The SUV segment has received excellent response from buyers in the past decade. In fact, this is the only segment that has recorded positive growth globally including India. However, first time car buyers are still opting for entry-level affordable cars in our country. In this article, we bring you a list of top 3 upcoming new entry-level cars that will cost you less than 6 lakhs –
Tata HBX
Tata Motors will officially launch the much-awaited HBX concept based micro SUV in the country in the first half of 2021. Codenamed Hornbill, the new micro SUV will be the second Tata product to be based on the ALFA modular platform. Tata Altroz is also based on this platform. It will be positioned below the Nexon, and will rival the Maruti Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100 NXT.
The new micro SUV will be sold alongside the Tiago. It will share the interior and features with the Altroz and the Tiago. The new model will offer features like automatic AC, touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, rear parking sensors, reverse camera, multi-functional steering wheel and others. Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensor, speed alert, and seat-belt reminder will come as standard. The new HBX will be offered with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that also powers the Tiago and the Altroz. This engine produces 86bhp and 113Nm of torque. Both manual and AMT versions will be on offer.
Launch – April-May 2021
Expected Price – Rs 4 lakh – Rs 6 lakh+
Competition – Maruti Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 NXT.
Hyundai AX Micro SUV
Hyundai has started testing an all-new entry-level micro SUV in South Korea. Codenamed Hyundai AX1, the new micro SUV will rival the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and the Tata HBX. The new model will be positioned below the Venue compact SUV and will also receive an electric derivative. This new micro-SUV is likely to be based on the k1 platform, which also underpins the new Santro.
The new Hyundai AX could use the Santro’s 1.1L, 4-cylinder engine that pushes out a maximum power of 67bhp and a peak torque of 100Nm. Transmission choices might include 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox option.
Launch – Late 2021-22
Expected Price – Rs 4.5 lakh – Rs 6.5 lakh
Competition – Tata HBX, Maruti Ignis/S-Presso
New-gen Maruti Celerio
Maruti Suzuki will launch the new-generation Celerio tall-boy hatchback in the first half of 2021. The new model has already been spotted testing several times in India. The new model will be based on the Suzuki’s lightweight HEARTECT platform that also underpins the WagonR and the S-Presso. The new model will be equipped with a large 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 12V power socket, automatic climate control, and multi-functional steering wheel.
The new model will be offered with 2 engine options – a 1.2L 4-cylinder NA petrol and a 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol. While the former produces 83bhp and 11Nm of torque, the latter one is good enough for 68bhp and 90Nm. Both powertrains will be offered with 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox options.
Launch – Late 2021
Expected Price – Rs 4.5 lakh – Rs 6.5 lakh
Competition – Tata Tiago
