January 2020 is going to be an action-packed month for the Indian automobile industry. We will witness multiple new car launches and product unveilings across different segments. Here’s a brief on the three new SUVs, which are scheduled to make their debut in the production avatar.
1. Jeep Compass Facelift
The 2021 Jeep Compass facelift will be unveiled on 7th January. The SUV will receive a few noticeable changes on the exterior and interior along with a new Green colour scheme. The updates might be similar to the global-spec mode that was put up on display at the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show in November.
Some of its key changes will include new 7-slate grille with honeycomb inserts, new headlamps, new bumpers with faux skid plates, revised fog lamps and newly-designed 5-spoke alloys, a new 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with FCA’s UConnect 5 tech supporting Alexa, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, new AC vents and more. On the engine front, the new Compass will retain the 163bhp, 1.4L turbo petrol and 173bhp, 2.0L diesel motors.
2. Tata Gravitas
Tata Motors has confirmed that the production-ready Gravitas 6/7-seater SUV will debut on India’s 72nd Republic Day – i.e. 26th January. The Gravitas is 63mm longer and 80mm taller than the Harrier, while the wheelbase of both SUVs stands at 2741mm. The newly-designed stepped-up roof and a longer rear overhang make it look different from the Harrier.
Similar to its younger sibling, the Gravitas underpins the Omega platform. Features such as revised dashboard, ivory seat upholstery and door pads add a premium touch to its interior. It also gets electronic parking brake function. Powering the SUV will be the same 2.0L Kryotec diesel engine that does duty in the Harrier. The motor delivers power worth 168bhp with 350Nm of torque. There will be two gearboxes on offer a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic sourced from Hyundai.
3. Skoda Vision IN
Skoda Vision IN concept based mid-size SUV will be unveiled in January 2021. It will be the brand’s first production model to be based on the localized, modular MQB A0 IN platform that will also underpin the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun compact SUV. Most of its design elements and features will be retained from the concept.
Some of its key highlights will include LED headlamps, alloy wheels, a configurable colour TFT instrument console, a stand-along touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, multiple airbags, ABS with EBD and more. Here, the new Skoda SUV is likely to be offered with a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine that will come with manual and DSG automatic gearbox options. The lower trims could be exclusively offered with the smaller capacity 1.0L turbo petrol motor.
