In the next 6 months, the Indian automobile industry will witness arrival of multiple new SUVs and MPVs. Customers are now willing to spend more in order to get a new SUV instead of an hatchback or a sedan. In this article, we talk about the top 5 most exciting new 5-searter SUVs to be launched in the Indian market in the next 6 months –
1. Volkswagen Taigun
German automaker, Volkswagen will introduce the locally developed Taigun mid-sized SUV in mid-2021. The SUV was first unveiled in pre-production avatar at the 2020 Auto Expo. It will be based on the heavily localised MQB AO IN platform, which will also underpin the new mid-sized sedan (Vento replacement). The new Taigun will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
The Taigun will have over 95% localisation, which will allow Volkswagen to price it competitively. We expect the new model to cost somewhere around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh. The new VW Taigun will come with petrol engine option. It will be offered with two petrol engines – a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged with 6MT & 6-speed torque convertor and a 1.5-litre turbocharged with 7-speed DCT. While the former is likely to produce around 108bhp and 175Nm, the 1.5L engine is expected to offer around 147bhp and 250Nm of torque.
2. Skoda Kushaq
For people not in the know, Skoda is leading the Volkswagen Group’s India Plan 2.0, which includes local development of engines and platform for future products. The Skoda Kushaq will be the first product to be based on the heavily localised MQB AO IN platform. The new model will measure around 4.3 meters in length, which will make it a direct rival to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The new Skoda Kushaq will ride on 2,681mm wheelbase, which is longest in its category.
The Skoda Kushaq will have all the modern features, which are available in the competition. The SUV will be offered with two engine options – a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 6MT & 6AT, and a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 7DCT. Scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2021, the Kushaq will cost around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh.
3. MG Astor
MG Motors will introduce the petrol derivative of the ZS mid-sized SUV in the country in the mid-2021. The new model is rumoured to be called the MG Astor. The new model will directly rival the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. It will be launched in the mid-2021, around August-September. The SUV is expected to be priced around Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
The MG Astor will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 120bhp of power and 150Nm of torque. The top-spec model is also expected to receive a new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 163bhp of power and 230Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and a CVT automatic.
4. Next-Gen Maruti Vitara Brezza
Maruti Suzuki will introduce the next generation Vitara Brezza in the third quarter of 2021, before Diwali. The new model will be based on the new lightweight HEARTECT platform, which also underpins the new Ertiga. It will receive all-new design and interior; however, the Brezza will retain the boxy shape and spacious interior for 5 adults. The SUV will be benefitted with several new systems including connected car tech and advanced safety systems.
The 2021 Maruti Vitara Brezza will be powered by the BS6-compliant 1.5-litre K15B, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that powers the current model. This engine is reportedly to be offered with a stronger mild-hybrid system. Maruti Suzuki is likely to add larger battery and a more powerful electric motor to achieve higher fuel efficiency. In the current form, this engine produces 104bhp and 138Nm of torque. It will directly rival the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and the Ford EcoSport.
5. Citroen C21 Compact SUV
French automaker, Citroen will start rolling out locally developed products from the second half of 2021. The company will first introduce a sub-4 meter SUV, codenamed C21 in the third quarter of 2021. It will be positioned against the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet and others in its segment. The SUV will be based on the simplified version of the CMP platform, which underpins the Citroen C4 and the Peugeot 208.
The upcoming Citroen C21 compact SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is expected to produce around 130bhp of power. This engine will be paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. An automatic gearbox option is expected to be introduced at a later stage. It is likely to be priced around Rs 7 lakh to Rs 11 lakh.
