2021 has started off on a positive note for carmakers in India. In January 2021, over 3 lakh passenger cars were sold in the country. That means the sales increased by 17.7% as compared to the same month last year. SUV segment is the most happening one, with products such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite attracting buyers to showrooms.
In coming months, there will be more new launches from India’s top 4 car manufacturers, namely, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata and Mahindra. Here’s a brief on the upcoming new SUVs from aforementioned carmakers, which are slated to hit roads in 2021.
Upcoming Maruti Suzuki SUVs In 2021
The Indo-Japanese carmaker has planned a handful of new products for this year including the updated Swift hatchback and new-generation Celerio, Baleno and Vitara Brezza. The 2021 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is likely to arrive during this year’s festive season. Rumour has it that the SUV will underpin the brand’s modified version of the C-platform or could be built on Suzuki’s lightweight Heartect platform. The biggest change might come in the form of the stronger hybrid system instead of the existing SHVS mild hybrid technology. It might also be high on fuel efficiency. Significant changes will also be made to its exterior and interior.
Upcoming Hyundai SUVs In 2021
Hyundai Motor Company will expand its Indian SUV portfolio with the new Creta 7-seater and AX1 mini SUV. While the 7-seat Creta is reported to come in April 2021, the micro SUV is likely to hit roads early next year. Design and styling of the bigger Creta will slightly different, thanks to its longer wheelbase, extended rear over hands, newly-designed taillamps, bumper and tailgate. Most of its features and engine setup are likely to be carried over from the 5-seater model. The SUV could be offered with 1.4L turbo petrol, 1.5L NA petrol and 1.5L turbo diesel engine options. The production-ready Hyundai Creta 7-seater is reported to be named ‘Hyundai Alcazar’.
Upcoming Tata SUVs in 2021
The home-grown carmaker has planned 3 new SUVs for this year including the new Tata Safari, HBX, Hexa Safari. Scheduled to launch on 22nd February, the 2021 Safari SUV will come in 6 variants (XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ and XZ+) packed with a 170bhp, 2.0L turbo diesel engine and two gearbox options. It’s essentially the bigger and slightly more premium version of the Harrier. While its prices will be announced in coming weeks, the model is expected to cost from Rs 14 lakh for the base variant to Rs 21 lakh for the top-end trim.
The Tata HBX concept based mini SUV will be the next big launch from the home-grown carmaker in the country. The production model is likely to stay true to its concept. The spy pictures confirm that its front fascia will share resemblance to the Harrier. It will be based on Alfa platform that also underpins the Altroz premium hatchback. Powering the mini SUV will be a 85bhp, 1.2L petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox options. The carmaker might also offer a 1.2L turbo petrol engine.
Previewed at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Tata Hexa Safari is slated to launch this year. The model will come with a BS6-compliant, 2.2L turbo diesel engine and 4X4 drivetrain system. Some of its key features include 17-inch alloy wheels, horizontal taillamps connected via a thick chrome bar, a special badging and dual-tone Beige and Black interior theme.
Upcoming Mahindra SUVs in 2021
Mahindra & Mahindra will roll out 4 new SUV by the end of this year. The lineup includes the new-generation Mahindra XUV500 and Scorpio, new Bolero Neo and XUV300 EV. The new Mahindra XUV500 will arrive in April and the new Scorpio will see a release by June 2021. Both models will witness comprehensive design and feature upgrades along with a new engine setup. The 2021 XUV500 will come with 190bhp, 2.2L turbo mStallion petrol and 180bhp, 2.2L diesel engines. The SUV will offer several segment –first features including ADAS, 3D panoramic vision, radar technology and more. The 2021 Scorpio will be offered with the 150bhp, 2.0L turbo mStallion petrol and 158bhp, 2.2L turbo diesel engine options.
The 2021 Mahindra Bolero Neo is likely to be the TUV300 facelift that was recently caught during its TVC shoot. The model features new grille, repositioned fog lamps, slightly tweaked rear bumper and revised taillamps. The SUV might get a new infotainment system with smartphone connectivity along with improved material quality. For power, the new Bolero Neo will feature the BS6, 1.5L mHawk diesel engine with 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox options.
Mahindra XUV300 electric SUV will come towards the end of 2021. Previewed at the last year’s Auto Expo, the model will be positioned against the Tata Nexon EV. Interestingly, it will be the first Mahindra car to be based on the Made-in-India MESMA platform. It will come with two powertrain system – standard 40kWh and the long-range 60kWh – offering range over 370km and 450km respectively. Visually, it will look slightly different from the regular model.
