The AutoFocus Verdict

The Ascent Sport is far from a basic model. It comes with the core safety suite, sat nav, dual zone climate, a digital driver's display and 16-inch alloys, and the hybrid system is the same as the dearer grades, so you give up nothing on fuel use. The main things missing are parking sensors and rear cross traffic alert, both standard on the SX. It's a strong choice if you want to keep the price down, but for a small step up the SX adds those parking aids and the everyday conveniences that make it our pick.