The sub-4 meter SUV segment is slowly getting crowded, as most of the automakers have products in this segment. Despite fierce competition, new brands are actively looking at this segment to increase their market share. French automaker, Citroen will launch an all-new sub-4 meter SUV in early 2022, while Skoda and Jeep have started working on their respective compact SUVs.
Citroen C3 Sporty
Launch – Q1, 2022
Expected Price – Rs 7 lakh to Rs 11 lakh
Competition – Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger
Citroen will launch its first Made-in-India model under its C-Cubed programme in the first half of 2022. The company will launch a sub-4 meter SUV, which is rumoured to be called the Citroen C3 Sporty. Codenamed C21, the new compact SUV will rival the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and others in its segment.
The SUV will be designed and developed on the highly-localised CMP (Common Modular Platform). It is basically the simplified version of the Peugeot’s CMP platform that underpins the 208 hatchback. This platform is flexible enought to accommodate different body styles including SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. Adding to it, the platform is compatible with multiple powertrain options such as hybrid, petrol and electric.
It is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options. It could also receive a flex-fuel system, which will feature a 1.2L petrol engine with ethanol blends starting from 27% to entirely on the biofuel.
Skoda Compact SUV
Launch – 2023
Expected Price – Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 11.5 lakh
Competition – Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue
New media report claims that Volkswagen Group is planning to enter the fast growing and highly-competitive sub-4 meter SUV segment. The new model will be sold under the Skoda nameplate. The report claims that the group has started working on a plan to make an India-specific sub-compact SUV. This model will be introduced to gain from lower tax for such vehicles. Internally called the Project 2.5, the new compact SUV is likely to be launched in the second half of 2023. The new model is expected to be based on the modified version of the MQB AO IN platform, which underpins the Kushaq. The new model is likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
Jeep Compact SUV
Launch – 2023
Expected Price – Rs 9 lakh to Rs 13 lakh
Competition – Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon
American SUV maker, Jeep is readying a new sub-4 meter SUV that is likely to be unveiled in 2023-24. It could be the first model in its segment to feature an AWD system. The new model will be based on the Groupe PSA’s CMP (Common Modular Platform) platform, which will also underpin the upcoming Citroen C21. Not just platform, the upcoming Jeep SUV will source the engine options and other mechanical parts with the Citroen’s SUV. The SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with power output close to 130bhp.
