The compact SUV segment is one of the fastest & most crowded in the Indian market. This segment is currently dominated by Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. In fact, the newly launched Honda Elevate has also received overwhelming response from car buyers. The competition will further increase, as multiple new compact SUVs will be launched in our market in the next couple of years –
New Hyundai Creta
The Korean automaker, Hyundai has announced to launch the new Creta compact SUV in our market in early 2024. The updated model is already on sale in select international markets; however, the India-spec model will be significantly different from the regular model. It will receive several India-specific changes, featuring a new front grille and split headlamp setup. The new Creta facelift will also receive significantly revised interior with similarities with the new Verna. It will also receive ADAS tech with features similar to the one offered in the new Verna.
It will receive dual screen setup, one for the infotainment and other for the digital instrument console. The SUV will receive a new steering wheel, ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, auto headlamps and others. It will be offered with 3 engine options – a 114bhp, 1.5L NA petrol, a 114bhp, 1.5L turbo diesel and a 158bhp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol. It will come with multiple gearbox options including manual, CVT, torque convertors, dual-clutch and iMT.
Tata Curvv
Tata Motors will launch the production version of the Curvv SUV Coupe in the first half of 2024. The SUV will first come with an electric powertrain and internal combustion engine will join the line-up soon after. It will retain the original styling of the concept, except for the few production-spec design elements. The new Curvv SUV will receive a layered dashboard with a new larger touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It will come equipped with features like a digital instrument console, a touch-based panel for climate control, ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and others. The new Curvv SUV will also receive ADAS tech with features similar to the one offered in the new Harrier & Safari. The EV is expected to receive a larger battery pack with a range of over 400km on a single charge. It will also debut the brand’s new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 170PS and 280Nm of torque.
3rd Gen Renault Duster
Renault has confirmed that the 3rd gen Duster will be launched in our market by 2025. In fact, the new Duster will be unveiled on November 29, 2023, and will first introduced under the Dacia nameplate. The SUV will be sold under the Renault nameplate where Dacia is not present. The new model will grow in size and will offer more space in the second-row and in the boot. While the current model is based on aging BO+ platform, the new-gen Duster will be based on the new CMF-B modular architecture. The versatile CMF-B platform currently underpins the Renault Clio/Captur, Dacia Sandero/Jogger and Nissan Juke.
Not just new Duster, Renault will also launch the production version of the Bigster concept. The 7-seater SUV will be sold alongside the new Duster and will rival the likes of the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar and the Mahindra XUV700. The current model measures 4,341mm in length, while the new model will have bigger dimensions and is likely to measure around 4.4-4.5 meters in length. It is expected to receive a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine. It could also get Renault’s self-charging hybrid that is offered on the Jogger. The engine setup combines a 1.6L NA petrol with two electric motors, a 1.2kWh battery pack, and a multi-mode gearbox. It offers a combined power output of 138bhp and offers a driving range of 900 km on a full tank. The new Duster will also receive AWD setup, as it will retain the off-road credentials of the current model.
Nissan’s SUV
Similar to the new Duster, Nissan will also launch a new compact SUV based on the new CMF-B modular architecture. The new model could be launched with a new name or could be introduced as a replacement for the Kicks. It will share several new components and design elements from the new Duster; however, Nissan will make certain changes to keep things fresh in the market. Not just styling & interior, the SUV will share the powertrain options with the 3rd gen Duster. Adding to it, the SUV will also receive a 7-seater derivative.
