Kia Motors is all set to enter into the sub-4 meter SUV segment. Moreover, Renault and Nissan are ready with their respective compact SUVs for the Indian market. This segment will also witness small SUVs from brands like Citroen, MG Motors and Jeep. In fact, Honda Cars India is also considering a sub-4 meter SUV based on the new Amaze platform.
Nissan will launch the Magnite sub-4 meter SUV in the first quarter of 2021, most probably in January. The new model will be based on the CMF-A modular platform, which will also underpin the soon-to-be-launched Renault Kiger. Both SUVs will receive the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine in naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions.
Kia has officially announced to launch the Sonet sub-4 meter SUV in September 2020. The new model has received over 6,500 bookings on the first day of opening of bookings in India. The new model will come with 3 engine options – a 1.0L turbo-petrol, a 1.2L NA petrol and a 1.5L diesel – and multiple gearbox options. The SUV also receives several segment-first features.
Citroen is gearing up for the launch of the C5 Aircross premium SUV in India in early 2021. However, the first locally developed product will arrive in the second half of 2021. It will be an all-new sub-4 meter SUV, codenamed C21. The new SUV will be developed on Groupe PSA’s CMP (Common Modular Platform), which also underpins the new Peugeot 208. It will be offered with multiple engine options including 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.2L turbocharged petrol and a 130bhp, 1.5L diesel.
Jeep has also stated that it will enter into the sub-4 meter SUV space in 2022. The compact will introduce an all-new compact SUV, which will take on the Ford EcoSport and Suzuki Jimny. The new SUV is rumoured to share the platform with the Citroen C21 under the new FCA and Groupe PSA partnership.
Buoyed by excellent response for the Hector range and the ZS EV, MG Motors is now looking to enter into the sub-4 meter SUV segment. While details about the sub-4 meter SUV are yet to be revealed, it is expected to be based on the Baojun 510 SUV. The Baojun 510 SUV has already been spotted multiple times on Indian roads.
Honda is reportedly readying an all-new compact SUV based on the Amaze platform for the Indian market. The new SUV is likely to share the engine options with the new City sedan. Similarly, Toyota will soon introduce the re-badged Vitara Brezza – called the Urban Cruiser in India.
