The SUV segment registered tremendous growth in the past few months. Over 5 lakh SUVs were sold in January 2021 to May 2021 against 2.19 lakh units of the previous year same time duration. It registered a massive growth of 141%. While the sub-4 meter SUV space has already been crowded, the mid-size SUV segment will soon witness several new product launches. The Hyundai Creta is the undisputed king of the compact SUV segment, followed by the Kia Seltos. Though, the competition will get fierce with the arrival of 11 new models in the next 2-3 years.
Skoda and Volkswagen are ready to foray into the mid-size SUV space with the Kushaq and Taigun respectively. Both SUVs underpin the India-specific MQB AO IN platform and come with the 113bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol and 147bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol engine options. MG Astor will be the British carmaker’s answer to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. It could be offered with the 120bhp, 1.5L NA petrol and 163bhp, 1.3L turbo petrol engines.
The French carmaker, Citroen will mark its entry into the mid-size SUV segment with the C3 Aircross sometime next year. It’s likely to come with the 1.2L turbo petrol and flexi-fuel (petrol + ethanol blends) powertrains. Jeep Renegade (second-generation) is reported to be under consideration for the Indian market. It will be based on the Small Wide 4X4 platform and take on the Creta and Seltos. Tata Motors is working on a mid-size SUV (codenamed Blackbird) that’s rumoured to be developed under China’s Chery Automobile Co and Tata joint venture.
If reports are to be believed, the Japanese carmaker might bring in the Honda HR-V SUV in India towards the end of this year or sometime next year. It could be offered with the hybrid powertrain featuring Honda’s e:HEV system (1.5L iMMD petrol engine and 2 electric motors). Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are jointly working on mid-size SUVs that will be positioned against the Creta and Seltos.
Mahindra & Mahindra will introduce the new-generation XUV500 with the 5-seats layout to challenge Hyundai’s Creta. Though, it’s reported to launch in 2024. Great Wall Motors is ready to commence its Indian operations in coming months. While the Haval F7 could the first offering from the Chinese carmaker in India, it will also bring in the Haval H4 mid-size SUV in 2022 or 2023. Both models were showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Upcoming Hyundai Creta Rivals In India
| Upcoming Model | Expected Launch |
| Skoda Kushaq | July 2021 |
| Volkswagen Taigun | August 2021 |
| MG Astor | Q3, 2021 |
| Honda HR-V | 2021-22 |
| Citroen Mid-size SUV | 2022 |
| Tata Blackbird | 2022-23 |
| Toyota Mid-size SUV | 2022-23 |
| Maruti Mid-size SUV | 2022-23 |
| Haval H4 | 2022-23 |
| Jeep Renegade | 2023 |
| New Mahindra XUV400 | 2024 |
