Best SUV to buy if you have Rs 15 lakh: MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV700 & more

With the rampant launches in the past few months in the Indian market, there is a wide range of choices if you have a budget of Rs 15 lakh in your pocket. The mid-size SUV segment can be confusing if you are out shopping in the market. We have created a list of SUVs that are available in this price segment and who should buy which one.

MG Astor

Variants under Rs 15 lakh, on-road: Style, Super, Super CVT, Smart MT

The MG Astor is the newest product in the segment. The all-new Astor gets a long list of features and some of them are even available for the first time in the segment. However, the most loaded variant under Rs 15 lakh gets features like automatic headlamps, auto-folding and heated ORVMs, 7.0-inch full-digital instrument cluster, leatherette seat upholstery, cruise control system, four airbags, TPMS, personal AI assistant, digital car key and iSmart with over 80+ connectivity features.

Who should buy it? If you like features and would want to show off the personal assistant and a digital key, the Astor will perfectly fit your needs. Buy the Astor for its features. The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine is tried and tested with the MG Hector too. You can also choose between a manual transmission and a CVT.

Also read: Citroen”s 3 new cars for India DETAILED

Who should avoid it? MG Astor’s rear seats do not have much space compared to the other cars. So if you’re looking for space, the Astor is not the car for you. MG has also mentioned that due to the semiconductor shortage, there is a lot of production constraints so there will be a long waiting period on the car too.

Mahindra XUV700

Variants under Rs 15 lakh: MX Petrol

The XUV700 has created a lot of buzz in the market. The all-new car has gained a lot of popularity in the market and garnered thousands of bookings too. The base variant of the Mahindra XUV700 petrol is the only variant that you will be able to buy under Rs 15 lakh.

Who should buy it? The XUV700 has the biggest footprint among all the cars listed here. So if you’re looking for space, the XUV700 will offer that.

Who should avoid it? The base variant does not get a long list of features though. If you are a person who loves a feature-loaded car and cannot stretch your budget, then avoid this option

Renault Duster

Variants under Rs 15 lakh: 1.3 RxS, 1.5 RxZ, 1.3 RxE, 1.3 RxS, 1.3 T RxZ 1.3 RxZ CVT

The Renault Duster saw a very successful run soon after its launch many years ago. However, the French manufacturer failed to capitalize on the success and did not launch a thoroughly updated version of the car. The Duster doesn’t attract a lot of buyers but since it offers it a robust 1.5-litre petrol engine and the powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, it still entices the enthusiast clan.

Who should buy it? If you want a smooth, tried and tested and robust diesel engine, the Duster offers the 1.5 petrol, which is one of the best petrol engines available in the segment. Coming to the more powerful petrol, the Duster gets the powerful 1.3-litre produces a mega 156 PS and peak torque of 254 Nm. The petrol variant also gets CVT automatic transmission. Duster undoubtedly offers one of the most precise steering and a great suspension set-up. It is fun to drive a car.

Who should avoid it? The Duster offers the most boring cabin that has not been updated properly for ages. If you want a modern-looking cabin and rear space, look further down the list.

Nissan Kicks

Variants under Rs 15 lakh: 1.5 XL, 1.5 XV, 1.3 XV, 1.3 XV Pre

The Nissan Kicks share the platform, engine options and transmission with the Duster. However, it is slightly modern compared to the Duster and is slightly bigger in size too. While with the Duster, you can get the automatic transmission, the Kicks under Rs 15 lakh bracket only offers a manual transmission.

Who should buy it? The Kicks offers a similar driving experience to the Duster. The 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine is the most powerful in this price segment. But it if you want a really powerful car that drives decently well.

Who should avoid it? Even though the cabin is upgraded compared to the Duster, it remains dull compared to the other cars. So if you want a good-looking cabin, the Kicks will not offer that.

Hyundai Creta

Variants under Rs 15 lakh: 1.5 E, 1.5 EX, 1.5 S, 1.5 SX Executive, E diesel, EX diesel, S diesel

The Creta has been one of the most successful cars in the segment and it offers a wide range of choices to buyers with multiple engines and transmission options. The Hyundai Creta comes loaded with features too and offers a premium feel to the occupants. If you want a diesel vehicle in the segment, then only the Creta and the Seltos offer it in the segment.

Who should buy it?  The most loaded variant under Rs 15 lakh is the SX Executive petrol. Hyundai launched as a more affordable variant of the loaded SX. It offers a panoramic sunroof, which you would not get with any other in this segment. Also, the Creta gets ample rear space. If you want a premium feeling and space, the Creta will fit your demands. It will also get you good resale value, in fact, the best resale value in the segment.

Who should avoid it? Even though Hyundai has progressed leaps when it comes to drivability, the Creta will not be able to match many other cars in the segment when it comes to precise steering and a stiff suspension set-up. If you want to drive aggressively, this is not the car for you. Also, you do not get the automatic transmission in this range.

Kia Seltos

Variants under Rs 15 lakh: 1.5 HTE, 1.5 HTK, 1.5 HTK+, 1.5 HTK+ iMT, HTE diesel, HTK diesel

Just like the Creta, the Seltos offers a diesel engine in the segment. So if you’re looking for a car with a diesel engine then there are no other choices. The Seltos and the Creta are similar on many fronts. The Seltos, however, gets a slightly stiffer suspension set-up compared to the Creta.

Who should buy it? The Seltos also offers a premium cabin feel like the Creta. It also offers slightly longer legroom for the rear passengers. Buy it for similar reasons like the Creta. The only differentiating factor is the suspension set-up and the steering feedback. Kia also offers iMT with the Seltos under Rs 15 lakh.

Who should avoid it? The Seltos gets a sportier suspension and steering set-up. This means, it drives better than Creta but the comfort level is lower than Creta.

Skoda Kushaq

Variants under Rs 15 lakh: 1.0 TSI Active, 1.0 TSI Ambition

The Kushaq is the first car built on the MQB A0 IN platform. It sure is expensive compared to the other vehicles and the more powerful and more advanced 1.5-litre engine with cylinder deactivation is not even available under this price tag.

Who should buy it? If you like driving, the Skoda Kushaq offers all you want and more. It is a true enthusiast’s delight. There are not many features available in the Ambition variant but the driving pleasure is matchless.

Who should avoid it? The Kushaq is currently in the news because of the EPC errors due to the bad fuel. Also, there is not much of a space in the car.

Volkswagen Taigun

Variants under Rs 15 lakh: 1.0 Comfortline, 1.0 Highline

The Taigun is to Kushaq what the Seltos is to Creta. Both the cars get similar engine options, transmission, and even features. The Taigun Highline gets features like 16-inch alloy wheels, rear defogger, 10-inch screen and so on. But the highlight of the car is the way it drives and performs on the roads.

Who should buy it? Just like the Kushaq, the Taigun is supreme when it comes to driving pleasure. On certain aspects, it is even better to drive than the Kushaq. Forget everything else, if you want a vehicle that can satisfy the inner enthusiast in you.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq SUV”s official launch & price announcement timeline revealed officially