While driving on Indian roads one encounters odd-height speed breakers, freaky potholes and other roadside undulations. To keep you worry-free under these bizarre conditions carmakers offer their vehicles with sizable ground clearance.
Keeping in mind Indian road conditions, a ground clearance of 170 mm or above is considered appropriate. Usually, when we talk about ground clearance what pops on our minds are the bulky SUVs with huge clearance proportions. However, these days, this sacred aspect is not restricted to the SUVs only, there are even budget cars that hold optimum ground clearance with some even challenging the SUVs.
So let’s take a quick look at cars under Rs. 6 lakh with the best ground clearance.
Entry Level Hatchbacks
Datsun RediGO
Ground Clearance: 185mm
Price: Rs. 2.68 – 4.35 Lakh
The ground clearance topper in the entry level hatchbacks is Japan-based carmaker’s small car Datsun RediGO. The youthful car with sporty 185mm ground clearance stance offers amazing overall value for money. The cute little funky car measures 3429mm in length and carries a width of 1560mm alongside height of 1541mm. Datsun Redi-Go is packed with 799cc petrol engine that gives out max power of 53bhp and 72Nm of peak torque.
Renault Kwid
Ground Clearance: 180mm
Price: Rs. 2.76 – 4.75 Lakh
The SUV-inspired French disruption in the segment Renault Kwid comes with all authority in terms of appearance and flamboyance. The entry level hatch that saw established players bite dust in terms of sales receives one of segment best ground clearance of 180mm and stands tall with 3679mm length, 1579mm width and 1513mm of height. The Kwid is offered in 0.8L and 1.0L petrol engine avatars and also features the convenience of AMT alongside manual gearbox.
Tata Nano GenX
Ground Clearance: 180mm
Price: Rs. 2.47 – 3.43 Lakh
Dubbed as the world’s cheapest car, the Tata Nano is now decade old. The most convenient switch for two-wheeler owners due to low price point, Nano over the years has witnessed many changes in terms of features and looks. However, the unique high ground clearance of 180mm remains intact. The next-gen Nano runs on a 624cc petrol unit with 37.5bhp and 51Nm as output figures. It stretches 3164mm in length, 1750mm in width and 1652mm in height and possesses an extensive wheelbase of 2230mm alongside quick turning radius of 4m.
Datsun GO
Ground Clearance: 180mm
Price: Rs. 3.32 – 5.17 Lakh
Undoubtedly, the most spacious hatch with optimum value in the segment is made available with a sound ground clearance of 180mm. It’s packed with amazing feature list that includes stylish LED DRLs, classy grille design, 3D shaped headlamps, anti-fatigue seats, diamond cut 14-inch alloy wheels and ABS with EBD alongside dual airbag for maximum safety. Under hood, the 1.2L petrol engine does its duties and gives out 68PS and 104Nm.
Mid Hatchbacks
Fiat Punto EVO
Ground Clearance: 195mm
Price: Rs. 5.29 – 7.42 Lakh
With its acclaimed engine performance, the Punto EVO has been closer to the heart of auto enthusiasts. Besides powerful powertrain, another reason for their inclination has been its relatively high ground clearance of 195mm. The 1.2L petrol mill erupt 67.1bhp, while its 1.3L diesel counterpart produces 91.7bhp. If budget is not a constraint and performance is on your mind, nothing better can fit the bill, but Punto EVO, as an all-encompassing hatch.
Ford Freestyle
Ground Clearance: 190mm
Price: Rs. 5.64 – 8.24 Lakh
The SUV-ish crossover hatchback derived from Figo is a versatile vehicle to rely on. With its huge 190mm SUV-like ground clearance (Mahindra TUV300 also offers similar clearance) and far more peppy performance than any hatch in its category it wins every heart. Its commendable length (3954mm), width (1737mm), height (1570mm) and wheel base (2490mm) attract every eye on the road. Made available in powerful versions of petrol and diesel choices, it is one of the most aptly priced cars in the segment.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Ground Clearance: 180mm
Price: Rs. 4.79 – 7.15 Lakh
The bold hatch with SUV DNA from Maruti Suzuki with several customisation choices literally has no other of its kind in the segment. Alongside, wholesome 180mm of ground clearance, its elevated seating position ensures commanding road view, and its cabin features plenty of space and convenience elements for the passengers. The Ignis provides macho appearance on the road with its 1595mm height, 3700mm length and 1690mm width, if that’s not enough, the chunky R15 radial tyres under the beefed up fenders cannot go unnoticed.
Ford Figo
Ground Clearance: 174mm
Price: Rs. 5.23 – 7.7 Lakh
The car that checks most of the right boxes in its class, Ford Figo encompass many salient equipments on the list like auto dimming inside rear view mirrors, 6 airbags, powerful AMT petrol engine and healthy clearance of 174mm. Offered with two fuel choices, 1.5L diesel (99bhp / 215Nm) and 1.2L petrol (86.8bhp / 112Nm), Ford Figo has better ground clearance than rivals Maruti Suzuki Baleno (170mm) and Hyundai Elite i20 (170mm) in the segment.
* As ground clearance of 170 mm or less is quite regular normal among the cars, hence listed are those cars that read ground clearance in excess of 170 mm.
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