Hyundai Creta

The Creta returns in an all-new avatar and this time it wears a sharper look along with more features being poured into the mix. The Creta is a hugely successful SUV due to its wide array of talents. Now, the new Creta in terms of its exterior styling has a new look which is in sync with the global Hyundai design. These is a huge new grille while there are square like elements being added in. The same goes for the rear styling with a connected look while new colours are added in as well. It looks tougher and goes on a different path in terms of design but this endears with us more than its predecessor and it is a more universally appealing design, overall.

Inside, it is also a tech fest of sorts with two screens along with premium features like dual zone climate control on offer too. It gets ventilated seats, a powered handbrake and more connected car tech while there new 360-degree camera which offers a sharp view. Space remains the same as the earlier Creta but you do get cushions and more in terms of molly coddling the rear seat passenger.

Just like the earlier Creta, there are now three different powertrains on offer with the 1.5l petrol and diesel along with a new 1.5l turbo petrol too. There is no manual gearbox though with the new Creta Turbo but the DCT automatic does the job. While there is no dearth of SUVs around, the Creta ticks the most boxes and in its new form is more desirable plus is more enjoyable behind the wheel too.

Tata Punch EV

Electric cars are slowly but surely appealing to the wallet of the Indian car buyer and Tata Motors has been the most aggressive player in this space. It has launched the most EVs and not surprisingly, the Nexon EV remains the bestselling electric car in India. However, Tata Motors is also expanding its line-up and has launched a smaller Punch EV below the Nexon. That said, the differences go much beyond that as the Punch EV debuts a new electric architecture called Acti.EV which means that there is no relation to the petrol Punch at all. This brings added advantages in terms of dialling in more flexibility which shows.
The Punch EV for example has a Frunk and that is an extra storage space at the front. The interiors for a small SUV are suitably plush with features which you normally do not expect at this price like a powered handbrake and more. Space is decent though but it’s more for four passengers although the floor is near flat. There are no cutting corners in terms of the driving experience as the range is more than enough while it is smooth and reasonably quick. While the sudden burst of acceleration has been toned-down, first-time EV buyers will gravitate to this and will find it easy to get used to. The best thing about the Punch EV is that it is suitably premium and yet brings in a good mix of features and range.

Land Rover Evoque

The stylish Evoque remains one of the most radical shapes within the SUV world and in its newer form, Land Rover has merely tweaked it. The slim LEDs merge nicely with the crisp but simplistic lines while it the roof along with the surfacing is low slung. It is a cool looking car and one that now looks even better courtesy the new alloy wheels and the cleaned-up styling with a minimal look. Even the alloy wheel design is classy but not over the top while flush door handles do not mess with the lines. Inside, it is even more minimalist and here everything is bundled up in the touchscreen. The dashboard is devoid of buttons and that takes some time getting used to but it looks clean we have to say! Land Rover has also tweaked the driver display and added more functions.

Amongst all this digital takeover, Land Rover says that the all-touchscreen unit is not too complicated and we would agree since every function does not take more than couple of taps. Of course, it is fully loaded but the cabin air purification system comes in handy here amongst all the usual luxury amenities. The Evoque is about style and that means space at the rear is just about enough and the headroom is also a bit tight. That said, you should enjoy this car from behind the wheel and here, it is slightly on the sportier side being the most compact Land Rover. There are diesel and petrol engines with a mild hybrid system while also getting a 9-speed automatic. The Evoque then is all about form and function but tapering towards the style element and it remains one of the best-looking SUVs to buy!