In the forced march to electrification, it seems that the turn of small SUVs has come. Using the advantages of updating the assortment and, along the way, introducing new platforms and technologies, In recent months, manufacturers have actually increased the number of city SUVs on batteries. Growth that the Stellantis Group contributes to. See instead: in our comparison today, four of the six competitors come from the same galaxyand thus share a large number of technical elements.
A big gap
however, Fiat 600e, Peugeot E-2008, Jeep Avenger and DS 3 are not copies. And above all, they are not alone. Join them here MG ZSan interesting proposal from the budget, and the recent Hyundai Kona Electric. The latter also illustrates the differences in this segment, which measures the Jeep Avenger at about thirty centimeters in length… and several thousand euros in the end.
A close cousin of the American, brand new Fiat 600e for its part, aims to adapt the recipe that made the Electric 500 a success: low price and charming appearance which always evokes the Cinquecento. On the other side of the ring, the French Peugeot E-2008 and DS 3 have higher price ambitions than the Italians, but the same base. They must prove that a car is not only a technical license…
DRIVING – Not much like driving!
With four cars from the Stellantis group sharing many identical technical elements, we expected a very similar driving experience… But surprisingly, each opponent exudes very different qualities.
1st – Peugeot E-2008
True to the avant-garde from the driver’s side, Peugeot does it again with the very nice-to-drive E-2008. It’s certainly not the most efficient of all, but its damping offers a fair trade-off comfort and dynamismand its direction is as accurate as possible.
2nd – DS 3 E-Tense
We expected it to be the undisputed champion of comfort. Ox this DS 3 is firmer than a Fiat 600e, in favor of controlled cash flow. Slightly less dynamic than the E-2008, it is a big success.
3rd – Jeep Avenger
Sometimes too hard, especially in the city, The Avenger isn’t the most comfortable of the bunch. The flip side of the coin is that it allows you to drive yourself on small roads without hesitation. It’s a pity that its very light steering wheel does not inspire enough confidence.
4th tied for the Fiat 600e
Fiat’s new small SUV focuses mainly on flexibility at all levels: damping, steering. Good for driving around town! But, according to logic, everything is not the most pleasant when the speed increases.
4th place – Hyundai Kona Electric
Less flexible than the Fiat 600e, The Hyundai Kona isn’t much sharper on the road. It is the heaviest in this group (measured at 1,662kg) and it shows. Good point: It’s the only one here that offers one-pedal driving, which is nice in the city.
4 draw – MG ZS EV
With 177 hp, the ZS is logically the most efficient of all. Unfortunately, its front axle reluctantly absorbs the generous torque electric motor, especially on wet roads. But he knows how to show great tenderness when you take care of him.
LIFE ON BOARD – Size matters
While our main characters all belong to the small SUV segment, they show real differences in size. Thus, the Kia Niro is almost 30 cm longer than the Avenger! What affects the interior, the trunk, but not only…
1st – Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona is definitely big and roomy. But it also impresses with its ultra-modern presentation and ergonomics. And on the road, it filters noise and shocks very well.
2nd – MG ZS EV
Passengers will appreciate the MG’s spacious rear seats. From the front, the quality of the materials is impressive. It is a pity that the steering wheel is not adjustable in depth. On the road, we appreciate the flexibility of the suspension.
3rd place – Peugeot E-2008
The rear seats of the E-2008 are more spacious than they seem. This is not the case with his trunk. He catches up ahead: we settled in well there. Air and rolling noise are also well filtered.
4th – Fiat 600e
Beautiful glass surface, large interior… The 600e creates a real sense of space combined with plenty of storage space. And the emphasis on driving comfort is noticeable. But the trunk is too small.
5th – Jeep Avenger
Diminished in size (4.09m long), the Avenger doesn’t do passengers any favors in the multi-seater. The same for the trunk. And if the interior does not lack charm, then this does not apply to some plastic products, which are disappointing. Air noise is audible at speeds above 80 km/h.
6th – DS 3 E-Tense
It’s no wonder The DS 3 suffers from cramped rear seats. Claustrophobia chorus! And the fancy ergonomics of the control elements will not be to everyone’s taste. But his silence and his comfort (a little firm, admittedly) are resting.
BUDGET – Temporary victory
Not surprisingly, MG ZS wins from the budget side. However, soon her advantage will disappear. And the Fiat 600e is waiting.
1st place – MG ZS EV – 35,990 euros
Showed a few euros more than the Fiat 600e, The MG ZS is the best equipped of our competitors. But from December 15, he will no longer be entitled to a bonus of 5,000 euros… Then it will be the most expensive! All the more we will regret the low autonomy (on average 250 km).
2nd – Fiat 600d – 35,900 euros
Fiat hits hard: 600th cheapest of the group! Of course, the handling suffers, but remains at the level of the Jeep cousin the equipment is not bad. Finally, its range is in the leading group.
Third place – Hyundai Kona – 40,850 euros
The price of the Kona is the highest in this comparison. But you get what you pay for: complete set is rich (adaptive regulator, dual-zone air conditioner, parktronic, etc.), and the 5-year warranty is reassuring.
Third place – Jeep Avenger – 39,000 euros
Much more expensive than the Fiat 600e, Avenger doesn’t really have a better ending. And we note some shortcomings of the entry level (radar, rear view camera). Nonetheless, the price remains acceptable and autonomy, interestingly.
3rd place – Peugeot E-2008 – 40,400 euros
Newly updated and equipped with a new motor/battery for good autonomy, E-2008 is far from sold out. And his equipment is not particularly rich…
6th -DS 3 E-Tense – 41,600 euros
Aimed at premium, the DS 3 is also aimed at premium in terms of price. But its equipment does not sufficiently compensate for its price ambitions, despite having a heat pump as standard, also standard with its cousins.
Final rating
Of the four models of the Stellantis group, only the Peugeot E-2008 manages to climb the podium, counting in particular on his usual strengths (driving, presentation). As for their counterparts, they do not sin in terms of technology and overall equipment. In the cases of the DS 3 and Avenger, excessively high prices undermine their efforts. The Fiat 600e is better in this regard with an attractive starting price. But the MG ZS offers a lot for less (so far). And Hyundai Kona, roomy, modern and pleasant in the city, is the best synthesis.
1Er – Hyundai Kona
The Kona takes advantage of its above-average size to comfortably accommodate passengers and their luggage. Its presentation is as tempting as its generous equipment. And it remains approximately average in terms of autonomy. A very uniform model, although it is hampered by higher prices than competitors.
2d – MG ZS EV
The Chinese manufacturer is still beating. At the price of the Fiat 600e, it offers services close to those of the Kona, at least in terms of livability and finish quality. But be careful with autonomy, too tight. And the €5,000 bonus, which will disappear very soon and change the established order. If you’re tempted, there’s only a few weeks left…
3d – Peugeot E-2008
Peloton leader Stellantis signed Peugeot. There are no complaints about this E-2008 in terms of driving or the atmosphere on board. And it is not the worst from the point of view of well-being. It also has the best autonomy of the bunch. But its ambitious price tag brings it closer to the Kona, which is much more complete in terms of equipment and practicality.
4d – Fiat 600d
We thought the Stellantis was absolutely not worth the price. Not so: the Fiat 600e presents an attractive entry ticket. Almost €4,000 cheaper than the DS 3, even with the same engine/battery! Spacious and comfortable, the 600e, however, suffers from disappointing finishes and sometimes sparse equipment.
5d – Jeep Avenger
It’s hard to justify the €2,700 that separates the Avenger from the 600. The American is much less spacious, harder, stingy from the side of the trunk and not quite better finished. The Avenger has some charm, perfect ergonomics, a good chassis and good autonomy for the category. Not enough to make up for its price.
6d – DS 3 E-Tense
Comfortable, pleasant to drive, well-equipped, well-finished, DS 3 E-Tense has no shortage of arguments. But these qualities have their drawbacks: the highest price of the four models in the group, cramped rear seats, a small trunk, dubious ergonomics… The heterogeneity of the DS 3 does not allow it to hang with station wagons.
Read also:
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.