Indian car buyers are buzzing with excitement over Maruti Suzuki’s latest surprise launch. The company has introduced a compact SUV that bears an uncanny resemblance to the iconic Range Rover, but at a price that’s absolutely shocking – starting at just ₹6 lakh. This bold move has created waves in the automotive world, offering luxury SUV styling without the hefty price tag.
Why Everyone’s Calling It the “Mini Range Rover”
The moment you lay eyes on this new Maruti SUV, the Range Rover connection becomes crystal clear. The similarities are striking and deliberate. The vehicle sports that signature boxy, muscular build that luxury SUV enthusiasts instantly recognize. From its commanding front grille to its sturdy, upright stance, every angle screams premium appeal.
The headlamp design featuring sharp LED elements gives it that modern, expensive look typically reserved for vehicles costing several times more. Large alloy wheels and generous ground clearance complete the SUV package, making it impossible to mistake this for just another hatchback on stilts.
Even the rear styling maintains this premium theme with contemporary LED tail-lamps and a robust bumper design that adds to its tough, road-ready appearance.
Stepping Inside the Affordable Luxury
Open the doors, and you’ll find Maruti has worked hard to maintain that upmarket feel on the interior. The dual-tone dashboard creates visual interest while chrome detailing around various controls adds sparkle to the cabin. For a vehicle at this price point, the build quality and finishing touches genuinely impress.
The infotainment system takes center stage with its crisp touchscreen display, while the overall layout feels modern and user-friendly. It’s clear that Maruti wanted buyers to feel they’re getting something special, not just basic transportation.
Trusted Engine, Proven Performance
Under the hood sits Maruti’s reliable 1.2-liter petrol engine – the same powerplant that has won hearts in popular models like the Swift and Baleno. This four-cylinder unit produces 88 bhp and 113 Nm of torque, providing adequate power for both city commuting and occasional highway adventures.
The engine’s character focuses on smoothness and refinement rather than outright performance. It feels responsive in traffic situations and handles moderate overtaking maneuvers with ease. Buyers can choose between a traditional 5-speed manual gearbox or the convenience of AMT automatic transmission.
Technology That Doesn’t Break the Bank
Despite its budget-friendly positioning, this SUV comes loaded with features that modern buyers expect. The 7-inch touchscreen supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. Steering-mounted controls make audio adjustments safe and convenient while driving.
Higher variants include premium touches like push-button start, automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors. Power windows and electrically adjustable outside mirrors add to the convenience factor.
Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, speed alert system, and seatbelt reminders – covering the essential protection features buyers need.
How It Feels on the Road
This compact SUV delivers a surprisingly mature driving experience. The high seating position provides excellent visibility, making you feel confident and in control. City maneuvering proves effortless thanks to light steering and compact dimensions that make parking a breeze.
The suspension setup prioritizes comfort over sportiness, successfully dealing with typical Indian road conditions. While it’s not designed for serious off-road work, it handles light trails and broken surfaces better than regular cars.
Highway cruising feels stable and composed, with the cabin remaining relatively quiet and comfortable for all occupants.
Fuel Economy That Makes Sense
One of the biggest attractions is the impressive fuel efficiency. Delivering between 21-23 kilometers per liter depending on driving conditions, it proves you don’t need to sacrifice economy for SUV styling. In today’s environment of rising fuel costs, this efficiency becomes a major selling point.
Pricing Strategy That Changes Everything
Starting at ₹6 lakh for the base variant and extending to approximately ₹8.5 lakh for the fully-loaded version, this SUV offers multiple trim levels. The base model covers essential features, while higher variants add premium equipment like better infotainment, alloy wheels, and enhanced safety features.
This pricing approach makes SUV ownership accessible to middle-class families who previously could only dream of such styling and presence.
The Bottom Line
Maruti Suzuki has created something remarkable with this Range Rover-inspired compact SUV. It successfully combines head-turning design, practical everyday usability, excellent fuel economy, and proven reliability in one affordable package.
While it may not offer genuine luxury SUV performance or premium materials, it delivers exactly what most Indian buyers want – style, efficiency, and dependability at a price that won’t strain the family budget. For anyone seeking SUV presence without the typical premium cost, this new Maruti offering represents outstanding value and is likely to become a familiar sight on Indian roads.
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