In the next 7-8 months, a range of new SUVs will be introduced in our market. The list includes several new as well as facelifts of existing models. While Maruti Suzuki will introduce the long-awaited Jimny lifestyle SUV, Honda will finally have a locally developed SUV. On the other hand, Citroen, Honda, Hyundai and Kia will also introduce their respective SUVs in our market. If you are looking to buy a new SUV, here is a list of new SUVs to be launched before the end of this year in our market.
1. Maruti Jimny 5-door
The long-awaited Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door SUV will go on sale in our market before the end of May or early June 2023. Interested buyers can book the new SUV online or at authorised NEXA dealerships by paying a token amount of Rs 25,000. The new Jimny will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that produces 103PS and 138Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. It will come with Suzuki AllGrip Pro 4×4 system with low-gear ratios.
2. Honda Elevate
Japanese automaker, Honda has announced to launch a new mid-sized SUV, called the Elevate in our market by festive season, Diwali. The new model is scheduled to make its global debut in India on June 6, 2023. It will be designed and developed on 5th gen City’s platform and will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and others in the segment. The SUV will be powered by a 1.5-litre NA petrol and a 1.5L Atkinson cycle engine with two-electric motors. The SUV will also receive ADAS tech, which we have already seen on the new City.
3. Hyundai Exter
Hyundai will introduce the long-awaited Exter micro SUV in our market by mid-2023. The company has already released the pictures of the small SUV. Interested buyers can book the new SUV online or at authorised Hyundai dealerships. It will be offered in 5 trims – EX, S, SX, SX(O) and SX (O) Connect. The small SUV will be offered with a 1.2L Kappa petrol and a 1.2L Kappa petrol with a factory-fitted CNG kit. The new model will directly rival the Tata Punch and the Citroen C3.
4. New Kia Seltos
Kia has started testing the significantly revised version of the Seltos SUV on the Indian roads. The facelifted version of the SUV is reportedly to be launched by June or July 2023. The new model will receive significantly revised styling with new front fascia and new tail-lights. The cabin will also get a new connected, twin-screen layout and new digital instrument console. It is also likely to come with ADAS tech. Engine options will include a 1.5-litre NA petrol and a 1.5L turbo diesel. Instead of 1.4L turbo petrol, the new Seltos will get a new 1.5L turbo petrol engine that produces 160bhp & 253Nm of torque.
5. Citroen C3 Aircross
Citroen has showcased its 3rd product, the C3 Aircross under its C-Cube program in India. The new SUV is scheduled to be launched in our market in the third quarter of 2023. It will be the only SUV in its category to offer 5 and 7-seat options. The new SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder & others. It is based on the Citroen’s CMP platform that underpins the C3 hatchback. The new SUV will be powered by a 1.2L turbo petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 190Nm of torque.
6. Mahindra Thar 5-door
Mahindra will introduce the Long wheelbase & 5-door version of the Thar lifestyle SUV in our market in 2023. It is expected to be unveiled sometime in August, most probably on the eve of Independence Day. The new model will have a 300mm longer wheelbase than its 3-door model. It will have new body panels along with the increased width between the wheels for better wheelbase-to-track ratio. The SUV is expected to share its powertrains with the Scorpio N. It is likely to feature a 2.0L turbo petrol and a 2.2L turbo diesel engine, producing 200bhp & 172bhp with 370Nm/ 130bp with 300Nm. It can be had with either a manual or an automatic gearbox.
7. Toyota Raize or Taisor
Toyota is preparing a new SUV Coupe based on the Maruti Suzuki Fronx for the Indian market. The company has registered two names – the Raize and Taisor, which could be used for the new SUV Coupe. It is likely to share some of the design elements from the Toyota Yaris Cross on sale in select international markets. The new model will be offered with two engine options – a 1.0L 3-cylinder Boosterjet turbo petrol and a 1.2L Dualjet petrol. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual as standard, a 6-speed torque convertor with 1.0L and an AMT with 1.2L engine.
8. Nissan X-Trail
Nissan had showcased the Qashqai, X-Trail and Juke SUVs in India in October 2022. The company has confirmed that the SUV will go on sale in our market by mid-2023. It will be positioned against the Toyota Fortuner. The fourth-gen X-Trail is based on the Renault-Nissan’s CMF-C platform and will be brought here as a low-volume CBU unit. The India-spec model is likely to be powered by a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with e-Power strong hybrid tech and 2WD & 4WD drivetrain options. While the 2WD version produces 204PS and 300Nm, the 4WD version develops 213PS and 525Nm.
9. Tata Nexon Facelift
Tata Motors will introduce the new Nexon compact SUV in our market by August 2023. The new model has been spotted testing several times on the Indian roads. The new Nexon will share styling cues from the Curvv ICE concept. It will have an all-new front and rear fascia with a new set of LED light bars. Big changes are also expected inside the cabin. It is expected to get a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, a new digital instrument console, a revised centre console and others. It will be powered by a new 125bhp, 1.2L turbo petrol engine and a 1.5L turbo diesel engine.
10. Skoda Enyaq iV
Skoda will introduce the Enyaq electric SUV in our market before the end of this year, as a completely built unit. The company is likely to launch the top-spec Enyaq iV 80X, which comes with a 77kWh battery that supports up to 125kW DC fast charging. It comes with dual motors, one on each axle, giving AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) setup and a total power worth 265bhp. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in just 6.9 seconds. The model has a WLTP rated range of up to 513km, which could make it the longest-range EV in its segment.
11. Tata Harrier/Safari Facelift
Tata Motors is also preparing to give mid-life facelift to its popular SUVs – the Harrier and the Safari. The new SUVs are reportedly to be launched by October 2023. The new Harrier and Safari facelifts will share the styling cues from the Harrier EV concept that was showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo. The new SUVs will receive updated interiors along with new features. It will also come with ADAS tech with features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and others. The SUVs will continue to be offered with a 170bhp, 2.0L turbo diesel engine. The new models could also receive a new 170bhp, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
