Seeing the success of Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos, most of the auto brands are readying their mid-sized SUVs for the Indian market. Brands like Skoda and Volkswagen have already showcased their mid-sized SUVs, while Mahindra, Citroen, MG, Maruti and Toyota are working on their respective SUVs. Here is a list of upcoming 8 new mid-sized SUVs to be launched in the Indian market.
1. Skoda Kushaq
Skoda will launch the Kushaq mid-sized SUV in June 2021, while deliveries are being promised from July 2021. The new model will mark the debut of Volkswagen Group’s locally developed MQB AO IN platform, which will also underpin a new notchback/sedan. The SUV will measure close to 4.3 meters in length, and will rival the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. The SUV will be offered with two engine options – a 113bhp, 1.0L turbo-petrol with 6MT & 6AT, and a 148bhp, 1.5L turbo-petrol with 6MT & 7-speed DSG.
2. VW Taigun
Volkswagen will also launch the Taigun mid-sized SUV, which will be based on the MQB AO IN platform. The Taigun will be positioned as a premium model and is likely to get the segment-first ADAS system. The SUV will share the engine options with the Skoda Kushaq SUV. It will get features like sunroof, automatic AC, LED DRLs, LED tail-lamps, cruise control, digital instrument console, a large touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, etc.
3. Next-gen Renault Duster
Renault has patented the next generation Duster SUV in India, which suggests that the 3rd generation model could make its way to our market. The 3rd generation Renault Duster is reportedly to be developed on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B platform, which will also underpin the next-gen Nissan Kicks. The SUV is most likely to be launched by 2023. It is expected to get a long wheelbase version as well, which will offer seat for 7 adults.
4. Next-gen Mahindra XUV500
Mahindra is reportedly working on a new mid-sized SUV, which is expected to be launched as the next-gen XUV500 SUV. The new 5-seater model is rumoured to be launched by 2024. It will be based on the elongated version of the XUV300’s platform, which is basically the Indianized version of the SsangYong Tivoli’s X100 platform. The new SUV is reportedly to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel and a 1.5-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol.
5. Citroen Mid-Sized SUV
Citroen is reportedly working on a new mid-sized SUV for the Indian market. The new model will be based on the localised CMP platform, which will debut the brand’s first locally developed C21 sub-4 meter SUV. The new model is likely to share the design cues from the Citroen C4 Cactus and the Citroen C3 Aircross. In fact, the C3 Aircross has been spotted testing in India. The SUV is likely to be powered by a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which can produce up to 130bhp of power.
6. MG Astor
MG Motors is planning to launch the petrol version of the ZS mid-sized SUV, which was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. Rumoured to be called the MG Astor, the new mid-sized SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. The new model is also likely to get the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Features). The SUV is planned to be launched in the third quarter of 2021, which is between July to August. It is likely to be offered with two engine options – a 121bhp, 1.5L NA petrol and a 163bhp, 1.3L turbocharged petrol.
7. Maruti-Toyota SUV
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota JV is working on a new mid-sized SUV, which is expected to be launched in 2022-23. The new model will have two versions, one each for Toyota and Maruti Suzuki. Both models will have different design and interior; however, the platform and mechanical specifications will remain the same. The new models are likely to be based on the Daihatsu’s DNGA platform, which also underpins the Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky. The SUV is expected to receive new petrol engine.
8. New Ford SUV
Ford is reportedly working on two new compact SUVs based on the B-platform, which also underpins the EcoSport. The new mid-sized SUV is expected to be launched by 2023-24, and will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Details about the new product are yet to be released.
