This month in March we are going to enter the world of SUVs of affordable Indian prices, make sure you keep all the info from the content I gave and DO NOT skip up something, just go simply by the content in flow and layout. If you’ve been considering an SUV but not wanting to pay an arm and a leg, then I have some good options that won’t cost you the world. Of course you’re thinking it now SUV AND Affordable … Both in the same sentence! Yep, it’s possible! There are great design, performance, but these SUVs are incredibly affordable. So let’s see what we’ve got.
1. Tata Punch: The City Hustler
I’ve been driving the Tata Punch recently, and I’ve got to say, it’s a compact SUV with a lot of heart. You might underestimate it based on size, but it’s surprisingly spacious inside. With a starting price of ₹6.00 lakh, this one is perfect if you’re looking for something that’s easy to park and nimble in traffic. The 1.2L petrol engine is peppy enough for city driving, but don’t expect it to win any races.
Tata Punch Variants Price (Ex-showroom)
Pure: ₹6.00 Lakhs
Adventure: ₹6.85 Lakhs
Accomplished: ₹7.65 Lakhs
Creative: ₹8.49 Lakhs
My take:It’s cheap, practical, and uses some rugged design cues. That being said, if you want more power for hwy drives you’ll be wanting.
2. Nissan Magnite: Style on a Budget
But if you’re looking for a cooler ride, there’s good reason why I was immediately drawn to the Nissan Magnite. At the price of ₹5.99 lakh, you’re getting a lot of SUV for your money. The 1.0L turbo-petrol engine available with the Magnite is surprisingly zippy. What really impressed me was the feature list: An 8 inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Almost like spoiled, that’s Nissan!
Nissan Magnite Variants Price (Ex-showroom)
XE:₹5.99 Lakhs
XL: ₹6.89 Lakhs
XV: ₹7.68 Lakhs
XV Premium: ₹8.89 Lakhs
My take:The Magnite might be the car for you if you are looking for a feature packed SUV, in the budget. They could do a better thing though and that’s the cabin materials. At this price point, it’s hard to argue much.
3. Renault Kiger: Affordable Flair
In a way, the Renault Kiger is a sibling to Magnite, with a different personality kind of. Though priced at ₹6.00 lakh, like the car it replaces, it has the same 1.0L turbo-petrol engine, and may become a good city car. I felt the higher ground clearance and the ride quality was quite comfortable and the Kiger would make you think its more SUV-ish. It’s a bit sporty, which I like, and I liked the design.The Renault Kiger is what you like to believe is the updated version of the Duster, and for better or worse, we come bearing the price and variant details of the French manufacturer.
Renault Kiger Variants Price (Ex-showroom)
RXE: ₹6.00 Lakhs
RXL: ₹6.75 Lakhs
RXT: ₹7.49 Lakhs
RXZ: ₹8.25 Lakhs
My take:There’s flair that makes it special, but, at the end of the day, it shares so much of its DNA with the Magnite. If you’re after a different look, this one’s for you.
4. Hyundai Venue: Feature Rich and Classy
Hyundai has things slotted just about everywhere on their cars, and that’s no different with the Venue. This offering being the most expensive at ₹7.68 lakh, the compact SUV has premium interiors than what other cars in this list have. I’ll admit I’ve spent a small amount of time in the Venue and the cabin quality definitely feels marginally elevated. For everyday drives, the 1.2L petrol engine will be fine, if you need something a bit punchier the turbo petrol is not far away either.
Hyundai Venue Variants Price (Ex-showroom)
E:₹7.68 Lakhs
S: ₹8.50 Lakhs
SX: ₹9.99 Lakhs
SX(O): ₹11.40 Lakhs
My take:That’s what the Venue is for — the person who wants just a little more lux in their every day drive. It sits higher than the others on this list with a solid build.
5. Mahindra XUV300: The Powerhouse
Envision you are in the market for the compact SUV with some real hunk. If it does, the Mahindra XUV300 is the one. The fun to drive SUV starts with a 1.2L turbo-petrol engine, and starts at ₹8.41 lakh. On the whole, I felt the XUV300 is one of the more powerful pick in India’s affordable SUV segment and having seven air bags is a big plus. The only downside? It is a bit small boot space wise and if your not having to lug a lot around then it’s a fine option.
Mahindra XUV300 Variants Price (Ex-showroom)
W4: ₹8.41 Lakhs
W6: ₹9.16 Lakhs
W8: ₹10.80 Lakhs
W8(O): ₹12.69 Lakhs
My take:The TD would be my choice, but if performance is what is important the XUV300 delivers. It’s just slightly more expensive but powerful and loaded down with features. Though one of the best compact driving SUVs out there.
6. Maruti Suzuki Brezza: The No-Nonsense SUV
It has been since ever Maruti has become sire name of affordable cars and the Brezza follows suit. The Brezza’s 1.5L petrol motor begins at ₹8.29 lakh, more sporty than some other rivals within the not-so sports utility vehicle of the realm. The best thing about the Brezza is that it doesn’t pretend not to be flashy or too flashy, it’s a bare bones, straight forward, convenient SUV.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Variants Price (Ex-showroom)
LXi: ₹8.29 Lakhs
VXi: ₹9.55 Lakhs
ZXi: ₹10.87 Lakhs
ZXi+: ₹12.41 Lakhs
My take: It’s for people who want reliability at a price, but without what they don’t need. It does what it does with pathetic ease and reliability enough.
7. Kia Sonet: Packed with Features
Do we have to say anything about Kia’s Sonet? And they bring some serious value to the table. The new petrol hybrid powered Honda City starts at a price of ₹ 7,49 lakh (ex showroom, Delhi). My personal best ride quality, and engine 1.0L turbo petrol engine is zippy. I like one thing about the Sonet — it has a solid, well put together build quality — and build quality is not something you can take for granted in this segment.
Kia Sonet Variants Price (Ex-showroom)
HTE: ₹7.49 Lakhs
HTK: ₹8.49 Lakhs
HTX: ₹9.79 Lakhs
GTX+: ₹12.19 Lakhs
My take: As well as kia Sonet is a mega huge amount of fun to drive and, although the range can get costly as you travel higher up it. It’s hard to beat, overall.
8. Ford EcoSport: The Classic
You can still find an EcoSport in some places, even though Ford left India. The classy compact SUV which starts from ₹8.19 lakh is available. I’ve always liked great driving dynamics, and I’ve always been liked I felt solid on road with EcoSport. With the 1.5L petrol engine, the bits along the ground get hauled quite impressively, but it’s the handling of the EcoSport that is really impressive. It is also sporty enough so that you feel like you’re driving something sporty.
Ford EcoSport Variants Price (Ex-showroom)
Ambiente: ₹8.19 Lakhs
Trend: ₹9.10 Lakhs
Titanium: ₹10.69 Lakhs
S: ₹11.89 Lakhs
My take:Ford going is sad and the EcoSport still kind of makes sense. It’s worth a look, just at the driving feel, and if you can get your hands on one.
Final Thoughts
That being said, these are your eight of the cheapest SUVs available in India, right now. The Sonet is a great choice if you want a feature packed ride, or the Brezza if you’d rather have something more practical. However, which do you prefer? Let me know!
