Car buyers in India are currently spoiled for choice when it comes to compact SUVs. These vehicles offer high ground clearance, a commanding driving position, compact styling, and efficiency, making them excellent value for money products. However, the competition in this segment is set to intensify even further with the impending launch of eight new models, all scheduled to go on sale within the next 12 months. Let’s delve into the key details of these upcoming compact SUV models.
Upcoming Compact SUV Models
Mahindra XUV300 Facelift
The 2024 Mahindra XUV300 facelift is set to hit the roads in the coming weeks, though its official launch date is yet to be announced. Noticeable changes are expected to be made inside and out. Spy images reveal that the SUV’s updated version will come with a newly designed dashboard featuring dual 10.25-inch screens – one functioning as an infotainment system and the other as a digital instrument cluster. Features such as a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, rear air con vents, and ventilated front seats will also be on board. Most of its design changes will be inspired by Mahindra’s upcoming BE electric SUVs, which are slated to roll out from 2025. The new XUV300 will continue to come with the 1.5L diesel and 1.2L turbo petrol engines. The more powerful gasoline unit will get a new 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, sourced from Aisin. More details here…
Toyota Taisor
Toyota’s upcoming sub-4-meter SUV, essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, is expected to arrive in the coming months. The model is likely to be named Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. Toyota’s new micro SUV will look slightly different from its donor model. It will feature differently designed front and rear bumpers, Toyota’s signature grille, and new wheels. It could also get fog lamp surrounds and select plastic components similar to the Rumion MPV. Inside, there could be new seat upholstery and inserts. The feature list will be exactly similar to the Fronx. Powering the new Toyota Taisor will be the Fronx’s 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0L Boosterjet petrol engines, delivering 90bhp with 113Nm and 100bhp with 147Nm, respectively. More details here…
Mahindra XUV300 EV
Reports suggest that Mahindra & Mahindra will introduce the electric iteration of the updated XUV300 in June 2024. Called the Mahindra XUV300 EV, the electric SUV will be a direct rival to the Tata Nexon EV that’s currently dominating the segment. Its design and styling will be similar to the XUV300 facelift, but it will feature some EV-specific elements such as a closed-off grille and copper or blue highlights flaunting its electric nature. The EV-specific treatment will continue inside the cabin as well. The model might get a differently designed dashboard with a larger infotainment system and revised center console. Powertrain specifications of the XUV300 EV are still under wraps, though it’s expected to come with a battery pack of 35kWh capacity. More details here…
Nissan Magnite Facelift
With the aim of strengthening its market presence, Nissan India plans to expand its SUV product portfolio in the coming years. As part of this strategy, the company will update its existing Magnite subcompact SUV model lineup in 2024. Minimal changes are expected both inside and out. The 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift will retain features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a 7.0-inch TFT display for the instrument cluster, an all-black interior, push-button start, voice recognition, a 360-degree around-view camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, the engines from the pre-facelift version – i.e., the 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0L turbo petrol – will be carried forward. More details here…
Kia Clavis
Kia India is preparing to enter the micro SUV segment with a new model likely to be named the Kia Clavis. Spy images reveal that the small SUV will feature a panoramic sunroof and ADAS tech, along with amenities such as a 360-degree camera, three-point seatbelts for all passengers, and 12 parking sensors. Interior features may include dual-tone leatherette seat upholstery, phone charging sockets, rear AC vents, a rear armrest for second-row passengers, and a rear single bench-type seat with adjustable headrests for side occupants. Drawing inspiration from the globally sold Telluride SUV, the Kia Clavis will boast an upright and boxy stance. Under the hood, it might be equipped with the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0L turbo petrol engines. Rumors suggest that Kia may introduce an electric version of the Clavis at a later stage. More details here…
MG Compact SUV
MG Motor India has confirmed the launch of a new electric car for the 2024 festive season. While details about the upcoming product are yet to be revealed, it is likely to be a rebadged version of the Baojun Yep Plus. This 5-door electric SUV will feature a boxy stance akin to the Defender, along with headlamps sporting Porsche-like graphics, a blacked-out C-pillar, and newly-designed alloy wheels. Anticipated to have a battery capacity of 28.2kWh and a 102bhp electric motor fitted on the rear axle, the new MG electric compact SUV is expected to offer a range of around 401km on the CLTC cycle, with an electronic speed limit of 150kmph. Once launched, it will compete against the Tata Punch EV and Citroen eC3 in terms of pricing. More details here…
Skoda Compact SUV
Skoda Auto has confirmed the launch of a new sub-4 meter SUV for India to rival cars like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, and Maruti Brezza. Scheduled to go on sale within the next year, the model aims to manufacture nearly 90,000 units for domestic and export markets. Sharing its platform, components, and engines with the Kushaq SUV, this new Skoda SUV is expected to achieve competitive pricing. Powering it will be the Kushaq’s 1.0L turbo petrol engine with manual and torque converter automatic gearboxes, delivering a peak power of 110bhp and 200Nm of torque. There’s a possibility of introducing the 1.5L TSI petrol engine option as well. More details here…
New-Gen Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV is poised to enter its new generation in early 2025. Hyundai’s new facility in Talegaon, Maharashtra, will serve as the production hub for the all-new Venue, with the company aiming to manufacture nearly 150,000 units annually. Expected to share design elements with the Exter micro SUV and Creta facelift, the 2025 Hyundai Venue is anticipated to feature ADAS tech along with a host of new features. No changes are expected to be made to its engine bay, with the new Venue continuing to offer the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol, and 1.5L diesel engine options. More details here…
