Launched on March 16, 2020, the second-generation Hyundai Creta has been receiving overwhelming response from buyers. The company is constantly selling over 12,000 units of the Creta, which makes it India’s best-selling SUV. The SUV is currently facing tough competition from the Seltos; however, the competition will get tough as 4 new mid-sized SUVs will be launched in India in 2021. Here is the list:
MG ZS Petrol
MG Motors will launch the petrol version of the ZS mid-sized SUV in the second quarter of 2021. The new SUV will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. The SUV was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo. To be positioned below the Hector, the MG ZS is expected to be priced somewhere around Rs 9 lakh to Rs 13 lakh.
MG Motors will launch the facelifted version of the ZS SUV, which has more premium design with chrome treatment. It is likely to feature a new hexagonal front grille with chrome surround, new bumper and LED headlamps with DRLs, new LED tail-lamps and 17-inch alloys. The SUV will offer segment-leading comfort and convenience features such as a arge 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360 degree camera and navigation system, digital instrument console, MG iSmart connected car technology, panoramic sunroof, air purifier, cruise control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, multi-functional steering wheel and many more. The SUV will also mark the debut of brand’s 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which will offer close to 120bhp of power.
Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen will launch the Taigun mid-sized SUV in the country by the mid-2021. Unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Taigun will measure around 4.3 meters in length and will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta. The new model will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB AO IN platform, which will also underpin the next-gen VW Vento sedan. The new model will come equipped with several modern features such as a large touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, LED tail-lamps, sunroof, 17-inch alloys, connected car tech, etc.
The VW Taigun will be offered with 2 engine options – a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol with 7-speed DSG automatic and a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol with 6MT and 6-speed torque convertor automatic. While the former is good for 148bhp and 250Nm of torque, the 1.0L engine produces 110bhp and 175Nm of torque.
Skoda Vision IN
Skoda will launch the Vision IN concept based mid-sized SUV in the second quarter of 2021. The new model will mark the debut of VW Group’s MQB AO IN platform in India. This is basically the heavily localised version of the MQB AO Platform, which underpins the global-spec VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq and the VW Polo. Likely to be priced around Rs 9.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, the new Skoda SUV will directly rival the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. In terms of proportions, the new Vision IN is 4,256mm in length, 1,589mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,671mm.
The Skoda Vision IN based SUV will be powered by a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The vehicle will also get a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 175Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
New Mahindra Scorpio
Mahindra will introduce the next-generation Scorpio in the mid-2021. The new model will be based on the modified ladder-on-frame chassis, which underpins the new-gen Mahindra Thar. The new model will grow in size, which will allow Mahindra engineers to create more space inside the cabin. The new Scorpio is likely to be positioned against the mid-sized SUVs such as Hyundai Creta and the Tata Harrier. The new Scorpio will be equipped with an advanced touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology, automatic AC, multi-functional steering wheel, cruise control, adjustable driver’s seat, etc.
The new-gen Mahindra Scorpio will be offered with two new engine options – a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol. These engines currently powers the new-generation Thar, but in lower states of tunes. It is expected that the diesel engine could be tuned to produce around 160bhp of power and close to 350Nm of torque for the new Scorpio. The petrol engine is capable of producing up to 190bhp of power and 380Nm of torque. However, this engine will be de-tuned for the Scorpio. While powering the Thar, the turbocharged petrol engine offers 150bhp and 320Nm of torque. transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
