171 – Top 5 SUVs on sale

We've picked the top five SUVs for the 171 registration period.

1 - The daring option - Toyota C-HR

Last year, Hyundai stole the headlines (and the sales chart) with its Tucson, a competent rival to one of the most defining cars of the crossover sector, the Nissan Qashqai. Now it's Toyota's turn to attempt the same with an all-new vehicle, the C-HR. At first glance you may not realise that the C-HR is indeed a car of the same size as the Qashqai as its daring looks and coupe-like profile disguise its dimensions, but that is indeed what it is. Toyota bravely has not developed a diesel version of the C-HR, which may limit sales somewhat, but there are petrol and hybrid powertrain options and it's a thoroughly polished product with good driving manners and one of Toyota's best ever interiors.

2 - Big and sensible - Skoda Kodiaq

We'd put money on the new Skoda Kodiaq being a runaway success this year based on the level of interest in the Czech company's first ever seven-seat SUV. That is, of course, if Skoda can price it correctly. Buyers will, eventually have a lot of choice in the range, with five- and seven-seat versions, petrol and diesel engines, front- and four-wheel drive and manual and automatic gearboxes. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have a very tough rival on their hands.

3 - Classy and comfy - Mercedes-Benz GLC

Our favourite mid-sized premium SUV of the moment is the Mercedes-Benz GLC. It looks good, managing to be elegant and classy while retaining some SUV purposefulness - and very much a Mercedes-Benz. The interior is equally impressive, in terms of quality, fit and finish and space. Finally, it's really quiet and refined on the move, with a comfortable suspension set-up and good noise insulation. Nobody needs anything more than the GLC 220 d 4Matic model.

4 - Chic and new - Audi Q2

On the face of it, there's barely room in the Audi model range for an SUV that's smaller than the Q3, but that hasn't stopped the German company from wheeling out the new Q2 to a rapturous reception. It operates in a very style and status sensitive market sector and excels in offering buyers a good-looking and stylish option with the allure of the four-ringed Audi badge on the bonnet. It helps that the Q2 gives a good account of itself on the road. The diesel version is great for long journeys, but choose the perky petrol option if you're an urban dweller.

5 - Best of the compacts - Peugeot 2008

The Nissan Juke has plenty of rivals on its hand in the compact crossover market, but few are as grown up as the Peugeot 2008. The likeable 2008 was updated in 2016, bringing with it new equipment, technology, colours and an enhanced visual presence. It looks like it belongs in a different class to most of its rivals because of that, yet comes with a great line-up of frugal petrol and diesel engines.