The domestic automotive landscape has seen a prominent new crossover SUV arrival positioned directly between the Venue and the Creta. Priced from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 18 lakh ex-showroom, the vehicle enters the showroom floors with a substantial array of modern conveniences. Among its headline equipment are twin 12.3-inch displays, Level-2 ADAS safety tech, a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front bucket seating, and generative AI voice assistant capabilities. Nevertheless, when considering the demanding segment rivalry and an upper price threshold stretching to eighteen lakh rupees, buyers might notice the omission of several essential functional amenities.
Single-Zone Climate Control Instead of Dual-Zone Setup
Independent cabin temperature adjustment has gained wide traction among vehicles competing in this bracket. Rivals such as the Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, and Renault Duster permit the driver and front co-passenger to independently regulate their preferred cabin temperatures. In contrast, this new crossover provides merely a single-zone automatic climate control unit. For a top-spec model commanding a premium tag, the lack of split temperature adjustment stands out as an unfortunate shortcoming in interior comfort.
Rear Window Sunshades Left Out for Second-Row Passengers
During peak summer conditions across the nation, retractable window curtains on the rear doors provide crucial relief from heat and glare. Intriguingly, the manufacturer equips its more affordable sibling, the Venue, with factory-installed sunshades straight from the assembly line. That handy inclusion has been excluded on this higher-positioned model, leaving rear passengers without integrated protection against direct harsh sunlight.
Absence of an Electric Powered Tailgate Mechanism
Luggage capacity stands at an impressive 505 litres, serving as one of the primary selling points for family road trips. However, access to that vast cargo bay relies on purely manual operation, with no electric release or hands-free motorized tailgate provided. Several competing models now introduce smart or motorized boot operation, which significantly eases the loading of hefty suitcases when a driver has their hands full.
No Option for Turbo-Petrol or Efficient Diesel Engines
Under the bonnet, mechanical choices are restricted entirely to a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit delivering 115 PS of output. In this segment, driving enthusiasts often seek punchy forced-induction turbo engines, while long-distance highway travellers consistently lean toward torquey diesel options for superior mileage. Lacking both turbocharged petrol and diesel variants inevitably narrows the appeal for motorists demanding stronger performance or lower running expenses.
Omission of Air Purifier and Cooled Storage Compartment
Given the rising pollution numbers in major metropolitan cities, an integrated in-cabin air cleaning system is no longer a luxury but an everyday wellness necessity. Likewise, a chilled dashboard glovebox offers tremendous utility by keeping beverages cool during scorching afternoon journeys. While the carmaker routinely bundles both functional items into models like the Creta and Venue, even the top-grade trim of this new crossover misses out on these thoughtful touches.
