In the past 2 years, we have witnessed several new SUV launches in our market. While Maruti Suzuki had launched new Brezza & Grand Vitara, Toyota introduced the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Tata and Mahindra have also launched several new SUVs in our market in past couple of years. In this article, we talk about the top 4 soon-to-be-launched SUVs that will cost under Rs 15 lakhs in our market –
1. Maruti Baleno Cross
After introducing the new Brezza, Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch a new sub-4 meter crossover in our market in 2023. The company will introduce a new Baleno based crossover, codenamed YTB at the Auto Expo 2023. While the Brezza is sold through ARENA dealership network, the new Baleno based crossover will be exclusively sold through NEXA premium dealerships. It is likely to share the styling cues from the Futuro-e concept, which was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo. The new crossover will be positioned alongside the Brezza, in terms of pricing, and will rival the Tata Punch, Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite.
The new Maruti Baleno Cross will share the interior with the Baleno hatchback; however, it is likely to get more features. The new model is reportedly to be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Boosterjet turbo petrol engine that produce around 100bhp and 150Nm. The entry-level variants are likely to get a 1.2L Dualjet petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
2. Maruti Jimny
Maruti Suzuki is preparing a long wheelbase version of the Jimny lifestyle SUV, which is expected to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2023. Based on the Jimny Sierra, the new model will be a 5-seater SUV. It will rival the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha. Leaked documents reveal that the 5-door model will measure 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height. It will ride on 2,550mm long wheelbase, which is 300mm longer than the Sierra. The SUV will have a ground clearance of 210mm and is reportedly to have a kerb weight of 1,190kg that is 100kgs higher than the 3-door Sierra.
The 5-door Maruti Jimny will be powered by a new 1.5-litre K15C naturally-aspirated petrol with a mild hybrid set-up. This engine produces 101bhp and 137Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The new Jimny 5 door will come fitted with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro AWD setup, which is the most capable version of Suzuki’s AllGrip tech. The new model is expected to be priced around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
3. Hyundai Mini SUV
Hyundai has started working on an all-new micro SUV, codenamed Ai3 for the Indian market. The new model is reportedly to be launched in mid-2023. It will be based on the new Grand i10 Nios platform that underpins the Casper micro SUV on sale in South Korea. The new model will rival the likes of the Tata Punch, Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite. Hyundai will aim to tap the space between the Grand i10 Nios and the Venue, Hyundai could remove some of the top-end and entry-level variants of the Grand i10 Nios & the Venue to create space to accommodate a new mini SUV.
The new Ai3 SUV is expected to share the interior with the Grand i10 Nios. In terms of features, the small SUV is likely to get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, reverse camera, power windows, auto AC and others. It is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 82bhp and 114Nm of torque. Transmission choices are likely to include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. The subcompact SUV could also get a CNG option.
4. Toyota Crossover (Taisor)
Similar to the Hyryder & Grand Vitara, Toyota will also launch the Baleno Cross based SUV Coupe for the Indian market. Rumoured to be called the Toyota Taisor, the new model could be unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo. Toyota has already started testing the new crossover, which is expected to be launched sometime early next year. The company is also testing the Yaris Cross on the Indian roads. And, the new Toyota Taisor could share some of the styling cues from the global Yaris Cross. It will also be offered with 1.0L Boosterjet petrol with mild hybrid tech and a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine.
