[Aditya]

Hyundai Venue

What you'll like:

• A mini-Creta in almost every way! Same formula, in a smaller package
• Precise build & quality (including interiors) are easily among the segment best
• Competent engines mated to slick gearboxes
• Fast shifting dual-clutch Automatic gearbox available
• Balanced road manners. Very easy to drive too
• Loaded to the gills with equipment (sunroof, Blue Link telematics, cabin air purifier etc.)
• Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA and more
• Hyundai's competent after-sales & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• Diminutive street presence. Looks more hatchback than SUV from some angles, especially the rear
• Strictly a 4-seater. All-black interior makes it cosy. Some competitors offer more spacious cabins
• Missing kit (auto wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, steering reach adjustment...)
• DCT doesn't have a sport mode or paddle shifters. Fingers crossed on its long-term reliability
• Weirdly, the highest SX(O) trim doesn't get the DCT or dual-tone colour options
• Some variant mishaps = e.g. crucial rear wash + wipe just on the topmost trim!
• AT only on the petrol, not the diesel. Vitara Brezza, XUV300 & Nexon have Diesel ATs

Review Link

Maruti Vitara Brezza

What you’ll like:

• An all-rounded compact SUV. A neutral package at the right price
• Clean & proportionate styling. Dual-tone paint shades look nice
• Well-mannered suspension riding on big 215/60 R16 tyres. 198 mm of GC!
• Good cabin space for a sub-4 meter car. Lots of storage & a powerful air-con too
• 1.3L 89 BHP diesel is quick as well as fuel-efficient
• Driver airbag is standard. ABS + EBD and passenger airbag are available on every variant
• Features: Cruise control, touchscreen ICE with navigation, auto headlamps & wipers, projector headlamps & LEDs, reversing camera etc.
• Maruti's excellent after-sales support network

What you won’t:

• No petrol engine offered. Boosterjet turbo-petrol is still sometime away
• Ordinary interior quality. EcoSport has better quality & a more solid build
• Missing features vs cheaper Baleno (bi-xenons, telescopic steering, auto-dimming IRVM, leather steering)
• Diesel engine has some turbo-lag below 2,000 rpm (though not excessive)
• Boot has a practical layout, but is still the smallest in the segment at 328 liters
• Forget LDi, even VDi is basic & poorly equipped. ZDi & ZDi+ are the only recommended variants

Review Link

Mahindra XUV300

What you'll like:

• A truly premium crossover. Nice build, quality & refinement levels
• Great looking! Smart design has none of the usual Mahindra quirkiness
• Cabin has enough space for 5. Quality-wise, the interior is more like a Hyundai
• Fantastic engines. The petrol & diesel, both, offer fast performance & good driveability
• A compliant ride with neutral road manners
• Top safety kit. 7 airbags, ESP, ABS, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, seatbelt reminders for all & more
• Loaded to the gills with equipment (front parking sensors, sunroof, cruise control, auto headlamps & wipers etc)

What you won't:

• The most expensive Compact SUV in India! Not overpriced, but definitely higher than expected
• 257-liter boot is the smallest in the segment. There are cheaper hatchbacks which have a larger boot
• Concerns over niggles in a freshly baked Mahindra. Our test car itself had issues
• Lack of a proper middle variant. W6 trim is simply too bare-bones, while W8 is expensive!
• Mahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• Some important features missing (dead pedal, parcel tray, rear air-con, steering reach adjustment etc)

Review Link

Tata Nexon

What you’ll like:

• Very well-priced for what it offers. Undercuts all rivals
• Funky styling ensures that the Nexon stands out from the crowd
• 5-star NCAP safety rating & a solid build, unlike many of its flimsy competitors
• Nice, spacious cabin with comfortable seats. You get a practical 350-liter boot too
• 1.5L diesel & 1.2L petrol offer good performance. Diesel is especially impressive
• Balanced road manners for such a tall car. Fine EPS & 209 mm of ground clearance!
• Loaded with features: Driving modes, LED DRLs, reversing camera, 8-speaker ICE etc.
• Dual airbags, ABS & Isofix child seat mounts are standard on all variants

What you won’t:

• Overdone design will be a turnoff for many of you. Rear end is way too busy
• Jiggly low speed ride; bumps are felt in the city (unlike other Tata cars)
• 3-cylinder petrol can't match 4-cylinder competition in NVH. Has lag too
• The observant eye will notice some rough edges in fit, finish & quality
• Concerns over long-term reliability, more so of the freshly developed engines
• Missing essentials (telescopic steering adjustment, auto-dimming IRVM, proper dead pedal)
• Tata's inconsistent after-sales experience is far from that of Maruti & Hyundai
• Shorter service / checkup interval of 6 months & 7,500 km (rivals have 12-month gaps)

Review Link

Ford EcoSport

What you'll like:

• Still the best Compact SUV in the segment
• Good looks matched to solid build quality. Blackened effect of the S variant looks sexy
• 3 engine options, including the impressive 1.0L EcoBoost & economical 1.5L Diesel
• Loaded with kit (leather seats, paddle shifts, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control, reversing camera)
• Smartly packaged interior. Adequate space for 4. Lots of storage & practical features
• Dynamically sorted. Competent handling by SUV standards
• Safety kit includes 6 Airbags, ESP, Hill Hold, EBA, ABS & more

What you won't:

• Has gotten very expensive with time. Not VFM, but not overpriced either
• 3-cylinder petrol motors can't match the competition in refinement (especially while idling)
• Ride quality isn't plush; underlying firmness obvious, more so with the 17" rims
• Narrow cabin width makes a 5th occupant unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
• Tree trunk thick A-Pillars result in severe blind spots
• Some features deleted from the older car (lumbar adjustment, reclining rear seat, cooled glovebox…)
• S variant isn't available with the 1.5L Dragon engine or an Automatic

Review Link

The 2017 Facelift:

• Review Link

The EcoSport S:

• Review Link

Honda WR-V

What you’ll like:

• Crossover styling, taller seating position & 188 mm of ground clearance
• Interior space is awesome, with a practical boot too. Honda’s packaging skills are brilliant!
• 1.5L diesel offers excellent driveability & fuel economy
• Well-tuned suspension; a supple, cushy ride matched to neutral handling
• Features such as the segment-first sunroof, feather-touch climate control, LED DRLs, cruise control, reversing camera, touchscreen ICE & more

What you won’t:

• Unimpressive 1.2L petrol has a weak bottom end. Honda should’ve gotten their tasty 1.5L here
• Diesel’s NVH still has holes to fill, especially at higher revs
• Strangely, no automatic! This & the Mobilio are the only Hondas without an AT option
• Petrol is inexplicably lesser equipped than the diesel (keyless start & go, cruise control)
• Missing features! Magic seats, rear air-con vents & adjustable headrests, auto-dimming IRVM, height adjustable seatbelts, auto headlights

Review Link

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line!

[Col Mehta]

Ford Ecosport for me. We are in the market to replace my son's Grand i10 and recently test drove a few options - mainly sub 4 meter SUVs. While the space is limited, especially in comparison with WRV, Nexon and Vitara Brezza, the drivability and overall package is just about right. On the other hand, Hyundai Venue felt cramped. For an easy reference, post checking Venue, Ecosport felt bigger and more spacious in the rear seat. Straight away rejected it without taking TD.

[abhishek46]

The mahindra xuv300, simply because it has the most space and power.
The torque from that 1.5 Diesel is just too addictive.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

I would pick the XUV 3OO, but just wouldn't buy one. Or any of these others. Just yet!

The whole segment is very optimistic in its pricing, especially at the higher end (Venue and Ecosport) - and I don't think 15.85L on-road for a car which is sub-4m, <1.5L in diesel engine capacity and sports an AMT transmission is justifiable! Forget the next segment - XUV 3OO top-end almost touches entry-level Hector diesel /Harrier territory! But it is certainly the one product that appeals to my heart the most, amongst this lineup.

The second choice would be Ford Ecosport, but the pricing for the Ford has really gone up over the years too, and very much matches the Mahindra, as if laying foundation for future partnership! Honda WRV isn't even a competitor IMHO. Brezza and Nexon form the budget end of the segment and is priced well, but doesn't match up to the other two in terms of desirability.

IMHO - TATA and Maruti have an excellent opportunity with the face lifts of both their cars. There is a big pricing gap that they can utilize well to add features and still be VFM in comparison. One already has a competent diesel motor, and the Maruti will be getting the new 1.5 DDiS mostly. Brezza being 4 star rated and Nexon being 5 star rated, I don't think most people would mind picking up these two if they can offer features like a sunroof and 6 airbags as well.

Hyundai Venue currently occupies this middle ground, and most people should be happy with it. However - it is also a typically Hyundai-ish allrounder that doesn't excel in any departments or pull heartstrings for that matter. I'll pass.

[artemis_fowl]

Well, this is a tough one. However, here’s my list:

-Petrol MT: Ford Ecosport, as it’s fun to drive, and Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV300 too. They are all equal to me.
-Petrol AT: The Venue. The Nexon isn’t on the list as the DCT is definitely superior to its AMT. Only grouse is that there’s no auto on the top variant.
-Diesel MT: The Ford totally owns it here. But, I know I’d get the XUV300 as I love its gizmos! It’s got a good diesel too.
-Diesel A(M)T: All AMTs here. Hence, I’d choose the XUV300, pricey tag notwithstanding, as it’s a very premium package.

The Vitara Brezza and the aren’t my picks for any of the above combinations. Maruti really needs to step up its game. And the WR-V is lame IMHO. (No offence to owners). The Ford had a great chance here, but Ford keeps committing hara-kiri . The Nexon is great, and Tata have a good chance with the upcoming facelift.

Overall, if I were to pick one car, it would be the Venue (if a petrol) and XUV300 (if a diesel) Loved both of them!
However, since my next car will be a petrol AT (as my usage is just simply too low to warrant a diesel, and my parents are complaining about the clutch), the Venue it is! A nice car, really.

[Rajeevraj]

The good thing about the list is that all of them are pretty capable in their own ways. Voted for the Venue, but may not be the choice if I personally was in the market.

• Venue: Definitely a solid package, especially with the Turbo Petrol and DCT. Like the Creta, a car you probably cannot go wrong with. On the downside, thought it expensive.
  
• Nexon: The real VFM choice. Quite a bit cheaper than competition. Good overall package. Have one in the family and it is an impressive car.
  
• Ecosport: 6-7 years after its launch and still remains a fresh design. We have the older version in the family and the latest face-lift really adds some much needed features. Good decision to drop the erratic DCT.

[SoumenD]

Just earlier this year I was searching for a car in this segment and realised none of the current crop actually suited my requirement for a high GC petrol AT crossover.

EcoSport- Nice engine and AT box but rear kinda cramped and the 1.5 dragon AT wasn't really frugal.

Venue- I am not confident driving a DCT as my only car. Although it wasn't in showroom then but later once I saw it in flesh the cramped rear space was a total turnoff. i20 appears more spacious.

Brezza- Being a 4star car this did instill some confidence inspite of being a Maruti. Only if they had a petrol, this would be a top contender but alas

WRV- Well if this had an AT, it would be in my garage instead of the Jazz.

XUV3OO- AMT for 15L with a Tiago sized boot? No thanks.

Nexon- Liked it the most as it appeared a well rounded VFM product. Was almost certain on picking it up but the AMT experience killed it for me. But if I needed a manual this would be my pick. So voted for it.

In a nutshell, although there seems to be a lot of products in this segment none suited my requirement of Petrol AT(TC/CVT) and frugal enough engine (atleast 11+ kmpl). So yeah given a choice, still I won't put my money on any of these.

[Johnnny]

Voted for Nexon.

Being an ardent Ford fan,I have been oozing on Ecosport from the day it was launched and took many TD's. But somehow I felt that the drivability could not be matched with my Fiesta(Classic). Last year i was desperately searching to welcome a new car in my garage and started to TD almost all the cars of this segment except Nexon(cos of TATA Brand) and now am proud of owning a Nexon. It has its own drawbacks, still it puts a smile on your face whenever you drive it.

Features of the Top end XZ+ cannot be compared with any other in this segment as it lacks the most of all the cars.

- No (Automatic wipers,headlights, Leather seats, Leather wrapped steering wheel, Cruise Control,leather gear knob cover,Sunroof, Oudated(Lagging) Infotainment system & ICE) + Poor ASS + Lethargic Gear shift

+ VFM, Masculine/Head turner, More Power/Torque, Safest, More space, Better Brakes, Better Mileage, Good Drivability, Best Ground clearance.

[sharktale]

Voted for WR-V.

My ideal combination would have been the 1.5L Petrol in the WR-V, i.e. City like performance in a smaller form-factor. Wheee!
The 1.2L is best for single person commutes, to max. fuel efficiency rather than to please the pedal gods.

But in my opinion, the WR-V, in most cases is the second car, an individual is upgrading to after buying a hatchback (most probably Maruti), and Honda as a brand is the "feel premium" upgrade.

In this aspect, the WR-V provides a reasonable package if not stellar. It has comfortable seating for its passengers, good boot space, and workable GC for pot-holled roads!

For a self-driven car, the two main points of contact of the human to the car, are the steering and the gearbox. In those departments, the WR-V , being a thoroughbred Honda, shines bright!

One tiny problem I have with the Hondas is that their LED DRLs do not dim when the turn indicator is switched on, like the case in Skoda/VW. Since their indicators are right next to the DRLs, it becomes difficult spotting them, when they are coming onwards!


PS:Honestly, I had chosen WR-V as a mistake, but now since the choice can't be edited, I'll defend it. :P

[VJ05]

If I'm in a market for a Compact SUV, will buy EcoSport. When it was launched 6.5 years old, it's design was futuristic and it has aged well. Still looks modern and trendy. 1.5 Diesel engine under it's hood is good to drive and fuel efficient as well. With multiple facelifts, Ford has improved it's interiors as well. Overall, it's a complete package for someone spending 10-12 L for a Compact SUV.

[wheelguy]

Voted for Ford Ecosport.

That said, I equally love Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue, will leave further selection to the family members if I have to buy a car from this segment.

[RMN]

Voted for the Ecosport.

I like the overall exterior package of the Ecosport. Even the latest entrant of this segment, the Venue looks like a hatch from the rear and I absolutely hate the new trend of headlamps where the fog lamps should be!

Loved the Ecosport S interiors too, I think at this point it has become a well rounded cabin. Sync3 is absolutely great too. Won't comment on the driving characteristics since I haven't drive its competition.

[Who_are_you]

Voted for Eco Sports, even it is overpriced and outdated. And news of Ford planning to exit India doesn't inspire confidence But the heart wants what it wants.

Brezza with its mediocre engine and cheap interior plastic doesn't make it to the cut. Honda is way overpriced and after-sales service is a downer for Mahindra and Tata. Nexon and XUV 300 are both nice products but historically these manufacturers are known to test cars at the expense of the customer.

Hyundai Venue is an overall good package, but the petrol engine is meh and long term reliability of DCT is now known yet. I would have chosen it if it had option like CRDi 1.6 AT of Verna.

[bharatbits]

Voted Others. Will prefer Bolero, Safari, Scorpio, Hexa, XUV 500, Crysta, Compass, Harrier base variants even MY2018 in that price point.

Not a fan of the quirky looks of any of the cars in the list. Only WRV Diesel is of a bit of interest to me but that will be a replacement for the existing hatch at home. Ecosport is no doubt a good car but i can't digest it's looks.