The next couple of months will be action-packed for the Indian automobile industry. A range of new products is slated to hit roads especially from the SUV segment. Here’s a brief on the upcoming 5 new SUVs that will soon arrive in the market.
1. New Jeep Wrangler
Jeep India has confirmed that it will announce prices of the new Wrangler on coming 15th March. It will be a locally assembled unit instead of the CBU (Completely Built Up) model that costs 68.94 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2021 Jeep Wrangler will surely be more affordable than the existing version. The SUV will witness noticeable changes inside and out including a newly-designed dashboard with integrated UConnect 4C 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electrically activated differential locks with the central console integrated controls and more. For power, the SUV will use a 2.0L turbo petrol engine making 268bhp and 400Nm. It will come with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox and a new Selec-Trac full-time 4WD drive system.
2. Citroen C5 Aircross
Citroen C5 Aircross will be the first offering from the French carmaker in the country. While its official bookings have already been commenced at a token sum of Rs 50,000, the launch date is yet to be announced by the carmaker. The premium SUV will come to India as CKD unit and put up against the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson. The model lineup will be spread across two variants – Feel and Shine – packed with a 177bhp, 2.0L diesel engine. Transmission duties will be taken care of by an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The carmaker has confirmed that the SUV will deliver fuel efficiency of 18.6kmpl. Compared to the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson, the C5 Aircross will be longer, wider and taller. It will be one of the most feature packed machines in its segment.
3. Skoda Kushaq
Skoda Auto will unveil the production-ready Kushaq mid-size SUV on coming 18th March. Its launch, however, will take place by mid 2021. Interestingly, the Skoda Kushaq will be the first model to be produced under the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 Project and underpin the MQB A0 IN platform. Ahead of its official debut, the carmaker has released official sketches of its exterior and interior. The pictures confirm that the final model will stay true to its concept – Vision IN. It will have dual-tone White and Black interior theme with contrast orange highlights and silver touches on steering wheel, door handles and AC vents. The Kushaq will be made available with the 110bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol and 147bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol engine options. There will be three gearboxes on offer – a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic.
4. Hyundai Alcazar
Hyundai Motor India is ready to bring in a new three-row SUV based on the Creta. The model will be called ‘Hyundai Alcazar’ that’s reported to debut in April 2021. The spy pictures confirm that the SUV will be offered with 6 and 7-seats configurations. The former will have dual-tone captain seats for the middle row passengers with a dedicated armrest with cup holders, wireless phone charging and a small storage space. Most of its design elements and features will be carried forward from the Creta 5-seater. Though, it might be packed with some extra features such as automatic AC unit, a 360 degree camera, ASAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and more. The engine and gearbox options will be exactly similar to the 5-seater Creta. The Hyundai Alcazar will come with the 1.4L turbo petrol, 1.5L turbo diesel and 1.5L diesel engines and three transmissions – 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter and 6-speed DCT.
5. Tata HBX
Tata HBX concept based mini SUV will be the next big launch from the home-grown carmaker in the country. Reports suggest the model will see a release before 2021 Diwali season. Similar to the Altroz premium hatchback, the upcoming new Tata mini SUV will be designed on the Alfa modular platform and feature the brand’s Impact 2.0 design language. Its design and styling will be inspired by the Tata Harrier, especially the front fascia. The mini SUV might be offered with the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.2L turbo petrol engine options. For performing transmission duties, it might have a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox.
