The huge success of the new-gen Mahindra Thar has prompted automakers to introduce new lifestyle SUVs in the Indian market. In fact, the new Force Gurkha has also received positive response from buyers. In the near future, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors will also introduce lifestyle SUVs in the country. Here’s a list of top 4 upcoming lifestyle SUVs in the Indian market –
Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door
Maruti Suzuki had showcased the 5-door version of the Jimny lifestyle SUV at the 2023 Auto Expo. The new model is scheduled to be launched in the country by May 2023. Interested buyers can book the new Jimny online or at authorised NEXA dealership by paying a token amount of Rs 25,000. It will be offered in two trim levels – Zeta and Alpha – and in total of 4 variants. We expect the new model to cost somewhere between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 14 lakh.
It will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B 4-cylinder petrol engine with idle start/stop system for optimum fuel efficiency. This engine is capable of producing 103bhp of power and 134.2Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic. It comes with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system with a manual transfer case and a low-range gearbox with 2WD-high, 4WD-high and 4WD-low modes.
Mahindra Thar 5-door
Mahindra is already working on the 5-door version of the Thar lifestyle SUV, which has been spotted testing numerous times on the Indian roads. The 5-door model will ride on around 300mm longer wheelbase compared to the 3-door model. Mahindra engineers could increase the track or width between the wheels to maintain an optimum wheelbase-to-track ratio for stability. The SUV will have an extra rear door for the second-row occupants, and the length will be significantly increased. The SUV could be offered in both 4 and 5-seat layout, as the spotted models were seen with two individual rear seats.
The 5-door Thar will be based on the Scorpio-N’s platform. It is likely to receive more powerful petrol & diesel engine options. The 5-door Mahindra Thar is likely to come with two engine options – a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel. The turbo petrol engine is capable of producing 200bhp of power at 5,000rpm and a peak torque of 370-380Nm. The turbo-diesel engine offers two states of tunes – 172bhp & 370Nm with MT & 400Nm with AT, and a 130bhp and 300Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The 5-door Mahindra Thar will have 4×4 system and a manual-shift transfer case with a low ratio as standard fitment.
Force Gurkha 5-door
Not just Thar, the Force Gurkha will also receive a 5-door version. It will have a longer wheelbae and come with four seating configurations – 6, 7, 9 and 13-seats. The 6-seater model will have two captain chairs on the middle and third-rows, while the 7-seater model is likely to get the bench-type seats in the 2nd row and captain seats in the 3rd row. The wheelbase of the 5-door Gurkha is expected to be stretched by 400mm. It will have larger 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/60 R18 size tyres. It will be powered by a 2.6-litre turbo diesel engine that pushes out 91bhp and 250Nm of torque. The off-road SUV will have a 4X4 drivetrain system with the mechanically lockable front and rear differentials.
Tata Sierra
Tata Motors has confirmed that the new-gen Sierra lifestyle SUV will arrive in our market by 2025. The Sierra will rival the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio-N. In order to target a wider market, the company will introduce it with two powertrain options – petrol and electric. It will be offered with two seating layouts – 5-seat and 4-door lounge version. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 170PS and 280Nm of torque. It will be offered with manual and automatic gearbox options.
