A continuously rising demand for Sport Utility Vehicles has lined-up a slew of new launches and unveils for the upcoming months. Here are the top 10 SUVs that are worth waiting for: –
1. Skoda Kushaq
- Expected launch: June 2021
- Expected price range: Rs 10 lakh to 16 lakh.
Skoda is all set to join the compact SUV segment with the Kushaq that will battle it out with Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Kia Seltos, Maruti S-Cross, and Renault Duster. The brand has recently unveiled this heavily localised SUV, which will mark the debut of VW Group’s locally-developed MQB AO IN platform. The Skoda Kushaq will be offered with two petrol engine options – a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged (115PS/175Nm) and 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol (150PS/250Nm).
Also Read: Skoda Kushaq Vs Rivals – Specifications And Features Comparison
2. Volkswagen Taigun
- Unveil: 31st March 2021 (unveil)
- Expected price range: Rs 10 lakh to 16 lakh.
Volkswagen's entry into the hotly contested compact SUV segment will be marked by the Taigun. The German brand is reportedly to unveil it on 31st March 2021. It is essentially a Volkswagen's version of the Kushaq SUV with distinct styling. However, it is likely to share its dimensions, platform & powertrains with its Czech sibling. It is expected to go on sale after the Skoda Kushaq's launch which is slated for June 2021.
3. Hyundai Alcazar
- Unveil: April 2021
- Expected price range: Rs 12 lakh to 18 lakh.
Hyundai is set to spoil the market for MG Hector Plus, and Tata Safari with the launch of a Creta-based Alcazar 7-seater SUV that is scheduled to be unveiled on 6th April 2021. It will be offered in both 6 and 7-seat layouts. Exposed by the leaked images, it will feature some distinctive design elements from its younger sibling. However, its dashboard layout will be identical to the Creta save for the black-&-brown upholstery. While the Alcazar will retain most of the features from its 5-seater counterpart, it is also likely to get some additional comfort and safety features like front parking sensors, a powered tailgate, AC vents, and power sockets for the third row, and a 360-degree camera, etc. The Alcazar could be powered by Creta's 1.4-litre turbo-petrol (140PS/242Nm) and 1.5-liter diesel engines (115PS/250Nm).
4. MG Astor
- Expected launch/unveil: mid-2021
- Expected price range: Rs 10 lakh to 18 lakh.
MG Motor will be introducing a power-powered version of the ZS EV that is likely to be known as 'Astor'. It has already been spied testing and is expected to pack a radar-based level-1 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that comprises features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, and front collision warning, etc.
MG is expected to offer the Astor with two petrol engines – 1.3-litre turbocharged (163PS/230Nm) and 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated (120PS/150Nm) units. It will get both manual and automatic transmission options. While the launch timeline is not confirmed yet, it is expected to hit the dealerships by mid-2021. In the Indian market, the Astor will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Maruti S-Cross, Renault Duster, and the upcoming Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.
5. Next Generation Mahindra XUV500
- Expected launch/unveil: mid-2021
- Expected price range: Rs 14 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
The next-generation Mahindra XUV500 has been spied testing various times now. These sightings have exposed a modern perspective, as well as new features such as Mercedes-inspired dual-screen setup, a panoramic sunroof, electric brake, and Advanced Driver Assistance System, etc. In all likelihood, the 2021 XUV500 will borrow its mechanicals from the second-generation Thar that includes 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol and 2.2-liter diesel engines, albeit in a more powerful tuning. With the new-gen model, Mahindra is expected to re-offer the AWD variants which were discontinued during the BS6 transition phase.
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6. Next Generation Mahindra Scorpio
- Expected launch/unveil – Q4 of 2021.
- Expected price range: Rs 12 lakh to 17 lakh
One of the most anticipated launches of the year, the next-gen Mahindra Scorpio is expected to make its way to the Indian dealerships by the end of this year. Based on a new ladder-on frame chassis, the 2021 Scorpio will be significantly bigger than the ongoing model. It will also undergo a complete design makeover and for the very first time, it will also get an electric sunroof. The 2.2-liter diesel and 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engines from the Thar are expected to make their way to the all-new Scorpio.
7. Tata HBX
- Expected launch/unveil: Near festive season.
- Expected price range: Rs 5 lakh to 8.5 lakh
Tata Motors is gearing up to join the micro-SUV league with the launch of the HBX. Based on Tata's modular ALFA-ARC platform, it will retain most of the design elements from its pre-production model showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. It is likely to be a petrol-only offering with Tiago’s 1.2-litre. 3-cylinder petrol engine (86PS/113Nm). Once launched, it will lock horns with the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Ford Freestyle, and Hyundai's upcoming micro-SUV.
8. Citroen C21
- Expected launch/unveil: mid-2021
- Expected price range: Rs 6 lakh onwards
The French carmaker Citroen is all set to kickstart its Indian innings with C5 Aircross SUV that will go on sale on 7th April 2021. Though the C5 Aircoss will come to our shore via the CKD unit, the upcoming C21 (codenamed) sub-4m SUV will be the first locally developed Citroen product in the Indian market, which will rival take on the biggies like Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Nissan Magnite, etc. Being a part of Citroen’s C Cubed program, it will be a petrol-only offering.
9. Mahindra XUV300 Sport
- Expected launch: Late 2021
- Expected price range: Could demand a premium of around Rs 30k-40k over the current petrol variants.
The XUV300 hasn’t had a good sales run in the past and Mahindra plans to change that with the introduction of a more powerful 1.2-liter TGDI petrol engine from the mStallion series that makes out 130PS and 230Nm, making it 20PS/30Nm more powerful than the ongoing 1.2-liter turbo MPFI petrol engine. Besides the new petrol engine, XUV300 Sport could also get minor cosmetic differences to differentiate it from the regular variants.
10. Maruti Suzuki Jimny
- Expected launch/unveil: Late 2021 or early 2022.
- Expected price range: Rs 10 lakh to 15 lakh
After showcasing it at the 2020 Auto Expo, Maruti Suzuki is expected to bring the Jimny off-roader by early 2022, albeit in a long-wheelbase avatar. Recently, the LWD Suzuki Jimny has been spied testing in Europe. Rumors are there that the Indian-spec Jimny will come in a 5-door layout instead of the 3-door version sold globally. It could also retain the iconic Gypsy badge for our market. The SUV will be powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine and will rival the Mahindra Thar and the upcoming BS6 Force Gurkha.
