Only 3 months have been left when we will say GOOD BYE to 2020. In these remaining months, the Indian automobile industry will witness some important new SUV launches. Here, we have listed the top 5 upcoming SUVs that are scheduled to hit roads before the end of 2020.
1. Land Rover Defender – 15th Oct
Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that it will launch the Defender SUV in India on 15th October, 2020. In fact, the first batch of the SUV recently arrived in the country. The Land Rover Defender, which has been priced from Rs 69.99 lakh (ex-showroom), will be offered in two body styles – 3-door (90) and 5-door (110).
The model lineup will include five variants, namely, Base, S, SE, HSE and First Edition. For power, the new Defender uses a 2.0L, 4-cylinder P300 Ingenium turbo petrol engine paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The motor produces 300PS and 400Nm of torque. The SUV comes with the standard AWD (all-wheel-drive) system with twin-speed transfer box.
2. Audi Q2 – 16th Oct
Audi’s smallest and most affordable SUV is ready to hit Indian roads on coming 16th October, 2020. The compact SUV will come in five trims – Standard, Premium, Premium Plus 1, Premium Plus 2 and Technology. Under the hood, it will feature a 2.0L turbo petrol motor pushing out power worth 187bhp. It can accelerate 0-100kmph in 6.5 seconds and offers a maximum speed of 228kmph.
The gasoline unit is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Audi’s Quattro AWD system is standard across the model lineup. The overall length, width and height of the new Audi compact SUV stand at 4190mm, 1749mm and 1508mm respectively. In India, the Q2 will take head-to-head against the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
3. New-Gen Force Gurkha – Coming Weeks
The Force Gurkha off-road SUV is set for a generation change in India. Its all-new model was previewed at this year’s Auto Expo alongside the heavily-modified Gurkha. While the carmaker hasn’t yet revealed its official launch date, it’s likely to see a release in coming weeks. The 2020 Gurkha will come in three trims – Xpedition, Xplorer and Xtreme – with a minor price hike.
The new-generation model complies with the existing crash test norms and the upcoming pedestrian safety standards. Significant changes have been made to its exterior making it look more rugged than before. The SUV also receives a bunch of new goodies. Under the hood, the new Gurkha employs the BS6-compliant 2.6L diesel engine making power worth 90bhp. It gets a 5-speed manual gearbox along with 4WD and 2WD options.
4. Nissan Magnite – Nov-Dec.
Nissan India will unveil the production-spec Magnite compact SUV on 21st October, 2020. Its official launch date is yet to be revealed by the carmaker. Though, it’s reported to see a release in November or December, 2020. The carmaker says that the small SUV will offer a range of “best-in-class and first-in-class features”. It’s likely to come with a 360 degree camera, connected car technology, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and automatic climate control.
Recently revealed official pictures confirm that the Magnite will retain most of its design elements from the concept including upright stance, sculpted bonnet, octagonal grille and angular headlamps. Engine setup of the new Nissan compact SUV will include 72bhp, 1.0L naturally aspirated and 95bhp, 1.0L turbocharged petrol engines. While the former will come with manual and AMT gearbox options, the latter will be exclusively offered with a CVT automatic unit.
5. Updated Toyota Fortuner – Before End of 2020
Toyota Fortuner, India’s top-selling fully-fledged 7-seater SUV, will receive a mid-life update before the end of this year. Reports suggest that the SUV’s updated model will arrive during this festive season. Though, there is no official word on its launch timeline yet. The SUV will carry a newly-designed front fascia featuring a larger mesh-pattern grille, new LED headlights with LED DRLs, new silver skid plate, fog lamps and bumper. A few more changes will be made to its side and rear profiles.
Inside, the SUV might receive an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with latest smartphone connectivity along with features such as an 8-way power adjustable driver and co-driver’s seats, wireless smartphone charging and a 360 degree camera. In India, the 2021 Toyota Fortuner will be offered with the same 174bhp, 2.8L turbo diesel and 201bhp, 2.8L turbo diesel engines and two transmission options – 6-speed manual and torque convertor automatic.
