The auto industry is going through a tough phase due to rising COVID-19 cases. Brands expect that people will go for personal mobility over shared mobility, which will give auto industry a big push in near future. There is a steady rise in SUV sales and to grab market share, auto makers are developing their respective SUVs for India. In this article, we talk about 3 upcoming new sub-4 meter SUVs to be launched in the Indian market in the next 7-8 months –
Citroen C21
French automaker, Citroen will roll out its first locally developed product – a new sub-4 meter SUV codenamed C21 in the Indian market in the second half of 2021. Likely to be launched in October 2021, the new SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and others.
The Citroen C21 compact SUV will be based on the simplified version of the CMP (Common Modular Platform), which underpins the Peugeot 208. This platform will also underpin a new mid-sized SUV, compact hatchback and a new sedan.
It could be the first model in India to feature flex-fuel system, which is compatible to feature a 1.2L petrol engine with ethanol blends starting from 27% to entirely on the biofuel. The company believes that the small SUV could give Citroen a first-mover advantage in the flexi-fuel space in India.
Next-gen Maruti Vitara Brezza
Maruti Suzuki is working on the next generation Vitara Brezza, which is rumoured to be launched in the third quarter of 2021 – around September-October. The new model will be based on the advanced version of the Suzuki’s new lightweight HEARTECT platform, which also underpins the new Ertiga. The platform could be modified using high strength steel for better safety and stability.
The new model will come with modern features such as a larger touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, electric sunroof and others. It will retain the current 1.5L NA petrol engine with a stronger mild-hybrid system. Maruti Suzuki is likely to add larger battery and a more powerful electric motor to achieve higher fuel efficiency. This will also help MSIL to make new Brezza compliant with upcoming CAFE norms
Tata HBX Micro SUV
Tata Motors will launch the micro SUV based on the HBX concept before Diwali 2021. The new model will directly rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100 NXT. It will be the second model to be based on the locally developed ALFA modular platform, which also underpins the Altroz hatchback. The HBX will be designed on the brand’s new IMPACT DESIGN 2.0 Philosophy.
The new model is rumoured to be called the Tata Timero. The Tata Timero is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Tiago, Tigor and the Altroz. This engine churns out 86bhp of power and 113Nm of torque. The small UV could also get the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine with power output close to 100bhp. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
