Trevor has a baby on the way and wants to move on from his Honda Accord Euro. He's decided a compact SUV will offer the occupant space, boot capacity and ease of access he's looking for, and has his heart set on Subaru's Forester XT. However, he really wants an automated parking system and the Subaru doesn't have it. What other options might fit the bill?

The budget is not provided.

The shortlist

Automated parking systems are far from uncommon these days but, alas, they aren't quite a mainstream feature in compact SUVs yet, even higher level ones like the XT.

Along with the Forester, the Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Renault Koleos and Toyota RAV4 can also be lumped into the no-automated-parking basket. Nissan's spanking new X-Trail doesn't have it either.

That leaves just three possibilities we can think of. On the positive side, all occupy a space near the front of the compact SUV class. And so long as outright performance isn't the only priority, all are worthy alternatives to an XT.

Ford Kuga Titanium, from $44,740

The Kuga is one compact SUV with an automated parking system. It's fitted only to this topline version but we doubt that's an issue when it occupies much the same price bracket as the Forester.

It's not an out-and-out performance car like the Subaru but its exceptional on-road finesse means it is an enjoyable drive. You'd go a long way to argue it wasn't more attractive outside, more interesting inside, adequately appointed or that Ford's seven-year/105,000km capped-price servicing regime wasn't a good thing (the Subaru has none).

The Kuga's 1.6-litre turbo petrol drivetrain, however, has some driveability nags and asks for premium ULP, while the 19-inch wheels can make for a crashy ride on poor surfaces. It's competitively functional but not as well endowed with back-seat space as a Forester.

Skoda Yeti 112TSI, from $32,990

An automated parking system isn't fitted standard to any Yeti but it can be optioned.

Of the available models, the 112TSI is the most obvious choice here.

It's not in the same price bracket as an XT or Kuga Titanium but most of the trinkets it lacks (sat nav, leather, heated seats, etc) can be optioned for a similar outright spend.

Its 1.8-litre turbo petrol drivetrain, while not overtly strident, is a joy to pedal. Its diminutive frame works well for city driving, it's very well behaved through the bends and the cabin is clever and versatile. Skoda is also now capping service costs for six years/90,000km.

What the Yeti doesn't quite deliver is Forester-beating back-seat space or the smoothest ride. You won't get away from the fuel pump without plumping for premium either.

Volkswagen Tiguan 155TSI, from $43,490

This VW comes closest to serving up Forester XT-esque performance with its feisty and refined 2.0-litre turbo petrol drivetrain, albeit one that asks for premium ULP like the other cars here.

It's a stellar thing to drive, too, with a ride that treads a decent balance between comfort and control. The cabin is comfortable and classy, and like the Skoda service costs are capped for six years/90,000km.

The VW's boot, however, is very much on the small side and the back seat isn't a space benchmark either. You can option parking assist, sat nav/reversing camera (they're bundled together), leather and other trinkets to match the Kuga Titanium but it'll cost more.

Drive recommends

If you're hankering after a Forester XT-sized serve of performance then the Tiguan is the obvious choice. But only if you can cop its small boot and less than enthralling value.

The Yeti isn't on the same level as the VW for go but you wouldn't say it was shortchanged. It's more functional, sharper value and a better all-rounder than its cousin and no car here offers a cheaper path to automated parking.

But the Skoda isn't quite as fun or polished as the Tiguan and that's where the Ford comes riding in on a robust combination of functionality, polish, driving flair and value that snookers both.

It's no firebreather, and there are cheaper ways to get automated parking, but in all other respects it's much too good a compact SUV to ignore.