India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki and second largest car manufacturer, Hyundai are working on a wide range of new SUVs for the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki is currently selling the Vitara Brezza and the S-Cross in the SUV segment, while Hyundai has Venue, Creta and Tucson in the SUV category. However, the automakers are planning to expand their SUV line-up to boost their sales as the demand for SUVs and crossovers are at all time high.
Future Maruti SUVs
Maruti Suzuki will give generation upgrade to its existing SUVs including the Brezza and the S-Cross. Adding to it, the company will enter into the mid-sized SUV segment which is currently ruled by Hyundai and Kia. MSIL will also bring its globally popular Jimny lifestyle SUV in India.
New Vitara Brezza
MSIL will introduce the second generation Brezza before the end of this financial year. The new model will be based on the advanced HEARTECT lightweight platform, which is an upgraded version of the Ertiga’s platform. The new Brezza will come with modern features and connected car technology. The SUV will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with a stronger hybrid system. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
New S-Cross
Japanese automaker, Suzuki is also working on next generation S-Cross crossover, which is reportedly to be introduced in 2022. However, the India-spec model will arrive in 2023-24. The new model will ride on new platform and will feature several advanced connectivity features. The crossover is also likely to receive a new 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
New Mid-Sized SUV
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are jointly working on new mid-sized SUV, which is rumoured to be based on the Toyota’s low-cost DNGA platform. This platform currently underpins the new Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky. The new model will rival the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The new model is likely to be powered by a new turbocharged petrol engine.
New Jimny 5-door
MSIL will bring back the new generation Jimny SUV in 2022. The company will introduce the 5-door version of the Jimny, which will ride on a longer wheelbase. The SUV will have 300mm longer wheelbase compared to the Jimny Sierra. The global-spec model will get the new 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
Future Hyundai SUVs
Korean automaker, Hyundai is planning to introduce its global SUVs in the country in the next couple of years. Adding to it, the brand will also enter into the micro SUV segment with an all-new model. The company will also give a major facelift to its existing models.
Hyundai Alcazar
The company will introduce a Creta based 7-seater SUV, called the Alcazar on June 18, 2021. The new SUV will have 150mm longer wheelbase than the Creta, and will rival the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV500 and the MG Hector Plus. It will be offered with two engine options – a 113bhp, 1.5L turbo-diesel and a 157bhp, 2.0L petrol. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai is also considering the Palisade SUV for the Indian market. It is a full-size SUV measuring close to 5 meters in length, and will act as a flagship Hyundai in India. The Palisade is available as 7- and 8-seater SUV, which will rival the MG Gloster. It is likely to be powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that is capable of producing 197bhp of power and 440Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV offers 4 drive modes – COMFORT, ECO, SPORT, SMART and 3 terrain modes – SNOW, MUD and SAND.
New Tucson
Hyundai will introduce the next generation Tucson SUV in India in the end of 2022. The new model is already on sale in select international markets. It is based on the new platform and comes with all-new design, new interior and several segment-leading features. The international-spec model gets a 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 190bhp and 260Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.The hybrid version will receive a 1.6-litre turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine with an electric powertrain. This powertrain offers 230bhp and 350Nm of torque. This model will use CVT gearbox.
AX1 Micro SUV
Hyundai will introduce a new micro SUV, codenamed AX1, in the Indian market in early 2021. The new model will be based on the Grand i10 Nios platform. It will rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Tata HBX micro SUV. It is likely to be offered in two engine options – a 1.0L petrol and a 1.2L petrol with manual and AMT.
