Enjoy The Joy Ride On Top Selling SUVs Of India In 2018

SUVs are gradually gaining recognition due to their comfort value in comparison to Sedans apart from their practicality.

The days are bygone when SUVs simply served off-roading. It has now developed into a lifestyle vehicle for passengers, with a constantly increasing demand. The Indian car purchaser has acquired a real desire for SUVs which is reflected in the sales within this particular segment surging to an all-time maximum. All SUVs furnish features that match nicely with the Indian customer like roomy interiors, excellent ground clearance (essential for our pot-hole laden roads), fair engine performance, besides slight off-road capability.

Previously, the price of SUVs was quite high, but presently they can be availed starting at Rs. 5 Lakhs. Their large cabin space has increased their practicality and they are also more comfortable than sedans. The following lists the forthcoming SUV cars below 15 Lakhs which includes compact and sub-compact SUVs as well as proper SUVs.

Browse through the top brands like Maruti Suzuki, Ford, Renault and Nissan to pick and await your impeccable SUV.

1. Hyundai Creta

The much anticipated Creta facelift has been launched by Hyundai. The inside of the car features a sunroof, a latest 7inch touchscreen infotainment system carrying Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink operationality. Also present is 6-way power-modifiable driver seat, a latest Smart Key Band containing an inbuilt fitness monitor, cruise control, besides a wireless phone charger. Dual airbags equipped with EBD and ABS form part of the regular kit together with ISOFIX mounts and Hill Assist Control. The options for drivetrain remain same as before. A six-speed manual gearbox exists for all engines, while the AT options are confined to 1.6 litre engines exclusively (petrol as well as diesel).

Hyundai Creta comes in 9 colours and 13 variants. With the Hyundai Santa Fe as its inspiration, the Creta appears unique and new. The front styling includes a latest radiator grille carrying triple chrome slats, vertically positioned fog lamps and wraparound headlamps containing projector LEDs and DRL strips. The Creta rests upon the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design principle. The two front pillars are blackened and crafted optimally at right slant angle, rendering it air-flow resistant and obtain greater fuel efficiency. It has a broad tail gate and split combination tail lamps at the back.

The Creta is motorized by a 1.4L U2 CRDi diesel engine generating a maximum power of 90ps with peak torque of 220Nm, whereas the petrol engine is motorized by a 1.6L CRDi motor providing 122Ps of power besides peak torque of 151Nm. The third powertrain alternative of automatic plus diesel uses a 1.6L CRDi diesel motor generating 127Ps of power and peak torque of 259Nm.

Price – Rs. 8.92 to 14.00 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

2. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza arrives in an assortment of exotic colours extending from Fiery Yellow to Blazing Red and Granite Grey to Premium Silver. The diesel variant provides an imposing mileage of 24.3 kmpl. The Vitara Brezza comprises a sub-compact SUV and effectively rivals sports versions in various high brands. The SUVs exterior is advanced by a slender honeycomb lining which joins to the headlights. Further, it has a large bumper carrying fog lamps. Shades that carry a dual tone are simply stunning. The below half contains plastic cladding, while only the top models carry wheels of 16 inches.

A standalone look is imparted to the car with the floating roof decor. The Vitara Brezza has a subtle interior with a Baleno style dashboard. AC vents within the car are extremely sturdy and powerful. There is a huge cabin space with massive storing capacity. The smart play infotainment system has catchy looks and features, while the inbuilt navigation system is simply awesome. The braking & safety features include ventilated brakes at the front wheels, drum brakes at rear wheels, driver airbag for all variants and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking mechanism plus electronic brake-force distribution in few higher variants.

Boot space is respectable at 328 litres. A 1.3L DdiS diesel engine powers the Vitara Brezza generating maximum power of 90ps and top torque of 200Nm which comes paired to a five speed manual transmission gear box.

Price – Rs. 7.24 to 9.91 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

3. Renault Captur

The premium SUV of the French Automaker Renault, the Renault Captur is marked by its stylish demeanour. Double-tone seats are charming and so are the sporty Steering Wheel carrying hoisted controls. The design of the front comprises a sculpted bonnet carrying a deep-set grille. There are C-shaped DRLs and a skid plate at the underside of the front bumper. The alloy wheels are of 17 inch with the split tail lamps featuring LED elements at the rear. The Captur also possesses auto-wipers and auto-headlamps. There are 5 colour options apart from 7 double-tone paint plans. It also features an Arkamys 3D sound system containing digital radio (else a Bose ‘premium’ audio system).

The Captur seats 5 and has a 437 litre boot. The regular happy goodies include automatic climate control, back AC vents besides a touchscreen infotainment system. However, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is absent. Safety features include double airbags plus ABS with EBD being standard. The high-spec Platine version receives 4 airbags and safety technology like Traction Control and Hill Asist. 1.5 litre petrol and 1.5 litre diesel comprise the engine options. The diesel is present in a sole 110PS/245Nm tune with only a six speed manual gearbox. The petrol, obtains a five speed manual transmission. The variants include RXL, RXE, RXT and an India-exclusive Platine.

Price – Rs. 9.99 to 13.88 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

4. Ford EcoSport

The EcoSport is among the top vending Ford cars within India since it was introduced in 2014. The EcoSport spurred the sub-4 metre segment of compact SUV which has emerged as the top growing segment of the car market of India. The EcoSport lately received a changeover as a component of its commodity lifestyle. It currently acquires a fresh face, recrafted cabin besides a latest petrol engine. The hexagonal grille has been now remodelled, removing the slender strip on top of the primary grille which holds the blue oval of the departing model. The forward bumper is completely rebuilt with bigger but squared-off fog lamps besides LED DRLs. The shape of the headlights is maintained, though they are presently larger than before, delivering a much-awaited break to the car. The alloy wheels of 17 inch obtains an appealing design though is present on the high-spec version.

The major change in the interior comprises the big floating infotainment display hosted on top of the centre panel. The touchscreen infotainment mechanism can be 6.5 inch else 8 inches based on the trim degree. The infotainment system incorporates Ford’s latest connectivity system of SYNC3 which contain Apple CarPlay & Android car integration compliance having seamless Smartphone network. Ford provides automatic climate management, automatic headlamps, ISOFIX, glove box lighting, cruise control, tyre pressure tracking system and rain perceiving wipers on the state-of-the-art Titanium variant. Further, it also includes hill start assist, traction control and ESC also. The base version of the latest EcoSport also has 2 airbags (front passenger and driver) as standard besides EBD and ABS.

The new Ford EcoSport includes a latest 1.5 litre 3-pot petrol engine from the Dragon group under its hood. The normally aspirated motor generates 120bhp at 6,500rpm besides a peak torque of 150 Nm at 4,500rpm. The engine may be availed with a 5 speed manual else a 6 speed automatic. The EcoSport comprises the sole compact crossover having a petrol automatic alternative.

Price – Rs. 7.82 to 11.89 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

5. Renault Duster

The French automaker has uncovered the upgraded Duster at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2017. The updated Duster carries a host of cosmetic updates. The front features latest chrome-plated grille, 3 barrel headlamps containing DRLs, a bigger skid plate and sporty crease lines upon the bonnet. At the sides the renovated Duster displays its raised belt line, latest aluminium bars on the roof, alloy wheels of 17 inches being freshly styled, wing arch which has been blacked-out with the more sharply raked windscreen which has been advanced by 100mm. The rear features subtle changes of broader skid plate having satin-chrome finish and the signature back lighting of the company – 4 red stacked squares. Connectivity options include Apple Car Play and Android Auto together with Bluetooth telephony. Additionally, it has steering hosted sound and telephonic controls, tilt modifiable steering wheel and cruise control among others.

The latest Duster gets more options in power window switches and seat upholstery. The central console is remodelled. The car features a fire extinguisher and navigation pack as standard for the RXZ version. The safety features include double airbags as standard over the range equipped with EBD and ABS. The top model could obtain till 6 airbags, hill assist, traction control, hill decent control and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The 1.2 litre TCe engine can produce 124 PS maximum power and top torque of 204 Nm and is paired to a 6 speed manual transmission. The 1.6 litre petrol variant provides 102 PS of power and top torque of 145 Nm which is paired to a 5 speed manual transmission whereas the diesel models are paired to a 6 speed manual transmission.

Price – Rs. 8.43 to 13.66 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

6. Nissan Terrano

The Japanese carmaker, Nissan, inaugurated the Terrano SUV in India in 2013 and is among the most famous Nissan cars for India. The interior and exterior styling resembles the Renault Duster. Nevertheless, it receives sheet metal and upgraded styling. The fascia on the front sports entirely new grille, headlamps carrying a 4 pod design, bold bonnet lines, redone bumper, slightly altered roof rails and silver-finished skid plates. The side profile stays unaltered. The rear end receives tail gate design a latest tail light cluster, re-modelled bumper with fresh reflector alignment and one colour body panels.

The interior gets some major modifications in the matter of ergonomic, material quality and fit and finish. The biege cabin appears roomy and bright. The updated centre console carrying vertical silver panels, black piano panels near the latest multimedia system, bit up-market dashboard and whole black ( base version) or black-biege interior (mid-grade and high models) accentuate the interior appeal. Additional features on the SUV include driver height alteration with one-step, latest audio system, back AC vents besides instrument cluster containing orange backlight.

The four cylinder, 1461cc, 1.5 litre, K9K diesel engine is adapted to yield 2 power outputs – 83.8bhp @ 3750rpm and 108.5bhp @ 3900rpm. The stronger versions deliver a top torque of 248Nm at 2250rpm, whereas the less dynamic variants furnish 200Nm at 1900rpm. The SUV is equipped with lots of safety features like driver airbags, engine immobilizer, central locking, door ajar alert, back 2 point central seat belt, seat belt reminder for driver, high fastened stop lamp and 3 point seat belt with retractor (front and back). Facilities on the top-end model include EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) carrying Brake assist, ABS (anti-lock braking system), front fog lamps, front airbags, reverse parking sensor and back defogger, together with all regular features.

Price – Rs. 9.99 to 14.46 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

7. Mahindra TUV300

The design catches plenty of eyeballs. The huge size, distinct body lines and the broad bonnet perform well for people to take notice. Comfort is assisted by a wide range of features, extending from storage trays and cup holders, roof lamps to the power windows, steering attached audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity. If you want a spacious compact SUV for five persons with their luggage, the TUV300 constitutes an excellent option. It provides maximum space within the segment, possesses an impressive design unmatched by rivals and can negotiate bad roads also.

Mahindra casts the TUV300 and a sturdy and rugged vehicle whose styling is believed to be motivated from a battle tank. Sitting on the front centre is a broad five slat grille carrying chrome inserts which impart a premium feel. Square-ish headlamp clusters are placed on both side of the grille. Fog lamps are rested in the rear half of the bumper which too obtains chrome surround. The slim enclosed tail lights have a sober design, with the spare wheel being offset on the tailgate’s right side. The TUV300 cabin is a blend of black and biege interspersed with dull silver. The centre console is eye catching, while the black piano finish peps up the look, with the silver polish also looking nice. There are 3 big AC knobs having chrome surrounds at the fascia bottom.

The TUV300 features Mahindra’s mHawk80 motor. The engine comprises a 1.5 litre three cylinder unit generating power of 84bhp and torque of 230Nm. Safety features comprise collapsible steering column, seat belt reminder lamp, side intrusion beams, an auto door lock function along with a digital immobiliser. You can also opt for ABS and dual airbags. As per Mahindra fuel efficiency of the TUV300 is 18.49kmpl making it among the most fuel efficient cars within its league.

Price – Rs. 8.31 to 10.96 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)