Looking to buy a new SUV but confused with a hatchback? Here is the solution!

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As an average Indian car buyer, it becomes difficult to choose between a hatchback or SUV. Though hatchbacks are the most preferred choice, over the past few years, the SUV market in India has witnessed rapid growth. Between 2018 and 2019, Indians bought 21% more SUVs than in the previous year.

Many reasons contribute to the greater number of SUV cars in India. For instance, these vehicles are capable of navigating even some of the most challenging terrains. Moreover, they are considered safer than hatchbacks and sedans.

Difference between SUV and hatchback:

Sports utility vehicles or compact SUVs stand tall with high ground clearance, making it suitable for all kinds of terrain. They are the ones which can do real off-roading, have bigger engines, can seat 6–7 people, overcome any obstacle, reach places where other segment cars can not do.

While a hatchback is smaller than an SUV but larger than a sedan. As a result, hatchbacks are usually marketed as small family cars or executive cars. Since the interior space can be made to prioritize passengers or cargo, they are a popular and practical choice for those who need both. In short, a car that can seat 4 adults in comfort, easy to commute, has a smaller engine, the small boot is a hatchback.

So, now if you wish to go with the trend and want to buy an SUV at the price of a hatchback then you can go for a compact SUV. Here are a few choices in the category:

Maruti Vitara Brezza: It is the most popular compact-SUV on the market today and is always around at or around the top position when it comes to sales. The Maruti Brezza offers ample space and seat support even while being under four metres in length. Being a Maruti product, the Vitara Brezza has also got good resale value. Its ex-showroom price is Rs 7.39-11.40 lakh.

Hyundai Venue: It is the Korean brand’s first compact-SUV in the country. Hyundai Venue is available in three engine options: two petrol and one diesel.  Ex-showroom price in Delhi ranges between Rs. 6.55 lakh and Rs. 11.15 lakh.

Tata Nexon: It is one of the strongest contenders in the compact-SUV market. The Tata Nexon is available in a petrol or diesel format mated to either a manual or AMT gearbox. The car’s Delhi ex-showroom price ranges between Rs. 6.95 lakh and Rs. 12.70 lakh.

Kia Sonet: The all-new sub-4 metre compact-SUV similar to its elder sibling Kia Seltos and has been built for the Indian market. There are four engine and five gearbox options to choose from, including, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor, a 1.5-litre petrol unit and two 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel units with a different state of tunes.  The ex-showroom price range in Delhi is Rs.6.79 – 13.19 lakh.