India’s two largest passenger car manufacturers are ready to expand their product portfolio this year with a range of new models including SUVs. While the Indo-Japanese carmaker will give a generation change to the Vitara Brezza subcompact SUV before 2021 Diwali season, the South Korean carmaker will bring in the Alcazar 6/7-seater SUV by mid 2021. Talking about the 2021 Maruti Vitara Brezza, the SUV is likely to ditch its existing platform for a new one that could be the modified version of the global Vitara’s C architecture or Suzuki’s Heartect platform.
With the generation change, the Vitara Brezza will witness significant cosmetic and feature upgrades along with a diesel engine. Reports suggest that the compact SUV might be offered with a BS6-compliant 1.5L diesel engine and 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol motor with a stronger mild hybrid system.
The carmaker might introduce a larger capacity battery and more powerful electric motor on the 2021 Maruti Vitara Brezza petrol. If it happens, the next-generation model will surely be more fuel economical than the existing one. As of now, details of the new model are scanty. Though, it’s likely to come with connected car technology and more safety fitments.
Rumour has it Maruti Suzuki might launch the Jimny 3-door SUV in the second half of 2021. The compact off-roader was first previewed at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company has already started exporting its 3-door version to Latin America, Middle East and Africa.
Hyundai Motor Company recently confirmed a new three-row SUV for the Indian market called Hyundai Alcazar. It will be based on the 5-seater Creta and put up against the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and the upcoming new-generation Mahindra XUV500. The model will be offered with 6 and 7-seats layouts and share its platform, design elements and components with the Creta. In fact, its engine and gearboxes will also be sourced from its younger sibling. The Alcazar will be bigger than Creta and look slightly different and have some more features to offer.
