Well Engineered Sub Compact SUVs In India

If you keep up with the latest automotive news, you’ll notice that SUVs are in high demand. Additionally, this trend is not just common in India but across this blue planet. The rising demand for SUVs has to do with the versatility, driving experience and ride quality. But talking about this trend in detail, there is a big catch. SUVs, be it from any carmaker, are expensive. When considering the price, SUVs usually sits next to their sedan counterparts and one has to spend a little over.

What are Sub-Compact SUVs?

Never mind, if it was the price you worried about, carmakers have got us covered, enters subcompact SUVs. But what are these? before we move on, let us tell you that SUVs are vehicles that are big beefy and can sit 6-8 people inside (eg, Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Mahindra XUV700). Next comes compact SUVs which are a little smaller and can seat 5 people abreast. In the end, comes the SUV that measures less than 4 meters in length and can accommodate 5 adults that are considered as subcompact SUVs.

So, in order to aid in your buying experience, we have coagulated a list of 10 subcompact SUVs that we think are well-engineered and no one can go wrong with. Let’s begin!

1. Nissan Magnite (An Excellent Bargain)
   

   

   One of the vehicles, on the list to pop in our heads, is the one from the Japanese carmaker Nissan. Nissan Magnite is the vehicle from the carmaker that will either make or break the fate of the company’s market in India. Well, Magnite is indeed the best shot from the company as the SUV is a true bargain.

   Why you may ask? Well, we expect a few things from our cars, i.e they should be decently powerful, possess the latest features, should be comfortable and also cheap. Now, considering the Magnite’s competition, it indeed undercuts them by quite a margin. Also, it is equipped with many features and also comes with a powerful engine.

2. Tata Nexon (Safe With An Option Of EV)
   

   

   One of India’s favourite subcompact SUVs has to be the Tata Nexon. Also, Nexon was among that vehicle that kick-started the company’s big sales numbers in India. It is not just a conventional SUV. Tata Nexon is comfortable, it possesses a powerful engine also is decently equipped. The cherry on the cake has to be the Global NCAP crash test rating, in which it scored 5 stars in adult occupancy.

   The only thing that is a downer is the NVH levels, which is what the company is working upon now. And we think, with the upcoming models Nexon will be even a better package. On the other hand, this is *THE* only subcompact SUV in to also come with an option of an electric powertrain. Now that is something that is unique.

3. Mahindra XUV300 (Safest Vehicle From India)
   

   

   A list of well-engineered subcompact SUVs is incomplete without mentioning Mahindra XUV300. Although the Indian carmaker’s most anticipated and hyped SUV, XUV700 is just around the corner, the existing XUV300 is a wonder in itself. Despite being an old vehicle it still is the country’s safest vehicle with many unique features. Speaking of which, the Mahindra XUV300 managed to score 5 stars in adult occupancy in Global NCAP.
   Along with that, this SUV got a decent score in the child occupancy too. If you are not aware, XUV300 is essentially a Sangyyong Tivoli which not has been discontinued. That said, the Mahindra carries a lot of the cues from its other company. This allows the Mahindra XUV300 to have a couple of unique features up its sleeves. Dual-zone climate control and heated ORVMs. But sadly the latest iteration is deprived of this feature.

4. Hyundai Venue (First to Support Connected Car Tech)
   

   

   There are multiple aspects when it comes to judging whether a car is well engineered or not. And for the Hyundai Venue, it has to be the connected car tech. For you to know, the Korean carmaker’s subcompact SUV Venue was the first vehicle in India to support connected car tech. But what is connected car tech?

   So, to begin with, this technology enables the vehicle to support a working inbuilt internet connection after which a plethora of features can be accessed. These features include remote engine start, remote climate control, geofencing, real-time OTA updates and more. But along with the connected car tech, Hyundai Venue still is a really good package. As it gets a powerful 120ps turbo petrol engine a quick-shifting 7-speed DCT automatic.

5. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza (Refined Engine and Robust)
   

   

   If you are after a no non-sense vehicle with limited features, with good safety? Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is the one to go for. Brezza ticks the right boxes when it comes to reliability, refinement, NVH levels and also resale value. But reliable? Well, thet current model sold in the country only comes with a petrol engine, unlike the previous version that was powered by the Diesel engine of India (DDiS200).

   That said, now the Marut Suzuki Vitara Brezza comes with a more power 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that churns 105ps of max power. In the end, being a Maruti, it also delivers a decent mileage of about 18-20kmpl, depending upon your driving style.

6. Ford Ecosport (For Driving Enthusiasts)
   

   

   Moving on to the vehicle best suited for driving enthusiasts, the Ford Ecosport. Also, let me remind you that Ford Ecosport was among the first vehicles to start the subcompact SUV segment. Moving on, though Ecosport still looks similar to that what it looks a decade ago, it surely is modern.

   By modern we mean is the SUV comes with all the necessary bells and whistles that one need in this day and age. With that, under the hood, this ford offers a couple of powerful engines making it a prime choice for driving enthusiasts. But what stands out from the crowd has to be the suspension setup. This small car just swallows anything that you through at it (obviously minus hardcore offroading).
   Download the GoMechanic app now!

7. Kia Sonet (Gadgets and Gizmos Aplenty)
   

   

   There are people who always like to keep themselves always updated, be it technology, features. So, for those, there is the Kia Sonet. By now everyone knows that Sonet is the subcompact SUV that shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Venue. With that, the vehicle also shares most of the powertrain and drivetrain.

   But the USP of Sonet has to be the features. The top-end GT-Line trim of the Kia Sonet comes with, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, sunroof, connected car tech, air purifier and a lot more. That coupled with an adequately powerful engine makes it a decent package.

8. Mahindra Bolero Neo (Rugged and Utilitarian)
   

   

   Subcompact SUV is among the segment that never rests, i.e there are constant additions and subtractions to keep up the game. So, the latest entry into this segment is the Mahindra Bolero Neo. Duh, this is essentially a tweaked TUV300 from Mahindra. But never the less, the new Bolero Neo is a vehicle for those who seek adventure all the time but are on a budget.

   This vehicle can be considered a TURE SUV as it checks the right boxes of being an SUV. TO begin with, Bolero Neo comes with an RWD drivetrain. Also, it is the cheapest vehicle to have a ladder on the frame chassis. With that, the new Mahindra Bolero Neo boasts of a new mechanically locking differential. Meaning, you’ll not get stuck in many difficult situations.

Interesting: 8 Best Hatchback-Sedan Combo Car Garage Under 15 Lakhs

Well, which of the mentioned SUV is your favourite and why. Let us know in the comment section below.

Recommended: 10 Popular Indian Cars We Wish Were Electric