The demand for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) is expected to persistently increase, and in response to the sharp rise in demand, car manufacturers are gearing up to introduce more products across different price ranges. This year alone, we can expect over a dozen new SUV launches, with most of them falling in the sub-4 metre category. The entry-level and premium hatchback buyers are now shifting towards the small or micro SUV segment. Currently, there are three mini SUV offerings in the country – Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Tata Punch, and Hyundai Exter.
In July 2023, Maruti Suzuki’s Fronx managed to outnumber the Tata Punch, which had been dominating the segment since its market arrival. The Indo-Japanese automaker sold 13,220 units of the Fronx, while the Punch recorded total sales of 12,019 units. Hyundai’s newly-launched Exter stood at number three with sales of 7,000 units. Altogether, a total of 32,239 units of micro SUVs were sold in July 2023.
July 2023 Sales – Micro SUVs
| Model | Sales |
| Maruti Fronx | 13,220 |
| Tata Punch | 12,019 |
| Hyundai Exter | 7,000 |
The Maruti Fronx, launched in April, is available in 13 variants priced between Rs 7.47 lakh and Rs 13.14 lakh. This compact crossover can be equipped with either a 1.0L Boosterjet turbo petrol engine or a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine. The former generates 100bhp with 147Nm of torque, while the latter produces 90bhp. Both manual and AMT gearboxes are offered, and the Fronx is also available with a CNG fuel option.
Priced between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10.10 lakh, the Tata Punch is the most affordable among all three micro SUVs. It is powered by a 1.2L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 86bhp and 113Nm of torque. Recently, Tata added five new CNG variants to the Punch model lineup, priced from Rs 7.10 lakh to Rs 9.68 lakh.
The newly-launched Hyundai Exter is being offered within the price range of Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. This micro SUV is powered by a 1.2L, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers a peak power of 83bhp and 114Nm of torque. Its CNG version provides a claimed power of 69bhp with 95.2Nm of torque.
