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12 Months, 12 Cars: A Journey of Automotive Exploration

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    Name
    Esko Laaksonen
    Twitter

Before embarking on this unique experiment, I was a proud owner of a 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited, a truly exceptional vehicle. Motivated by curiosity, I embarked on a year-long journey, driving a different small SUV each month to evaluate my options for a potential new purchase.

Here are the cars I drove and some reflections

  1. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
  • Comfortable, yet unremarkable.
  1. Renault Clio
  • Initially a reservation error, this sports-package model proved to be surprisingly roomy, comfortably accommodating my 6’5” frame, despite its low stature.
  • The sports package, particularly the low-profile tires, resulted in a poor driving experience on roads riddled with potholes.
  1. Toyota CHR
  • An excellent vehicle overall, but its oddly shaped windows led to low visibility in the back seats, much to my children’s dismay.
  1. Volkswagen Taigo
  • A pleasure to drive with its commendable visibility.
  1. Peugeot 3008
  • The tiny steering wheel was a constant challenge for me to adapt to.
  1. Skoda Kamiq
  • Similar to the Taigo or T-Cross, yet the build felt less premium.
  1. Volkswagen T-Cross
  • A compact and easy-to-navigate model, boasting good visibility and free from peculiarities.
  1. Seat Arona
  • Despite great visibility, its wobbly suspension detracted from the overall experience, giving a cheaper feel.
  1. Hyundai i30
  • Perhaps another booking mix-up, but it felt more like a sedan than an SUV, sitting much lower.
  1. Hyundai Kauai
  • The unusually short clutch required an adjustment period.
  1. Opel Mokka
  • Compromised visibility and small in size, yet impressively managed to accommodate a 2-meter long IKEA shelf.
  1. Ford Puma
  • Initially challenging with its unique hybrid clutch, but after renting it three times, I grew quite fond of it.

My Top 3:

  1. VW T-Cross
  2. VW-Taigo
  3. Ford Puma

There were a few models I wished to try but couldn't, such as the Toyota Yaris Cross and Renault Captur. My aim was to switch to a different model whenever possible, but often the rental services had limited new offerings.

This year-long adventure of driving 12 different cars offered me a broad perspective on the small SUV market, each vehicle presenting its unique set of features and quirks. It was a journey that not only broadened my automotive experiences but also sharpened my insights into what I value in a vehicle.

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