Size does matter, especially in the Indian automobile industry. Past decade passenger vehicle sales number suggests that Indians increasingly shifted towards bigger, sportier looking SUVs. While the hatchback or sedan sales remain stagnant, SUVs are the one that manages to grab major market share. In fact, brands like Maruti and Hyundai has managed to mark their presence in this growing segment. Seeing the growing demand for SUVs, popular brands are now planning to launch their SUVs in the Indian market. Here is the list of top 5 most awaited new SUVs in India –
Tata H5X
Homegrown passenger vehicle maker, Tata Motors had showcased the H5X concept SUV at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. It is the first Tata car to be based on the modified Land Rover’s L550 platform. This model is a 5-seater premium SUV and will rival the likes of Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson. It is powered by Fiat sourced 2.0-litre MJD diesel engine that also powers the Jeep Compass. The Tata H5X will be equipped with several high-end features like HD touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, HARMAN sourced music system, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, sunroof etc.
Expected Launch – Early 2019
Honda HRV
Japanese automaker, Honda will soon launch the new generation CRV SUV with 7-seats and diesel engine option. The company’s 7-seater SUV – BRV has failed to generate volumes for the automaker. In order to further strengthen its position in the SUV space, Honda is considering its global SUV – HRV for the Indian market. This SUV is based on the Jazz platform, so localisation won’t be a big issue. In fact, Honda Cars India has already started developing the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine in India. This will help the automaker to achieve aggressive pricing. The new HRV is likely to be priced somewhere between Creta and Compass.
Expected Launch – Mid-2019
Maruti Suzuki Vitara
Buoyed by excellent response for Vitara Brezza, Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch more SUVs in the Indian market. The company has started testing the global Vitara SUV in India, which indicates that MSIL could launch this SUV as Creta rival. It is based on the extended version of the Vitara Brezza platform (C-Platform), which will help the automaker to achieve aggressive pricing. This model will be equipped with modern features and fuel efficient engines. It will rival against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur and upcoming Honda HR-V.
Expected Launch – 2019
Hyundai Carlino
At the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo, Hyundai had showcased the Carlino sub-4 meter SUV concept. The Korean automaker has confirmed that the new SUV will go on sale in India in 2019. While the concept was based on Elite i20 platform, the production-spec model is expected to be based on the Grand i10 platform. It will be offered in both petrol and diesel guise. Upon launch, the Hyundai Carlino will rival the likes of Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon.
Expected Launch – Early 2019
New Renault Duster
French automaker, Renault will launch the new generation Duster SUV in the Indian market in 2019. The new model will have better interior and more aggressive design. It will also be equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, better quality materials, new AC system and better quality seats. It will continue to be powered by the same 1.5-litre K9K Diesel and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Both manual and automatic versions will be on offer.
Expected Launch – 2019
