Audi Q3 (July 2018)

The second-generation Q3, Audi’s rival to the BMW X1, is based on the same platform as the Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan – all very good small SUVs. It has sharper looks, new and updated engines and, because it’s bigger than its predecessor, more room inside. The Q3’s interior has been redesigned, too, with more tech and a dashboard similar to that of the latest Audi A3.

BMW X2 (March 2018)

The X2 is a sports-oriented, style-led SUV, aimed at younger buyers, and shares many of its parts with the smaller BMW X1. The interior of the X2 shares many interior characteristics with the X1 too, although it does have a small boot. However, this similarity is good news, because the X1 is one of the best small SUVs on sale today.

Citroën C5 Aircross (summer 2018)

Citroën killed off its C5 executive car last year due to poor sales. Now the name has returned, but this time affixed to something that should prove to be far more popular with Irish buyers: a small SUV to rival the Renault Kadjar. The C5 Aircross focuses on style, with C4 Cactus-influenced looks, and promises plenty of the latest driving and infotainment technology. It should be practical too, and shares much with the latest award-winning Peugeot 3008.

Dacia Duster (July 2018)

A new version of Dacia’s popular budget SUV will go on sale next year, with the same underpinnings but an upgraded interior and new exterior styling. This means the new Duster should be much the same to drive as its predecessor, while engines will be the same too: a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel.

Ford Ecosport (early 2018)

Ford’s smallest SUV has been revised for a second time to better suit European tastes. Along with Ford’s signature slatted trapezoidal grille, additions include a new 1.5-litre diesel engine, a sporty ST-Line trim level and Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system. The Ecosport’s chassis has also been fettled to improve handling.

Jaguar E-Pace (January 2018)

The E-Pace follows the success of the larger F-Pace, but is smaller and has softer styling. A rival to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, the E-Pace gets a 10in infotainment screen inside, high-quality materials and decent practicality. The entry-level E-Pace is a front-wheel-drive, 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel. All other E-Paces have four-wheel drive, with engine options being the 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel that we recommend in the Discovery Sport, a 237bhp diesel with the same capacity and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol units with 247bhp or 296bhp.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (January 2018)

The all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be available to Irish customers from €27,900 and it goes on sale in January 2018. Developed with a focus on three core areas – inspiring design, driving dynamics and advanced technology – Mitsubishi’s new mid-sized SUV will be available in three trim levels – Eclipse Cross Invite, Eclipse Cross Intense and Eclipse Cross Instyle. Initially, all models will come with a 1.5l turbo petrol 163PS engine and two-wheel drive. Later in 2018, the Eclipse Cross will be available with 2.2 DiD 4WD Automatic version.

The Eclipse Cross also has an eight-year/150,000km warranty and five years Mitsubishi Assistance Package (MAP) for roadside assistance and breakdown cover in Ireland and Europe.

Seat Arona (December 2017)

Seat’s second SUV will go after the Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3 and Renault Captur. Based on the new Seat Ibiza small hatchback, it will offer three turbocharged petrol engines: 94bhp and 113bhp versions of a 1.0-litre unit and a new 148bhp 1.5-litre. The Arona will be front-wheel drive only, and five- and six-speed manual gearboxes are standard. The interior is the same as the Ibiza’s, which means it’s sturdy and functional, with an 8in infotainment touchscreen.

Skoda Karoq (December 2017)

The replacement for the individualist Skoda Yeti is a far more conventional model called the Karoq, which has styling very much in the vein of the larger, seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq. The Karoq gets advanced driver assistance technology and four new turbocharged engines. It shares its underpinnings with our current small SUV of the year, the Seat Ateca, and the Volkswagen Tiguan, and straddles the gap between them, being more comfortable than the Ateca while slightly more enjoyable to drive than the Tiguan.

Volkswagen T-Roc (December 2017)

Volkswagen is launching a high-riding, chunkily styled small SUV spin-off of its Golf family hatchback to rival the Nissan Juke. Pitched as a more fun, “emotional” kind of Volkswagen, the T-Roc offers plenty of personalisation options. It offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic gearboxes and front- or four-wheel drive. Inside, it’s roomy enough for a family and features a digital instrument display and an 8in infotainment touchscreen.

Volvo XC40 (March 2018)

Volvo’s stylish new rival to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 promises to beat others for safety, practicality and technology. The XC40 will be available with petrol engines (with up to 247bhp), diesel engines and, from 2019, a hybrid drivetrain. It’s taller than many other small SUVs, meaning it should have good space for passengers, while the technology includes a 9in infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3in digital instrument display. Standard kit is very generous and active safety systems include the ability for the car to brake and steer itself away from danger.