2021 will surely be an action-packed year for the Indian automobile industry. We will witness some big launches especially in the fastest growing SUV segment. We list out the most important ones that are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2021.
1. Renault Kiger
Recently, the French carmaker unveiled the Kiger subcompact SUV concept that’s claimed to be 80% true to the production model. The Kiger will share its platform and some components with the Triber. Under the hood, the sub-4 metre SUV will feature 72bhp, 1.0L naturally aspirated and 99bhp, 1.0L turbocharged petrol engines with manual and CVT gearbox options.
2. Tata Gravitas
Tata Motors will kick start the new year with the launch of the Gravitas 6/7-seater SUV that will take on the Mahindra XUV500 and the upcoming Hyundai Creta 7-seater. It’s essentially the bigger and more premium version of the Harrier. The SUV will use the same 2.0L, 4-cylinder diesel engine with manual and torque converter automatic gearbox options.
3. Tata HBX
Tata HBX concept based mini SUV will be the second big offering from the home-grown carmaker next year. Reports suggest that its production version might be named ‘Tata Timero’. The micro SUV will feature Impact 2.0 design language and underpin Alfa platform. Its engine setup is likely to include a 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol motor with both manual and AMT gearbox options.
4. New-Gen Maruti Celerio
Maruti Suzuki will introduce the new-generation Celerio hatchback early next year. The model will witness comprehensive changes inside and out including smaller grille, new door handles, revised rear bumper and taillamps, updated infotainment unit, new dashboard and centre console, steering mounted controls and more. The hatchback might come with the 1.2L and 1.0L petrol engines and manual and AMT gearbox options.
5. New-Gen Mahindra XUV500
Mahindra & Mahindra is ready to launch the new-generation XUV500 early next year. Significant changes will be made to its exterior and interior. In fact, the SUV will ditch the existing platform for a new one. As far as engine is concerned, the 2021 Mahindra XUV500 will come with a new 2.0L turbo mStallion petrol and updated 2.2L mHawk diesel engines.
6. New-Gen Mahindra Scorpio
The new-generation Mahindra Scorpio will come after the XUV500. The SUV will sit on a new platform that will make it more efficient, off-road capable and safer than before. With slightly bigger dimensions, the 2021 Mahindra Scorpio will have more cabin space to offer. Similar to the new XUV500, the next-gen Scorpio will be offered with 2.2L turbo diesel and 2.0L turbo petrol engines. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
7. MG ZS Petrol
The British carmaker will bring in the petrol version of the ZS SUV early next year. Estimated to be priced from Rs 9 lakh, it will be placed against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Globally, the model is offered with 1.3L turbo petrol and 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engines making 160bhp with 230Nm and 118bhp with 150Nm respectively. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed AT (n/a petrol only), 5-speed MT and CVT AT.
8. Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen has already confirmed that it will launch the Taigun compact SUV in early 2021. The final version will be offered with the 1.5L turbo petrol engine making power around 130bhp. It can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The company might also introduce a CNG bi-fuel powertrain with the compact SUV.
9. Skoda Vision IN
Skoda Vision In concept based SUV is slated to arrive in early 2021. It will be the first Skoda car to underpin the locally-developed MQB AO-IN platform, which has been designed to fulfill requirements of the Indian market. The SUV will be powered by a 1.5L turbo petrol engine that’s good for 150bhp. The motor, with a 7-speed DCT gearbox, can do 0 to 100kmph in 8.7 seconds. It has an electronic speed limit of 195kmph.
10. Citroen C5 Aircross
The French carmaker is ready to begin its Indian operations with the Citroen C5 Aircross SUV that was unveiled last year. Initially, it will be imported as CKD unit and is estimated to cost around Rs 30 lakh. In India, the C5 Aircorss is likely to be offered with a 180bhp, 2.0L diesel engine with an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. There will also be a 1.5L diesel engine delivering power close to 131bhp.
