Seeing the growing demand for mid-sized SUVs, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, VW and Skoda launched their respective SUVs in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki and Toyota entered the mid-sized SUV segment with the Grand Vitara and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder respectively. Both SUVs are manufactured at Toyota’s facility. Similarly, Volkswagen and Skoda launched their respective SUVs – the Taigun and Kushaq in our market. These SUVs directly rivals the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos, both shares the platform and engine options.
The mid-sized SUV segment will witness arrival of 5 new SUVs in the next couple of years. Honda, Jeep, Renault-Nissan alliance and Tata Motors will launch their respective SUVs to rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and others in the mid-sized SUV category.
1. Honda SUV
Honda has officially announced to launch an all-new SUV in the country in 2023. The new model is reportedly to be based on the city platform and will measure close to 4.3 meters in length. The company could also utilise the Amaze platform, which shares commonalities with the fourth-gen City platform. Codenamed PF2, the new Honda compact SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. The new model is expected to be launched by mid-2023. The new Honda SUV could also receive a 7-seater derivative in the near future. The SUV is likely to be offered with 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre petrol with a strong hybrid tech.
2. Jeep Avenger
American SUV maker, Jeep is ready to introduce the production version of the Avenger compact SUV in Europe and other international markets. The new model is also expected to be launched in our market sometime in 2023-24. In the European markets, the Avenger will be offered in pure EV as well as ICE form. The India-spec model is likely to be offered in petrol version only. Positioned below the Renegade compact SUV, the new Avenger measures 4.09 meters in length and has a ground clearance of 200mm. The SUV has off-road capabilities with 20-degree approach, 20-degree breakover and 32-degree departure angles. It will be powered by a 100bhp, 1.2-litre GSE turbo petrol engine. The ICE version is expected to be offered with manual and the automatic gearbox options.
3. New Renault Duster
Renault is preparing the third-generation Duster SUV, which is reportedly to be launched sometime in 2024. The new model will also go on sale in our market and will rival the Creta, Taigun, Seltos, Grand Vitara and others. It will be based on the new CMF-B platform, which will be heavily localised for the Indian market. The platform will also use to introduce a new 3-row SUV, which was showcased as the Bigster concept. The new model will continue to be offered AWD layout. It is expected to be offered with a petrol engine with a hybrid tech.
4. Tata Curvv
Tata Motors had showcased the Curvv EV concept in early 2022. The production version of the Curvv SUV Coupe is scheduled to be launched sometime in early 2024. Tata has confirmed that the Curvv will come with multiple powertrains including Pure EV, Petrol and Diesel. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, VW Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq. It is based on the Tata’s X1 platform that underpins the Nexon range. The platform has been modified to accommodate bigger model and different battery packs.
The Curvv EV is likely to get a larger 40kWh battery pack with range over 400kms. It will rival the MG ZS EV, the Hyundai Kona EV and the Mahindra XUV400. The ICE version is expected to get a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is currently under development. The diesel model is likely to receive the 110bhp, 1.5L turbo engine that powers the Nexon.
5. Nissan SUV
Nissan will utilise the new CMF-B modular platform to develop an all-new mid-sized SUV, which will replace the Kicks SUV. The new model will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder & the Maruti Grand Vitara. It will also receive a 3-row derivative, which will rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and the MG Hector Plus. The new model is likely to offer 4WD layout, higher ground clearance and respectable approach & departure angles.
