Best small luxury diesel SUVs

Looking to buy an entry-level premium SUV? We tell you which models to spend your money on.

Published on Feb 12, 2019 08:00:00 AM

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5) Mercedes-Benz GLA 7/10

While the GLA sports a well-finished cabin and eye-catching exterior styling, the package is let down by a noisy, older motor and its comparative lack of practicality, especially in terms of rear seat space. Ride quality isn’t the best either.

Mercedes-Benz GLA prices
Variant	Price
GLA 200d Style	Rs 32.33 lakh
GLA 200d Sport	Rs 35.64 lakh
GLA 220d 4MATIC	Rs 38.64 lakh

4) Audi Q3 7/10

Despite being a little long in the tooth now, the Q3 is still an attractive car. The cabin though a bit plain is well put together, and quality is still good by class standards. The Q3 has all the essential creature comforts ticked but misses out on some of the kit available on newer rivals. While the 150hp diesel is just adequate, the larger 184hp motor is the one to go for as it is refined and quick engine. A cushy ride also adds to the feeling of being in something expensive.

Audi Q3 prices
Variant	Price
Q3 30 TDI Premium	Rs 36.53 lakh
Q3 35 TDI Premium Plus quattro	Rs 39.68 lakh
Q3 35 TDI Technology quattro	Rs 42.88 lakh

3) Mini Countryman 7/10

The Countryman has a few key strengths – excellent build quality, a long list of equipment and the retro-cool factor associated with the Mini badge. It’s a fun-to-drive car but it misses out on AWD, which contributes to the feel that the Countryman just isn’t SUV enough. The ride quality on the Mini is a bit too firm for our roads, giving potential customers another reason to opt for one of its rivals.

Mini Countryman prices
Variant	Price
Countryman Cooper SD	Rs 37.40 lakh

2) BMW X1 8/10

True to the BMW badge, the X1 is an enthusiast's SUV in this class. It strikes a great balance between ride and handling and good performance from the strong diesel engine. The new X1 looks smart and boasts a spacious and plush cabin. AWD is available in top-spec version but it's best to stick to light off-roading due to the SUV's low ground clearance.

BMW X1 prices
Variant	Price
X1 sDrive20d Expedition	Rs 35.20 lakh
X1 sDrive20d xLine	Rs 39.30 lakh
X1 sDrive20d M Sport	Rs 42.40 lakh
X1 xDrive20d M Sport	Rs 45.40 lakh

1) Volvo XC40 9/10

The baby Volvo gets the basics right: it's effortless to drive thanks to a well-sorted ride/handling setup and 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel motor, and it scores high on space and practicality too. The Volvo XC40 is also equipped with the tech and creature comforts that cars even a class above miss out. It’s relatively pricier than its competition but you do get a lot for your money.