Seeing the success of Kia Seltos & Hyundai Creta, automakers in India have started working on their mid-sized SUVs. VW Group and MG Motor India have already launched their respective SUVs, while Maruti, Toyota, Tata Motors, Mahindra have started developing new mid-sized SUVs for our market. What’s interesting is that these new models will come with hybrid or electric powertrains along with the internal combustion powertrains.
Here’s a list of upcoming mid-sized SUVs in our market with hybrid, electric as well internal combustion engines –
Toyota D22/Maruti YFG
Toyota will launch a new mid-sized SUV, codenamed D22 in the country during festive season, 2022. This SUV will be jointly developed by Suzuki and Toyota at the later’s Bidadi based plant. There will be two different versions of the SUV will be offered, and the Maruti’s version – codenamed YFG – will also arrive before the end of this year.
If reports are to be believed, the new mid-sized SUV will be benefitted with Toyota’s hybrid technology. It offers an electric motor with the internal combustion engine. The new mid-sized SUV will be based on DNGA platform that underpins the Toyota Raize. The Raize is already hybrid with a hybrid option featuring a new 1.2L 3-cylinder engine, which is used to charge the 4.3 Ah lithium battery located under the rear seat. An electric motor with 105bhp and 170Nm of torque.
Tata Blackbird
Tata Motors is preparing an all-new mid-sized Coupe SUV, codenamed Blackbird for the Indian market. To be positioned between the Nexon and the Harrier, the new Tata Blackbird Coupe SUV is likely to be launched in our market by 2023. The new model will be first introduced as an electric coupe SUV and will rival the MG ZS EV.
The new Tata Blackbird electric coupe SUV will be based on the Nexon’s X1 platform. The Tata Blackbord coupe SUV is likely to be equipped with a larger 40kWh battery pack. It should offer a range over 400kms. Other engine options will include a 1.5L turbo petrol and a 1.5L turbo diesel.
Mahindra XUV500
Mahindra has temporarily discontinued the XUV500; however, the SUV will return as a 5-seater mid-sized SUV. The new model will measure around 4.3 meters and will rival the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. It is expected that Mahindra will use the extended version of the XUV300’s platform to develop the new SUV.
Mahindra has already announced that most of its existing vehicles will have hybrid or electric versions. The new XUV500 is also expected to come with an electric powertrain. It will also get a revised version of the XUV300’s 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is compliant to meet the tighter BS6 Phase II emission standards coming in 2023. The SUV will also receive the 1.5-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine, which can produce up to 163bhp of power.
New-gen Renault Duster
Renault is preparing a third generation Duster SUV, which is expected to be introduced in 2023-24. The new model will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B platform that also underpins the Sandero. It is likely to be offered with plug-in hybrid powertrain. An all-electric version of the SUV is also expected to be introduced in select markets. The India-spec model is likely to be offered with a turbocharged petrol engine with a mild hybrid system. A plug-in hybrid model could also be launched in our market.
Honda ZR-V/Elevate
Honda is also developing a new mid-sized SUV for the Indian market. Honda’s mid-size SUV will be around 4.3 meters in length and share its platform with the City sedan. The new model is expected to be launched by 2023. The new model is likely to use the 1.5L iVTEC petrol engine that produces 121bhp and 145Nm. It could also be offered with the e:HEV strong hybrid technology that will soon be offered on the Honda City hybrid.
