In order to improve sales, MSIL has recently launched the new Brezza compact SUV with better design and more features. The company will soon introduce the new Grand Vitara SUV, which will replace the ageing S-Cross. Moreover, MSIL will also introduce two new compact SUVs in the market in 2023. Similarly, Honda is also readying a couple of India-centric SUVs. The company will launch an all-new compact SUV in the country in 2023.
Upcoming MSIL SUVs – New Jimny, YTB SUV Coupe
The long-awaited Maruti Suzuki Jimny lifestyle SUV will finally go on sale in the country in 2023. The company will launch the long-wheelbase, 5-door version of the SUV. The new model is rumoured to be called the Suzuki Jimny Long and is expected to be launched in Europe by the end of 2022. In India, the SUV is expected to be introduced at the 2023 Auto Expo.
To be based on the 3-door Jimny Sierra, the new 5-door Jimny Long will be 300mm longer and will ride on 300mm longer wheelbase. The new model will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15C dual-jet petrol engine with a mild hybrid system. This engine is capable of producing 103PS and 137Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Maruti Suzuki is also preparing a new SUV Coupe, codenamed YTB, which is expected to be unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. The new model will be based on the Baleno’s HEARTECT platform. It will be sold alongside the Brezza and will come with higher degree of electrification. If reports are to be believed, the new model could be the production version of the Futuro-e Concept, which was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo. The new model is expected to be the sportiest Maruti ever and will have a more SUV-coupe design. It will be sold through NEXA premium dealerships. It is likely to be powered by a 1.5L petrol engine with a stronger hybrid tech.
Honda Compact SUV – Next-gen WR-V?
Honda had showcased the SUV RS concept at the 2022 GIIAS. The production version of the SUV will be unveiled at the 2023 GIIAS in August. Honda has also confirmed that the company will introduce an all-new compact SUV in India in 2023. It could be the Indianized version of the RS SUV. The Indonesian media reports that the production version SUV could be called the next-gen Honda WR-V.
The new SUV will rival the likes of the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza and the Tata Nexon. It is likely to be powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that powers the City sedan. This engine is capable of producing 120PS and 145Nm of torque. The India-spec model could also get a 1.2L petrol and a 1.5L turbo-diesel engine. Honda could also introduce the hybrid version of the SUV.
