Thanks to the rising economy & increasing income, buyers in India are ready to shed extra to drive home a more premium vehicle. This is also evident from the sudden rise in SUVs demand, as buyers are now preferring SUVs over hatchbacks and sedans. In the next 9 months, a total of 5 sub-4 meter SUVs will be launched in our market.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Suzuki is ready to launch the new Fronx crossover in our market in the next 2-3 weeks. The new model is based on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform that underpins the Baleno hatchback. It is essentially the crossover version of the Baleno. The new model shares the interior and features from the sibling hatchback. It will be offered with two petrol engines – 89bhp, 1.2L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated and 99bhp, 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo. Interested buyers can book the new Fronx crossover online or at authorised dealerships by paying a token amount of Rs 11,000.
Suzuki Jimny
Maruti Suzuki has started accepting the new Jimny 5-door lifestyle SUV online or at NEXA dealerships by paying a token amount of Rs 25,000. The new model will go on sale by May 2023. It will be based on rugged ladder-on-frame chassis and will come fitted with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro AWD setup as standard. The new SUV has an approach angle of 36°, a departure angle of 50°, and a break-over angle of 24°. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that produces 103bhp and 134.2Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual & a 4-speed torque convertor automatic.
New Tata Nexon
Tata Motors is preparing to launch the updated version of the Nexon compact SUV in the country. The new model is reportedly to enter series production in July at Ranjangaon facility and the launch is expected in August 2023. It will share the styling cues from the new Curvv SUV Coupe concept that was previewed at the 2023 Auto Expo. Big changes will be made inside the cabin. It will receive a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument console, a bigger sunroof, 360 degree camera, ventilated seats and others. It will be powered by a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 125PS and 225Nm of torque. The new model is also expected to receive segment-first ADAS tech.
Toyota Taisor SUV Coupe
Similar to the Baleno-Glanza, Toyota will also launch the re-badged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx crossover in 2023. Rumoured to be called the Taisor, the new SUV Coupe is likely to share some styling cues from the Yaris Cross on sale in international markets. In fact, the Toyota Yaris Cross has already been spotted testing multiple times on the Indian roads. The new model will be offered with two engine engine options – a 1.2L NA petrol and a 1.0L turbo petrol.
Hyundai Ai3 Micro SUV
The Korean automaker, Hyundai is preparing to launch a new micro SUV in the country by festive season 2023. Codenamed Ai3, the new Hyundai small SUV will be positioned against the Tata Punch. To be positioned below the Venue, the new micro SUV will be based on Grand i10 Nios hatchback. It is likely to measure around 3.7-3.8 meters in length and will have a longer wheelbase compared to the regular model. The new model is most likely to get a 1.2L 4-cylinder NA petrol engine that produces 81bhp and 114Nm. The company could also offer a CNG version of the micro SUV. Both manual and AMT gearbox options will be on offer.
