Mahindra, Hyundai and Toyota are working on new compact SUVs to rival Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza as all three models will be launched in 2019
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is the undisputed king in compact SUV segment and the company has managed to sell more than 10,000 units consistently each month while rivals sell an average of around 4000-5000 units only. But the competition is going to heat up in coming months as three new compact SUVs are coming in 2019 to snatch the top position from Vitara Brezza.
1. Mahindra XUV 300
Mahindra is going to launch the XUV 300 in February 2019 and the company has already revealed the production model earlier this month. The XUV 300 is based on SsangYong Tivoli platform but the exterior design theme is completely different as the front gets the same grille from Alturas G4 with new projector headlamps and a muscular bumper, which gives an SUV look. The LED DRLs are integrated into the headlamp and they extend toward fog lamps, which makes it stand out and the side design is simple, while the company has given 17-inch alloy wheels.
The rear gets big LED tail lamps and an integrated spoiler. The interior is shared with Tivoli and it comes with several segment first features like dual-zone climate control, four disc brakes, seven airbags and more. The XUV 300 is powered by a 1.5 L diesel engine from Marazzo and a new 1.2 L turbocharged petrol engine with manual and auto gearbox. We are expecting the company to price the model aggressively against the competition.
2. Hyundai QXi
Hyundai is working on a compact SUV and it is codenamed as QXi. The upcoming model will take design cues from Carlino concept and the company has followed the footsteps of other models to give an SUV look for the new model. The front gets signature grille of Hyundai and it might look similar to new generation Hyundai models like Sante Fe and Kona.
The black plastic cladding running across the body along with 16 or 17-inch wheels continues the SUV look and the rear will get LED tail lamps. The interior is expected to come with lots of features and the quality of materials will be top notch. The QXi will be powered by a new turbocharged petrol engine and same 1.4 L diesel engine with manual and AMT gearbox options. The launch will take place by the middle of 2019.
3. Toyota Vitara Brezza Based Compact SUV
As part of the agreement between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki, the latter will share Vitara Brezza but Toyota is planning to make some design changes for the compact SUV to make it in line with its other models. The front will get new grille along with a completely redesigned bumper with projector headlamps and integrated DRLs.
The side design might be similar to Vitara Brezza but the alloy wheels will be new and the rear will also come with a new set of tail lamps with an updated bumper. The interior might be shared with Maruti Suzuki and we can expect the same features also. The engine will be the same 1.3 L diesel engine and 1.0 L Boosterjet petrol engine with manual and auto gearbox. Toyota will launch the compact SUV by the end of 2019.