SUVs have always been favoured for their practicality, off-road capabilities, robust body-built and of-course the spacious cabin. While the bigger (6/7-seater) SUVs are slightly more expensive for people with budget of Rs 8 – Rs 10-12 lakh, the subcompact SUVs come as affordable options for them. In fact, the hatchback and sedan car buyers are now moving towards the sub-4 meter SUV segment. Here, we have listed top 6 upcoming new subcompact SUV that have been confirmed for the India launch.
1. Renault Kiger
The French carmaker is all set to foray into the highly competitive subcompact SUV space with the all-new Renault Kiger. The carmaker will use the Kwid’s CMF-A+ platform for its new small SUV. While its official dimension figures are yet to be revealed, it’s likely to be around 3995mm long and 1600mm wide and tall. This will make it the smallest Renault SUV in the country. On the engine front, the Renault Kiger will get a 1.0L turbo petrol and 1.0L naturally-aspirated petrol engines. Transmission duties will be carried out by a manual and an AMT unit.
2. Nissan Magnite
Nissan India is betting on the upcoming Magnite subcompact SUV that’s scheduled to launch early next year. Similar to the Renault’s Kiger, the new Nissan small SUV will be designed on the CMF-A+ architecture and come with the naturally-aspirated and turbocharged version of the 1.0L petrol engine. While a 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard across the model lineup, a CVT automatic unit will be an optional offering. If reports are to be believed, the Magnite might be offered with a sunroof and a 360 degree camera. Its prices could be as low as Rs 5.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
3. Jeep Subcompact SUV
The American carmaker has lined-up three new SUVs for the Indian market including a 7-seater model, a compact SUV and a subcompact SUV. The new Jeep subcompact SUV is reported to hit our shores sometime next year. The model will be based on Fiat’s new-generation Panda 4X4 platform. Reports suggest that the carmaker might offer the small SUV with electric and hybrid powertrains along with the ICE (internal combustion engine) units. Fiat’s Maharashtra based plant will serve as its production hub. Prices of the vehicle are likely to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
4. Citroen C21
Citroen will begin its India inning with the C5 Aircross 5-seater premium SUV in the first quarter of 2021. While the first model will come via CKD route, the second one will be made-in-India subcompact SUV. Called the Citroen C21 (codename), the new compact SUV will be based on the CMP (Common Modular Platfrom) architecture that has already underpin the several Peugeot cars. The new platform has been designed and developed for developing markets. The C21 is likely to be offered with three engine options – 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol, 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel. Initially, the compact SUV might be made available with 6-speed manual gearbox and FWD system.
5. MG Subcompact SUV
MG Motor India is ready to launch the Gloster premium 7-seater SUV in the month of October. The carmaker will expand its product portfolio with multiple new models including a compact MPV and a compact SUV. As of now, details of the new MG sub-4-meter SUV are not available. Though, it’s likely to be based on the China-spec Baojun 510 that measures 4.10 meter in length. It will be put up against the cars like Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon and the newly-launched Kia Sonet.
6. Honda Subcompact SUV
Honda is also planning to tap the sub-4-meter SUV space with an all-new model based on the next-generation City’s platform. Reports suggest that the model might be offered with two petrol engines. The setup is likely to include City’s 1.0L turbo petrol motor and a 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol unit with Honda’s compact hybrid system – e-HEV. The 1.5L gasoline engine offers a claimed power of 120bhp with 173Nm. The new Honda small SUV might come with both manual and automatic gearbox options.
