9 pseudo SUVs available in India: Beware of the imposter!

The lockdown has been pretty bad for all of us, especially mentally. While some of us made

Dalgona coffees and cakes to cope up with the stress, others resorted to playing games together. ‘Among us’ was one of them and it may sound weird, but it is our inspiration for this article. Like the game, even the automobile sector have imposters; in the form of pseudo SUVs, and we believe it’s our duty to keep you aware of them. So today we will be looking at 9 pseudo SUVs in India.

1. Hyundai Venue

   

   Starting off this list with a car loved by many, but certainly not SUV enthusiast. Now I’m not saying that’s a bad car. Multiple great options, especially the 1.0 turbo petrol, the latest gizmos; including connected car technology and fluidic lines on the outside makes it a great car, but it’s not an SUV. And calling it one is just disrespecting them.

2. Kia Sonet

   

   Venue’s brother from another brother, the Sonet. It’s again a great product from the South Korean brand. Compact, stylish and comfortable. It is also decently powered and yeah it is selling in great numbers but an SUV? Hell no!

3. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

   

   The so-called flagship ‘SUV’ by Suzuki, is perfect for the Indian market. You get the basic car. A 1.5 torquey engine, good build quality and not fancy but a comfy cabin. But while its big brother, the Grand Vitara(discontinued long back) was a proper SUV, the Brezza doesn’t cut the cake. Maybe Maruti Suzuki will reclaim it with the Jimny? We’ll see.

4. Renault Kiger

   

   The one that’s keeping the French brand alive in India. Kiger is doing pretty decent on the market and yeah it’s a great car, but it is way too small and underpowered to be called a Sports Utility Vehicle. A compact at max, Renault should really stop calling it an SUV.

   

5. Maruti Suzuki Celerio X
   
   

   It feels like Maruti are trying to make their name in comedy because a crossover like the Celerio X is certainly a car to laugh about. Adding a couple of rugged looking bumpers and roof rails won’t transform a small hatchback into an SUV guys. 404 error, R&D not found.

6. Nissan Magnite

   

   There’s no doubt that Nissan is capable of producing some great SUVs. We all know the legend behind the Nissan Patrol and even the Juke is a good enough SUV, but the Magnite? Miles away from an SUV or even a crossover. It’s a great VFM subcompact SUV though.

7. Ford Freestyle

   

   The Figo is a great product by the American giants. It is one of the few driver-focused cars in India and although it can’t keep up with Maruti Suzuki Swift, it is a cult car. So why did Ford had to stick some plastic up and try to make it an SUV? They already have a very capable SUV selling in great numbers aka the Ford Endeavour. Maybe stick to that Ford?

8. Maruti Suzuki Ignis

   

   I can’t tell you how tough it is to diss this car as I myself own one. But nothing is beyond the truth and Gomechanic is always truthful and unbiased. The Nexa offering Ignis is a great hatchback with stylish looks, a great 1.2-litre engine and is also a good car for rallying. But branding it as the ‘Urban SUV’ is just stupid. Just sell it like an hatchback guys, maybe unveil an RS version? Even the thought is pretty exciting.

9. Maruti Suzuki S Presso

   

   I literally laughed my ass off when Maruti Suzuki categorised it as an SUV. It is literally the smallest car you can buy! Just increasing the ground clearance won’t change the car guy. It an econobox guys, don’t make the SUV gods smash their heads off.

   Some of them are great cars in their segment and some are not, but none of them is an SUV and it’s high time people start believing it. Stay safe from these were 9 pseudo SUVs in India. Know of any other imposters? Let us know in the comments below.

   Check out-Top Indian Sub-Compact SUVs With The Best Road Presence!

   
   Stay Updated- 5 most affordable CVT cars in the Indian market: Age of automation

FAQs

What is a pseudo SUV?

A pseudo SUV is basically a car that looks like an SUV but is not built like one. It has the height, the chunky design, the plastic cladding, maybe even roof rails, but underneath it is still a hatchback or a regular car platform. Most of these are crossovers, not true SUVs, which means they are better for city driving but not serious off-roading. 

Why are pseudo SUVs so popular in India?

Simple answer, they fit Indian life better. You get a higher seating position, better road visibility, and enough ground clearance for potholes and speed breakers. That “SUV feel” without the cost and size of a real SUV. Most buyers are not going off-road anyway, they just want comfort and confidence in daily driving. 

What is the difference between a real SUV and a pseudo SUV?

A real SUV is built for rough terrain, usually comes with a strong body-on-frame structure and often 4×4 capability. A pseudo SUV, on the other hand, is more like a raised car with SUV styling. It is lighter, easier to drive in the city, and more fuel efficient, but it cannot handle serious off-road conditions. 

Are pseudo SUVs good for Indian roads?

Honestly, yes, for most people they make more sense than real SUVs. Indian roads are unpredictable, but they are not always hardcore off-road trails. What you need is decent ground clearance, comfortable suspension, and easy handling in traffic. Pseudo SUVs deliver that balance without making your daily drive feel heavy or tiring.

Do pseudo SUVs have any disadvantages?

They do, they look tough, but they are not built for extreme conditions. No proper off-road ability, limited traction in tough terrain, and sometimes just front-wheel drive. So if you are expecting Fortuner-level capability from a compact SUV, that is where expectations break.

Should you buy a pseudo SUV or a real SUV?

If your life is city roads, highways, occasional bad patches, go for a pseudo SUV, it will be easier, cheaper, and more practical. But if you genuinely go off-road or need rugged capability, then only a real SUV makes sense. Otherwise you are paying for strength you will never use.