Korean automaker, Hyundai had introduced the Venue sub-4 meter SUV in 2019 in the Indian market. The SUV is currently the best-selling model in its segment with average sales of around 10,000 units per month. Hyundai-owned Korean brand, Kia had introduced the Sonet in the sub-4 meter SUV in 2020. This compact SUV also received excellent response from buyers. However, 3 new sub-4 meter SUVs will be launched in our market in the next couple of years to challenge the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Sonet.
New Maruti Vitara Brezza
Maruti Suzuki will launch the second generation Vitara Brezza in the second half of 2021. The new Brezza will be based on the advanced version of the Suzuki’s lightweight HEARTECT platform that underpins the Ertiga. The new platform will allow Maruti Suzuki to incorporate modern connectivity features such as connected car tech, advanced infotainment system, etc in the Brezza. The SUV will also receive a factory fitted sunroof.
The new Vitara Brezza will be equipped with a stronger hybrid system coupled to a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Instead of a 4-speed torque convertor, the new compact SUV is most likely to get a new 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Citroen C21
French automaker, Citroen will start introducing locally developed products from the second half of 2021 in India. The first model will be a sub-4 meter SUV, codenamed C21, which will rival the Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue and the Renault Kiger. Rumoured to be called the Citroen C3 Sporty, the new model will be based on the Groupe PSA’s CMP (Common Modular Platform) that also underpins the Peugeot 208.
The new Citroen C3 compact SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which can produce up to 130bhp of power. A 5-speed manual gearbox will come as standard, while a DCT automatic gearbox could join the line-up at a later stage. The Citroen CC21 could be the first model in India to feature flex-fuel system, which is compatible to feature a 1.2L petrol engine with ethanol blends starting from 27% to entirely on the biofuel.
Jeep Compact SUV
American SUV maker, Jeep will introduce a sub-4 meter SUV in the Indian market in the end of 2022 or early 2023. Called Project 526, the new compact SUV will share the underpinnings and the mechanics with the Citroen C21 compact SUV. It will be based on the CMP platform and will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The upcoming Jeep sub-4 meter SUV could be the first model in its segment to feature an AWD system.
The SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with power output close to 130bhp.The SUV could receive a front-wheel-drive system as standard, while all-wheel-drive system will be offered on the special variant. It is expected that Jeep could opt at electrification for including AWD functionality in the SUV.
