SUVs have a special place in India. The fascination towards the strong vehicles explain the success of the compact SUV segment. All auto makers have their eyes on the segment which is the largest by sales after the hatchback category.
The compact SUV segment is ruled by Maruti's Vitara Brezza though it has major players such as Tata, Mahindra and Ford. Here's a report of the six diesel vehicles in the category with an ex-showroom price below Rs 10 lakh.
Vitara Brezza
Vitara Brezza is the largest selling vehicle in the compact SUV segment. Brezza has been a favourite since its launch. Maruti introduced the model in line with the celebrated SUV from the Suzuki stable.
Brezza set the sales charts on fire in India. Brezza is noted for its grill that welds styling and glamour. The headturning bumper, LED daytime running lamps add to the looks.
The SUV does not offer a petrol engine model. The 1.3 litre multijet engine offers 90 Bhp power. It comes with AMT manual gearboxes. The vehicle could offer fuel efficiency of 24.3 kilometres per litre.
Ex showroom price between Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 10.48 lakh.
Tata Nexon
Tata Nexon is the latest offering from the auto major. Excellent styling and features make it one of the most value-for-money cars in the segment. Nexon has received laurels in the market.
Nexon can be opened with a smart watch. It can even be switched on with a smart watch. The headlamps that illuminate the road as the car negotiates a turn and the music system that responds to oral directions are some of the features.
The model comes with Revotron 1.2 litre petrol engine or the Revotorq 1.5 litre diesel engine. The four-cylinder diesel engine has 110 PS power and 260 Nm torque, while the three-cylinder petrol engine has 110 PS power and 170 Nm torque.
Nexon also boasts of six speed manual AMT gearbox.
Ford Ecosport
Ford Ecosport is one of the best vehicles in its class. The new Ford Ecosport is armed to better compete with the new entrants in the mini SUV segment.
Ford Ecosport is modern in its looks and usability. It has the power to run abreast the younger rivals.
The earlier 1.5 sigma engine has been replaced by the three cylinder dragon engine which offers 123 Bhp power.
The 1.5 litre diesel engine has 100 PS power. The petrol model offers mileage of 17 kilometres per litre and the diesel engine offers 23 kilometres per litre.
The ex showroom price is between Rs 7.82 lakh and Rs 11.83 lakh.
Mahindra TUV 300
The TUV is Mahindra’s mini SUV. The ‘T’ in TUV rightly stands for tough. The model is tough even in looks. The squarish design resembles a military tank.
TUV weighs about 1,700 kilograms. It stands tall, letting a passenger in only after stepping on the foot board.
The TUV is a jeep for this age. The body allows adventurous drivers offroading experience. A fine dash board, steering wheel, captain seats, high-quality fabric, spacious interiors, foldable seats and other features make it a darling, even though the foot board could be held against it.
Except the foot board and the tall design, TUV has all the advantages of a car.
The three cylinder engine comes with 100 Bhp power. The price is between Rs 8.31 lakh and Rs 10.98 lakh.
Renault Duster
Renault Duster is the original superstar in the compact SUV segment. The model has become a hot favourite among SUV fans thanks to its excellent build quality and beauty.
Duster has petrol and diesel variants. The 1.5 litre diesel engine has 85 PS and 110 PS versions. The 1.5 litre petrol engine has 106 PS power. The 110 PS engine has been kept out of the current analysis because it is priced above Rs 10 lakh.
The 85 PS models are priced between Rs 7.95 lakh and Rs 10.94.
Hyundai Creta
Creta is one of the most successful models from Hyundai. If Creta were alone in the league when it made its debut in 2014, it faces serious competitors in Jeep Compass and Vitara Brezza.
Creta has just undergone a makeover to keep its prime position in the segment. It is made on the i20 platform.
Creta is an SUV primarily meant for city use yet it is a safe bet for offroading. The company has refurbished the model to suit both uses. The vehicle has been made lighter but the body has been made stronger.
The new design ensures better safety and fuel efficiency.
Another advantage is to cut down on noise and trembling. The 1.6 gamma dual VTVT petrol engine has 123 PS power, while the diesel CRDI engine has 128 PS power. There is an additional variant of 1.4 litre diesel CRDI engine.
The ex showroom price starts from Rs 9.99 lakh.
