There was a time when you had to buy a big car to get premium features but off late there has been a marked democratization of technology. The biggest change has been for the sub 4m SUV which has blossomed to a larger segment within the compact SUV space. These SUVs nowadays have features similar to larger 4m plus SUVs but within a smaller size. Which means you need not buy a bigger car just to get features. This works in our cramped cities where parking is at a premium and in this segment it has been the Tata Nexon plus the Mahindra XUV 3XO which have changed things. The Nexon in its new avatar brought in much more equipment and also more choices. The looks are a talking point with sequential turn indicators and the edgy styling. However the interiors are the main talking point.

In the Nexon you get a digital instrument cluster which can be configured plus you can get the map view too. The central 10.25 inch screen meanwhile is crisp and same goes for the 360 degree view camera. Other features we like in the Nexon include cooled seats, an air purifier and the JBL audio system. It of course gets features like wireless charging, LED lighting, connected car tech, 6 airbags and more. That said the biggest feature addition in the new Nexon is the panoramic sunroof which takes a lot of the roof and lends the cabin an airy feel.

In similar fashion, the XUV 3XO also made its debut with a panoramic sunroof which again lends to the sense of space. The all white perforated leatherette upholstery while difficult to clean is also adding to the premium factor. A lot of the features of the two SUVs are common including a 360 degree camera, connected car tech, 6 airbags, LED lighting, auto fold mirrors and more.

However, the XUV 3XO has an electric parking brake plus dual zone climate control along with ADAS level 2 as well. These again are premium features which earlier were seen on 4m plus SUVs. Do note that the XUV 3XO also has three rear headrests plus a Harman Kardon audio system along with 17 inch alloys wheels.

It seems the sub 4m SUV buyer has a lot of choice but if you look at the powertrains these two also give you many options. The XUV 3XO has two turbo petrols and a diesel with the 130hp petrol being quite powerful with rear disc brakes too.

The Nexon meanwhile offers petrol, CNG, electric and diesel with the turbo petrol having paddle shifters too.

Safety wise the Nexon is 5 star rated in terms of its crash test rating while the XUV3XO has just recently received five stars too.

Hence, both the Nexon and XUV 3XO show how the sub compact SUV segment has now matured and appeals to buyers who need not get a bigger car but also need not compromise on features.