Cars for every budget

|THE DEN|

From the most expensive to the cheapest, nothing but the best at every price-point.

Cars under 1 cr BMW i4

BMW is no stranger to electrified vehicles, and the 2022 i4 sedan adds to the brand's EV lineup. The i4 is a low-slung four-door in the manner of the similarly sized 4-series Gran Coupe, and is based on BMW's most recognised model, the 3-series. It certainly delivers value for money at just over 69 lakhs.

Unlike its competitors, the i4's electric underpinnings aren't obvious on the road. It's simply another 4 Series without a thorough look at the badging. Yes, the obtrusive kidney grille

virtually swallows the sedan's front end. Once you get past it, the i4 is a beautiful sedan with a coupe roofline that defies its own specifications.

The i4 presents itself as a grand tourer on the road. It has enough range for most road trips, thankfully. The vehicle will go 500 kilometres on 18-inch wheels before the battery is depleted, according to the EPA. The automaker's evaluation vehicle was equipped with larger 19-inch wheels, which the EPA claims reduces the range to 450 kilometres.

The battery pack has a total capacity of 83.9kWh, with 81.5kWh available to the car on a daily basis. According to BMW, the vehicle can accept up to 200kW of electricity via DC fast charging despite being built on a 400-volt foundation. According to BMW, charging time from zero to 100% takes roughly 8.25 hours, which is more than enough time for the i4 to be ready to leave in the morning.

The i4's inside is luxuriously outfitted, with rose gold trim, white leather upholstery, and light wood trim options. The main layout is comparable to that of previous BMW models, and the automobile is luxuriously appointed with premium materials and ample space for the entire family.

The 14.9-inch touchscreen, which contains iDrive 8, BMW's latest infotainment system, is front and centre. There have been some changes to the user interface, with more panels visible on the homescreen. There was little to no lag when swiping left and right and launching features. Everything went live promptly and without a hitch. BMW has also improved its voice assistant for individuals who prefer to keep their hands on the wheel.

Cars under 50 Lakhs Mercedes-Benz GLA

With prices ranging from 44 lakhs to 48.90 lakhs, the Mercedes-Benz GLA might be the most value for money option under 50 lakhs. The brand value and head turning design of this car make it a great proposition if you’re looking for a car of this segment.

The updated GLA is taller, bigger, and has more ground clearance than the previous generation model in terms of aesthetics. This provides it the much-needed SUV appeal that

the previous model lacked. A single slat horizontal grille sits at the front, accompanied by redesigned LED headlights.

Space within the cabin is also greatly improved because to the longer wheelbase, wider track, and taller roof. This is especially true in the back, where there is now an unexpected amount of room. You’ll enjoy both the rear seat ride and driving this mini SUV.

The interiors of the GLA make the biggest impression; Mercedes-Benz has managed to replicate much of the plushness of its larger cars in this smaller form. The pair of 10.25-inch MBUX panels, with their crisp visuals, the voice assistant, and relatively simple functions, make for a familiar interface. The large centre stack, with the touchpad and toggle switches, is also reminiscent of a modern Mercedes, as are the elegant ambient lighting highlights.

The new GLA uses the identical engine-gearbox combinations as the A-Class Limousine, which is to be expected. The petrol engine is a 1.3-litre turbo co-developed with Renault Nissan that produces 165 horsepower and 250 Nm and is mated to a seven-speed DCT. The diesel engine is the famous OM654 unit, but unlike the A-Class, it comes with a higher output of 190 horsepower and 400 Nm.

In addition to being comfortable, the GLA is also laid-back and relaxing to drive in city traffic. When you step on the gas, the car accelerates quickly, the transmission lags and hesitates

only sporadically, and the steering is light and easy to spin.

Cars under 40 Lakhs MG Gloster

The MG Gloster is perhaps the biggest passenger car you can acquire around 40 lakhs, and it's the only feasible alternative to the slightly overpriced Fortuner. The automobile also has a

lot of features and a luxury feel to it.

The Gloster's pristinely insulated cabin will just enthral you with its refinement and low NVH levels. To lay down its power on the road, the 215bhp/480Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine

makes excellent use of an eight-speed automated gearbox and an AWD system. Auto, Eco, Sport, Mud, Sand, Rock, and Snow are among the drive modes available.

The Gloster accelerates smoothly and steadily, with no unpleasant jerks from the transmission. We also mentioned a preference for shifting gears at 2,000rpm on a steady throttle. As a result, the gear shifts are heavily reliant on the throttle. The more one mashes their right foot, the longer one must hold a lower gear to optimise reaction.

Because the Gloster joyfully swallows even the largest potholes, it goes without saying that the daily bumps and undulations are trampled over without causing the passengers any discomfort. This is significant given the state of our roads, and it is only feasible because of the suspension's enormous travel.

The Gloster is a bit of a climb to get inside, but once inside, you'll like the light, airy, and modern layout, as well as the soft-touch and high-quality materials utilised throughout. Even the fit and finish are excellent. For the most part, the ergonomics are good, but we couldn't get our heads around the strange vertically-positioned wireless charging pad.

On the technology front, there's a speedy and intuitive 12.3-inch HD infotainment touchscreen, MG's iSmart tech with over 71 connected car features, the outstanding multi-information driver's display, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and an auto park assist. A heated and ventilated leather seat, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, a big panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a powered tailgate are also included.

Cars under 30 Lakhs Isuzu D Max V Cross

Pickup vehicles are not popular among private owners in India. With the Xenon XT and Scorpio Getaway, Tata Motors and Mahindra tried their hand at this sector, but neither succeeded in capturing the imagination of private owners, with the exception of a few aficionados. Commercial owners, on the other hand, prefer basic pickups. When Isuzu introduced the D-Max in 2014, it piqued the curiosity of automobile enthusiasts looking for a rugged, dependable, and elegant lifestyle vehicle.

The build quality is excellent, and the truck appears to be built to withstand punishment. The Tata and Mahindra trucks are no match for this Isuzu, which is centuries ahead. The V-Cross

has a robust feel about it, with heavy doors, tailgate, and bonnet. The V-Cross, on the other hand, is far too heavy at 1,905 kg. To put things in context, the Fortuner's kerb weight

starts at less than that! Weight, as we all know, reduces performance and efficiency.

The engine in this V-Cross produces 165 bhp at 3600 rpm and 360 Nm at 2000 rpm of maximum power and torque, respectively. Manual and automatic transmissions are offered

for the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. Although the power ratings aren't very thrilling, the car is capable of pulling itself out of most circumstances.

The fact that the D-Max is a primitive body-on-frame pickup truck can't be hidden, no matter how appealing it is. The rear suspension is made up of leaf springs, while the front suspension is made up of coil springs. The ride is adequate for the most part, but when you hit a sharp bump at low speeds, it's really bumpy – to the point where you can see the occupants being thrown to the back in the rear-view mirror, much to your delight or dismay.

There's a parking camera and sensors – which come in handy when reversing, given the vehicle's length of 5.2m – as well as bi-LED projector lights, front airbags, automated climate

control, and more. The backrest is a little too high, but there is enough room for three persons. However, passengers will be more bothered by the bouncing ride than by the seats.

The V-Cross has a beige and black colour scheme on the inside. The pillars and roof liner are a pale grey colour, and the wide glass area allows plenty of natural light into the cabin.

Furthermore, the cabin is spacious, so front-seat passengers won't feel too close to one another. In this truck's interior, no one will feel claustrophobic. On the other hand, light colours

are a poor choice for a 4x4 utility truck, and the interiors will quickly become soiled when you go out trucking.

Cars under 20 Lakhs Tata Safari

When you look at the new Safari head-on, it'll take a keen automotive eye to tell it apart from the Harrier. Tata Motors' new tri-arrow motifs are highlighted in chrome on the grille, which is now completed in brushed silver. Around the carried-over dual headlamps, there's some extra chrome. These modifications are well-integrated and do not appear to be excessive. The Safari is perhaps the greatest automobile under Rs. 20 lakhs.

The sense of room and luxury in the original Safari's cabin was one of the key pillars on which it gained its reputation. We believe Tata Motors has addressed this adequately, with the Harrier serving as a starting point. The Harrier's brown wood and tan upholstery have been swapped out for off-white upholstery and dark ash wood dash trim.

So, despite being very noisy at city speeds, the FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel with 170 horsepower and 350 Nm is as capable as any of its other uses. Because the motor is mostly vibration-free and produces a smooth wave of torque from just below 2,000 rpm, the 1,800+ kg SUV feels alert in most situations.

The hydraulic steering system feels a little strange. It's heavy enough at low speeds to make parking a work, then settles into a lightness that makes navigating city traffic a breeze but isn't

quite light enough for interstate driving. Over sharp bumps, there's some kickback, and under heavy acceleration, there's noticeable torque steer, which detracts from the SUV's otherwise outstanding high-speed stability.

The light upholstery may require some upkeep, but it has increased the impression of space in the already spacious cabin, and the new wood trim appears more real than the Harrier's. The dash design is based on the Harrier and uses the same materials, but the fit and finish has been upgraded by a significant amount. The switches are a little more tactile than

previously, and there aren't as many loose panels. The newly added ambient lighting contributes even more to this heightened impression of quality.

Also available on top-spec Safaris are a six-seater option with captain's chairs in the middle row. These seats are luxuriously cushioned, have a wide range of adjustment (including a Boss mode), and a fold-down armrest. Passengers with broader frames may notice that the seats aren't the biggest available.

Cars under 10 Lakhs Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Baleno has been upgraded and repositioned to provide new technology, increased value, and improved accessibility. Is there anything better than a fantastic interior, a powerful engine, and a price tag under ten lakhs?

Despite the fact that the main design is the same, this Baleno's body panels are entirely new. The grille is substantially broader, as is the chrome appliqué that runs beneath it, and the bonnet is flatter and wider. The lower bumper features greater sculpting and new LED fog lights. The most noticeable difference is a new pair of LED headlamps with Nexa's distinctive three-block Daytime Running Lamps trademark.

The new Baleno, according to Maruti Suzuki, passes all current crash test standards and is built with a higher amount of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel. This, along with the

extra equipment, has resulted in a 55kg weight boost in top-spec cars, and sure, for what it's worth, the door shuts with a bit more heft than before.

The K12N engine is used in the Baleno. It replaces the mild hybrid system in the facelifted Swift and Dzire, but keeps everything else from the K12C, including the 90hp and 113Nm

outputs. The CVT automatic transmission has also been dropped in favour of a five-speed AMT, presumably to enhance fuel economy (at 22.94 km/l).

With its dramatic mix of blue and dark grey basic plastics, as well as glossy light grey and piano black accents, the dashboard design is aesthetically attractive. The Swift's sportier flat-bottom steering has been installed, which looks much better in the new cockpit, and the dials, while analogue, are sharp and easy to read. Of course, the new 9.0-inch touchscreen (more on that later) takes centre stage, sitting upright in a monolithic binnacle and easily accessible.

What impresses more than the style is the considerable improvement in quality, which has gone from hard-wearing and adequate to potentially class-leading. The leatherette on the

steering wheel and, in particular, the elbow rests, has a softness that feels quite expensive, and all of the plastics have a rich texture. Even the new AC controls, which resemble toggles, are well damped and illuminated.

As a whole, the 'mini-SUV' style, as Maruti calls it, feels a little too boxy. The front end is dominated by the grille and squared-off headlamps, while the DRLs are neatly incorporated into the bumper, giving the car a modern appearance. When viewed from the side, it's evident that Maruti's designers tried to imitate a lofty SUV appearance with this hatchback.

Cars under 5 Lakhs Maruti Suzuki S-presso

Maruti Suzuki's tall-hatch model has proven to be successful, and the S-Presso is their attempt to create a ‘miniSUV,' which is a classic instance of don't judge a book by its cover. The S-Presso is the company's attempt to resurrect its fortunes and enter a category where the Renault Kwid has been a hit since its inception.

The 1.0-litre K-series BS-VI reinforced engine in the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is a relatively well-known (dependable) engine. This engine still produces 69 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 90 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. A 5-speed manual or an AMT are both available.

The inside is quite modern, and the dash is dominated by the centre console, which features a centrally stacked digital instrument console inspired by 'sports digital watches,' according to Maruti. Its design is appropriately eccentric, complementing the S-Presso’s youthful mood. It uses hard plastics throughout the interior, just like the competition, but it has that Maruti built-to-last feel to it.