Indian car buyers are currently exhibiting a notable shift towards the entry-level SUV segment, leading to a decline in sales for small cars. Recognizing this trend, car manufacturers including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata have ventured into the micro SUV space with models like the Fronx, Exter, and Punch, respectively. Furthermore, the sub-4 meter SUV segment, which is already quite saturated, is experiencing rapid growth. To stay competitive in this dynamic landscape, four of India’s popular subcompact SUVs – the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Renault Kiger, and Hyundai Venue – are slated to undergo substantial updates in the near future. Here’s a glimpse into the key details of these upcoming subcompact SUVs, based on what we currently know.
Updated Tata Nexon
The refreshed Tata Nexon is expected to be available for sale in early September 2023, although the exact launch date is yet to be disclosed. Drawing inspiration from the Tata Curvv concept, the upcoming Nexon facelift will feature significant design changes and enhanced features. The update encompasses a new two-spoke steering wheel, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a new fully digital instrument cluster. The vehicle’s dimensions will remain unaltered. Under the hood, the 2023 Tata Nexon will introduce a fresh 1.2L turbo petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, the existing 120bhp, 1.2L turbo petrol, and 115bhp, 1.5L diesel engines will also be retained. More details here…
Updated Mahindra XUV300
Mahindra & Mahindra’s XUV300 subcompact SUV is set to undergo a mid-life update in early 2024. This update will introduce a first-in-segment panoramic sunroof. While detailed information is limited at this time, the 2024 Mahindra XUV300 facelift is anticipated to incorporate various new features, including a digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and a redesigned dashboard. Design changes could draw inspiration from the Mahindra XUV700. Engine configurations from the current model will persist, featuring a 1.2L turbo petrol and a 1.5L diesel. More details here…
Updated Renault Kiger
Renault India has officially confirmed updates for the Kwid hatchback, Kiger subcompact SUV, and Triber MPV models in 2024. These updates will entail modest design revisions and feature enhancements, while the engines are expected to remain unchanged. The 2024 Renault Kiger will continue to utilize the CMFA+ platform, offering the 72bhp, 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol and 100bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol engine options. The naturally aspirated gasoline engine will be paired with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox, while the turbo-petrol motor will be available with both 5-speed manual and CVT automatic transmissions. More details here…
New-Gen Hyundai Venue
Following its mid-life update in June 2022, the Hyundai Venue is poised for a second-generation release in 2025. Interestingly, the new-gen Venue will mark the debut of production at Hyundai’s recently acquired Talegaon facility. Anticipated to boast radical design changes inspired by the Exter micro SUV, the 2025 Hyundai Venue, internally referred to as Project Q2Xi, will continue its competition against rivals like the Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV300. More details here…
PS: All images above are for representational purposes.
