Top 5 midsize SUVs: Most features on a base variant
While mid-spec trims remain the most popular choice for new car buyers, striking a balance between features and affordability, base models often get overlooked due to their reputation for being under-equipped. Yet this perception doesn't always hold. Several mid-size SUVs deliver impressively well-appointed base trims that include essential safety tech and feature an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sunroof, and a rear seat armrest, without requiring an upgrade to a higher trim level. We rank the five best-equipped base trims in the mid-size SUV segment, listed in ascending order. Interestingly, some of these models aren't as popular compared to better-selling rivals, but they more than compensate with generous standard features right from the entry point.
5. Volkswagen Taigun Comfortline
Gets basic safety tech and an infotainment system with six speakers
In its base Comfortline trim, the Volkswagen Taigun arrives well-equipped with essential safety features including six airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, brake assist, a tyre pressure deflation warning system, rear parking sensors, say/night IRVM and adjustable headrests. The cabin also features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, steering-mounted controls, and rear AC vents. Exterior features include electrically adjustable ORVMs, LED DRLs and tail-lamps, and 16-inch wheels with covers. Powering this trim is a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 115hp and 178Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
4. MG Astor Sprint
Comes with soft-touch leatherette dash, keyless entry, rear seat armrest and a larger infotainment screen
While the MG Astor shares several safety features with the Taigun, it comes with only two airbags in its base variant. Inside, however, it offers a more premium feel with a soft-touch leatherette dashboard and a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features include LED headlamps and DRLs, extra USB ports, a multi-information display, 60:40 split-folding rear seats with a centre armrest, keyless entry, hill hold assist, a PM 2.5 air filter, and selectable steering modes. On the downside, it skips LED tail-lamps and includes just four speakers. The Astor is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 110hp and 144Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Moreover, with a sub Rs 10 lakh price, it's the most affordable of the lot, which feels like a bargain considering its feature list.
3. Maruti Victoris LXi
Gets OTA updates, push button start, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
The base LXi trim of the Victoris arrives better equipped than its stablemate, the Grand Vitara. It shares a comparable safety kit and 7-inch infotainment display with the Taigun, but adds notable upgrades, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA infotainment updates, push-button start, and an integrated voice assistant, though it gets just two speakers. Like the Astor, the Victoris also includes a multi-information display, 60:40 split-folding rear seats with a centre armrest, keyless entry, and hill hold assist.
While the Astor offers more convenience features overall, its limitation to just two airbags costs it a higher ranking against the better-protected Victoris. Under the hood, the Victoris is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 103hp and 139Nm of torque. Uniquely among models on this list, it also offers a factory-fitted CNG kit paired with the petrol engine, which delivers 88hp and 121.5Nm of torque in CNG mode. Both powertrain options come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
2. Skoda Kushaq Classic+
The only base trim mid-size SUV with a sunroof and automatic gearbox option
The recently facelifted Skoda Kushaq now offers an even better-equipped base trim. It shares a similar safety kit with its badge-engineered Volkswagen sibling but adds extra conveniences such as rain-sensing wipers, a rear defogger, a rear wiper, and optional front parking sensors. Inside, the cabin features a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, LED headlamps, DRLs and tail-lamps, and rear AC vents. Notably, the Kushaq stands alone in the segment by offering a single-pane electric sunroof right from the base trim. It's powered by the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine as the Taigun but uniquely provides the option of an 8-speed automatic gearbox, making it the only SUV on this list available with an automatic transmission from the entry level.
1. Kia Seltos HTE
A 10.25-inch screen, rear view camera, and cruise control make it the best-equipped base trim SUV
The HTE trim of the Kia Seltos stands as the best-equipped base variant among mid-size SUVs. It not only delivers a comprehensive suite of basic safety features but also adds a rear-view camera, downhill brake control, and rear occupant alert. The cabin features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, keyless entry, and four Type-C USB ports. Notably, it's the only vehicle here to offer cruise control from the base trim onward, but skips a rear seat armrest. Powering the Seltos HTE is a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 115hp and 144Nm of torque. The Seltos is also the only SUV on this list to offer a diesel option: a 1.5-litre unit generating 116hp and 250Nm of torque. Both engines come paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
from Autocar India https://ift.tt/tj7MPIw
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