In this article, we talk about new SUVs to be launched in the Indian market in the price bracket of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 in the next 7-8 months.
Skoda Kushaq
Skoda will launch the Kushaq mid-sized SUV in June 2021, while deliveries are being promised from July 2021. Skoda dealers have also started taking unofficial bookings for the Kushaq SUV. Based on the locally developed VW Group’s MQB AO IN platform, the Skoda Kushaq will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks.
The SUV will be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 113bhp and 175Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed MT & a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The top-end models will get the 1.5L turbo petrol engine that is good for 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. It will be paired to either a 6MT or a 7-speed DSG.
Launch – June 2021
Expected Price – Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 16 Lakh.
VW Taigun
Volkswagen will also launch a new mid-sized SUV, called the Taigun in the third quarter of 2021. Select Volkswagen dealers have started accepting pre-orders for the upcoming SUV at an initial sum of Rs 10,000. The new SUV is based on the MQB AO IN platform that also underpins the Kushq.
Not just platform, the SUV will also share the engine options with the Kushaq. It will be offered with two engine options – a 113bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol and a 148bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol. Transmission choices will include a 6MT, a 6AT (1.0L) and a 7-speed DSG (1.5L).
Launch – July-August 2021
Expected Price – Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 16 Lakh.
Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra will launch the long-awaited new XUV700 7-seater SUV in the third quarter of 2021. The new model will replace the existing XUV500, which will be re-introduced in a new 5-seater avatar. The new Mahindra XUV700 will be positioned against the likes of the MG Hector Plus and the Tata Safari. The SUV will be based on the new monocoque platform, which will also support AWD system.
The Mahindra XUV700 will be significantly bigger than the outgoing XUV500. It will be equipped with several high-end features including the segment-leading ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). It will be offered with two engine options – a 2.2L turbocharged diesel and a 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed MT and a 6-speed AT.
Launch – October 2021
Expected Price – Rs 14 Lakh to Rs 23 Lakh.
Hyundai Alcazar
Hyundai will launch the new Alcazar 7-seater SUV in the end of May or June 2021. The new model is based on the Creta’s platform, which is modified to accommodate a longer wheelbase. The wheelbase is around 150mm longer, which should allow Hyundai to create more space inside the cabin. The SUV also offers a segment-largest boot space of 180-litres when all three rows are in position. Hyundai dealerships across the country have started accepting unofficial bookings.
The Hyundai Alcazar 7-seater SUV will be powered by a new 2.0-litre petrol engine that also powers the Elantra and the Tucson. This engine produces 159PS of power and 192Nm of torque. It offers around 7PS more power than the Elantra & Tucson’s engine. The diesel version will get the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that powers the Creta. This engine has been tuned differently to offer better power delivery. It is capable of producing 115PS of maximum power and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Launch – May-June 2021
Expected Price – Rs 13 Lakh to Rs 22 Lakh.
MG Astor
MG Motors is all set to launch the much-awaited petrol version of the ZS SUV in India. Rumoured to be called the MG Astor, the mid-sized SUV will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq. MG Astor will share most of the features and design details from the petrol derivative; however, it will receive changes in-line with global facelift introduced in select markets in 2020. MG Astor could be the first model in its segment to offer ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).
MG Astor is expected to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol. While the naturally-aspirated petrol engine will produce around 120bhp and 150Nm of torque, the turbocharged engine is capable of producing 163bhp of power and 230Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options are likely to be on offer.
Launch – Q3, 2021
Expected Price – Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 16 Lakh.
