Kia Seltos, the median offering from the South Korean carmaker, has been leading the segment since its launch in August, 2019. The compact SUV has been favoured for its modern looks, feature-packed interior and efficient powertrains. Recently, the carmaker introduced its updated model with 10 new features and gave it a price hike of up to Rs 30,000. In the premium compact SUV space, things might change soon as the competition will get fierce with the entry of new models. Here’re the top 7 upcoming cars that will give a tough fight to the Kia Seltos.
1. Maruti Suzuki Vitara
Maruti Suzuki India is planning to foray into the premium compact SUV segment with an all-new model. Reports suggest that the new Maruti compact SUV will be based on the new-generation Suzuki Vitara that might have its world debut by the end of this year. The latter will be based on Suzuki’s Global C-platform that’s compatible to larger body style and new engines. The carmaker might tweak its platform for the India-bound model to offer higher ground clearance. It’s likely to hit roads sometime in 2022.
2. Tata Blackbird
Tata Motors will bring in a compact SUV (codenamed Blackbird) to challenge the Kia Seltos dominance in the segment. Reports suggest that it will share several design elements and components with the China-spec Chery Tiggo 5X SUV. Though, it will follow Tata’s new Impact 2.0 design philosophy featuring large headlamps with LED DRLs, a slimmer grille with 3D Humanity line, pronounced hood and tri-arrow shaped fog lamps. It might borrow powertrains from the BS6 Nexon. The Tata Blackbird might see a release sometime next year.
3. MG ZS Petrol
Morris Garages is planning to launch the petrol version of the MG ZS electric SUV in 2021. Showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, the model looks exactly similar to its electric version. Though, the differently designed grille and a few design bits mark a distinction. Globally, the SUV is offered with a 1.5L naturally aspirated and 1.0L turbocharged engines pushing out a peak power of 104bhp with 141Nm and 109bhp with 160Nm respectively. Transmitting power to the front wheels is a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
4. Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen Taigun compact SUV made its first public appearance at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. The carmaker has confirmed that the SUV will hit showrooms in the first half of 2021. Designed on the locally-developed MQB A0-IN platform, the Taigun measures 4225mm in length and has a 2651mm long wheelbase. It will be made available with a 1.5L, 4-cylinder petrol and a 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol generating power worth 130bhp and 115bhp against 200Nm respectively. While the former will come with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearboax, the latter will get a 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission.
5. New Toyota SUV
Reports suggest that Toyota is working on an all-new compact SUV that will be put up against the Kia Seltos. It will be a global model and make its way to developing nations as well. The new Toyota compact SUV will underpin the TNGA-B platform, which is also used in the Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky SUVs. Measuring around 4.3m in length, the SUV is likely to carry upright stance, large wheels and pronounced wheel arches. Toyota’s Bidadi based facility is likely to serve as production hub for the new SUV.
6. Jeep Renegade
Jeep has a handful of new models for the Indian market. The carmaker’s new lineup might include the Jeep Renegade premium compact SUV that will take head-to-head against the Kia Seltos. Globally, the SUV is ready to enter into its second generation sometime next year. The same model might come to India with the de-tuned versions of the 1.3L turbo petrol and 2.0L diesel powertrains. There could be two gearboxes on offer – a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The all-new Renegade will be built on the slightly modified version of the existing Small Wide 4X4 platform. Prices of the SUV are estimated to start from Rs 12 lakh and go up to Rs 18 lakh.
7. Skoda Vision IN
The Czech carmaker has confirmed that it will mark its entry in the premium compact SUV segment with the model based on the Skoda Vision IN. The vehicle concept had its world debut at this year’s Auto Expo. Its production-ready version, which is reported to be named ‘Skoda Kliq’, is scheduled to roll out early next year. It will be designed and developed on the MQB A0-IN platform that will also underpin the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun SUV. The new compact SUV from Skoda might come with a 1.0L, 3-cylinder TSI petrol and a 1.5L, 4-cylinder TSI EVO turbo-petrol engines delivering power around 110PS and 150PS respectively. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
