10 Most Exciting New SUV/MPV Launches For India
In coming years, the Indian automobile industry will witness several changes right from gradually opting subscription based ownership to customers’ inclination towards electric and hybrid mobility. Having said that the shift will take several years especially in the country like India, so the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles are here to stay. Here’s the list of the top 10 most exciting new SUV/MPV launches that will take place in the next 2 years.
1. Tata Blackbird
It’s not a secret that Tata Motors is planning to enter into premium compact SUV to challenge Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Codenamed Tata Blackbird, the new SUV is reported to be based on the China-spec Chery Tiggo 5X. As of now, the details of the vehicle are scanty. Though, it’s likely to come with the BS6 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel engine options. In terms of features, the new Tata SUV might be packed with several comfort goodies and connectivity features.
2. Kia Sonet
Kia Sonet, the upcoming subcompact SUV from the Korean carmaker, is surely one of the much-awaited car launches of this year. We have seen its near production model at the 2020 Auto Expo. The final model is likely to stay true to its concept. The Sonet will share its platform and engine setup with the Hyundai Venue. It’s likely to come with a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel engine option. It will get a new iMT (Intelligent manual transmission) unit along with the 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.
3. MG Gloster
MG Gloster will be the fourth offering from the British carmaker in the country. The 7-seater SUV made its first public appearance at this year’s Auto Expo, and is set to launch in October, 2020. The GLoster is based on the Maxus D90 that’s sold in the Chinese market. The SUV is offered with 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine pushing out 224bhp against 360Nm of torque. In India, it will also be offered with a 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine that’s good enough for 218bhp and 480Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
4. New Hyundai MPV
The South Korean carmaker is planning to foray into the MPV segment in the next 2-3 years. As of now, there is no information about its price range and details. If reports are to be believed, the new Hyundai MPV might be positioned against the Kia Carnival. The Hyundai Starex, which is sold in the South Korean market, might make its way to India. If launched, the Starex could be made available the Carnival’s 2.2L turbo diesel engine matched to a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. The new Hyundai MPV is reported to hit Indian roads sometime next year.
5. Maruti Suzuki 7-Seater SUV
Maruti Suzuki India is planning to launch a 7-seater SUV sometime next year. The carmaker might bring in the global-spec Vitara SUV to challenge the upcoming new-generation Mahindra XUV500 and Tata Gravitas. Reports suggest that the Maruti 7-seater SUV could be based on the revised version of the Heartect platform. Globally, the fourth-generation Suzuki Vitara is offered with multiple engine options – a 1.0L Boosterjet petrol, 1.4L Boosterjet petrol, 1.6L petrol and 1.6L DDIS. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. In India, it’s likely to come with two engine options – 1.5L petrol and the in-house developed 1.5L turbo diesel. The SUV might also get mild hybrid technology.
6. Mahindra XUV400
Mahindra & Mahindra is working on a 7-seater version of the XUV300 that’s reported to be named Mahindra XUV400. It’s likely to be the first model to roll out under the Ford-Mahindra’s joint venture. The new Mahindra 7-seater SUV is expected to hit showrooms sometime next year. It would be quite early to comment on its engine details. Though, the XUV400 is reported to come with the BS6-compliant 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L turbo diesel engine options. Dimensionally, it will be bigger than the XUV300 and offer an additional third row of seats.
7. Toyota C-Segment SUV
Toyota India is considering a C-segment SUV for the Indian market. While the name and details of the vehicle are still under the wraps, it’s likely to be the Toyota C-HR that has been spotted testing multiple times. In global markets, the SUV is made available with a 1.8L petrol engine with a 122bhp electric motor. Toyota India might also bring in the Toyota RAV4 from its global lineup. Under the hood, the SUV features a 2.5L, 4-cylinder petrol engine with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It also comes with a hybrid powertrain paired to a CVT automatic gearbox.
8. New-Gen Ford EcoSport
The American carmaker will give a generation change to its popular Ford EcoSport SUV in the country. It’s likely to be hit our shores in early 2021. Interestingly, the all-new EcoSport will be one of the first models to launch under the Ford-Mahindra’s JV. The SUV will get Mahindra’s new mStallion 1.2L, 3-cylinder T-GDI petrol engine instead of the 1.0L EcoBoost motor. The new BS6 petrol unit will deliver a maximum power of 130bhp and 230Nm of torque, thus making it 5bhp more powerful and 60Nm torqueier than its replacement. The new EcoSport is likely to get a dual-clutch automatic transmission along with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.
9. XUV500 Based Ford SUV
Under Mahindra-Ford joint venture, we will see multiple interesting car launches including the Mahindra XUV500 based Ford SUV. The new C-segment SUV from the American carmaker is likely to be unveiled by mid 2021. Based on all-new monocoque FWD platform, the vehicle will be made available with two seating configurations – 5 and 7-seats. While the architecture will be shared with the XUV500, the new Ford C-segment SUV will offer Ford-like driving dynamics. It’s likely to come with two powertrains – 180bhp, 2.0L turbo diesel and a new 190bhp, 2.0L mStallion turbo petrol. The SUV might get a 6-speed manual and an automatic gearbox option.
10. Toyota-Maruti MPV
Toyota and Suzuki are jointly working on a new C-segment MPV that might see a release sometime in 2022. In terms of pricing, it’s likely to sit between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta. Maruti Suzuki will provide its development and cost effective manufacturing expertise to Toyota. Details of the new Toyota-Maruti MPV are scanty as of now. Though, it’s expected to come with hybrid and electric powertrains.
