Regular sunroofs are becoming common across a wide range of affordable cars and SUVs in India
In earlier days of the Indian automotive scenario, vehicle sunroof was a feature restricted to high-end products from brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi. However, noting the demand among buyers in the ‘relatively’ affordable segment (vehicles coming under Rs 30 lakh), certain automakers are offering panoramic sunroofs as well.
Regular or front-passenger sunroofs are becoming common in Indian cars carrying a price tag of around Rs 10 lakh. This trend would eventually filter down to the budget segment. For instance, almost all entry-level vehicles on the Indian market comes with a touchscreen loaded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
That said, here we list some of the most affordable (subjective) products on our market that are offered with a panoramic sunroof in higher variants. As one can observe, only crossovers/SUVs come on the list.
Hyundai Creta (Price: Rs 9.99-17.2 lakh)
Image – ALCON Hyundai
It was earlier this year that Hyundai Motor India launched the second-gen Creta. In the compact crossover’s ‘SX’ trim, a panoramic sunroof is available. It is the most affordable product in India to come with the feature. Another point worth noting is that its South Korean sibling, 2020MY Kia Seltos is offered only with a regular sunroof.
MG Hector / Hector Plus (Price: Rs 12.83-18.59 lakh)
MG Motor India’s Hector comes in four trims: Style, Super, Smart and Sharp. Out of this, only the range-topping ‘Sharp’ get a panoramic sunroof. Measuring 1460x832mm, the dual-pane sunroof offers the biggest aperture and largest glass expanse than any other product coming in its segment. Lower trims receive a regular sunroof. The upcoming MG Hector Plus also features a panoramic sunroof.
Tata Harrier (Price: Rs 13.69-20.25 lakh)
Tata Motors launched the BS6-spec Harrier a few months ago with significant improvements in terms of features and powertrain. The Indian automaker has added a panoramic sunroof in its XZ+ variant and above. This could be the same case in the upcoming Tata Gravitas (7-seater Harrier) that was showcased in full at Auto Expo 2020.
Volkswagen T-Roc (Price: Rs 19.99 lakh)
Volkswagen India launched the T-Roc in March 2020 after unveiling it at Auto Expo 2020 alongside the upcoming Taigun. The new T-Roc shares its platform with Skoda Auto’s Karoq and is sold as a CBU product in just a single variant. To justify the pricing, it comes with a host of premium equipment including a panoramic sunroof.
Jeep Compass (Price: Rs 16.49-24.99 lakh)
The Jeep Compass (mild facelift coming soon) became the first mass-market offering in India to sport a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, after debuting its ‘Limited Plus’ variant back in September 2018. Now, the range-topping Jeep Compass Trailhawk also features a panoramic sunroof.
Hyundai Tucson (Price: Rs 22.3 – 27.03 lakh)
Launched earlier this week, the new Hyundai Tucson facelift comes with a panoramic sunroof on the top variants. It is offered with petrol as well as diesel engine option. Both engine options are mated with an automatic gearbox. There is no manual transmission on offer. New Tucson is the most expensive IC engine powered car from the company in India.
