carandbike Awards 2021: Compact SUV Of The Year

The SUV market has been growing exponentially over the last decade and the trend has only continued in 2020. The compact SUV segment too has been on a roll last year with very popular models like the new-generation Hyundai Creta and Mahindra Thar going on sale. While the new Hyundai Creta has continued to be a strong volumes garner for the Korean brand, the Mahindra Thar too has exceeded expectations when it comes to sales, having a waiting period of almost six months.

Also Read: 2020 Hyundai Creta 1.4 Turbo Petrol Review

Hyundai Creta

The new-generation Hyundai Creta bagged over 10,000 pre-bookings ahead of its launch.

The new-generation Hyundai Creta was one of the most awaited launches last year and had created quite the buzz ahead of its launch. In fact, it bagged over 10,000 pre-bookings ahead of its launch. The new Hyundai Creta has been developed from ground up and along with a new and striking design language, it also gets new chassis, interiors, connected car tech and is loaded to the brim with bells and whistles featuring some upmarket features like ventilated seats, power adjustable driver seat, panoramic sunroof and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen among others.

There are three engine options on the new generation Creta, a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre VGT diesel and the 1.4-litre Turbo GDI petrol. The naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engines pump out 113 bhp and 144 Nm and 250 Nm of peak torque respectively, while the turbo petrol makes 138 bhp and 242 Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual which will be standard across the range, along with an optional torque convertor for the 1.5 diesel engine, 7-speed DCT on the 1.4 turbo petrol, and the iVT automatic for the 1.5 petrol motor.

Also Read: New Mahindra Thar Review; SUV Tested Off-Road Too

Mahindra Thar

The new-generation Mahindra Thar is a significant step-up compared to its predecessor.

The new-generation Mahindra Thar was another significant launch in the compact SUV space that proved to be a runaway success for Mahindra. The new Mahindra Thar builds up quite admirably on its aesthetics and interior appeal and is a big step up from its predecessor. It is also updated with some new features like a 7.0-inch touchscreen unit that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In terms of off-road equipment, the new Thar gets a mechanical 4x4 transfer case as standard with four-wheel low, four-wheel high and two-wheel drive modes and has a low crawl ration of 42:1 which can multiply the low end torque by 2.48 times. It is equipped with an independent suspension at the front while the rear gets a multi-link unit. The rear axle comes with a mechanical locking differential as well and the electronic stability program (ESP) helps shift traction to the right wheel, precisely when needed. It has a water wading ability of 650 mm with and an unladen ground clearance of 226 mm. Then it has an approach angle of 42 degrees, ramp-over angle of 27 degrees and a departure angle of 37 degrees.

Under the hood, the new Thar 2020 comes with a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder mHawk diesel engine and a brand new 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol. Both comply with the latest BS6 emission regulation. The updated diesel engine makes 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, whereas the all-new turbo petrol mill develops 150 bhp and 320 Nm of power figures. Transmission duties will be carried out by a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.