SUV segment has been witnessing all time high demand in India. In fiscal year 2021, the sales of utility vehicles stood at 9,02,951 units against 9.46,010 units of FY2020. The UV segment registered a sales growth of 1.96%. In order to tap the growth SUV space, several car manufacturers have planned new SUVs for the Indian market. Here’s a brief on the top 5 SUVs, which are being considered for India. One must note these are speculations/reports and the carmakers might change their plans in the future.
1. Hyundai Palisade
The South Korean carmaker introduced its fully-fledged Hyundai Palisade 7-seater SUV in the Indonesian market in December 2020. If reports are to be believed, the company is yet to decided on its Indian arrival route – CBU or local development. While the former way will make it an expensive deal, the latter one will require massive investment. Hyundai might bring in the Palisade under the government’s new import rules that allow a carmaker import 2,500 cars annually without any local homologation process. Globally, the three-row Hyundai SUV is available with a 291bhp, 3.8L V6 direct injection petrol engine. If launched in India, it might use a 200bhp, 2.2L turbo diesel motor with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and 4X4 (optional) system.
2. Maruti 7-Seater SUV
The Indo-Japanese carmaker confirmed that it will launch bigger SUVs in India. While the carmaker hasn’t yet revealed its plan, speculations are on rife that the company might foray into the 7-seater SUV space. Maruti Suzuki might introduce a three-row SUV based on Suzuki’s Global C platform. It’s reported to be named Maruti Grand Vitara. Prices of the model are likely to start from Rs 10 lakh. Here, it will be positioned against the cars likely Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the upcoming Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV7–.
3. Nissan Patrol
The Japanese carmaker is evaluating its flagship Nissan Patrol SUV for the Indian market. It could be brought via CBU (completely built unit) route under the government’s new import policy. Under the hood, the SUV houses a 5.6L V8 petrol engine producing a massive 405bhp and 560Nm of torque. It comes with a 7-speed automatic gearbox and a rear locking differential. The Patrol has robust body built and measures 5140mm in length, 1995mm in width and 1940mm in height.
4. Toyota RAV4 & CH-R
Toyota has been testing its two globally popular SUVs in India – RAV4 and C-HR. Both models are likely to arrive via CBU route under the government’s new import rules. The Toyota RAV4 mid-size SUV might be offered with a new 2.5L, 4-cylinder inline engine paired to Toyota Hybrid System II with E-VCT (electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission). The combined power output stands at 218bhp. For performing transmission duties, the SUV has an 8-speed direct-shift automatic gearbox. Globally, the Toyota CH-R is offered with a 2.0L, 4-cylinder petrol engine that’s good enough for 144bhp and 188Nm. The motor comes with an e-CVT gearbox and FWD system. The India-spec version might feature a hybrid powertrain including a 1.8L petrol engine and an electric motor.
5. Honda Compact SUV
Reports suggest that Honda is working on a new subcompact SUV to challenge the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Kia Sonet and Ford EcoSport. It’s likely to share its platform with the new-generation Honda City sedan. It would be quite early to comment on its powertrains. Though, the reports suggest that the new Honda sub-4 meter SUV might be offered with a 1.0L turbo petrol (120bhp/173Nm) and a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol motor with Honda’s e-HEV hybrid system. It’s likely to be offered with both manual and automatic gearboxes.
