Seeing the success of new Mahindra Thar lifestyle SUV, automakers are now planning to introduce new off-road SUVs to target enthusiasts of the country. The new Thar currently commands a waiting period of over 1 year, which shows the its huge popularity. In this article, we talk about the top 4 upcoming new off-road SUVs in India –
Jimny 5-Door
Japanese automaker, Suzuki will introduce the new Jimny mini off-roaders in the country in 2022. The company won’t introduce the 3-door model, which is on sale in select international markets. Suzuki is currently working on a long-wheelbase version of the Jimny, which will have conventional 5-door layout. It is reported that the off-roader SUV will be based on the Sierra.
It will have 300mm longer wheelbase, which will help in liberating more space inside the cabin. The length of the SUV will be increased by 300mm. In terms of proportions, the new off-roader will measure 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height. The SUV will have a wheelbase of 2,550mm, while the ground clearance stands at 210mm. It will have a kerb weight of 1190kg, which is 100kgs higher than the 3-door Sierra. It was reportedly that the new LWB Jimny will come with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system. However, the India-spec model could receive the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol engine that produces 100bhp and 130Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic. It will get 4WD system as standard.
New Scorpio
Mahindra will launch the next generation Scorpio SUV in the first quarter of 2022. The new model will be based on the new ladder-on-frame chassis, which also underpins the new Thar lifestyle SUV. The new model will grow in size, and will offer more space inside the cabin. It is expected to offer improved off-road capabilties, and will come with AWD system as an optional with high-end variants.
The new Scorpio will also receive more powerful engines, which includes a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
New Gurkha
Force Motors will soon launch the new Gurkha lifestyle SUV in the country. The SUV was first showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, and has already been caught testing numerous times on the Indian roads. The new Force Gurkha is based on the new ladder-on-frame chassis. The SUV features all-new stronger bodyshell, which will meet the existing crash test standards and the upcoming pedestrian safety norms.
It will be powered by a BS6-compliant diesel engine that churns out 90bhp of power and 280Nm of torque. Compared to the BS4 version, the updated engine is more powerful. The lifestyle SUV will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox and 4WD (four-wheel drive) system with manual locking differentials controlled through levers. The new Fource Gurkha also comes with the 2WD (two-wheel drive) system.
Thar 5-Door
The homegrown automaker, Mahindra has officially announced that the 5-door Thar lifestyle SUV will be launched in our market in the next couple of year. The company is currently selling the 3-door Thar, which currently commands a waiting period of 1 year. The new Mahindra Thar 5-door variant will be based on the modified version of the existing platform. It will have longer wheelbase, and extended body to add new rear passengers’ doors. Adding to it, the SUV will offer a larger boot space.
The new Thar 5-door will share the engine options with the 3-door Thar, which includes a 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol and a 2.2-litre mHawk turbocharged diesel. While the former is good for 152bhp and 320Nm, the oil burner produces 132bhp and 320Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Four-wheel-drive layout will be offered as standard. The SUV could also receive a 180mStallion Pro turbo petrol engine, which will allow the Thar to achieve a speed of up to 180kmph. Adding to it, the diesel engine could be tweaked to produce up to 160bhp of power.
