If there's one thing that Hyundai is adept at, it is playing to its strengths of offering a car which is rich in features. The Creta is no different! With many class-leading features, it is a car that is comfortable, practical and offers a decent drive experience.

It has got IMT, DCT, auto and regular manual. It has two-tone or monotone paint jobs. Two trim lines and of course two petrol and one diesel engine to choose from. Throw in all that tech & gadgetry and that is quite the fully loaded car, isn't it? The Kia Sonet is priced competitively with prices for the petrol version starting at ₹ 6.71 lakh going all the way up to ₹ 11.99 lakh while the diesel starts from ₹ 8.05 lakh topping out at ₹ 11.99 lakh.

The XUV300 is now one of the few vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment apart the Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet that comes with both Automatic and Manual transmission options with both Petrol and Diesel engines. The Nexon, the only other AMT in the segment though starts at a much lower ₹ 8.59 lakh (ex-showroom). That makes the XUV a premium offering no doubt, but one that now takes care of your driving hassles in a satisfactory way.

Lots of features on offer and a 5-star crash test rating for the Altroz makes it a well-rounded package, and with the growing demand for DCT vehicles in the segment, Tata hopes that this trend will catapult the Tata Altroz DCA as the most preferred vehicle in the market.

Compared to its rivals the Amaze still comes at a premium which in a price sensitive segment is not ideal. Overall though a well-proportioned car has become better with a more likeable exterior and a cabin that feels more premium. It has managed to create a space of its own in this competitive segment

The MG Astor is the petrol counterpart of the now popular ZS EV from the Chinese-British enterprise. It comes with a host of segment first features specially when it comes to safety and infotainment. MG is known to offer more for less and many segment-first features. With aggressive pricing and long feature list, the Astor could make a considerable dent in the ultra-competitive compact SUV segment.

The all-new Compass comes with a larger 8.4-inch UConnect Infotainment screen, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, plush leather interiors, an 8-way powered seat for the driver. The new Compass is agile, engaging, spirited and rather fun. It’s also surprisingly nimble and capable off-road. If priced nearly as attractively in India as it is in here in America, well then lets just go ahead and congratulate FCA India right now!

Smart spaces like the keys bin between the two front seats, bottle holders and even an umbrella nook in the front doors, and a cooled glove box - are some of the tricks in the Punch. It claims 25 utility spaces across the cabin! The car also has acceptable rear legroom great under-thigh support, and surprising headroom. Higher trims have a drop-down armrest at the back, and the fabric seat upholstery is grey with elements of the exterior colour in the pattern. The rear floor is almost flat - which adds to the sense of space.

Needless to say, the Hyundai Aura does impress us with what it has to offer in terms of performance and features. The car is a definite upgrade over the Xcent in terms of looks as well, maybe! The prices start at ₹ 5.80 lakh and go up to ₹ 9.22 lakh, undercutting the Suzuki Dzire and the Honda Amaze, two of its biggest rivals, by a slight margin. Is it value for money? Yes, definitely! Should it feature on your consideration list for a subcompact sedan? A hundred per cent!

While the Tata Harrier is quite a capable SUV, compared to its current rivals, it doesn’t seem to offer enough value. Yes, with the BS6 update you now get a panoramic sunroof, 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat and auto-dimming rearview mirror, but right now, it might feel too little, too late.

The all-new Compass comes with a larger 8.4-inch UConnect Infotainment screen, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, plush leather interiors, an 8-way powered seat for the driver. The new Compass is agile, engaging, spirited and rather fun. It’s also surprisingly nimble and capable off-road. If priced nearly as attractively in India as it is in here in America, well then lets just go ahead and congratulate FCA India right now!

The Tucson is a good blend of a comfortable and spacious and yet compact SUV that offers good driving dynamics and great interior tech. Design could be slightly polarising but the Tucson does have some great road presence and would certainly be a product we would recommend over the conventional ₹ 20 lakh sedan. The Tucson, as we mentioned earlier also gaps the range between the Creta and the Santa Fe.

The XUV300 is now one of the few vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment apart the Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet that comes with both Automatic and Manual transmission options with both Petrol and Diesel engines. The Nexon, the only other AMT in the segment though starts at a much lower ₹ 8.59 lakh (ex-showroom). That makes the XUV a premium offering no doubt, but one that now takes care of your driving hassles in a satisfactory way.

This is a massively improved car. It takes many leaps forward. It is a car that will impress most people, because of its sheer level of refinement. The Scorpio is a winner and for sure - get ready for long waiting periods on this one too.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has crossed many a milestone in its successful journey in the market. The new Baleno has a wide range of new features. While a different Auto gearbox has taken some of the spirit away it'll appeal to the money conscious. So, it really hasn't remained true to the premium tag! But it is all the tech that has really made the Baleno a car for the present and even the future, one that is more than capable of taking on its popular rivals.