Engine: 2.5 D Power: 103bhp
Torque: 25.19kgm
Price Rs 6.58 lakh
The THAR brings back all the charm of Mahindra?s ?Classic MM540? range but with the modern underpinnings of the Scorpio. You get the wide stance, bulging bonnet and drooping front fenders, which give it plenty of road presence. It has the same 2.5-litre, 103bhp common-rail CRDe motor which does duty in the Xylo. This engine, along with the 200mm ground clearance and the low-range gearbox, means that the Thar is very good at off-road duties.
Where the Thar disappoints is in the quality department. The build of the vehicle, especially the interiors, is crude, and refinement in general is poor. Also, you don?t get much in terms of creature comforts. It?s a good bet for those who want a niche 4×4 with old school charm.
Premier Rio
Engine: 1.5 D
Power: 63.9bhp
Torque: 15.5kgm
Price Rs 5.47-6.19 lakh
If you want a compact, inexpensive mini-SUV that offers the practicality of a hatchback and the utility of an SUV within a tight budget, then the Rio is for you. The fully loaded version, which gets an air-con, power windows, airbags and alloy wheels as standard equipment, retails for Rs 6.19 lakh, which seems decent value for money. Power comes from a Peugeot diesel engine. This old-school motor comes without common-rail tech. It’s got adequate power but do not expect too much in terms of driving pleasure.
Move inside the cabin and there is decent space upfront. The rear seats offer space similar to a hatchback. Plastic quality isn?t very good either.
Overall, the Premier Rio is for those who are looking for something different from the usual but are on a tight budget.
Engine: 2.2 D
Power: 194bhp
Torque: 44.4kgm
Price Rs 23.78-26.04 lakh
The Santa Fe is Hyundai?s third attempt at the SUV market after the Terracan and Tucson in India. It certainly has all the right ingredients to make it a superhit. You get plenty of space inside with seven seats, a generous features list and a competitive price tag. But where the Santa Fe impresses most is in the performance department. The 2.2-litre CRDi engine with 194bhp of power, has substantially more power than any of its rivals, making it seriously quick. The diesel engine is smooth and quiet, even on the rare occasions that you need to work it hard. But you will be disappointed with the notchy gearbox. The buttons/controls on the dashboard are a bit haphazardly placed but you soon get used to both.
Overall, it’s quite a charmer.
Engine: 3.0 D
Power: 168bhp
Torque: 35kgm
Price Rs 22.56 lakh
The FORTUNER is the quintessential SUV offering good road presence, macho styling, a strong engine and decent space. The interiors, however, are a bit of a disappointment. Although quality levels are good, they are too similar to the much cheaper Innova, robbing them of some luxury feel.
The diesel engine develops an impressive 168bhp of power, though it is not as refined as some rivals. Nonetheless, fuel efficiency is pretty decent. Also, do not expect it to handle as sweetly as the Honda CR-V. Being a Toyota means that reliability and resale values are good.
At this price, it is a very good option and comes with a generous list of features as well. All in all, you just can’t go wrong with the Fortuner.
Chevrolet Captiva
Engine: 2.0 D
Power: 148bhp
Torque: 32.6kgm
Price Rs 20.42-22.40 lakh
The Captiva is a good all-rounder. It has a huge cabin and decent features. It?s very practical and cheaper than most rivals. The Captiva?s engine is also pretty good. The 2-litre diesel powerplant that produces 148bhp is high on refinement. Though the handling isn’t very involving, ride comfort is good with the Captiva managing to keep most bad roads out of the cabin.
There?s plenty of room behind the steering wheel and plenty of seat adjustment. The switchgear is clearly labelled and works with precision. Visibility is mostly good, although thick windscreen pillars can impede your view slightly.
Engine: 2.2 D
Power: 140bhp
Torque: 32.6kgm
Price Rs 8.85-13.93 lakh
The Tata Safari?s looks have remained largely unchanged since 2005. Inspite of being around for over a decade, it still manages to have great road presence. The Safari excels in the comfort department, offering loads of space inside. The rear seats are easily the most comfortable we have seen on any car. The 2.2 Dicor diesel engine pumps out an impressive 140bhp, which means performance is adequate. But the engine isn’t very refined and the big proportions make this SUV tiresome to drive in the city. The suspension though keeps out most bumps from the cabin, which means that it?s brilliant as a long-distance cruiser.
Engine: 2.2 D
Power: 120bhp
Torque: 28.5kgm
Price Rs 9.08-13.12 lakh
The SCORPIO IS one of the easiest SUVs to drive. Its light steering and clutch, along with the relatively smooth gearbox and refined engine, ensure that driving it in town is a breeze. The compact proportions add to its appeal. The 2.2-litre Mhawk engine delivers 120bhp and 28.5kgm of torque and strong performance. The VLX version gets micro-hybrid technology and a lot of equipment for a decent price. The interiors are practical, with touches like sliding middle row seats and lots of cubbyholes, but space and comfort are not in the same league as the Safari, its natural rival.
Engine: 2.0 D
Power: 140bhp
Torque: 32.63kgm
Price Rs 17.80-19.32 lakh
If you want a car that offers hatchback practicality, SUV off-road skills and saloon-like comfort, then the compact Yeti is for you. If price-to-size ratio is a priority, the Yeti will disappoint you. The Skoda comes with a 2-litre TDi diesel engine which produces 140bhp and 32.6 kgm of torque. The handling is brilliant by SUV standards and along with the crisp gearbox, makes it an involving SUV to drive. The interiors of the Yeti offer high quality material and solid build quality. The three rear seats can be individually removed to aid loading. Though space isn’t as generous as some rivals, it is decent. A class act.
BMW X1
Engine: 2.0 (P/D)
Power: 150/177bhp
Torque: 20.4/35.7kgm
Price Rs 22-29.90 lakh
BMW?s baby SUV is the cheapest BMW you can buy. It challenges the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota Fortuner for price. Though it doesn’t get four-wheel drive, the X1 is a delight to drive with a communicative steering and crisp chassis. The diesel motor has plenty of grunt. The quality and finish of most cabin materials is good but some plastics on the lower dashboard panel aren’t up to BMW standards. The X1 comes with BMW’s iDrive system, which operates a host of features on the car. The only real issue is space? decent for four but not as roomy as most rivals. But if you want sheer driving pleasure, then it’s hard to fault the X1.