Sportage owners in US have to be careful with possible engine fires, warns KIA motors

Who doesn’t like all things compact! Well, when it comes to cars, clearly this C-category is a winner too! Taller than hatchbacks and sedans, compact SUVs offer a raised seating level , which, in turn, provides a better view of the road. The last few years have seen a rise in the number of people switching to compact SUVs, thanks to the wide range of features and bulkier looks that it provides at a lower price than the complete SUVs. (Image: iStock)

The growing demand for utility vehicles has resulted in a ‘the more, the merrier’, kind of a scenario. The Indian automobile market now has a wide variety of compact SUVs to offer. Some of the most sold and trusted compact SUVs are Tata’s Nexon, Punch, Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza, Kia’s Sonet, Mahindra’s XUV300 and many more. (Image: iStock)

Starting at a price of Rs 10.44 L, the Hyundai Creta is arguably one of the best-selling cars from the Korean car maker’s portfolio. Creta, known for its styling and comfort features, has now added the Knight Edition to its portfolio. (Image: Hyundai)

Launched in 2019, Hyundai’s Venue quickly became one of the most popular and best-selling compact SUVs in India. Loaded with features like good cabin space, excellent ground clearance, 1.2 L petrol engine, automatic gearbox option, sunroof, touchscreen display, proper safety, Venue is one of the best picks in this segment. The 5-seater compact SUV is available at a price range of Rs 1.53 L- 12.72 L. (Image: Hyundai)

Carrying the legacy and trust of Mahindra, XUV300 has found a good acceptance in the Indian market. If cars with top-notch safety features and bulkier looks attract you, then the XUV300 is the best pick in this segment. The compact SUV is fitted with many high-end and interesting features which are normally available in higher models. Some of these features include the dual zone climate control, 17-inch alloy with 4-disc brakes, 5-star safety rating, 3 steering modes and 7 airbags. XUV300 price starts at Rs 8.41L. (Image: Mahindra)

Brezza, the only one in this category from Maruti Suzuki, recently underwent a facelift. The new model sports features such as 360-degree camera, sunroof, a new infotainment system with SmartPlay Pro + features. You can own this sporty SUV at a price starting from Rs 8.43 L. (Image: Maruti)

Another budgeted option in the wide-range compact SUVs is the Nissan Magnite. This automobile has disrupted the compact SUV space with its competitive pricing. At Rs 5.97 L, the Magnite not only undercuts the price of all its rivals, but also includes features like, airbags, ground clearance, etc. (Image: Nissan)

Safety, looks, excellent mileage are some of the many features which can best describe the Tata Nexon. It is the first car from an Indian brand to score five stars in Global NCAP’s crash test. Among the features that it offers are a fully digital instrument cluster, Harman music system, sunroof and cruise control. Recently, Tata has also launched an electric version of the Nexon in India. The new Nexon EV will cost Rs 3-4 L more than the current model that starts at Rs 14.54 L. (Image: Tata Motors)

Offered in 23 variants, the Kia Sonet starts at Rs 7.46 L and goes up to Rs 13.99 L. With features such as 211 mm ground clearance, spacious boot space with 392-litre capacity, 10.25-inch touchscreen, the Sonet is perfect for weekend trips to rough terrains and even long excursions. The car offers dual front airbags, reverse parking sensors, 6 airbags, hill-assist feature as well. (Image: Kia)