The Mahindra XUV700 SUV, which was launched in August 2021, has now successfully completed two years in the Indian market. Within the first 12 months of its debut, the automaker managed to sell an impressive 50,000 units, followed by an additional 50,000 units in the subsequent eight months. This remarkable achievement makes the XUV700 the fastest-selling SUV in Mahindra’s portfolio to reach this milestone. The sales figures for the XUV700 continue to soar, with each passing month. In October 2023, the SUV recorded a total of 8,555 units sold, a substantial increase from the 6,512 units sold in August 2023.
In an attempt to challenge the dominance of the XUV700, car manufacturers such as Tata, Toyota, and Maruti Suzuki are gearing up to introduce new three-row SUVs in the coming years. Let’s delve into some key details about these upcoming models.
Updated Tata Safari
The 2023 Tata Safari facelift is set to reveal its prices on October 17, 2023. This SUV will be available in four trims: Smart, Pure, Adventure, and Accomplished. The updated Safari has undergone noticeable changes both in its exterior and interior. Among its features, the updated Safari boasts a new 12.3-inch Harman-sourced touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a new 4-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, an all-digital instrument cluster with navigation, a 360-degree surround camera, touch-based HVAC controls with two toggles, a panoramic sunroof, and a terrain response mode selector with a display. While the engine setup remains the same, utilizing the 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo diesel motor producing 170PS and 350Nm, the transmission choices also remain unchanged, with options for a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. More details here…
Toyota Corolla Cross-Based SUV
Reports in the media suggest that Toyota Kirloskar Motor is planning to introduce a new three-row SUV to challenge the Mahindra XUV700. This model will be based on the Corolla Cross, utilizing the TNGA-C platform, which is also used in the Innova Hycross. The SUV is expected to offer a flexible seating arrangement, with rear seats that can be folded down to create a flat floor. Additionally, it might come equipped with an electrically operated tailgate. Most of its design elements are likely to be shared with the global-spec Corolla Cross. Under the hood, the new Toyota 7-seater SUV could feature the 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 2.0L petrol with Toyota’s strong hybrid technology, producing 172bhp and 186bhp, respectively. More details here…
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara-Based 7-Seater SUV
Maruti Suzuki is reportedly in the works to develop a 7-seater SUV based on the Grand Vitara. This model will share its platform, design elements, features, and engine setup with its donor sibling. It will be powered by the 2.0L Atkinson cycle and 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engines. The former is capable of generating 184bhp with an e-Drive transmission, while the latter produces 172bhp and 205Nm. The upcoming 7-seater SUV will be produced at Toyota’s Bidadi-based facility and is estimated to be priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 30 lakh, making it potentially the most expensive Maruti Suzuki SUV in the country. More details here…
