The rising demand for SUVs have prompted automakers to introduce new SUVs in the Indian market. In the past couple of years, we have witnessed multiple differently styled SUVs including new Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV700 and others. In the next couple of years, multiple SUVs with unique styling will arrive in our market.
Hyundai Micro SUV
The Korean automaker is preparing a new micro SUV, codenamed Ai3 CUV for the Indian market. The new model is scheduled to be launched by mid-2023, before festive season. It could make its India debut at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. The new model will be based on the Grand i10 Nios platform, which also underpins the Casper micro SUV on sale in South Korea. The new model will rival the Tata Punch, Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite. To be positioned between the i20 Nios and Venue, the Hyundai micro SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox options. The company could also launch the CNG Version of the SUV.
Jeep Avenger
Jeep has recently revealed the Avenger electric SUV, which is scheduled to be launched in Europe in the next few months. The online configurator confirms that the Jeep Avenger will also receive an Internal Combustion Engine. In fact, the petrol powered Jeep Avenger has already been spotted testing multiple times in Europe. It is based on Stellantis’ CMP (Common Modular Platform) that underpins the Citroen C3 and other global cars. To be positioned below the Renegade, the new Avenger will come with all-new design inspired from the Compass SUV. It will be powered by a 100bhp, 1.2-litre GSE turbo petrol engine with manual gearbox. The new model measures 4.08 meters in length, which makes it the brand’s smallest SUV. The new Avenger is also expected to arrive in our market in 2023-24.
New Honda SUV
Honda has confirmed that it is developing an all-new SUV for the Indian market. To be based on the new Amaze platform, the new model will measure around 4.2 meters in length. The new Honda compact SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and others. The new Honda SUV is likely to share styling cues from bigger SUVs including the HR-V and the CR-V. It is expected to feature coupe-SUV like styling with tapered roofline, raked windshield and angular rear design. The new model is expected to share the engine options with City sedan. It will get a 1.5L i-VTEC petrol and a 1.5L Atkison cycle engine with a strong hybrid tech.
Maruti Jimny 5-door
Maruti Suzuki will re-enter in the lifestyle SUV category with the new Jimny off-roader. The company will launch the 5-door Jimny in the mid-2023. Compared to the 3-door Jimny Sierra, the new 5-door model will have 300mm longer wheelbase and will be 300mm longer. This will help Maruti Suzuki to create more space inside the cabin. It is scheduled to make global debut at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. The new model will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid tech. This engine is capable of producing 101bhp and 137Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. It will receive Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro AWD system as standard.
Tata Curvv SUV Coupe
Tata Motors had showcased the Curvv concept earlier this year. It will be last EV to be based on the existing X1 platform and will also be offered with internal combustion engines. The new model is scheduled to be launched in the first half of 2024. The new model will come with SUV Coupe styling and will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and others. The EV is likely to get a 40kWh battery pack with close to 500km range on a single charge. The ICE version is expected to get a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, which is under development.
Lead Image Source – Walter Vayr
