In the next 3-4 months, Indian auto industry will witness the arrival of 3 new mid-sized SUVs. Skoda, Volkswagen and MG Motors will launch new mid-sized SUVs, which will challenge the likes of the new Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Skoda has announced that the production-version of the Vision IN concept will be called Kushaq. This SUV will be launched in the second quarter of 2021.
On the other hand, Volkswagen will introduce the Taigun mid-sized SUV in the end of second quarter of 2021. MG Motors will introduce the petrol version of the ZS mid-sized SUV in the second quarter of 2021. Maruti Suzuki-Toyota JV, Mahindra, Citroen and Tata Motors are also working on new mid-sized SUVs, which will arrive in 2022-23.
Skoda Kushaq
The Skoda Kushaq mid-sized SUV will be built on the locally developed MQB AO IN modular platform, which will also underpin a new C-sedan (Rapid replacement). The production version of the SUV will be unveiled in the end of January 2021. Measuring around 4.25 meters in length, the new Kushaq will ride on the segment-largest 2,671mm wheelbase.
The Kushaq will be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 108bhp of power and 175Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The top-spec model will receive a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen has already teased the production-ready Taigun, which will be launched in India in mid-2021. Based on the localised MQB AO IN platform, the new VW Taigun is designed and developed specifically for the Indian market. The SUV will have 2,671mm of wheelbase, which is around 100mm more than the T-Cross sold in European markets. The SUV will have all the modern features like a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, digital instrumentation, climate control, cruise control, sunroof, etc.
The Taigun will come with 2 engine options – a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo-petrol with 6MT & 6AT and a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo-petrol with 7-speed DSG. While the former is good for 108bhp and 175Nm of torque, the 1.5L engine produces 148bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. The 1.5L engine is likely to feature cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the motor to deactivate up to 2 cylinders by sensing the load on the engine. This will help to achieve higher fuel efficiency.
MG ZS Petrol
MG Motors will introduce the petrol-powered ZS mid-sized SUV in India in the first half of 2021. The SUV has already been caught testing multiple times on the Indian roads. Likely to be priced around Rs 9 lakh to Rs 13 lakh, the MG ZS will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks.
The MG ZS will have all the features that are available in its direct rivals. It will have a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, 360 degree camera, navigation system, a large touchscreen infotainment system, air purifier, MG iSmart connected car technology, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, multi-functional steering wheel and many more. In the international markets, the ZS is available with two engine options – a 118bhp, 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol with 6AT and a 160bhp, 1.3L turbo-petrol with 5MT and CVT automatic.
