There was a time when SUVs were considered apt only for those who loved to explore the wild and rugged terrains but now times have changed and with it preferences have evolved as well. SUVs are no longer rugged vehicles, rather they offer much more. SUVs or Sports Utility Vehicles now come loaded with comfort and convenience features that blend with off-roading capabilities to give the drivers something that is capable, easy to handle, while at the time is also sturdy enough to take on any sort of terrain as well.
The Indian market is slowly moving from the hatchback segment to the larger vehicles and till March 2015 SUVs controlled nearly 9% of the market with new entrants coming in every second month. For 2016, it is predicted that sub-compact crossovers and compact SUVs will see a whopping jump in terms of sales and market share in India. Looking at the growing popularity, these vehicles have been made more affordable and driveable even within the city bounds.
Here we have for you a list of the best SUVs in India that fall under Rs. 10 lakhs.
1. Ford EcoSport
Ford EcoSport is a capable compact SUV that has bold looks and is dynamically sound on the road. The engine is responsive while the pickup and performance are commendable. It is a smart overall package that aims at bringing glory to its parent company. EcoSport is powered by the award winning EcoBoost engine that has a capacity of 999cc. The other engine options include a 1.5-litre petrol mill and a 1.5-litre diesel mill. The high point of EcoSport is definitely its handling which makes it a pleasure for the driver. Despite its size, it is extremely comfortable to drive around in the city. The seating is tall and the console is quite full. Though the seating in the second row is cramped, it offers a boot space of 346-litres. Following the Ford’s patent design languages, EcoSport can be termed as quite stylish though this is an aspect where the choice is more subjective.
Since it was one of the initial cars in this segment, there is much hue and cry about it. Although with the entrance of some worthy rivals, Ford has had to toughen up its game. The Ford compact is competing with the likes of Maruti Brezza, Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, etc. However, Ford EcoSport is proving to be a tough contender and it is fighting back confidently with features like its handling, long equipment list and comfort that it offers etc. It is all and all a driver’s car, and with the competitive pricing it makes for a strong contender among the best SUVs in India under 10 lakhs.
| Price | Petrol – Rs. 6.68 lakhs – Rs. 9.45 lakhs Diesel – Rs. 7.28 lakhs – Rs. 9.75 lakhs |
| Engine | Petrol – 1.0litres/ 1.5litres Diesel – 1.0litres |
| Power | Petrol – (1.0litres) 125PS @ 6000rpm/ (1.5litres) – 115PS @ 6300rpm, Diesel – 100PS @ 3750rpm |
| Torque | Petrol – (1.0litres) 170Nm @1400 – 4500rpm/ (1.5litres) 140Nm @ 4400rpm Diesel – 205Nm @ 1750 – 3250rpm |
| Transmission | Manual/ Automatic |
| Mileage | Petrol – (1.0litres) 18.88kmpl/ (1.5litres) 15.85kmpl (Manual), 15.60kmpl (AT) Diesel – 22.27kmpl |
| Pros | Ride quality, compact size, powerful |
| Cons | Maintenance & Spare part Costs, rear seat space |
*Prices are ex-showroom New Delhi
2. Mahindra TUV300
Mahindra brought in the TUV300 with a lot of pomp and show. Though it doesn’t look all that great but the cabin of TUV300 is very impressive. It looks pretty neat and is pleasantly designed with sober colours and a fine finishing. It is quite roomy and the leg space is decent while it has a long list of equipment and features as well. The space issue arises only in the third row but there too the seats offer a decent support.
Coming to the powertrains; there are two engine powering TUV300 which are namely; mHawk100 and mHawk80. These diesel mills are quite robust and offer a very good efficiency. While the car offers a 5 speed manual transmission, there is AMT available in a few variants also; which is probably the highpoint because with it, TUV300 becomes the cheapest automatic SUV available in India which helps it stand among some of the best SUVs in India under 10 lakhs.
Ride quality of the TUV300 at times feels a little compromised while some important features like rear AC vents etc. are missing. The overall quality as well isn’t up to the mark when compared to its competition but it definitely is a step up for Mahindra. With decent features and comfort equipment, TUV300 is an average Joe that’s trying to make it in the big bad world. However, with its price, it does manage to woo a certain section of the audience.
| Price | Rs. 7.3 lakhs – Rs. 9.72 lakhs |
| Engine | 1493cc – mHawk100/ mHawk80 diesel engines |
| Power | mHawk80 – 85.1 PS @ 3750rpm/ 81.5 PS @ 3750rpm mHawk100 – 101.3 PS @ 3750rpm |
| Torque | mHawk80 – 230Nm @ 1500 – 2250rpm mHawk100 – 240Nm @ 1500 – 2250rpm/ 240Nm @ 1600 – 2800rpm |
| Transmission | Manual/ Automatic |
| Mileage | 18.49kmpl |
| Pros | Good interiors, Spacious, AMT at a decent price |
| Cons | Not the best looking, Bouncy drive, no 4×4 option |
*Prices are ex-showroom New Delhi
