Kia Motors India is gearing up to launch the all-new Sonet subcompact SUV in the month of September. In the sub-4 meter SUV space, it will put up against the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300. In coming months, there will be more Sonet rivals in the market including the two important products – Toyota Urban Cruiser and new Jeep compact SUV.
Based on the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Toyota Urban Cruiser will be made available with one petrol SHVS engine and two gearbox options. That said, the compact SUV will use the same 105bhp, 1.5L K15 naturally aspirated petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid technology. It can be had either with a 5-speed manual gearbox (standard) or a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission (optional). Its mileage will be equivalent to its Maruti Suzuki counterpart – i.e. 17.0kmpl (MT) and 18.76kmpl (AT).
The Japanese carmaker has made minor changes to its front end, while its side and rear profiles are exactly similar to the Vitara Brezza. The Urban Cruiser features a twin-slat grille with angular chrome frame as we have seen in the Fortuner. The more pronounced front bumper with in-built faux bull bar and brushed metal effect faux skid late add more to its sporty looks. Inside, the compact SUV might get light coloured materials and upholstery.
Talking about the upcoming Jeep subcompact SUV, the model is reported to hit Indian roads sometime next year. It will be designed on Fiat’s new-generation Panda 4X4 platform and produced at Fiat’s Ranjangaon plant in Maharashtra. It will be the smallest and most affordable offering from the American carmaker in the country.
The new Jeep subcompact SUV might be powered by the de-tuned version of the new 1.3L FireFly turbi engine with both manual and automatic gearboxes. The carmaker might also offer a diesel engine. The small SUV could be equipped with AWD (all-wheel-drive) system.
Kia Sonet First Look Video
