You may be wondering... why crossovers and not SUVs? After all, SUVs are more functional, rugged, and they have a lot more road presence compared to their smaller counterpart. From our perspective, however, crossovers are a lot more useable, especially on our roads. Parking is made simpler, manoeuvrability around tighter areas is easier and it drives a lot less clumsily - all without compromising on practicality.

Most importantly, crossovers are more affordable compared to SUVs. And in this article, we will be presenting to you eight of the most affordable crossovers you can buy today in the used car market that will cost you no more than $12,000 for your annual depreciation.

1. Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross may be a crossover, but it's extremely spacious on the inside. As a matter of fact, with a wheelbase of 2,604mm, this car is easily one of the roomiest crossovers in the market today. As such, the rear seats can fit three adults with no fuss whatsoever.

The C3 Aircross comes armed with a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-pot engine that pumps out 110bhp and 205Nm of twisting force. This allows the car to finish the zero to 100km/h sprint in a leisurely 11.8 seconds. While that isn't impressive, the real-world fuel economy certainly is. During our time with the car, we managed 16km/L.

Reg Year: 2018
Depreciation: ~ $10.6k
Road Tax: $508/year

2. Citroen C4 Cactus

If you're into quirky designs, the Citroen C4 Cactus will be the prefect crossover for you. Going up against fellow funky-looking cars such as the Nissan Juke and the Peugeot 2008, the C4 Cactus (even the name sounds oddly cool) comes with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. You get 110bhp as well as 205Nm of torque, which help to complete the century sprint in 10.7 seconds.

Practicality wise, there's 358 litres worth of boot space to see to your family's needs and wants, and there's sufficient space all around for all five Asian adults on board.

Reg Year: 2015
Depreciation: ~ $10.5k
Road Tax: $508/year

3. Hyundai Venue

With a distinct personality that's hard to forget, the Hyundai Venue is a crossover that's affordable, cool and stylish. It comes equipped with a 1.6-litre engine that sends 121bhp and 154Nm of torque to the front wheels. Admittedly, while this car will not set your heart on fire, it's a punchy machine that has the competence to keep up with the pack.

And to make your money's worth, the car comes with ample features as standard. You get blind spot collision warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assist and leading vehicle departure alert, which gives off a chime when the vehicle in front moves off.

Reg Year: 2020
Depreciation: ~ $10.8k
Road Tax: $742/year

4. Honda HR-V

Considering the car's popularity in Singapore, it's easy to see why many have been joking about how the Honda HR-V/Vezel is our National car. But like what I've always been saying - there's a good reason why there are so many of this car on our roads. It's good-looking, spacious enough for the family, reliable and easy to maintain.

With the HR-V, you'll be getting a 1.5-litre that's good for 129bhp and 155Nm of torque and a spacious boot capacity of 431 litres. Plus, it's a Honda. If well-taken care of, you could consider renewing its COE without worrying about any unforeseen problems.

Reg Year: 2020
Depreciation: ~ $11.8k
Road Tax: $682/year

5. Kia Stonic

This relatively new crossover from Kia comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder powerplant, which makes for a very affordable annual road tax of just $392. And do not, for a second, think that the Kia Stonic is a slow coach. The engine is capable of 118bhp and 171Nm of torque and it'll finish the century sprint in just 10.6 seconds. More that just figures, the car is easy to handle around tight conditions and is extremely chuckable, thanks to its compact dimensions.

Admittedly, while space isn't the Stonic's forte, you can still fit four adults with ease and enjoy a very reasonable boot capacity of 352 litres.

Reg Year: 2020
Depreciation: ~ $11k
Road Tax: $392/year

6. Opel Crossland

Equipped with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder powerplant that's good for 109bhp and 205Nm of torque, the Opel Crossland is a genuinely capable crossover. It's undoubtedly sprightly despite its displacement capacity, and it's also surprisingly generous when it comes to space. Not only do you get a massive 520-litre boot space, there are sufficient head and legroom for five occupants despite its compact dimensions.

The Opel Crossland is proof that it is a practical solution to the needs of city dwellers - such as Singaporeans - who are looking for a fuss-free, easy-to-drive car that offers plenty of space and storage for its compact size.

Reg Year: 2019
Depreciation: ~ $9.6k
Road Tax: $508/year

7. Seat Arona

If it's driving punch and fuel-sipping qualities that you're looking for, look no further than the Seat Arona. This crossover may have a minute turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder powerplant underneath the bonnet, but it's never a slouch. With 114bhp and 200Nm of torque on tap, the Arona will easily leave the pack behind at the lights.

More relevantly as a crossover, the car also offers ample space on the inside for four pax while the boot space stands at a reasonable 400-litre. To put it into perspective, it's bigger than your regular hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf and even bigger than its peers such as the Kia Stonic.

Reg Year: 2021
Depreciation: ~ $11k
Road Tax: $392/year

8. Toyota Raize

The Toyota Raize, as you can see here, is a rugged-looking, boxy and characterful crossover that will not look out of place amongst its peers. It also does well on the go, thanks to its lively 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 98bhp and 140Nm of torque. With this minute engine, you can also expect a very reasonable fuel economy of about 18km/L.

And do not be fooled by its compact dimensions, because engineering wizardry bestows the car with a generous 369 litres of hauling space. If the Toyota C-HR isn't for you, there's always the Raize.

Reg Year: 2021
Depreciation: ~ $11.3k
Road Tax: $392/year

Want to find more affordable crossovers? Head on to our used car section now!