The changing dynamics in the Indian automobile fraternity is leading it towards a market driven primarily by SUVs. Priced higher than the mainstream models, the full-size SUVs were somehow unreasonable for the price sensitive Indian customers. In a bid to cater to the mass customers, car giants came up with the compact SUVs that have become a rage now. With models like Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza and several others, the segment has gained traction and more new models are being introduced. For all the SUV enthusiasts planning to buy a budget SUV, we bring you a complete list of the upcoming compact SUVs in India in the next 2 years.
Upcoming Compact SUVs
1. Tata HBX
The first model in our list of the upcoming compact SUVs is the Tata HBX concept based micro SUV. Unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo, the HBX micro SUV is based on the ALFA modular platform that also underpins the Altroz premium hatchback. It features the brand’s IMPACT 2.0 design language similar to the Altroz premium hatchback and the Harrier SUV. Measuring around 3.8 meters in length, the new Tata micro SUV will directly rival the Maruti Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100 NXT. The small SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine producing 85bhp and 110Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT unit.
Expected Price – Rs 4.5 lakh – Rs 7
lakh
Launch – Q1, 2021
2. Nissan Magnite
Next in our list of upcoming compact SUVs is the Nissan Magnite sub-4 meter SUV that’s reported to hit Indian roads by the end of this year (possibly in November or December). Codenamed EM2, the small SUV will be developed on the CMF-A+ platform that also underpins the Renault Triber. The small SUV will share the styling cues with the Kicks and the bigger Nissan SUVs. It is rumoured to be the most affordable model in its category with starting price expected below Rs 6 lakh. The Magnite will source its power from a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that will be tuned for generating 99bhp and 160Nm of torque. It can be had either with a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic.
Expected Price – Rs 5.8 lakh – Rs 8 lakh
Launch – November – December, 2020
3. Renault HBC Kiger
The French automaker, Renault will launch an all-new HBC (codename) compact SUV in India early next year. Based on the locally-developed CMF-A+ platform, the Renault HBC will the Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and others. Rumoured to be called the Renault Kiger, the sub-4 meter SUV will come with a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines generating 71bhp with 96Nm and 99bhp with 160Nm respectively. There will be two gearbox options – manual and automatic. The new Renault compact SUV will carry SUV-ish stance with familiar face.
Expected Launch – 2021
Expected Price – Rs 6 lakh – Rs 10 lakh
4. Honda sub-4 meter SUV
The Japanese automaker is developing a sub-4 meter SUV for the highly competitive Indian market. The small SUV will be a global product, based on the new-gen City’s platform. For the India-spec model, however, the carmaker might use the new-gen Amaze’s 2UA platform. This architecture is versatile enough to accommodate different type of body styles and products. Expected to launch in 2022, the new Honda small SUV might come with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol coupled to Honda’s compact hybrid system – HEV. The gasoline unit makes 120bhp at 5500rpm and 173Nm of torque. Transmissions on offer will include manual and automatic units.
Expected Launch – 2021-22
Expected Price – Rs 7 lakh – Rs 11 lakh
5. Jeep 526 Compact SUV
The American SUV had revealed its plan to launch a sub-4 meter SUV based on Fiat Panda’s 4×4 platform sometime in 2021-22. The model will first go on sale in India, followed by other nations. Not much has been revealed on the technical details, but it is expected to get the new 1.5-litre diesel and de-tuned 1.3-litre petrol engine. Both manual and automatic versions are likely to be on offer. To be positioned below Renegade, the Jeep’s small SUV will directly rival the Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and Maruti Vitara Brezza. It will be the equipped with all-wheel-drive system.
Expected Launch – 2021-22
Expected Price – Rs 9 lakh – Rs 12 lakh
6. Volkswagen Taigun
The German automaker, Volkswagen had showcased the Taigun SUV concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. The compact SUV is slated to hit Indian roads in the first half of 2021. The model is based on the heavily localised MQB AO IN platform, which will also underpin the next-gen Vento and the next-gen Polo. The SUV will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks. Engine setup of the Taigun will include a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit. While the former is good enough for 115bhp and 200Nm, the 1.5L engine produces 148bhp of power and 250Nm of torque.
Expected Price – Rs 10 lakh – Rs 15
lakh
Expected Launch – H1, 2021
7. Skoda Vision IN
At the 2020 Auto Expo, Skoda had showcased the Vision IN SUV concept. The company has officially announced that the production version of the SUV will be launched in the first quarter of 2021. In the premium compact SUV space, it will take on the cars like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks. The SUV will be made available with 2 engine options – a 115bhp, 1.0L turbocharged petrol and a 148bhp, 1.5L turbocharged petrol. There will be three gearboxes on offer – a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic.
Expected Price – Rs 10 lakh – Rs 15 lakh
Expected Launch – Q1, 2021
8. Tata Blackbird
Tata Motors is planning to foray into the subcompact SUV space with an all-new model, which will be positioned between the Nexon and the Harrier SUV. Codenamed Tata Blackbird, the SUV is rumoured to be based on the Chinese Chery Tiggo 5X. It’s likely to carry Tata’s new Impact 2.0 Design language with elements such as a slimmer grille with 3D Humanity line, large headlamps with LED DRL, tri arrow shaped fog lamps and pronounced hood. It is expected to be offered in 3 engine options – a 1.2L turbocharged petrol, a 1.5L petrol and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel.
Expected Launch – 2021-22
Expected Price – Rs 9 lakh – Rs 14 lakh
9. MG ZS Petrol
Buoyed by excellent response for the electric ZS, MG Motors is now planning to launch the petrol-powered ZS SUV. The new model will take head-to-head against the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Kia Seltos. In the international markets, the MG ZS petrol is offered with 2 engine options – 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol – producing 104bhp/141Nm and 109bhp/160Nm respectively. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Expected Launch – 2021
Expected Price – Rs 11 lakh – Rs 14 lakh
10. Hyundai AX micro SUV
Next in our list of upcoming compact SUVs in India is the Hyundai AX sub-compact SUV, which will be positioned below the Venue compact SUV. The small SUV will be put up against the upcoming Tata HBX and the Maruti Ignis. The new Hyundai mini SUV will share its platform with the entry-level Santro hatchback. The Hyundai AX is reported to come with a 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol engine. The carmaker might also use the Santro’s 1.1L, 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed Smart Auto AMT gearbox.
Expected Launch – 2021-22
Expected Price – Rs 4 lakh – Rs 7 lakh
11. Citroen C21 Compact SUV
Groupe PSA had confirmed that the first Cirteon SUV in India will be the C5 Aircross. It will be followed by a subcompact SUV, codenamed C21. While the Citroen C5 Aircross will come early next year, the Citroen C21 will arrive during 2021 festive season. The sub-4 meter SUV will be designed and developed on the CMF modular platform, which will also underpin an all-new sedan and a premium hatchback. Reports suggest that the new Citroen small SUV might be offered with a 1.2L turbo petrol engine that will be as refined and fuel efficient as Maruti Suzuki’s engines.
Expected Price – Rs 7 lakh – Rs 11 lakh
Expected Launch – H2, 2021
12. New-Gen Ford EcoSport
Ford’s popular subcompact SUV – EcoSport – is ready to get a generation change sometime next year. The model will witness comprehensive changes inside and out. Though, the biggest change will come in the form of Mahindra’s mStallion petrol engine that was previewed at this year’s Auto Expo. The 2021 Ford EcoSport will feature a new 1.2L, 3-cylinder T-GDI petrol motor boosted with direct injection technology. The new gasoline unit will come as a replacement to the 1.0L EcoBoost engine. The new EcoSport will also be one of the first models to launch under Mahindra-Ford’s joint venture.
Expected Price – Rs 8.20 lakh – Rs 12 lakh
Expected Launch – 2021
