For most, buying a car is a big decision they take in their lives. And when you are spending 12 to 14 lakhs for you car, then the decision becomes rather critical. In most cases, when you are putting down Rs. 12 to 14 lakhs on a car, in all probability it is your second car or maybe even third car. Today with auto manufacturers gunning for the mid cars segment, making a calculated choice becomes even more important.
One of the first dilemmas one faces in this segment is whether to go for a brand new mid-segment car or a used high-end luxury car.
Once you have made up your mind that it would be a brand new car, then the hunt begins for the best cars between your price range of 12 to 14 lakhs.
What to look out for:
- Should your new care be a Sedan, an SUV or an MUV? The market is literally flooded with all types of these cars in the 12 to 14 lakhs price range and all automobile manufacturers have impressive catalogues comparing their model to their closest competitors. Making it all very confusing.
- You might be partial to the brand of the car you are currently using as you have had a great experience
- What is the re-sale value of the car?
- Peer group – how many of my friends are using it?
- Is it a new model or a well-established model?
- Do you want to be a trendsetter or a follower?
- What are the accessories you are looking at and how convenient would it be for you to upgrade your car at a later date?
- Servicing and spares available for the car?
- Performance – Mileage of petrol and diesel variants
Here we will share some of the best brands of Sedans, SUVS and MUVs in the Rs. 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs range, to help you make the right and considered decision for the car that suits you best.
#14. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross
Maruti Suzuki slashed the prices of its premium SUV the S-Cross and the top-end model S-Cross 1.6 L Alpha, which has all the latest features incorporated comes at Rs. 12.15 Lakhs. The salient features of the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross are, front airbags for the driver and passenger, Hi-definition display screen that has a digital trip meter, fuel gauge and motion sensor, and the steering mounted control for your music system truly gives you the feel of driving a high end SUV at a mid-segment price.
The specific model S-Cross 1.6 L Alpha also has unique features such as automatic climate control, rain sensing features and alloy wheels. This is available only in a diesel variant with a mileage of approx. 22 kmpl. The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross comes with the efficiency of all Maruti cars and affordable service and spares. However, the one drawback is, it does not have an automatic variant.
#13. Honda Mobilio
The Honda Mobilio, a compact SUV from Honda is available in both petrol and diesel versions and is billed as the complete family car. The Mobilio MPV RS Option diesel at priced at 12.41 lakhs, is rich in user friendly features like AVN System, rear parking camera with sensors and the star of the Honda Mobilio being the 10 Spoke alloy wheels.
With a mileage of almost 25 kmpl, the Mobilio MPV RS Option diesel is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the Rs. 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs range. Despite the brand Honda, the Mobilio Diesel variant is relatively noisy, and the cabin interiors have scope for improvement.
All in all, the Honda Mobilio is value for money but not a comfortable 7 seater.
#12. Honda City
The Honda City’s high end diesel variant the Honda City VX (O) Diesel priced at Rs. 12.16 lakhs and the Honda City VX (O) BL Diesel priced at Rs. 12.18 lakhs, are the two unbeatable cars in the 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs range if you are looking for a compact sedan. With a mileage of 26 kmpl, it is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.
The sleek body, alloy wheels, its unique cruise control feature which helps in auto selection of speed for long drives, auto-gear transmission with pedal shift to be able to use manual gear transmission and electronically controlled outer rear view mirror, all go to make the Honda City as sought-after as it already is. The only issue is the refinement in the diesel engine and ground clearance, which could have been better.
The Honda City adds up to being a great car for city driving but there are better options for long journeys.
#11. Mahindra Scorpio
The Mahindra Scorpio has about 3 variants in the range of 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs, which are the Mahindra Scorpio S10 priced at 12.61 lakhs, Mahindra Scorpio S10 2WD AT priced at Rs. 13.27 lakhs and the Mahindra Scorpio 4WD priced at 13.78 lakhs. The salient features are:
- Dual Projector headlamps
- Road Armour bumpers
- Hi-tech LED Tail Lamps
- Innovative instrument cluster with 3D feel
The Mahindra Scorpio SUV is impressive in size and performance, though a bit disappointing as far as mileage is concerned, at 15 kmpl. However the auto gear transmission, sturdy build and the super-efficient diesel refinement of its engine, make it one huge compelling option.
#10. Hyundai Creta
Hyundai has launched a compact SUV to great success and currently has an enviable demand of a 3-week waiting period to deliver the Hyundai Creta. Available in diesel and petrol variants, 3 models of the diesel variant fall under the 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs range.
The models of the Hyundai Creta are the Creta 1.6 CRDI SX Plus, which is priced at 12.85 lakhs, the Creta 1.6 CRDI AT SX Plus priced at Rs. 13.77 lakhs, and the Creta 1.6 CRDI AT SX option at 13.79 lakhs. The Creta in its diesel variant gives a mileage of upto 21 kmpl.
The touch screen navigation, push button start and striking looks have made the Hyundai Creta an in-demand SUV. The only deterrent would be price and minor design issues like the tail lamps and absence of child lock in the rear passenger seat.
# 9. Tata Aria
The Tata Aria Pleasure 4 x 2 with a diesel engine also is a distinguished looking SUV priced at Rs. 12.83 lakhs. With dual airbags, top-of-the line music system, and ABS with EBD and its unique dual HVAC with automatic temperature control, the Tata Aria as an attractive option in the 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs bracket. The interiors too, make it a winner through and through with their spaciousness and overhead utility cabins.
However the legroom in the third row is a bit uncomfortable. Also another aspect that goes against the Tata Aria are the interior finishing and fittings which lack imagination as compared to the other cars in this range.
#8. Nissan Terrano
The Nissan Terrano diesel variants, the Terrano XV D THP priced at 13.11 lakhs and the Terrano XV D THP Premium priced at 13.15 lacs, are definitely strong contenders as SUVs in the 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs range.
The Nissan Terrano is complete value for money and brings with it cutting edge Japanese technology.
The fuel efficiency at 20 kmpl is a little low, but otherwise, the rugged design, spacious interiors, rear a/c vents, rear power socket and a state-of-the-art, music system with blue tooth compatibility make the Nissan Terrano a compelling option.
Just one more factor going against it is that, it does not have an automatic variant.
#7. Tata Safari Storme
The Tata Safari Storme 2.2 VX 4x2 priced at Rs. 13.26 lakhs and the Tata Safari Storme Vx 4x2 Varicor 400 priced at Rs. 13.42 lakhs are a great option as a diesel SUV. Modeled on the lines of the Range Rover, the Tata Safari Storme has some unbeatable value additions that make it a compelling buy. Prominent among them being:
- Harman infotainment system
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution System
- LED Brake Lamp
The Tata Safari Storme gives a mileage of 13 to 14 kmpl and the rugged look and handling of this machine, truly makes it a leader in its class of SUVs.
A true dream machine, however you will need to pay a small price to maintain it as its mileage as compared to other SUVs in this segment is low, and the torque power and acceleration is poor for the machine of this size.
#6. Mahindra XUV500
The Mahindra XUV500 W6 priced at Rs.12.82 lakhs is just one model higher than the entry-level model. With Alloy wheels, state-of the art infotainment system, push button start and stop options, and automatic climate control make this SUV a hot favorite in the 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs category.
The well-designed body of the car also makes it an imposing vehicle giving you the feel that you are driving a hardcore rugged machine. However the mileage of 19 kmpl and the plastic looking interiors could have improved to make the Mahindra XUV500 W6 the undisputable leader.
Keeping all this in mind, the Mahindra XUV500 W6 is a value for money buy, offers great driving experience, but for city roads you might face issues with parking.
#5. Force Motors Force One
If you want to get the feel of driving a Mercedes engine, than this SUV is surely for you. The Force One has its engines sourced from Mercedes. Available only in diesel they have 3 variants the One SX, One SX 7 Seater and the One LX priced between 12.7 lakhs and 14.34 lakhs.
The mileage is a not so impressive 11.3 kmpl. The aspects going in favor of the Force One besides the Mercedes’ engine are spacious cabin space, the JVC music system, steering mounted controls and dual AC vents for each row, thus making the Force One a great SUV for those looking for adventure.
However the pricing, tacky interiors and a not so smooth transmission might play spoil sport for the Force One.
#4. Toyota Innova
The Toyota Innova, an all time favorite family car and MUV has 7 variants that come in the 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs range. Starting from the entry level model, Toyota Innova 2.5 G 7 STR is priced at 12.86 lakhs and Toyota Innova 2.5 GX 8 STR at Rs. 13.72 lakhs. Some of the features that make the Toyota Innova such a strong favorite are:
- Spacious interiors, adequate legroom even in the third row.
- AC vents in the 2nd and 3rd rows
- Music system with touch screen and blue tooth.
However, the mileage in the diesel variant of 9 to 13 kmpl, makes one think twice about this car. Also, the Toyota Innova is not very easy to maneuver on city roads because of its bulk.
But despite that the performance of the car, its smoothness on the road and feature rich control make it one of the favorite family cars.
#3. Toyota Corolla Altis
The Toyota Corolla Altis, was one of the first sedans to be introduced by Toyota in India. The entry level petrol engine sedan, the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 J (S) priced at 13.28 lakhs, is definitely a car worth considering when you are looking for best buys in the 12 lakhs to 14 lakhs range. The dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and the adjustable steering along with rear adjustable seats add to the allure of the Toyota Corolla Altis. This petrol variant gives you a mileage of 14.5 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient machines in its class.
However there has been no innovation or development on the external body and look of the new variant, giving it a rather jaded and staid look as compared to newer sedans in the market.
But its comfortable drive and road presence with the Toyota engineering edge definitely make the Toyota Corolla Altis one of the best buys.
#2. Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna
The Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna is a new avatar of the earlier Verna, available in both petrol and diesel variants. The Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 CRDi 6X AT, priced at Rs. 12.51 lakhs comes with a 1.6 liter diesel motor with auto gear transmission, side and curtain air bags, ABS and pure leather upholstery. The dashboard control panel has been completely revamped from the older model and the Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 CRDi 6X AT earns both thumbs up for the new improved revamped look, superior engine quality and pick up.
With a mileage of 23.5 kmpl, the Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 CRDi 6X AT also wins hands down on fuel efficiency in the compact sedan segment. Just a couple of points going against the Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 CRDi 6X AT is, no rear AC vents, better infotainment panel and issues with ground clearance.
However, all in all the driving experience of the Hyundai 4S Fluidic Verna 1.6 CRDi 6X AT outweighs the minor aberrations.
#1. Nissan Evalia
The Nissan Evalia SV, priced at Rs. 12.44 lakhs, is a great option to consider as an SUV in the 12 to 14 lakhs range. It has the hallmark of Japanese engineering technology with its gearshift indicator, anti-brake locking system, dual airbags, adjustable steering and spacious cabin space, making the Nissan Evalia SV a heavyweight when you are weighing your options.
However, please note that its mileage is a good 15% to 18% lesser other SUVs in this segment at just 19 kmpl. Other features that don’t make this a great buy is the look, which is more like a station wagon and the passenger seats aren’t very comfortable.
In a nutshell the Nissan Evalia would be the choice if you were partial to the brand Nissan.
Final Note
On a final note, the car that you ultimately end up purchasing will depend on your preference, requirement and personal judgment.
But we would love to hear from you about which car piqued your interest the most. Let us know here.
