Choosing an SUV can be a long and tiresome process, especially when you’re on a budget and there aren’t many options to pick from. Luckily, India has its fair share of SUVs available at affordable costs. To make your search easier we have curated a list of ten vehicles that are not only within your means but also offer great value for their price.
Indian automobile competition is largely based on companies trying to make their vehicles as inexpensive as possible for the average Indian person. This has led to a market trend that tends to sway towards vehicles that are cost-effective and suit the daily needs of Indian customers. As a result, most automobile giants in the country have also launched reasonably priced models in their SUV segments. Let’s breeze through the most inexpensive SUVs that you can find here (as of December 2020), starting from the cheapest to the priciest- while still remaining under the 10 lakh mark (the prices listed here are the on-road costs of the vehicle base models).
1. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso (INR 4.09 lakhs)
Topping our list is Maruti’s mini-sized S-Presso, which though on the smaller side of the SUV scale is definitely an appealing choice because of its price. Fitted with a 1.0L K10B Engine, the vehicle offers a petrol or CNG option with impressive mileage levels. The mini-SUV delivers 21.7 and 21.4 km/l of mileage in petrol run variants while the same models are capable of delivering 31.2 km per kg of CNG. With a small turning radius of 4.5 metres, this 5 passenger vehicle can be easily navigated through crowded city streets. Maruti also guarantees utmost comfort and safety inside the cabin.
2. Nissan Magnite (INR 5.51 lakhs)
Our second pick is the very popular sub-four metre SUV Nissan Magnite. Nissan has marketed this vehicle as a great value for money option in an effort to set itself apart from rest of the competition. The engine is an HRAO 1.0 Turbo and delivers striking performance when coupled with the first-in-class HRAO X-TRONIC continuously variable transmission, which also works to keeps the SUV fuel-efficient. Its competitive 5 metre turning radius and cruise control make for a distinguished and comfortable driving experience. The seemingly monotonous interior proves to be on a different scale than what a first look would suggest this includes its multi-featured centre console and digital cluster.
3. Mahindra KUV100 NXT (INR 6.34 lakhs)
Mahindra’s ‘next generation SUV in India’, the KUV100 NXT boasts a typical muscular SUV exterior with bold lines, chrome inserted front grille and dual-toned alloy wheels under its flared wheel arches. It comes fitted with an 1198 cc mFalcon petrol engine and a long travel suspension. Underpinning the KUV100 NXT’s robust body and increased safety is the ultra-high strength steel used in its monocoque construction. The 17.8 cm Capacitive Touchscreen infotainment system is the highlight among all the features included in the in-car tech package. Various exterior finishes for the body include two dual-toned options of Flamboyant Red & Metallic Black, and Dazzling Silver & Metallic Black in addition to six vibrant single-toned finishes.
4. Kia Sonet (INR 7.55 lakhs)
Another major player of the compact SUV segment, the Kia Sonet offers multiple power levels with its three engine options of 1.5 CRDi Diesel, G 1.0 T-GDi Petrol and Smartstream 1.2 Petrol; and multiple transmission options of manual, clutchless manual and automatic (torque converter and dual clutch). Featuring the signature Kia design, the front comes decked with stylish LED headlamps while the sides are highlighted with its R16 Crystal Cut Alloy wheels and LED Tail lamps light up the rear. Performance aside, Kia special UVO makes the interior and more advanced and connected than ever. It made the cut for our list because of its competitive pricing and multiple powertrain options.
5. Hyundai Venue (INR 7.71 lakhs)
Hyundai’s first and only SUV to make it to our list is the ‘connected SUV’ Venue, which got the title because of Hyundai Blue Link accessible through the AVNT display fitted in the centre console. Its dark chrome front grille with twin headlamp design make for an imposing exterior while the interior features three different colour theme options and a number of Blue Link technologies. The SUV comes with three engine options- petrol in the 1.0-litre Kappa turbo GDi and 1.2-litre Kappa engines, and diesel in the 1.4-litre U2 CRDi engine. It also has a host of safety technologies complete with 6 airbags, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist control and electronic stability control.
6. Tata Nexon (INR 7.89 lakhs)
Sixth on our list is the Tata Nexon, an SUV that promises every feature on the ‘Nex Level’. A body that has been designed for instant impact absorption and comes with Isofix for children, Nexon’s key selling point is its comprehensive safety programme. The sports coupe styled SUV flaunts an exterior which is stylish yet functional, and the same can be said for its tri-arrow seat upholstered interior. Tata’s latest iRA platform has specifically been developed around the needs of Indian car buyers and offers everything from car safety options to navigation through ‘what3words’. The powertrain features two turbocharged engines- 1.2L Revotron Petrol and 1.5L Revotorq Diesel, which deliver 120 PS and 110 PS of power respectively.
7. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza (8.26 lakhs)
The ‘Indian Car of the Year 2017’ winner Maruti Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza now comes in a facelift model featuring six new exterior finishes, three of them being dual tones. Its powertrain equips two transmission options of a five-speed manual and an automatic transmission with Smart Hybrid Technology that work in synchrony with its powerful 1462 cc 1.5-litre K-Series petrol engine, giving a total of 77 kW @ 6000 rpm and torque equal to 138Nm @ 4400 rpm. It also comes with Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology and dual airbags to ensure passenger safety at all times. Cabin technology features the new-age SmartPlay Studio, a multi-information display with Tripmeter and Fuel Level Indicator.
8. Ford EcoSport (INR 9.19 lakhs)
One of the biggest players when it comes to compact SUV segment in India is Ford’s EcoSport. The vehicle has kept its competition on toes and is hugely responsible for companies regularly launching updated models of their SUVs to keep up with the EcoSport’s all-round capability as a daily usage vehicle and as a high-performance SUV. As its name suggests, the vehicle delivers sporty performance with its 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines which come with transmission choices of five-speed and six-speed manual and a petrol engine exclusive six-speed automatic transmission. The base model offers a 15.9 km/l mileage and is fitted with the 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine and five-speed manual transmission. The exterior gives a premium Ford feel and also features the R16 smoke alloy wheels.
9. Toyota Urban Cruiser (INR 9.46 lakhs)
103bhp of engine power and 138Nm of torque delivered by the Urban Cruiser’s 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine is exactly what’s expected of the second priciest model on our list. The Japanese auto manufacturer’s compact SUV boasts four unique exterior LED lamp designs along with its noteworthy performance levels. The interior of the ‘youngest SUV’ features a 17.78 cm Smart Playcast Touchscreen Audio which also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The compact SUV also guarantees world-class levels of safety for every individual riding the car. Its powertrain includes a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission option to go along with the petrol engine. Close to being the most expensive out of all the cost-effective SUVs in India, the Urban Cruiser can certainly be counted on for being a reliable drive partner.
10. Honda WR-V (INR 9.49 lakhs)
Making it to the top of our list is the priciest among the cheap SUV options- Honda’s WR-V. The SUV promises an adventurous ride atop tough roads and uneven terrain. Its cruise control option makes it ideal for long drives and offers a roomy cabin for those getaways. The front grille and LED ‘eyes’ make it an instant eye-catcher while the R16 Dual Tone Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels give it a wider and more poised stance. With spaciousness and comfort come the host of interior features from Digipad 2.0 to an advanced multi-information combimeter. Its 363 litres of boot space remains ever ready to pack all the necessary adventure equipment. Under the hood, its 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine delivers 73kW @ 3600 rpm and has a fuel-efficiency of 23.7 km/l. Another option is the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine which gives 66 kW @ 6000 rpm and has a vehicle mileage of 16.5 km/l.
Whether it’s your first car or a second, choosing an ideal option is never easy. There are a number of things to choose from, in a given budget range. If your goal was to cop an SUV for less than 10 lakhs, then the list should at least give you a clear view of all the options available. In the end, it is the customer’s own personal needs that decide which car is the best fit for them.
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