Osprey

ata's Osprey is a compact five-seat SUV aimed squarely at the busiest part of the market, priced from R249 900 to R329 900 across four versions. That starting price undercuts the Nissan Magnite, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Hyundai Exter, and only a handful of small SUVs on sale cost less.

Every Osprey uses the same 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, with 88 kW and 170 Nm. That's more power than any of those three rivals: the Magnite peaks at 74 kW, the XUV 3XO at 82 kW and the Exter at 61 kW, though the Mahindra has more torque at 200 Nm. The entry Smart+ comes with a five-speed manual, and the other three versions use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Tata claims 6.3 to 6.4 L/100km.

At 208 mm, ground clearance is higher than the Magnite's 205 mm and well clear of the Exter's 185 mm. That counts for something on gravel roads and steep driveways.

Safety starts well, with six airbags and stability control on every version. Tata doesn't list autonomous emergency braking for any of them, so ask the dealer if that matters to you.

Equipment is where the version you choose makes the biggest difference. All four have LED headlamps, daytime running lights and a digital instrument cluster. But the reversing camera, 360° camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, automatic climate control and rear air-con vents only come on two of the four. The panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers are on one version only. If you want the Osprey to feel like good value, budget for one of the better-equipped automatics.

The ownership package is decent but mixed. The 3-year/45 000 km service plan beats the Magnite's 3 years/30 000 km and the Exter's 2 years/30 000 km. But the 5-year/125 000 km warranty is shorter on distance than all three rivals, which offer 150 000 km. Services fall due every 12 months or 15 000 km.

As a well-powered, high-riding small SUV for not much money, the Osprey deserves a spot on your shortlist. Just compare like for like, version by version.