Following the release of the iPhone Duo, Apple has introduced its latest offering, the MacBook Pro featuring a PROLED XDR Display and touch capabilities. However, a fully configured model equipped with Apple Care+, a 16-inch nano-texture glass display, an M5 Max chip, a 40-core GPU, 128 GB of RAM, and 16TB of storage commands a price of up to Rs 18.78 lakh in India. This high cost prompts a comparison with various compact SUVs in the market that can be bought for a lesser amount.
Citroen and MG Offerings
The Citroen Basalt X serves as the starting point, priced between Rs 8.55 lakh and Rs 13.90 lakh. It is powered by 1.2-litre naturally aspirated and turbo-petrol engine options, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger. Its sibling, the Citroen Aircross X, spans from Rs 8.89 lakh to Rs 14.52 lakh, providing similar powertrain choices alongside 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, a conventional layout, a digital instrument cluster, a wireless phone charger, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
JSW MG Motor India retails the Astor from Rs 9.79 lakh to Rs 15.30 lakh across five variants. Although older, it features a premium cabin, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and Level-2 ADAS.
Tata and Hyundai Compact SUVs
Tata Cars markets the Curvv with prices starting from Rs 10 lakh up to Rs 19 lakh, allowing buyers to purchase nearly every variant except the top-end Accomplished Plus Dark Edition for less than the MacBook Pro. It provides 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol T-GDI, and 1.5-litre diesel engines, alongside equipment such as a powered tailgate, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Hyundai Bayon launched recently at a price of Rs 10 lakh, extending up to Rs 18 lakh. Except for the top-spec HX10 CVT variant, all trims fall below the cost of the top-end laptop. Placed between the Creta and Venue, it utilizes a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and offers Generative AI, ventilated front seats, Level-2 ADAS, and a curved 12.3-inch dual-screen setup.
Nissan and Renault Models
Nissan offers the Tekton priced from Rs 10.49 lakh to Rs 18.59 lakh, with every variant staying below the Rs 18.77 lakh mark. It includes a punchy 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1-litre turbo-petrol motor, complemented by a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Google, 6-way power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, and Level-2 ADAS.
The Renault Duster ranges from Rs 10.49 lakh to Rs 19.49 lakh, featuring 1-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol powertrains alongside a recently added strong-hybrid setup. All variants except the top two Hybrid trims are cheaper than the MacBook Pro, and the vehicle incorporates Level-2 ADAS, a powered tailgate, and dual-zone climate control.
Maruti, Skoda and Comparative Pricing
Maruti provides the Victoris priced between Rs 10.50 lakh and Rs 19.99 lakh, featuring 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol engines, with the former offering a factory-fitted CNG kit and all-wheel drive. Equipment includes ventilated front seats, Level-2 ADAS, and a powered tailgate. Skoda sells the Kushaq from Rs 10.69 lakh to Rs 19.19 lakh, where all 1-litre turbo-petrol variants remain cheaper than the MacBook Pro, offering a panoramic sunroof, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with AI Assistant, and rear massaging seats. Additionally, Maruti sells the Grand Vitara with prices starting from Rs 10.77 lakh to Rs 19.77 lakh.
| Model | Price Range | Engine Options |
|---|---|---|
| Citroen Basalt X | Rs 8.55 lakh - Rs 13.90 lakh | 1.2L naturally aspirated / turbo-petrol |
| Citroen Aircross X | Rs 8.89 lakh - Rs 14.52 lakh | 1.2L naturally aspirated / turbo-petrol |
| MG Astor | Rs 9.79 lakh - Rs 15.30 lakh | Not specified |
| Tata Curvv | Rs 10.00 lakh - Rs 19.00 lakh | 1.2L turbo-petrol, 1.2L T-GDI, 1.5L diesel |
| Hyundai Bayon | Rs 10.00 lakh - Rs 18.00 lakh | 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol |
| Nissan Tekton | Rs 10.49 lakh - Rs 18.59 lakh | 1.0L turbo-petrol, 1.3L turbo-petrol |
| Rs 10.49 lakh - Rs 19.49 lakh | 1.0L turbo-petrol, 1.3L turbo-petrol, strong-hybrid | |
| Maruti Victoris | Rs 10.50 lakh - Rs 19.99 lakh | 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L strong hybrid, CNG |
| Skoda Kushaq | Rs 10.69 lakh - Rs 19.19 lakh | 1.0L turbo-petrol, 1.5L turbo-petrol |
| Maruti Grand Vitara | Rs 10.77 lakh - Rs 19.77 lakh | 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L strong hybrid |
Buying Implications
For buyers contemplating high-end tech purchases, these options demonstrate that a fully customized personal computer can cost more than several well-equipped compact SUVs available in the Indian market. Car buyers can choose from multiple powertrain variants, ranging from traditional petrol and diesel engines to CNG and hybrid systems, while still staying under the peak price of Apple's flagship laptop configuration.