In 2020, the automobile industry has not been on the upbeat throughout the year due to the pandemic and months of lockdown. Though, the car manufacturers didn’t hold back and brought several new important products in the market. Here’s a list of the 5 major SUV launches of 2020.
1. New-Gen Hyundai Creta
Launched in late March this year, the second-generation Hyundai Creta has been doing phenomenal in terms of sales. The SUV continues to record five figure sales and hold a market share of more than 42 percent. The model witnessed significant changes inside and out. On the engine front, the new Hyundai Creta gets 115bhp, 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol, 140bhp, 1.4L turbo petrol and 115bhp, 1.5L turbo diesel motors. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic, a CVT automatic and a 7-speed DCT automatic.
2. New-Gen Mahindra Thar
The new-generation Mahindra Thar was one of the much-awaited launches of this year. The compact off-road SUV went on sale in the first week of October. The carmaker confirmed that the new Thar has been sold out till May 2021 and its production will be increased from January 1, 2021. The new-generation model underpins an-all new platform and comes with more robust body-built. It has been packed with several advanced comfort goodies and safety features. With the generation change, the Thar received a new petrol engine along with an updated diesel powertrain and an automatic gearbox.
3. Kia Sonet
The all-new Sonet is Kia’s answer to Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. With sporty styling, premium interior and multiple engine-gearbox combo, the Kia Sonet has been leading the segment since its launch in September. In fact, it has helped the company achieve a strong growth of 50% over the same period last year. The turbo-petrol variants are high in demand with 60% bookings, followed by 40% for diesel. The Kia Sonet is available with three engine options – 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol (82bhp/113Nm), 1.0L turbo petrol (118bhp/172Nm) and 1.5L turbo diesel (99bhp with172Nm and 113bhp with 245Nm).
4. MG Gloster
Morris Garages marked its entry into the premium 7-seater SUV space with the all-new MG Gloster. The model lineup comes in 4 trims – Super, Sharp, Smart and Savvy – packed 2.0L turbo (163bhp/75Nm) and 2.0L twin-turbo diesel (218bhp/480Nm) engines. It comes equipped with BorgWarner transfer case and real time intelligent 4WD drivetrain system. The Gloster is claimed to be India’s first luxury SUV to offer Level 1 autonomous technology (ADAS). The SUV also gets MG’s iSmart connected car technology offering 70 advanced features along with segment’s largest 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and several other goodies.
5. Nissan Magnite
Launched in early December 2020, the Nissan Magnite is the most affordable SUV in its category. It comes in 4 trims (XE, XL, XV and XV Premium), priced from Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 9.35 lakh (all, ex-showroom). Despite the affordable pricing, the compact SUV offers several advanced features including first-in-segment around view monitor, Nissan Connect with over 50 features, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, air purifier, wireless charger, ambient lighting and JBL audio system. The Magnite comes with the 1.0L naturally aspirated and 1.0L turbo petrol engines and a 5-speed manual and CVT automatic gearbox options.
