Demand for SUVs has surged lately and car giants have been rolling out new models to benefit from the sudden shift. While Tata Motors already offers a couple of models, the company was absent in the subcompact SUV segment until now. With the launch of Nexon, Tata Motors will tap into the highly competitive sub four-meter segment and if reports in media are given any prominence, the company is readying a 5-seater and a 7-seater SUV, which will be based on the Land Rover platform. Also Read – Upcoming Tata Cars In India In 2017, 2018
It is believed that Tata will take inputs from its British subsidiary JLR to develop these SUVs. Being developed under the codename Q501, the 5-seater SUV is likely to be slotted above Hexa in Tata’s product line-up and will reportedly share components with Discovery Sport, though both will be different in aesthetic terms. Based on the LR550 underpinnings, the SUV will borrow suspension components from its British cousin.
As for styling, the face is likely to inherit the quintessential grille seen in other Tata cars and it could sport a dual-tone colour theme with a blacked-out roof for a more upmarket look. Under the skin, the upcoming SUV could feature the same 170bhp, 2.0-litre Multijet turbocharged oil burner that powers Jeep Compass. Though, there could be a difference in the power output. While Tata could bring the car to the 2018 Auto Expo, it is likely to be launched by the end of next year.
As for the other SUV being developed under the codename Q502, it will be a seven-seater model and is likely to rival Jeep Compass in the segment. Akin to Q501, it will be based on the LR550 platform and will share suspension as well as structural components with Land Rover Discovery Sport. While the SUV has been spotted testing a couple of times sporting Discovery Sport body shells, the SUV will be styled in tandem with other Tata car based on its new IMPACT design theme. For power, it will also use the 2.0-litre oil burner sourced from Fiat, albeit it is expected to put out the same power as in Jeep Compass. Transmission options are likely to include both manual and automatic versions along with 2WD and AWD drivetrains. In terms of pricing, expect Q502 to start from Rs 15 lakh and as for launch, it could break covers either by late 2018 or early 2019.
Image Source – Cartoq
