Find out all the small SUVs that are headed to India this year.
The SUV segment is easily among the fastest growing segments in India, much of which is due to the fact that SUVs are really aspirational products for the car buying lot. Such is the craze for SUVs in India that even regular hatchbacks are now being turned into crossover versions to boost sales. And Renault even designed its new small for India, the Kwid, to make it look like a crossover. A segment which was earlier restricted to only the premium end of the market has now become more accessible thanks to the advent of small SUVs such as the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. One might argue that compact SUVs are more of hatchbacks ons steroids rather than real SUVs, but the appeal is very much real. Naturally, every manufacturer wants to cash on this popularity which means that there are a whole host of new compact SUVs due for launch by the early part of next year. We present to you a comprehensive list of all the upcoming small SUVs in India 2015 – 16.
Hyundai Creta (ix25)
The ix25 aka Creta is easily among the most awaited of the upcoming small SUVs in India 2015 – 16, and the launch of the Hyundai Creta is just around the corner (Scheduled to take place on July 21). The Creta, known as the ix25 in China, will be targeting both the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster and also the upcoming Maruti S-Cross. Although the length of the internationally sold version exceeds the 4 meter limit, there are reports suggesting that Hyundai will shave of bits from end enabling it to duck under that limit and avail excise benefits. What this would mean is that it would become a direct rival to the EcoSport and since it is similar in size to the Duster it would gain a huge advantage over it in terms of pricing. The Engine line-up will either be borrowed from the Hyundai Elite i20 or the Verna, depending on its small car credentials. It’s got the looks, it’ll come loaded with features, it’s got the brand value and if the pricing is right it could become the next big thing from Hyundai.
- Estimated Price: INR 8-12 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Launch: 21st June 2015
- Competition: Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Hyundai Creta (ix25) Pre-Launch Report[/box]
Maruti S-Cross
Buoyed by the success of the Ciaz, Maruti will be looking to expand its presence in the premium end of the market with the S-Cross crossover. Based on the now discontinued SX4, the S-Cross is essentially a large hatchback with off-road credentials thanks to increased ground clearance and Suzuki’s “Allgrip” AWD system. The S-Cross will be powered by a Fiat sourced 1.6 litre Multijet diesel engine good for 118 bhp and 315 Nm torque. The looks aren’t exactly the crossover’s strong suit and Maruti will be hoping that that does not end up being the deciding factor. We are all eager to see how the Indian audience reacts to such a vehicle.
- Estimated Price: INR 8-12 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Launch: July 2015
- Competition: Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari Storme
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Maruti S-Cross Pre-Launch Report[/box]
Mahindra Bolero
The next generation Bolero has been undergoing extensive testing for quite some time now. Although there hasn’t been any official word from Mahindra yet, a launch is expected by the end of this year. The new Bolero will qualify as a small car owing to its sub-4 meter length the 1.5 litre diesel motor borrowed from the Quanto. Mahindra will be targeting a wider audience with the next generation Bolero planning to take on the Ford EcoSport and other compact SUVs. The new Bolero is expected to look more car-like than the current model, but at the same time it will retain some of the car’s utilitarian looks which have been a big part of its appeal till now. The interiors will be spruced up and will come with better materials and a touchscreen infotainment system like the one seen on the new Scorpio.
- Estimated Price: INR 6-9 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Launch: End 2015
- Competition: Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Mahindra Bolero Spyshots and Details[/box]
Maruti YBA/Vitara Brezza
Having been under development for quite a few years now, Maruti’s compact SUV is finally set to break cover by the end of this year. Dubbed the Vitara Brezza according to rumours, the compact SUV will be gunning straight for the Ford EcoSport. Engines are expected to be shared with the Swift and design is said to be inspired, in part by the iV-4 concept showcased at the previous Auto Expo and also by the Suzuki Vitara sold internationally. The Brezza is expected to be feature-rich and stylish. Being a Maruti expect a killer price tag as well.
- Estimated Price: INR 6-9 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Launch: End 2015
- Competition: Ford EcoSport, Fiat Avventura
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Maruti Compact SUV Pre-Launch Report[/box]
Mahindra S101
S101 is the codename Mahindra has given to its compact SUV challenger that will be positioned below the new Bolero. The crossover will be targetting large hatchbacks like the Maruti Swift and Nissan Micra rather than compact SUVs. Not much is known about this interesting little car till now and the camouflaged test mules spotted on the roads haven’t revealed much either. There are rumours that the car will come with a 3+3 layout, much like the Fiat Multipla, thus offering more space than conventional hatchbacks.
- Estimated Price: INR 5-8 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Launch: Early 2016
- Competition: -NA-
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Mahindra S101 Spyshots and Details[/box]
Honda Brio Compact SUV
The recent reports of Honda importing three models to India from Indonesia codenamed 2SJ Brio SUV could indicate the launch of the Brio based compact SUV could happen sooner than we expected. Initial plans of bringing in the HR-V small SUV were ditched by Honda in favour of a Brio based SUV citing high production costs as the main reason. The compact SUV will take styling cues from the Vision XS-1 concept and could also borrow heavily from the Mobilio inside out. We Expect the car to be unveiled at the 2015 Delhi Auto Expo.
- Estimated Price: INR 7-10 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Launch: First half 2016
- Competition: Ford EcoSport, Fiat Avventura
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Honda Brio Compact SUV imported to India for Testing[/box]
So, on which of these upcoming small SUVs in India 2015 – 16 are you planning to put your money on? Do let us know by penning down your thoughts in the comments section below.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Upcoming SUVs in India 2015 [/box]
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