Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a quick-winning technology, with many passengers opting for it as a default on their new cars. The prospect of a relaxed driving mode and the reduced effort required during long journeys is a major driving force behind the demand for cruise control, even in affordable cars.
Now, Let’s discuss a few affordable ACC cars available in India.
1. Renault Kiger | Starting ₹6 Lakh
Up against its rival compact SUVs, the Renault Kiger has a big stance and an "amenity-loaded" image.
Renault generously included many useful features in Kiger as standard for all variants, like the PM 2.5 air filter, a digital display for the driver by a passenger screen with driving mode skins, 3D surround sound by Arkamys, ambient lighting, and cruise control.
The car earned the respectable 4-star Global NCAP rating and already has basic features in the base model.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.2-litre petrol + CNG
- Maximum Power: 81.80 bhp
- Torque: 113.8 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 19.4 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety features: 3-point seat belts and seat belt reminders on all seats, a Dual-camera dash cam, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), a rear parking camera, ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, rain-sensing wipers.
2. Hyundai Exter | Starting ₹6.13 Lakh
The Exter, Hyundai's most recent compact SUV, is an eye-catching and value-friendly model, putting it ahead of its competitors in affordability and performance. Its appearance is also programmable through the app. As for its futuristic look, it's miles away from the curves of rivals such as the Tata Punch.
The Exter boasts a high seating position that provides good visibility. Although the interior design draws inspiration from its siblings to some extent, the Exter's modern features and bold styling mean that this compact SUV is a fantastic addition to the model range.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 2-litre petrol, 1.2-litre petrol + CNG
- Maximum Power: 81.80 bhp
- Maximum Torque: 113.8 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 19.4 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety features: 6 Airbags, 3-point seat belts and seat belt reminders on all seats, a Dual-camera dash cam, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), a rear parking camera, ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, rain-sensing wipers.
3. Tata Altroz | Starting ₹6.65 Lakh
Tata's Altroz, a premium hatchback first launched in 2020, is still very adapted to customers' expectations due to its trendy and modern look. One of the few cost-effective cars with a tremendous 5-star safety rating, the Altroz is a good hatchback in quality and has an array of quality features.
The features list is extensive, as the vehicle includes ESP (Electronic Stability Program), an 8-way adjustable driver's seat, automatic climate control, headlamps with active cornering that automatically come on, LED DRLs, and cruise control systems, among other things.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.2-litre turbo petrol, 1.2 litre CNG, 1.5-litre turbo diesel
- Maximum Power: 88.77 bhp
- Maximum Torque: 200 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 23 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel, CNG
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Safety features: Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
4. Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Starting ₹7.51 Lakh
Taking the Baleno platform as a foundation, the Fronx (formerly called the Baleno Cross) has styling inspired by the Grand Vitara and, in the process, creates the characteristic Fronx look. It's smaller than the Brezza and is set to compete with the likes of Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and Kia Sonet.
Its sporty design and sleek body intrigue the model, offering a high level of excitement for the vehicle, which the prospect of a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol option can further amplify. Fronx, as is typical for Marutis, does not offer customers the option of a diesel engine.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 1-litre turbo petrol engine, 1.2-litre petrol engine
- Maximum Power: 98.69 bhp
- Maximum Torque: 147.6 Nm
- Transmission: Manual, Automatic (AMT, CVT)
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 22.89 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety features: Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic brake assist (EBA), Electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Reverse parking sensors, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, and a Head-up display.
5. MG Astor | Starting ₹9.98 Lakh
The MG Astor is an amazingly affordable model with cutting-edge technology and provides Level 2 driving automation for many. This feature-packed SUV has two engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Although a diesel engine variant is lacking, the flashy interior design and premium features compensate for the same.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5-litre VTi-Tech, 1.3-litre 220 Turbo
- Maximum Power: 108 bhp, 137 bhp
- Maximum Torque: 144 Nm, 220 Nm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual, CVT, 6-Speed AT
- Fuel Efficiency: 14.85-15.43 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety features include 6 Airbags, an Electronic stability program (ESP), an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), ISOFIX child seat anchors, a Traction control system (TCS), Adaptive cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Brakes.
6. Mahindra Thar | Starting ₹11.25 Lakh
Thar has been designed for real off-roaders, with its body and mechanics more like those of a fancy Jeep. The previous model built its reputation as an effective off-road vehicle but was less friendly on city roads. The present-day vehicle tackles both of the above concerns. It encompasses an updated interior, a power-assisted roof, and an unbelievably rugged exterior.
The 4-star global NCAP safety rating further pushes the Thar to the second spot in safety. A massive success in all high-profile markets, such as the United States and Australia, has confirmed this.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel, 2.2-litre turbo diesel, 2.2-litre turbo petrol
- Maximum Power: 150 bhp
- Maximum Torque: 300 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Mileage: Up to 15.2 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety features: Dual front airbags, an Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), brake assist, hill descent control, Rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, 3-point seat belts for rear passengers, a seat belt warning, and a front seat belt reminder.
7. Honda City | Starting ₹11.63 Lakh
From the V variant onwards, Honda provides adaptive cruise control (ACC). Drivers can rely on the ACC system to assist in accelerating and breaking while cruising on the highway, keeping an appropriate distance from the traffic ahead.
Honda City is a luxury family sedan with a length of 4,549 mm, width of 1,748 mm, and height of 1,489 mm. It has two engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (manual/CVT) and a 1.5-litre diesel, offered only in a four-speed manual transmission.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC Petrol
- Maximum Power: 119 bhp
- Maximum Torque: 145 Nm
- Transmission: 6-Speed MT, CVT
- Mileage: Up to 27 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety features: 6 airbags, Seat belt reminder, Emergency stop signal, MultiI-Angle rearview camera, Adaptive cruise control, Collision mitigating braking system, Hill start assist, Lane keeping assist system, Road departure mitigation system, etc.
8. Mahindra XUV700 | Starting ₹13.99 Lakh
The latest addition to the Mahindra XUV lineup, the XUV700, is the best SUV in India today. It is loaded with modern technology and a selection of engines, all mated to a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic gearbox, a comprehensive package that promises quite a lot.
With a 5-star Global NCAP rating and seven airbags, one can only agree that this is the XUV700's greatest strong point regarding safety.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0-litre TGDi Petrol, 2.2-litre CRDi Diesel
- Maximum Power: 197 bhp (Petrol), 152 bhp (Diesel), 182 bhp (Diesel)
- Maximum Torque: 380 Nm (Petrol), 360 Nm (Diesel), 420 Nm (Diesel MT), 450 Nm (Diesel AT)
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic
- Mileage: 13-16 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5/6/7
- Safety features: 7 Airbags, a 360-degree camera, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), an Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror, Blind Spot Detection, Central Locking, a Child Safety Lock, a Door-Ajar Warning, and EBD (Electronic brake Force Distribution).
9. Tata Harrier | Starting ₹15.49 Lakh
The 5-seater Harrier SUV from Tata has an impressive exterior and interior. This stylish SUV also has a large, luxurious cabin. This is equipped with a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine with two options - manual/automatic. High-end rides will come with ADAS features to improve safety.
On the other hand, the absence of the engine and all-wheel drive-in petrol option hampers its adventure ability, making it more of an electrical urban SUV.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0-litre Kryotec Turbo Diesel
- Maximum Power: 167 bhp
- Maximum Torque: 350 Nm
- Transmission: 6-Speed MT, 6-Speed AT
- Mileage: 15-17 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety features: 6 Airbags, an Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Corner Stability Control, Off-road ABS, Adaptive cruise control, Bend cruise assistance, Traffic jam assistance, and an Overspeed Warning.
10. Toyota Innova Hycross | Starting ₹19.77 Lakh
Toyota has now introduced an updated version of the Toyota Innova, the Innova Hycross, which combines the SUV-inspired design and premium cabin of its more popular MUV. The car is offered in two versions, petrol and hybrid. It has various driver assistance systems (ADAS), including dynamic cruise control, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, and a pre-collision system.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre petrol hybrid
- Maximum Power: 173 bhp (Petrol), 184 bhp (Petrol hybrid)
- Maximum Torque: 188 Nm (petrol) + 206 Nm (electric motor)
- Transmission: CVT (Petrol), e-CVT (Petrol Hybrid)
- Mileage: 16.13 kmpl (Petrol), 23.24 kmpl (Petrol hybrid)
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety features: 6 SRS Airbags, a speed-sensing door lock, a day-night interior mirror, cruise control, hill assist, automatic headlamps, and a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).
Lastly, adaptive cruise control is a viral feature that is beneficial by providing comfort and enhanced protection on the highway. Whether the popular Honda City sedan or a Mahindra XUV700 and Toyota Innova Hycross SUV, various cars now come with this technology, making a long journey relaxing and comfortable.
Moreover, you should not forget to obtain a third-party car insurance policy, which is a mandatory requirement. The policy's coverage is limited to third-party personal injury or property damage liabilities in any unplanned case of an accident.
