Top 5 Selling Compact SUVs In January 2017 In India

With car manufacturers in India looking for a larger pie in the segment, it is ideal to understand which have been successful in India. So how does each of the compact SUVs on sale in India, fare among each other?

Here are the top 5 selling compact SUVs in January 2017 in India:

5. Renault Duster

The French carmaker was the first to launch a compact SUV in India and it went to create its own identity and a fan following as well. The Renault Duster is revered for its ride and handling along with its frugal chassis and engine. However, the company is experiencing adownfall in the sales of the Duster in favour of feature-rich subcompact SUVs which are priced much lower than the Duster.

Renault was able to sell 1,279 units of the Duster in January 2017, dropping sales compared to the previous month. Renault Duster is a capable SUV which is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine available in two different states of tune, also, the company offers a 1.6-litre petrol engine. While all the engines are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, an AMT gearbox sends the power to the front wheels from a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is on offer as well.

4. Mahindra TUV300

The Mahindra TUV300 is built on a ladder frame which is usually associated with SUVs. The TUV300 is a solid and bold designed subcompact SUV from the leader of utility vehicles in India. Mahindra TUV300 is the only subcompact SUV currently equipped with the AMT gearbox in India.

Mahindra bettered the Renault Duster with sales of 2,408 units in January 2017. Mahindra offers the TUV300 with a new 1.5-litre engine with a 2-stage turbocharger, these comein two states of tune. Mahindra offers the AMT version of the TUV300 as amade-to-order model.

3. Ford EcoSport

Known for their SUVs, Ford launched the EcoSport in India loaded with features. The EcoSport is a solid and tough SUV with a good ride and handling. When Ford India launched the EcoSport in the country, it went on to become the best-selling utility vehicle. As for the month of January 2017, Ford sold3,761 units of the EcoSport retaining its second position in the list.

However, that was short-lived with other models hitting the automobile market in the country. The Ford EcoSport is categorised under the sub-four meter vehicle with three choices of powertrains. Ford offers the EcoSport in 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a 1.5-litre petrol mill as well. There is also the diesel 1.5-litre engine to choose from and the company offers driver side airbag as standard across variants.

2. Hyundai Creta

Arguably the best compact SUV in the country is the Hyundai Creta. The Creta is a feature-rich SUV supported by powerful engines. The Creta falls under the compact SUV segment and leads it as well. The company has equipped the Creta with dual airbags and ABS with EBD across the variants. Hyundai sold 7,918 units of the Creta during the month of January 2017.

Hyundai is offering the Creta with the choice of either a petrol or diesel engines. The petrol model of the Creta is powered by the 1.6-litre engine, while the diesel units are 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines. The 1.6-litre of both petrol and diesel units are offered with the choice of either the 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox.

1. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The Vitara Brezza from Maruti Suzuki might have been a late entrant in the compact SUV segment, but has become a runaway hit for the country's largest carmaker. The Brezza is a well-proportioned subcompact SUV compared to its rivals. Also, it has all the features which are just enough for the Indian buyers.

Maruti Suzuki sold 8,932 units of the Vitara Brezza during the month of January 2017 taking top honours for the month. The company has equipped the Vitara Brezza with driver's airbag as standard fitment across variantswhile offering the dual airbags and ABS with EBD as optional on all variants. The Vitara Brezza also features projector headlamps not seen in any of the subcompact SUVs in India.