The arrival of Concept Future S based Maruti Suzuki micro SUV and the Tata H2X concept-based production model will likely bring in a new set of customers
The current trend in the global automotive industry is that people are preferring to buy more SUVs and crossovers than sedans. Manufacturers are indeed responding by exploring new segments or setting the bars up high in popular SUV segments. This has resulted in customers getting an increased number of purchasing choices in any SUV/crossover segment making others body types redundant.
Furthermore, car companies are being forced to devise their future strategies based on SUVs. In a vastly growing market like India, the scenario is no different and we are seeing the changes seemingly every month. In the last six to eight months, we have witnessed launches of new SUVs in unprecedented number compared to new models in other categories.
It must be noted that the subcompact SUV segment led by Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza has eaten into the sales of C-segment sedans while slightly higher up folklore the compact SUVs have taken the toll on the volume figures of the D-segment sedans. The price range between Rs. 7 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom) has drawn up bigger competition due to the buyers’ predilection.
Within the space of three months, the Vitara Brezza would receive two brand new rivals and in the case of Hyundai Creta the wild journey continues as Tata Harrier and Nissan Kicks would be followed by the MG Hector and Kia SP2i. Further down the line, the largely unearthed micro SUV segment is expected to endure a big boom in sales.
Its rise to fame could affect the volume numbers of the hatchback segment. High ground clearance and practically spacious cars with high affordability are certainly ruling the mass market segments and this would potentially lead to micro SUVs getting all the attention. With Mahindra KUV100 being the sole player since its production began in 2016, more manufacturers will be tussling to grab the spotlight soon.
The difficult industry conditions have led to sales fall for almost every car brand including Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai in April 2019. Maruti Suzuki has planned four new launches before the end of this year and it includes the Concept Future S based micro SUV. It is expected to boast a brand new styling philosophy and could be powered by a small turbocharged petrol engine upon launch during this festive season.
Tata’s H2X concept will also spawn a micro SUV as the production variant will reportedly debut at the 2020 Auto Expo before going on sale. Hyundai appears to be preparing a micro SUV that could arrive in the early parts of next decade as well.