15 hatchbacks & sedans with SUV-like ground clearance: Renault Kwid to Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

The reason for the increasing popularity of the SUVs on the Indian roads can be attributed to the road conditions of India. Given the rough roads in many parts of the country, Indian customers are looking for increased ground clearance in every type of car they buy. Manufacturers are answering this demand by launching vehicles with increased ground clearance. At present, there are many hatchbacks, sedans and crossovers that offer an increased ground clearance to tackle the rough roads of the country. Here are fifteen such cars that offer a ground clearance similar to the SUVs.

Datsun redi-GO

Ground clearance: 185 mm

The Datsun redi-GO is a funky looking car that targets the young customers. Datsun calls it an entry-level urban car that is perfect for city road conditions. The redi-GO boasts of 185mm of ground clearance, which is quite high. It is enough to tackle most urban surfaces.

The Datsun redi-GO is available with a 0.8-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that generates 53 Bhp – 75 Nm. There is a more powerful 1.0-litre engine that generates a maximum of 67 Bhp – 91 Nm. The more powerful version of the car also gets an AMT automatic transmission option.

Maruti Ignis

Ground clearance: 180 mm

The Maruti Ignis is the most affordable vehicle that you can buy from a Nexa showroom. However, the hatchback is quite premium and offers the ‘kei’ car looks. The Ignis gets a high ground clearance of 180mm, which is more than enough for the rough roads.

The Maruti Ignis is quite premium and offers a lot of equipment and features. Ignis gets powered by both petrol and diesel engine options. There is a 1.2-litre petrol engine that generates a maximum power of 82 Bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque. The 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine produces a maximum of 74 Bhp – 190 Nm.

Renault Kwid

Ground clearance: 180 mm

The Renault Kwid is the best selling Renault vehicle in India. The entry-level hatchback became quite popular in the segment because of its SUV-inspired looks. True to its looks, the Renault Kwid offers a high ground clearance of 180mm.

The Renault Kwid has an SUV stance to it, which makes it extremely popular among the young buyers. The Renault Kwid is powered by two petrol engine options. There is a 0.8-litre engine that produces a maximum of 53 Bhp – 72 Nm and a 1.0-litre engine that produces a maximum of 67 Bhp – 91 Nm. The more powerful engine also offers an AMT transmission option.

Ford Figo

Ground clearance: 174 mm

The Ford Figo is the entry-level car of the American manufacturer. The Figo hatchback is loved by the enthusiasts for the sharp steering feedback and the suspension set-up. It is loved by those who like to drive. The Figo is offered with a maximum ground clearance of 174 mm, making it quite high. The Figo gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine that churns out a maximum of 87 Bhp – 112 Nm.

There is also an automatic version of the Figo that is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that generates a maximum of 110 Bhp – 136 Nm. The diesel engine of the Figo is the most powerful in the segment. It is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that generates a maximum of 98.5 Bhp and 215 Nm.

Fiat Punto Evo

Ground clearance: 195 mm

The Fiat Punto Evo is a highly underrated vehicle in the segment. The entry-level car from Fiat is a solidly built vehicle that gets much appreciation from the enthusiasts. The Punto Evo comes with two different ground clearances. The petrol variant of the car offers a maximum of 185 mm while the diesel variants offer a huge 195 mm of maximum ground clearance.

The Punto Evo is powered by both petrol and diesel engine options. There is a 1.2-litre petrol engine that generates a maximum of 67 Bhp – 96 Nm. It also gets the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine that generates a maximum of 75 Bhp – 197 Nm.

Tata Zest

Ground Clearance: 170 mm

Tata Zest has been around on the market for quite a long time now. The robust build quality of the Zest alongside a high ground clearance of 170 mm make it a perfect vehicle for city driving and weekend getaways. The short wheelbase of the Zest makes sure that there are almost zero underbody scrapes even on the rough roads. The car gets both petrol and diesel engine options. There is also a variable geometry turbo version of the diesel engine that produces a maximum of 89 Bhp.

Ford Figo Aspire

Ground clearance: 174 mm

The Ford Figo Aspire is the sedan version of the Figo. It was the first car by the manufacturer that was launched in the sub 4-meter compact sedan segment. It gets a similar ground clearance of 174 mm like the Figo. The 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel engine options also remain the same as the Ford Figo hatchback.

Maruti Ciaz

Ground Clearance: 170 mm

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz created quite a ripple when it was launched in the segment. The Maruti Ciaz challenged the Honda City and the Hyundai Verna and came out on the top of the sales chart on a few occasions too. The Ciaz is quite a practical car that comes with a ground 170mm and huge rear legroom.

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz gets 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that generates 91 Bhp – 130 Nm. There is also a 1.3-litre diesel engine that generates a maximum of 89 Bhp – 200 Nm. The diesel engine also gets SHVS mild hybrid technology that increases the fuel efficiency of the car by a great deal. The diesel version of the Maruti Ciaz returns a high fuel efficiency of 28.09 km/l.

Continued Below: 15 hatchbacks & sedans with SUV-like ground clearance