'Top' features are available in the base variants of these SUVs; Price starts from ₹8 lakh

'Top' features are available in the base variants of these SUVs; Price starts from ₹8 lakh

by with No Comment Car Review

The demand for compact and sub-compact SUVs is continuously increasing in the Indian car market. Especially for those buyers who want a vehicle with good features, safety and performance in the budget, the base variant is no longer as basic as before. In many models, 6 airbags, touchscreen, power windows and good safety features are available in the base variant only.

In this article we will compare the base variants of three popular SUVs – Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue. These three vehicles are strong contenders in terms of style, practicality and value for money. Their updated version in 2026 has created a stir in the market, where even the base models are quite loaded. If you want to buy an SUV in a budget of Rs 10-15 lakh, then it can be beneficial to look at their base variants.

Skoda Kushaq

The ex-showroom price of its base variant Classic Plus 1.0 TSI MT starts from around ₹ 10.69 lakh. It has been made more attractive in the 2026 facelift. A single-pane sunroof is standard in the base model, which is a big plus point in this segment.

Features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted controls, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, height adjustable driver seat, power windows and LED headlamps. In terms of safety, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and 5-star GNCAP rating make it strong.

The engine is a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol, which delivers good power (about 115 PS) and driving dynamics. Mileage can be around 19-20 kmpl. The specialty of Kushaq is its strong build quality, European handling and spacious cabin. The base variant is a sensible choice for those who give priority to driving enjoyment and safety. However, some premium features like larger screen or ventilated seats are available in higher variants.

Kia Seltos

The price of the base variant HTE of the new 2026 generation Seltos starts at ₹ 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Seltos has always been feature-packed and even the base model is no behind. Safety features like 10.25-inch infotainment screen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, cruise control, manual AC with rear vents, rear camera, 6 airbags and ESC are available here. The 12-inch digital cluster and good build quality give a premium feel to the cabin.

Engine options include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (MT), which is smooth and fuel efficient. Diesel and turbo options are also available. The specialty of Seltos is large cabin space, comfortable ride and modern design. The base variant is good for family users who want features and comfort without spending much. It is a little more expensive than the Kushaq, but offers more space and a refined feel.

Hyundai Venue

Venue is the most affordable option in the sub-4 meter SUV segment. Ex-showroom prices for the base HX2 variant start at around ₹ 8 lakh, making it attractive for budget buyers. Projector headlamps, touchscreen infotainment, digital cluster, 6 airbags and basic safety features are available in the base model. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is adequate for city driving, while turbo and diesel options are also available. Mileage remains good (18-21 kmpl).

The strengths of Venue are its compact size, easy maneuverability, stylish looks and Hyundai's strong service network. However, it is much smaller than the Kushaq and Seltos, so rear space and boot space may be limited. The base variant is best for young buyers or first-time SUV buyers who want modern features in a low budget.

Our advice: The base variants of all three SUVs have now become quite mature. Skoda Kushaq leads in driving dynamics, safety and build quality, especially in terms of sunroof and handling. Kia Seltos is balanced in features, space and premium feel, while Hyundai Venue is the most affordable and perfect for the city.

In terms of price, Venue is the most affordable, followed by Kushaq and then Seltos. If your priority is driving fun and safety, choose Kushaq, Seltos for family comfort and Venue for budget + style. Ultimately the decision depends on your needs, budget and test drive.

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Hyundai Venue and Kia Seltos get 5-star safety rating

Hyundai Venue and Kia Seltos get 5-star safety rating

by with No Comment Car Review

South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia have achieved a big milestone in terms of safety of their popular SUV models in the Indian market. Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue (as well as the Venue N Line) have received a full 5-star safety rating in the recently released Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) crash test results.

This achievement is an important step in promoting vehicle safety on Indian roads. BNCAP is an initiative of the Government of India, which tests the crash safety of vehicles sold in the domestic market and provides accurate information to the customers. Let us know how strong were these two SUVs considered in the crash test?

Safety test of Kia Seltos

Seltos was launched with an updated version in January 2026. It performed brilliantly in the BNCAP test. In Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) it got 31.70 out of 32 points, while in Child Occupant Protection (COP) it got 45 out of 49 points. In the frontal offset deformable barrier test (speed of 64 km/h), the Seltos scored 15.70 points out of 16. It got a perfect 16/16 points in the side movable deformable barrier test.

In side impact and pole tests, all critical body areas like head, neck, chest, abdomen and legs got 'Good' protection. Showed excellent performance in child safety with 24/24 points in dynamic testing and 12/12 points in child restraint system installation. This rating applies to all variants of the Seltos, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

How safe is Hyundai Venue?

Hyundai Venue and Venue N Line also achieved 5-star rating in BNCAP. It scored 31.15 out of 32 points in adult occupant protection and 44.46 out of 49 points in child occupant protection. The HX2 (diesel MT) and HX10 (diesel AT) variants were tested, but the rating is applicable to the entire lineup. The Venue showed strong structural integrity in frontal and side impact tests. In both models, 'Good' protection levels were seen in most critical areas, although some minor deductions may be related to equipment or structure.

Safety features of both

Both these SUVs are based on global platform, in which high-strength steel has been used. Talking about safety features, 6 airbags are standard in Seltos and Venue, along with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, 360-degree camera and many other safety technologies. More than 65 advanced safety features have been provided in Hyundai Venue, of which 33 are standard.

This result is very important for the Indian market because after the launch of BNCAP, customers are now choosing cars by giving priority to safety. Earlier many cars had scored 4 or 5 stars, but now high safety standards are being set even in the compact and sub-compact SUV segment. Considering the number of road accidents in India, it is very important to choose cars with 5-star rating. Now Seltos and Venue have also joined the club of 5-star safety rated SUVs.

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Maruti's Dhansu car came with 6 airbags, price starts from Rs 7.54 lakh

Maruti's Dhansu car came with 6 airbags, price starts from Rs 7.54 lakh

by with No Comment Car Review

Last updated:

Maruti Suzuki has updated Fronks with 6 airbags, which has increased the price by 0.5%. It has features like 360-degree camera, ABS, ESP and Hill Hold Assist.

Highlights

  • 6 airbags were standard at Maruti Fronx.
  • The price of Fronx increased by 0.5%.
  • Fronx has features like 360-degree camera, ABS, ESP.
New Delhi. Maruti Suzuki has decided to improve its image in the market, which was known as a company presenting less cars in the case of safety. At the end of last year, the company launched the 4th GEN Dzire, which surprised everyone to achieve a 5-star safety rating in the Global New Car Assessment Car Program (GNCAP). Now the company has also updated Maruti Fronks with 6 airbags.

6 Airbags Standard
The Government of India is inspiring car manufacturers to introduce better quality and safe cars, including cheap entry-level models. The Ministry of Roads and Transport has ordered all car brands to be introduced as 6 airbags standard in all models and variants.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Velocity Edition - What is it? - Car News | The Financial Express

These models were also updated
The Indo-Japanese car manufacturer has already updated almost the entire Arena range models as six airbags standard, which is before the compulsory rules to be implemented from 1 October 2025. The company has also started updating its Nexa range, in which models such as Grand Vitara, Invisto, Baleno and XL6 are already introducing six airbags as standard. Now the company has also updated Froncs with Standard 6 Airbags.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx - Nexa Launch Date | Varun Maruti

Price increased by 0.5 percent
As expected, this update has led to a slight increase in the price of Fronks by 0.5 percent, which has come into force from 25 July 2025. This means that the price has grown about Rs 6,000-7,000. The price of the Baleno-based crossover is now between Rs 7.54 lakh to Rs 13.07 lakh (ex-showroom).

Dhansu feature
Other security features in Fronks include 360-degree camera, EBD with ABS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist, etc. In the case of powertrain, Fronx is available with two petrol engine options: a 1.2-liter natural aspirated and a 1.0-liter turbocharged unit. The first gives 89 bhp and 113 Nm peak torque. The second gives 99 bhp and 148 Nm peak torque.

Location:

New Delhi,Delhi

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Maruti's Dhansu car came with 6 airbags, price starts from Rs 7.54 lakh

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