In this article, we talk about the top much-awaited 6 new SUVs to be launched in the Indian market in the next 6 months.
Tata Punch
Tata Motors will launch the Punch micro SUV in the month of September 2021. Internally called the Hornbill, the new Tata Punch will be based on the Tata’s new ALFA modular platform that also underpins the Altroz premium hatchback. The micro SUV’s production version will remain true to its concept. Trial production of the car has already been commenced.
The Tata Puch micro SUV is most likely to be offered with two petrol engine options – a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.2-litre turbocharged. Transmission choices are likely to include a 5-speed manual and an AMT unit. The micro SUV could also receive drive modes. It will rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Hyundai Casper.
Hyundai Casper
Hyundai will introduce the production version of the Casper micro SUV in South Korea in September. While the Korean launch is scheduled in the end of 2021, the India-spec model is expected to be introduced in the first quarter of 2021. The new Casper will be based on the K1 compact car platform that also underpins the Santro and the Grand i10 Nios.
The Korean-spec model will be offered with two petrol engine options – a 76bhp, 1.0L NA petrol and a 100bhp, 1.0L turbocharged petrol. The India-spec model is likely to receive Santro’s 1.1L 4-cylinder engine that produces 69PS of power and 99Nm of torque. The micro SUV could also receive a 82bhp, 1.2L NA petrol engine. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. The top-spec model could also get the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
New-Gen Mahindra Scorpio
Mahindra is testing the next generation Scorpio SUV, which is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2022. It will be based on the new ladder-on-frame chassis, which also underpins the new Thar lifestyle SUV. The new model will grow in size, and will offer more space inside the cabin. It is expected to offer improved off-road capabilities, and will come with AWD system as an optional with high-end variants. The new Scorpio will also receive more powerful engines, which includes a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Jeep Meridian
American SUV maker, Jeep will present the 7-seater SUV based on the Compass platform on August 26, 2021. The SUV will be called the Commander in Brasil and other international markets; however, the India-spec model will be called the Jeep Meridian. The new model will be introduced in our market in the first half of 2022. The SUV rides on longer wheelbase, and features elongated body to accommodate third row of seat.
The SUV will share the styling cues from bigger Jeep SUVs including the Cherokee. The rear profile will be inspired by the Grand Wagoneer. It will be offered with 6 and 7-seats configurations. The Jeep Meridian could be equipped with ADAS (advanced driver assistance system). It will be powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine with power output close to 200bhp. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual ad a 9-speed automatic.
VW Taigun
Volkswagen will launch the much-awaited Taigun mid-sized SUV in the 3rd week of September, 2021. The company has already started customer previews at various locations in India. Production of the SUV has also been started at the Volkswagen Group’s Chakan based plant in Pune. Interested buyers can pre-book the SUV online or at authorised VW dealership by paying a token amount of Rs 25,000.
The new VW mid-size SUV will be made available with two turbocharged engines – 1.0L, 3-cylinder and 1.5L, four-cylinder. While the former produces a peak power of 113bhp with 175Nm of torque, the latter is good for 148bhp with 250Nm. The 1.0L TSI unit will come with the 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options. On the other hand, the 1.5L TSI will be exclusively offered with a 7-speed DSG transmission.
MG Astor
MG Motors has officially announced that its upcoming mid-sized SUV will be called the MG Astor. It is basically the petrol derivative of the ZS EV. The new model will be launched in the month of September 2021. It will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Skoda Kushaq. The new MG Astor mid-sized SUV will be equipped with several segment-first features. The new model will be equipped with a personal AI assistant and level II autonomous driving functions. The SUV also gets Jio-powered Internet features and the new Smart iHub connected car technology.
MG Astor is reportedly to come with two petrol engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol. While the naturally-aspirated petrol engine will produce around 120bhp and 150Nm of torque, the turbocharged engine is capable of producing 163bhp of power and 230Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
