For years, a sunroof in a car felt like a distant dream for many Indian buyers, often associated with luxury, high-end vehicles. But guess what? The times have changed! The desire to let in a bit of sky, feel the breeze, and simply add a touch of premiumness to daily commutes is now more accessible than ever. The perception that sunroofs are only for the elite is a thing of the past.
If you’re thinking a sunroof car means emptying your savings, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Car manufacturers in India have listened to the market, and today, you can find several fantastic cars equipped with this coveted feature, all well within a budget of under ₹15 Lakhs (ex-showroom). No longer just a fancy add-on, a sunroof can truly enhance your driving experience, whether you're cruising through city streets or heading out for a weekend getaway. Let's dive into some of the best options that make open-sky driving a reality for the average Indian buyer without breaking the bank.
Why a Sunroof Matters in India
Beyond just looking cool, a sunroof offers several practical and aesthetic benefits, especially in India's diverse climate and driving conditions. Imagine driving through the hills of Himachal or along the Konkan coast – a sunroof lets you connect with the environment like no other feature. It also helps in quickly ventilating the cabin on a hot summer day before the AC kicks in fully. Plus, let's be honest, the 'feel-good factor' is immense!
1. Maruti Suzuki Brezza: The Trusted Performer
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has always been a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. With its latest iteration, Maruti has upped its game, and yes, it now offers an electric sunroof in its higher variants (ZXi and ZXi+). This makes the Brezza an even more compelling package for those who want the sunroof experience combined with Maruti's legendary peace of mind.
- Engine: 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid Petrol (103 PS, 137 Nm).
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic.
- Sunroof Variant Price: Starts from around ₹11.20 Lakhs (ex-showroom) for the ZXi MT.
- Key Features: 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ Infotainment, Head-Up Display (HUD), 360-degree camera, Arkamys sound system, cruise control.
The Brezza's sunroof adds a touch of modern flair to an already practical and popular SUV, making it a fantastic all-rounder for city and highway drives. — eAuto Expert Opinion
2. Tata Nexon: The Safest Bet
The Tata Nexon is a true homegrown champion, having redefined safety standards in India with its 5-star Global NCAP rating. But it's not just safety that makes it a winner; the Nexon also boasts a contemporary design, comfortable ride quality, and feature-rich interiors. The electric sunroof is available in its mid-to-higher variants, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize safety and style equally.
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo-Petrol (120 PS, 170 Nm) / 1.5L Turbo-Diesel (115 PS, 260 Nm).
- Transmission: 5/6-speed Manual / 6-speed AMT / 7-speed DCA (Petrol).
- Sunroof Variant Price: Sunroof variants start from around ₹9.80 Lakhs (ex-showroom) for the Creative+ variant.
- Key Features: 10.25-inch Floating Infotainment, Digital Driver Display, Voice-assisted electric sunroof, Ventilated front seats, RDE compliant engines.
3. Hyundai Venue: Feature-Packed Urban Cruiser
Hyundai's offering in the compact SUV segment, the Venue, is known for its fluidic design, premium interiors, and a long list of features. It's a fantastic option for urban dwellers seeking a stylish and nimble SUV. The electric sunroof is available in its SX and SX(O) variants, adding to its appeal. With multiple powertrain options, the Venue caters to a wide range of preferences.
- Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol (83 PS, 113.8 Nm) / 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol (120 PS, 172 Nm) / 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm).
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 6-speed Manual / 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT.
- Sunroof Variant Price: Sunroof variants start from approximately ₹10.70 Lakhs (ex-showroom) for the SX 1.2L Petrol.
- Key Features: 8-inch Touchscreen with BluLink connectivity, Digital Instrument Cluster, Air Purifier, Drive Modes, Cornering Lamps.
4. Kia Sonet: Stylish & Sporty
The Kia Sonet burst onto the scene with its bold design, premium features, and sporty performance, quickly becoming a favourite among Indian buyers. It shares its platform with the Hyundai Venue but carves its own niche with a distinct personality. The Sonet offers an electric sunroof on its HTX, GTX+, and X-Line variants, providing a premium experience that belies its price tag.
- Engine: 1.2L Smartstream Petrol (83 PS, 115 Nm) / 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol (120 PS, 172 Nm) / 1.5L CRDi Diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm).
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 6-speed Manual / 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT / 6-speed Automatic.
- Sunroof Variant Price: Sunroof variants start from around ₹10.49 Lakhs (ex-showroom) for the HTX 1.2L Petrol.
- Key Features: 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen, Bose Premium Sound System, Ventilated front seats, Drive & Traction Modes, Kia Connect.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
- Variant Selection: Remember, the sunroof is typically available in mid-to-higher variants. Always check which specific trim offers the feature.
- On-Road Price: The prices mentioned are ex-showroom. Factor in RTO, insurance, and other charges to get the full on-road cost.
- Usage: Consider how often you'll actually use the sunroof. While it's a great feature, if your primary driving is through dusty or heavily polluted areas, its practical use might be limited.
- Maintenance: Sunroofs generally require minimal maintenance, but it's good to keep the seals clean to prevent leaks, especially during the monsoon.
- Safety: Always ensure everyone, especially children, is seated safely when the sunroof is open. Standing out of a moving vehicle can be extremely dangerous.
Final Thoughts: Your Open-Sky Adventure Awaits!
The Indian automotive market has truly evolved, making premium features like electric sunroofs accessible to a broader audience. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet are all excellent choices, each offering a unique blend of style, features, performance, and the coveted sunroof, all under the ₹15 Lakh mark (ex-showroom). Whether reliability, safety, features, or style is your priority, there’s a sunroof-equipped car out there for you.
So, go ahead, explore these options, take a test drive, and get ready to experience the joy of open-sky motoring. Your dream of owning a car with a sunroof is now well within reach!
