Behind the wheel

Driving position, visibility, build quality

All three have height and reach-adjustable steering wheels and driver’s seats that can be raised or lowered, but the Vitara has the best driving position. The Captur gets marked down for a gear lever that’s too low and the Crossland X for accelerator and brake pedals that are too far to the right, as well as a steering wheel with too many buttons. The Crossland X is the only one available with adjustable lumbar support, although all three have fairly comfortable seats.

But it’s the Captur that has the most inviting interior. Whereas the inside of the pre-facelifted car was a sea of hard, scratchy plastic, this updated model has welcome soft-touch plastics on the tops of the doors and dashboard.

The Crossland X initially impresses with its soft-touch dashboard and classy chrome detailing. But while the bits you touch the most are nicely finished, the heater controls are mounted on a particularly flimsy piece of plastic that bends when pushed.

If we’re being brutally honest, the Vitara’s interior feels about a decade old in comparison with its two rivals. The plastics used are durable, but their shiny finish is a real throwback. Still, all the buttons feel solid.