In the past 1 year, we have witnessed multiple new mid-sized SUVs launched in the Indian market. Volkswagen Group had launched the Kushaq and the Taigun, while MG Motor India introduced the Astor mid-sized SUV. These SUVs directly rivals the segment-leaders – Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
This segment will also witness the arrival of multiple new SUVs in the next couple of years. Brands like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are readying their respective mid-sized SUVs for the Indian market. Moreover, Renault and Citroen will also enter the mid-sized SUV segment in near future. Renault will launch the new-gen Duster, while Citroen will introduce a new mid-sized SUV based on the CMP platform.
Tata SUV Coupe
Tata Motors is developing a new bigger, all-electric coupe version of the Nexon. It will also be offered with petrol and diesel engine options. The new mid-sized Coupe SUV will be based on the same X1 platform that underpins the Nexon. The Coupe SUV will have longer rear doors, tapering roof, and all-new rear end with a large overhang; however, the front design will have resemblance with the Nexon. It is likely to measure around 4.3 meters in length with close to 50mm longer wheelbase compared to the Nexon.
The electric version is likely to get a larger 40kWh battery pack with range over 400kms. It is expected to be powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox. The diesel version of the Coupe SUV will receive the 110bhp, 1.5L engine.
Maruti-Toyota Mid-Sized SUVs
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Joint Venture has started testing the new mid-sized SUVs for the Indian market. These SUVs, codenamed Toyota D22 and Maruti YFG, have recently caught testing on the outskirts of Gurugram. The new SUVs will be launched before the end of 2022. Both models have different front design; however, the overall profile are same. The SUVs share styling cues from the new Toyota SUV range, which includes the Corolla Cross and the RAV4.
The new mid-sized SUVs are likely to be based on Toyota’s DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture) platform that underpins the Raize and the new Avanza. The new models will be jointly developed by Toyota and Suzuki at Toyota’s Bidadi plant. The new models will receive Toyota’s hybrid powertrain. Adding to it, the SUVs will also get the 1.5L petrol engine with a mild hybrid tech.
Next-gen Mahindra XUV500
Mahindra has replaced the XUV500 with the new XUV700 SUV; however, the XUV500 SUV will return as a mid-sized SUV. The new model will measure around 4.3 meters and will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The next-gen Mahindra XUV500 will fill the void between the XUV300 and the upcoming XUV700.
It is expected that Mahindra will use the extended version of the XUV300’s platform to develop the new SUV. The Mahindra XUV500 or S301 will be powered by a revised version of the XUV300’s 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is compliant to meet the tighter BS6 Phase II emission standards coming in 2023. The SUV will also receive the 1.5-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine, which can produce up to 163bhp of power.
