Top Mini-SUVs in India - Buy SUV-like Car At Fraction of Price

It is well-known fact that SUV is the hottest space in the market. The significant growth of the SUV segment also tempted car brands to develop a range of smaller vehicles that took inspiration from the SUV design. These small SUV-ish models, which are also referred to as mini SUVs, are much more affordable than the traditional SUVs. For that reason, the mini SUVs also gain considerable sales volume from customers who fancy the rugged and robust look of SUV cars but don't have the budget to afford real SUVs. Here are some notable mini SUVs in India 2021.

Renault Kwid

Price: Rs 3.12 lakh - Rs 5.31 lakh

Renault Kwid was the first model to combine the hatchback body with SUV styling in the domesitc market. It has become a runaway success for Renault and inspired many others to try this formula. Besides the rugged and bold styling, the Renault Kwid also has an advantage of competitive price. At the starting price of Rs 3.12 lakh, the Kwid is among the most affordable car offerings in the Indian market. Moreover, Renault also tries to provide the mini SUV with various features that are highly valued by buyers, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, keyless entry, reverse parking camera, and manual AC.

It is available with two petrol engines, a 0.8-litre and a 1.0-litre unit. These engines are good for 54PS/72Nm and 68PS/91Nm, respectively. A 5-speed manual gearbox only is available as standard in both versions. However, only the latter gets an additional 5-speed AMT gearbox. Renault Kwid is definitely one of the most successul mini-SUVs in India.

Maruti S-Presso

Price: Rs 3.70 lakh - Rs 5.18 lakh

The success of Renault with the Kwid has spurred the market-leading car company, Maruti Suzuki to develop a mini SUV of its own. Maruti S-Presso is positioned against the Renault Kwid. The S-Presso provides a high level of practicality and value-for-money quotient. Similar to the Kwid, this mini-SUV features an upright front with a brawny bumper and a boxy silhouette. The S-Presso is equipped with driver-side airbags, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, front power window, and keyless entry.

The S-Presso is offered with a 1.0-litre petrol unit that produces 68 PS and 90 Nm. There are two engine options on offer, a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT. There is also a CNG version of this engine. When it is fitted with a CNG kit, the power output is lowered to 59 PS and 78 Nm. However, petrol-CNG powertrain offers an impressive mileage of 31.2 km/kg. There are only two gearbox options, a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT. Compared to the Kwid, the Maruti S-Presso is priced slightly higher, from Rs 3.70 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Ignis

Price: Rs 4.89 lakh - Rs 7.30 lakh

Priced from Rs 4.89 lakh to Rs 7.30 lakh, Maruti Ignis is positioned above the Renault Kwid and the Maruti S-Presso. It is competing against Hyundai Santro, Maruti Wagon R, and Tata Tiago. The design of this hatchback model borrows many elements from SUV models. For example, the Maruti Ignis gets a rugged fascia with a dominant contrasting skid plate, an upright front end, and muscular wheel arches. There is also notable amount of plastic cladding across the bodywork as well.

Under the hood, the Maruti Ignis is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 83 PS and 113 Nm. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. In terms of features, the hatchback is provided with some highlight features like a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen infotainment system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto support, LED projector headlamps with DRLs, and15-inch alloy wheels. Other safety features of this model include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.      

Mahindra KUV100 NXT

Price: Rs 5.87 lakh - Rs 7.48 lakh

Mahindra and Mahindra is well-known for their wide range of utility vehicles. The majority of their offerings are compact and big SUVs. However, it still offers one smaller car which is the KUV100 NXT. Positioned against the Maruti Ignis and Swift as well as Hyundai Grand i10 Nio, teh KUV100 NXT could be considered a small SUV. Exteriorly, the KUV100 NXT carries forwards the signature design of a Mahindra SUV but in a smaller form. Compared to other smaller hatchbacks above, the KUV100 NXT commands a higher price. Priced from Rs 5.78 lakh, the KUV100 NXT is the most expensive model on this list of mini-SUVs in India. On the bright side, this car can offer better interior space. This model comes with two seating configurations, 5-seater and 6-seater.

This mini SUV is available with some highlight features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and AUX connectivity, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and multifunction steering wheel. About the powertrain, the Mahindra KUV100 NXT is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 82PS and 115Nm. This engine comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox.