SUVs are as popular as ever and have become top choice among buyers after the downfall of small cars and sedans. While the subcompact SUV space has already been crowded, it’s the mid-size SUV segment that’s going to witness multiple launches in coming months. Car manufacturers including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Toyota, Skoda and Volkswagen are ready to tap the mid-size SUV segment that’s currently ruled by the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Here’s a brief on the upcoming Creta and Seltos rivals, which are scheduled to hit roads in near future.
1. New Maruti SUV
The Indo-Japanese carmaker aims to launch 5 new SUVs (one in every six months) in India by the end of 2023. The plan outlines a mini SUV, new-generation Vitara Brezza, a Baleno-based crossover, a mid-size SUV, a 7-seater SUV. Maruti’s Creta and Seltos rival will be produced under Suzuki-Toyota partnership at Toyota’s Bidadi based plant. The model will be based on Toyota’s DNGA platform and is likely to come with Suzuki’s 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.2L turbo or 1.4L turbo petrol engines. The new Maruti SUV might debut at the 2022 Auto Expo, followed by its launch in the second half of the year.
2. Tata Blackbird
The home-grown carmaker is working on a mid-size SUV to challenge the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Codenamed Tata Blackbird, the model is likely to be offered with the Nexon’s 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel engine options. The carmaker might introduce an electric powertrain as it plans to go all electric in future. Earlier, the upcoming Tata compact SUV was rumoured to be based on the Chery Tiggo 5X SUV that’s sold in the Chinese market. As of now, there is no official word on its launch timeline and product details.
3. Mahindra XUV400
Mahindra’s upcoming mid-size SUV is reported to be named Mahindra XUV400. The model will measure around 4.4 meters in length and is likely share its platform with the XUV300 subcompact SUV. If reports are to be believed, the carmaker will introduce the XUV400 with 5-seats and 7-seats configurations. The former will go up against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. For power, the SUV could be a new G15 1.5L turbo petrol and a 1.5L turbo diesel engine delivering power close to 163bhp and 120bhp respectively. The new Mahindra compact SUV might see a release in late 2022 or early 2023.
4. MG Astor
MG Motor India has confirmed that it will launch the petrol iteration of the ZS electric SUV in coming months. It’s reported to be introduced as MG Astor in the second half of 2021. The SUV might be offered with two petrol engines – 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.3L turbo petrol. While the former will make 120bhp with 150Nm, the latter will produce 163bhp with 230Nm. Compared t the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, it will be more powerful. In fact, it’s reported to be packed with some segment-first features including Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
5. Skoda Kushaq
Skoda Auto has confirmed that the final production version of the Kushaq SUV will be unveiled on 18th March 2021. Ahead of its official arrival, the carmaker released a set of its exterior and interior sketches revealing some interesting details. Based on the MQB A0 IN platform, the Skoda Kushaq will come with a 110bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol and 150bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol engines and three gearbox options – 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed DSG automatic. Dimensionally, it will longer and more spacious than the Creta and Seltos.
6. Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen Taigun will mark the carmaker’s entry into the mid-size SUV segment. Slated to launch in the second half of 2021, the SUV will be designed on the brand’s India 2.0 Project and underpin MQB A0 IN platform. Its dimensions will similar to the Kushaq. The new Volkswagen SUV will be made available with a 1.0L turbo petrol and 1.5L turbo petrol engines delivering power around 120bhp and 147bhp. Similar to the Kushaq, it will come with 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed DSG automatic gearboxes. The carmaker claims that the Taigun will be the “safest, strongly built SUV” in its segment.
7. New Toyota SUV
Toyota is working on a mid-size SUV that will be rolled out under Toyota-Suzuki joint venture. The model will underpin Toyota’s DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) modular platform that’s combines more high-tensile steel with resin outer panels. It will make the vehicle lighter and improve its fuel efficiency and drivability. Design and styling of the new Toyota compact SUV will be different from Maruti Suzuki’s Creta and Seltos rival. The SUV is reported to come with the 1.5L petrol and 1.5L turbo petrol engine options.
