The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most popular and profitable spaces in the Indian market. At present, it’s dominated by the new-generation Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. In coming years, the competition will get fiercer as more car manufacturers will join the bandwagon with a range of new models. Here’s a brief on the upcoming 10 new SUVs that will be put up against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
1. MG ZS Petrol
Morris Garages is ready to foray into the mid-size SUV segment with the petrol iteration of the MG ZS EV. The model is slated to launch in the first half of 2021. In global markets, the MG ZS petrol is available with 1.3L turbo petrol, 1.5L naturally aspirated engines making 160bhp with 230Nm and 118bhp with 150Nm respectively. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic and a CVT unit. While its design will be slightly different from the ICE model, the feature list will be exactly similar.
2. Skoda Vision IN
The production-ready version of the Skoda Vision IN SUV will make its global debut in the first quarter of 2021 (i.e. January – March). Its launch, however, will happen in the second half of the next year. Interestingly, the Vision IN will be the first Skoda model to underpin the locally-developed MQB AO-IN platform. Its design and styling will be inspired from the global-spec Skoda Kamiq. Though, a few changes will be made to the India-spec model. It might come with the 1.5L TSI petrol (148bhp/250NM) and 1.0K turbo petrol (119bhp/175Nm) engine options.
3. Volkswagen Taigun
The upcoming new Taigun will be Volkswagen’s answer to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Similar to the Skoda Vision IN, the Volkswagen Taigun will be designed on the India-specific MQB AO IN platform. In terms of design, it would be similar to the Volkswagen T-Cross that sold in global markets. Though, the India-spec model will be longer sitting on 2651mm of wheelbase. The SUV is likely to be offered with a single petrol engine and two gearbox options. There might be a 130bhp, 1.5L turbo motor with a 6-speed manual and a DCT automatic transmission.
4. Tata Blackbird
Tata Motors is reported to mark its entry into the compact SUV space with the Blackbird (codename). In the company’s product lineup, the Tata Blackbird will be placed above the Nexon and below the Harrier. It could be the first product to launch under Tata and China’s Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. The new Tata compact SUV might be based on the Chery Tiggo that’s 4358mm long, 1830mm wide and 1670mm tall. Engine setup of the Blackbird might include the Nexon’s BS6-compliant 1.2Lturbo petrol and 1.5L diesel motor. It’s also reported to get an electric powertrain.
5. Mahindra XUV400
Mahindra XUV400 will among the first vehicles to be rolled out under Ford and Mahindra’s joint venture. The mid-size SUV might hit roads sometime in 2022. It’s reported to be based on Ford’s VX-722 platform and measure around 4.4 meters long. The new Mahindra compact SUV could be made available with a new 1.5L turbo petrol and a 1.5L diesel engine delivering 163bhp with 280Nm and 120bhp with 300Nm respectively. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
6. New Maruti Suzuki
India’s largest passenger car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki is rumoured to launch Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos rival in a couple of years. The model will be based on Toyota’s DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) modular platform that’s claimed to offer better fuel economy and driveability. It’s a lightweight architecture, thanks to its high-tensile steel with resin outer panels. If reports are to be believed, the new upcoming Maruti Suzuki compact SUV could be offered with a 1.5L petrol and turbo-petrol engines.
7. New Toyota SUV
Toyota Kirloskar Motor is ready to join the premium compact SUV bandwagon with a new model that will be designed and developed jointly by Toyota and Maruti Suzuki. Its design and styling will be different from the Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming mid-size SUV. Though, both models will share the platform (DNGA). It might come with Suzuki’s 1.5L naturally aspirated and 1.5L turbocharged petrol engines. The new Toyota compact SUV will hit showrooms sometime in 2022.
8. Jeep Renegade
The American SUV manufacturer has planned the Jeep Renegade mid-size SUV for the Indian market. Slated to launch in 2022, the new Jeep compact SUV will be based on the FCA’s Small Wide 4X4 platform and is likely to come with well-equipped interior. It could be made available with a 1.4L turbo petrol and 2.0L diesel engines borrowed from the Jeep Compass that’s ready to receive a mid-life update early next year. The carmaker might detune both motors for the Renegade. Transmissions on offer will include a 6-speed MT and 7-speed DCT automatic.
9. New Ford SUV
The American carmaker is also working on a Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos rival that will be co-developed by Mahindra & Mahindr and Ford. Interestingly, the upcoming new Ford compact SUV will be based on the new monocoque FWD (front-wheel-drive) platform. The same architecture will also be used in the new-generation Mahindra XUV500 that will be launched in early 2021. Measuring around 4-meters, the Ford B745 (codename) might come with Mahindra’s 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5K mStallion petrol engines. It will also share several components and design elements with the next-generation Mahindra XIV500.
10. New Honda SUV
The Japanese carmaker is planning to expand its Indian product portfolio with a sub-4 metre and a mid-size SUV. Both models might hit roads sometime in 2022. The new Honda compact SUV is likely to be based on the modified version of the Honda Amaze’s platform and measure around 4.3 meters in length. Rumour has it that the production version of the new Honda compact SUV might be named ‘Honda ZR-V’. Under the hood, it might feature a 1.2L i-VTEC petrol and a 1.5L i-DTEC turbo diesel engine.
