India’s compact SUV market has seen countless launches in the past few years, but every now and then, a model comes along that completely rewrites the script. This year, Maruti Suzuki has done just that with its latest compact SUV — a vehicle so striking in its design and value that automotive enthusiasts have already given it a nickname that’s spreading like wildfire: the Mini Range Rover.
No, this isn’t an actual Range Rover — but for the price-conscious Indian buyer, it’s probably the closest you can get to the iconic luxury SUV look without spending a fortune. The Mini Range Rover is a clever, ambitious offering from Maruti Suzuki, designed to appeal to young professionals, small families, and first-time car owners who want something more than just a functional runabout. They want presence. They want style. They want something that makes people look twice in a parking lot.
Let’s break down exactly why this compact SUV, with its undeniable Mini Range Rover vibe, is turning heads and making people rethink what’s possible in the affordable SUV segment.
A Stylish Head-Turner: The Mini Range Rover Look
At first glance, you’ll understand why people are calling it the Mini Range Rover. Maruti Suzuki’s designers have taken a clear cue from the Range Rover Evoque — a vehicle known worldwide for its distinctive boxy yet sleek silhouette, floating roof, muscular shoulders, and confident road stance. The result is an SUV that radiates a level of premium appeal far above its price tag.
The front is aggressive but clean, with sharp LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), a blacked-out grille with chrome accents, and a sculpted bonnet that gives it a commanding face. The squared wheel arches, chunky body cladding, and 16-inch alloy wheels only add to the premium impression.
Maruti Suzuki didn’t stop at the front. The side profile features strong shoulder lines and a high beltline — the classic SUV cues that give the Mini Range Rover its robust, upmarket appearance. The contrasting roof, roof rails, and floating roof effect further push the design closer to the premium league. And at the rear, sleek tail lamps and a sporty bumper tie the whole package together.
While other SUVs in this price bracket tend to play it safe with bland, rounded shapes, the Mini Range Rover look sets this compact SUV apart. It’s aspirational, yet practical — the dream of owning a luxury-looking SUV without needing a millionaire’s salary.
Efficient Performance for the City and Beyond
The design may scream luxury SUV, but at its heart, the Mini Range Rover remains every bit a Maruti Suzuki. Under the bonnet is the familiar and trustworthy 1.2-litre K-Series Dual Jet petrol engine. This motor produces about 88 bhp and 113 Nm of torque, figures that don’t sound extraordinary but are perfectly tuned for India’s crowded city streets, congested traffic, and unpredictable highways.
Available with both a slick 5-speed manual and an optional 5-speed AMT gearbox, the Mini Range Rover can cater to both driving enthusiasts and daily commuters who prefer the convenience of an automatic. The power delivery is smooth, and the gearshifts are precise — exactly what buyers expect from Maruti’s reliable engineering.
Perhaps the best part? The fuel efficiency. While the real Range Rover is hardly known for sipping fuel, the Mini Range Rover boasts a practical mileage figure north of 22 km/l, depending on road and driving conditions. This means you can flaunt the premium look every day without burning a hole in your pocket at the fuel pump.
A Cabin That Balances Function and Flair
Step inside the Mini Range Rover and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels modern and spacious, especially for a car in the sub-₹7 lakh bracket. Maruti Suzuki has played it smart by mixing premium design elements with practical materials that can handle daily wear and tear.
The dash is clean and layered, with a stylish dual-tone finish that lifts the ambience instantly. The centrepiece is a floating 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system — fully equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. So whether you’re navigating busy streets, taking calls, or playing your favourite tunes, the Mini Range Rover ensures you stay connected.
The seats, too, are well-contoured for comfort. The driver’s seat offers good visibility, and the rear bench is surprisingly roomy for a compact SUV, with decent legroom and headroom for two adults and a child. The boot space is generous enough to swallow weekend bags, shopping hauls, or even a couple of big suitcases for that impromptu road trip.
Maruti’s focus on making the Mini Range Rover feel premium without pushing the cost up is evident in the details: from textured dash panels to soft-touch elements on the door pads and steering wheel-mounted controls.
Big Features, Small Price
One of the main reasons buyers are flocking to this Mini Range Rover is that it doesn’t skimp on features, despite its humble price tag. Here’s what makes this SUV feel like a steal:
✅ Touchscreen infotainment: A crisp 7-inch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
✅ Dual airbags & ABS with EBD: Standard across variants for enhanced safety.
✅ Reverse parking camera & sensors: A blessing for tight city parking.
✅ Electrically adjustable ORVMs: For convenience and safety.
✅ LED DRLs & stylish tail lamps: For that luxury feel, day or night.
✅ 16-inch alloy wheels & roof rails: Adding to the robust Mini Range Rover appeal.
✅ Tilt steering & power windows: Basics that make daily driving easy.
Even little touches like the rear washer and wiper, rear defogger, and cooled glove box show how Maruti Suzuki has tried to pack genuine value into this Mini Range Rover experience.
How Does It Drive?
The Mini Range Rover is not a sports SUV — it’s not meant to blast down highways at triple-digit speeds. Instead, it shines as a comfortable, nimble, city-friendly SUV with enough grunt for highways and flyovers. The suspension is tuned well to soak up potholes and rough patches, which is crucial for Indian roads.
The steering feels light at city speeds, making tight U-turns and parking easy, but it gains a reassuring weight when you push it to higher speeds. With a ground clearance of around 190 mm, speed breakers and village roads pose no threat.
The brakes are sharp and dependable, with ABS ensuring confidence during sudden stops. For everyday commutes, office runs, or quick weekend getaways, the Mini Range Rover is an easy-going companion.
Who Should Buy the Mini Range Rover?
The Mini Range Rover is tailor-made for India’s young, aspirational generation. If you’re someone who wants a vehicle that looks expensive without being expensive, this SUV makes sense. First-time car buyers love it for the style and affordability. Small families like the practicality and mileage. Professionals love pulling up in something that makes a statement at the office parking lot.
This compact SUV also works brilliantly as a second car for larger families who already own a bigger sedan or SUV but want something easy to run around town in. And for college students or newly employed youth buying their first car, the Mini Range Rover brings that extra pride factor.
Competition: Does the Mini Range Rover Have an Edge?
The Mini Range Rover faces stiff competition from compact SUVs like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. Each brings something unique — the Punch has strong build quality, the Exter packs in modern tech, the Kiger and Magnite offer turbocharged punch.
But none quite nail the blend of Mini Range Rover styling, Maruti’s service reach, stellar mileage, and sub-₹7 lakh price tag all in one. This is where Maruti Suzuki’s new SUV stands tall. It’s aspirational, practical, and affordable — a rare mix in this segment.
Early Buzz and What Lies Ahead
Even before its official launch, the Mini Range Rover grabbed headlines for its design. Social media has been buzzing with people sharing photos, walkarounds, and first impressions. Many buyers say it feels like driving a ₹20 lakh luxury car — at a third of the price.
With Maruti Suzuki’s unmatched service network and low maintenance costs, this SUV is likely to retain its charm for years to come. If the company keeps the quality consistent and delivery timelines reasonable, the Mini Range Rover could easily become one of the highest-selling compact SUVs in India.
Final Thoughts: A Range Rover for the Masses?
It’s not often that a budget SUV earns such a premium nickname. But the Mini Range Rover does more than just mimic a famous design — it makes a statement. It shows that smart engineering, bold design, and the right feature set can make premium style accessible to India’s middle class.
With its unbeatable mix of urban chic, practical features, proven fuel efficiency, and Maruti’s trust, the Mini Range Rover truly is a head-turner that makes luxury styling feel attainable.
So, if you’re in the market for a new compact SUV that stands out and doesn’t empty your wallet, the Mini Range Rover could be your perfect match. A Range Rover for the masses — and in today’s India, that’s a revolution on four wheels.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Mini Range Rover an actual Range Rover?
No — it’s a Maruti Suzuki SUV nicknamed the Mini Range Rover for its striking luxury-inspired design.
Q2: What engine does it use?
It runs on Maruti’s trusted 1.2L K-Series Dual Jet petrol engine.
Q3: Does it come with an automatic option?
Yes, buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT.
Q4: What mileage does the Mini Range Rover offer?
Expect real-world mileage of 22 km/l or more, depending on conditions.
Q5: Is it good for long trips?
Definitely. With comfy seats, ample boot space, and fuel efficiency, the Mini Range Rover handles highways with ease.
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