SUVs are immensely popular here in India, especially under the 20 lakh rupee mark. With customers’ priorities on styling, performance and features, there are various models from different manufacturers to choose from. These SUVs also score brownie points for comfort and practicality as well. While SUVs may have lead to a spike in sales in recent times, there are some buyers who look for sporty sedans that offer good drivability and performance as well. We shortlist a few cars that will definitely help you decide what’s best for you.
1) Hyundai Creta: ₹ 9.99 – ₹ 17.2 lakh
The Creta uses the same engine and gearbox as the Kia Seltos. All engines are BS6-compliant. It gets a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that makes 113bhp, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox, a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine that makes 113bhp, paired to a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic gearbox, and a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine that is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The Creta is loaded with features like a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen, LED headlamp and tail lamps, a panoramic sunroof, leather ventilated front seats and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It is sold in ten colour themes: black, orange, red, white, silver, blue and grey, a white with a black roof and orange with a black roof. ‘Deep Forest’ is a dark green colour, also available.
2) Kia Seltos: ₹ 9.89 – ₹ 17.34 lakh
The Kia Seltos looks stunning with the Tiger Nose grille, flanked by automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs. It gets LED tail lights at the rear with a chrome strip in the middle, sporting the Kia logo. Inside the cabin, buyers can choose between two colour themes. Features include 17-inch alloys, automatic climate control, an electric sunroof, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, 360-degree parking camera, ambient lighting, head-up display, cruise control and leather upholstery. In terms of safety, it gets ABS, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, six airbags and front and rear parking sensors. Engine options include a 1.5-litre petrol engine that churns out 113bhp and 144Nm of torque, paired to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox, a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 138bhp and 242Nm of torque, mated to either a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual and a 1.5-litre diesel engine that makes 113bhp and 250Nm of torque.
3) Hyundai Verna: ₹ 9.31 – ₹ 15.1 lakh
The new Verna now gets a big, stylish grille, flanked by sleeker headlamps, new alloy wheels, tweaked tail lights and a rear bumper. Inside the car, it gets a faux wood trim on the dashboard, a new touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and new AC vents. Three engine options are offered: a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated engine that makes 113bhp and 144Nm of torque, paired to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that makes 118bhp and 172Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox and a 1.5-litre diesel unit that churns out 113bhp and 250Nm of torque, which can be had either with a 6-speed manual or a torque converter auto ‘box. Features include hands-free tailgate opening, 8.0-inch touchscreen, Arkamys audio system, ventilated front seats, two airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors.
4) Mahindra XUV300: ₹ 8.3 – ₹ 12.69 lakh
The Mahindra XUV300 gets a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel that makes 115bhp and 300Nm of torque, paired to a Marelli-sourced transmission. It also comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 110bhp and 200Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, follow-me-home headlamps, rear spoiler, steering-mounted controls, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four speakers, remote central locking, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and hill-start assist. It also gets features like auto headlamps and wipers, dual-zone climate control, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, cruise control and an engine start/stop button.
5) Nissan Kicks: ₹ 9.55 – ₹ 13.69 lakh
The Kicks gets features like 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED headlamps, cruise control, steering-mounted controls, 360-degree camera, automatic headlamps and wipers, telematics-enabled smartwatch, leather upholstery, push-button start, rear AC vents and a Bluetooth, USB and Aux-enabled audio system with four speakers and power-adjustable wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators. The Kicks is sold with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 104bhp and 142Nm of torque, a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces 108bhp and 240Nm of torque. While the former is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the latter is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Recently, Nissan also launch a turbo petrol variant that makes 153bhp and 254Nm of torque, mated to a 7-step CVT auto ‘box.
