Top 7 Most Awaited Upcoming SUVs In Coming Months
Most of the car manufacturers have resumed operations at their production facilities and opened several dealerships across the nation. In order to revive the industry and creating positive buyer sentiments, the carmakers will soon begin launching new products that have been delayed due to the ongoing pandemic crisis. Here’re the top 7 most-awaited SUVs that will hit roads in coming months.
1. Skoda Karoq
Skoda Auto has confirmed that it will launch the all-new Karoq SUV digitally on 26th May, 2020. The carmaker will also announce prices of the update Superb and new Rapid 1.0 TSI on the same day. The Skoda Karoq will be offered in a single variant powered by a 1.5L, TSI petrol engine. The gasoline motor, paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, pushes out power worth 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. It’s the same powertrain that does duty in the newly-launched Volkswagen T-ROC SUV. The Karoq will come with lots of comfort goodies and safety fitments. Here, it will be brought via CBU route at an expected price of Rs 23 lakh – Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Mahindra Thar
Mahindra & Mahindra has revealed that the new-generation Thar will be the first launch from the company post lockdown. Its official launch date, however, is yet to be announced. Major change will come in the form of the all-new 2.0L mStallion petrol engine that broke cover at the 2020 Auto Expo. The SUV will also be offered with the BS6-compliant 2.2L diesel engine making power close to 140bhp. All variants of the new Thar will get a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. Significant changes will be made inside and out. The 2020 Mahindra Thar will get the factory-fitted hard top for the first time along with the standard removable roof top option.
3. Kia Sonet
The next in the list is the Kia Sonet subcompact SUV that had its world premiere at this year’s Delhi Auto Expo. The Korean carmaker has confirmed the compact SUV will arrive on its scheduled time. With Hyundai Venue and Maruti Vitara Brezza in its sight, the Sonet is estimated to cost between Rs 7 lakh – Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). Interestingly, the upcoming Kia compact SUV will share its platform, some components and engine setup with its arch rival – Hyundai Venue. Though, it will look completely different than its donor cousin. Buyers will have three engines to choose from – 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel.
4. MG Hector Plus
MG Motor India is all set to launch the 6/7-seater version of the Hector SUV – the MG Hector Plus. The three-row SUV is slated to see a release in June, 2020. Compared to its 5-seater sibling, the Hector Plus will be longer and look slightly different. Some of its design highlights include new headlamps and fog lamps, all-black grille, updated bumpers, thicker LED DRLs, new dual exhaust and updated taillamps. Inside, it gets an updated 10.4-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system along with MG’s in-car connectivity technology and a panoramic sunroof. Engine options will include a 1.5L turbo petrol, a 1.5L petrol with 48V mild-hybrid setup and a 2.0L diesel, which are carried over from the 5-seater Hector.
5. MG Gloster
After the Hector Plus, the MG Gloster will be the next big launch from the South Korean carmaker in the country. The premium 7-seater SUV will be launched during this year’s festive season at an estimated price of Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom). Under the hood, the Gloster will house a new 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine that can be had either with a manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. In terms of dimensions, the MG Gloster will be as big as Jeep Cherokee and Toyota Land Cruiser. Its overall length, width and height stand at 5055mm, 1932mm and 1875mm respectively. The SUV sits on a 2950mm long wheelbase.
6. Tata Gravitas
Tata Gravitas is surely one of the most-awaited car launches of this year. The 7-seater SUV made its first public appearance at the 2020 Auto Expo and its launch is slated to happen during coming festive season. Similar to its rival MG Hector Plus, the Gravitas will come with both 6 and 7-seats configurations. It will be the second Tata car to be based on the OMEGA platform. For power, the SUV will use a BS6-compliant 170bhp, 2.0L diesel engine borrowed from the new Tata Harrier. It will come with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox option. Rumour has it that the Gravitas might also mark debut of Tata’s new 1.5L turbo petrol engine that will also be used in the Harrier.
7. Toyota Fortuner Facelift
The Japanese carmaker will soon give a mid-life update to its highly popular Toyota Forutner SUV. Currently, the vehicle in its testing phase and is reported to launch during this year’s festive season. Noticeable changes are likely to be made to its exterior and interior. The engine setup, however, is likely to be carried over from the existing model. At present, the SUV is available with a 2.8L turbo diesel (174bhp/420Nm and 174bhp/450Nm) and a 2.7L petrol engine option. Some of the expected changes include new LED headlamps, larger bumper with lower grille, updated fog lamps and a compact upper grille. Minimal updates might also be made to its interior.
