It is the age of SUVs right now in India, and everyone wants to have one. Today you get SUVs in all shapes and sizes, right from sub-4 metre compacts to full-size three-row SUVs. So, which one is right for you? Well, if you are someone who spends 60 to 70 per cent of their time driving in the city and the rest of the time doing road trips or highway runs, what you need is a capable and compact diesel SUV. The compact footprint will get you around in city traffic conditions with ease, and they are powerful enough for long highway runs. The fuel efficiency is certainly a welcome addition.
Sadly, more and more models in the compact SUV space are becoming petrol-only. However, if you want more options, you can check out the used car space, and here are our 5 compact SUVs that we think you should consider buying.
You can get a used Renault Duster for anywhere between Rs. 3.25 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh, depending on the model year and condition
The Renault Duster was the model that started the trend of compact SUVs in India, and one of its biggest USPs was its powerful and capable 1.5-litre diesel engine. The motor was offered in two states of tune - 84 bhp and 108 bhp, and both options were quite nice to drive. While the latter would certainly be our pick, if you are looking for a bit more fuel efficiency, you should go for the 84 bhp model. Renault also used to offer an all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the Duster. You can get a used Renault Duster for anywhere between Rs. 3.25 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh, depending on the model year and condition.
Depending on the variant and model year you choose, you can get a used Creta for Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 13 lakh.
The Hyundai Creta is right now the best-selling compact SUV in India, and around 50 per cent of its order books are still for the diesel SUVs. The new-gen Creta gets a 1.5-litre diesel engine, however, the previous-gen model, which you are likely to find in larger numbers, came with two diesel engine options - an 88 bhp, 1.4-litre motor and a 125 bhp, 1.6-litre oil burner. The latter also came with the options of an automatic transmission. Depending on the variant and model year you choose, you can get a used Creta for Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 13 lakh.
You can find a decent one for anywhere between Rs. 9 lakh to Rs. 14 lakh, depending on the model year and condition.
The Nissan Kicks is essentially a more modern counterpart of the Duster. It is based on the same B0 platform as the Duster and came with the same engine options, however, it only got the 108 bhp 1.5-litre oil burner. Nissan equipped the SUV with a host of modern features and techs like projector headlamps, a smart interior, a decent touchscreen infotainment system, and even a 360-degree camera, which at that time of its launch was a segment-first feature. However, right now it's a petrol-only SUV, so, going for a used one will be a better option. You can find a decent one for anywhere between Rs. 9 lakh to Rs. 14 lakh, depending on the model year and condition.
You are likely to find a good number of options, priced from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 18 lakh, depending on the car you choose.
The Kia Seltos is right now, one of the best-selling models in the compact SUV space, and one of the select few that still offers a diesel engine. It is based on the same platform as the new Hyundai Creta, and thus gets the same 1.5-litre diesel engine with the option of an automatic transmission. If you have the budget go for a brand new Seltos. However, if you have a tighter budget, you can look for a used one. The Seltos has been in the market for a few years now, and you are likely to find a good number of options, priced from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 18 lakh, depending on the car you choose.
You will find a decent old-gen Thar for anywhere between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on its condition and model year.
However, if you are looking for the ultimate diesel SUV, then the Mahindra Thar might be the one for you. Now, the new-gen That is a lot more premium, and it comes in both petrol and diesel engine option, however, the older-gen Thar, which you are likely to find in higher numbers, was a diesel-only SUV. It's an equally good off-roader compared to the new one, if not better, and you get 4x4 as standard. However, do note, while it has space for 6 passengers, safety-wise it's only suitable for 2 people as at the back you only get side-facing bench seats with no seatbelts. Plus, it won't be comfortable during long-distance driving at the back. So, unless you only two of you'll car going to travel or commute at all times, the Thar can be your second or weekend car. But if you are looking for a daily driver, we would suggest you choose one of the other cars on this list. Nonetheless, you will find a decent old-gen Thar for anywhere between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on its condition and model year.
Special Mention:
Depending on the model year and condition of the car, you can get a pre-owned S-Cross from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh.
The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is not an SUV, however, it is quite a capable crossover and can go head to head with some of the other compact SUVs on this list. In fact, the company had initially launched it to compete with the Creta. While right now it's a petrol-only vehicle, the S-Cross came with Maruti's tried and tested 89 bhp 1.3-litre diesel engine, and a more powerful 1.6-litre diesel. Both engines are quite capable, however, we'd choose the latter. Depending on the model year and condition of the car, you can get a pre-owned S-Cross from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh.
