes and segments of cars it would be interesting to consider in such materials, whether this format of materials is interesting or not, what else should be added (except for the information that is in the reviews on the links). I'm waiting for your suggestions!