2019 is going to be another fantastic year for SUVs as several new launches are happening; here we have the complete rundown
SUV is one of the fastest growing segments in the country and manufacturers are working on new models to capitalize on the popularity. In 2019, two new manufacturers are coming to India and the first models from these companies will be in the SUV segment. In this article, we are featuring the top 7 upcoming SUVs in India
1. Tata Harrier
Tata Harrier is one of the most awaited models to be launched in the country and it is the production version of H5X concept shown at the 2018 Auto Expo. The upcoming SUV also debut the new design language of Tata Motors and it is based on the D8 platform of Land Rover Discovery Sport.
The interior design of Harrier is completely new and comes with a premium design theme with lots of features. The Harrier is powered by 2.0 L diesel engine sourced from FCA producing 140 PS and it is mated to 6-speed manual transmission, the launch is expected to take place in January.
2. Nissan Kicks
Nissan is going to launch the Kicks in early January and the India-spec model is slightly different from the global version as the company has made some tweaks for the design to make it more appealing as the front get signature V-motion grille of Nissan along with LED projector headlamps and a new bumper while the rear comes with boomerang shape LED tail lamps.
The interior also gets a new design theme and the compact SUV comes with segment first features like 360-degree camera system. The India-spec Kicks is based on M0 platform of Duster and it is powered by 1.5 L petrol and 1.5 L diesel engine with manual transmission.
3. Mahindra XUV300
Mahindra XUV300 is the second SsangYong re-engineered product and it is based on the Tivoli platform. The design of XUV300 is completely different as the front get new grille along with projector headlamps and a unique design for LED DRLs. The rear also comes with new tail lamps and an integrated spoiler.
The interior is shared with Tivoli as the company has given a new instrument cluster with a big MID screen and new steering wheel. The XUV300 comes with segment first features like dual-zone climate control, sunroof, four disc brakes and seven airbags. The upcoming compact SUV is powered by 1.2 L turbocharged petrol and 1.5 L diesel engine from Marazzo with the option of both manual and auto gearbox options.
4. Hyundai QXi
Hyundai is currently working on its first compact SUV and it is codenamed as QXi. The upcoming compact SUV is expected to be launched by the middle of 2019 and the design language might take inspirations from Carlino concept. The front signature grille of Hyundai along with new headlamps and bumper while the rear gets LED tail lamps.
The interior of QXi will be in line with other models and the compact SUV will be packed with lots of features. The engine options for QXi includes new turbocharged petrol engine and 1.4 L diesel engine with manual and AMT gearbox options.
5. Kia Compact SUV
Kia will officially begin its India innings with a compact SUV and it will be the production version of SP Concept, which made its debut at the 2018 Auto Expo. The launch is expected to take place in the second half of 2019 and the production model will share a similar design theme as the concept.
The interior is going to take inspirations from other Kia models and it will be packed with lots of features. The compact SUV will be based on the next generation Hyundai Creta platform and it will also debut the newly developed BSVI 1.5 L petrol and diesel engines with manual and automatic gearbox options.
6. MG SUV
MG Motor is going to introduce its first model in India next year and it will be an SUV, which is going to compete against Honda CR-V. The upcoming SUV design will take inspirations from the Baojun 530 SUV sold in China and it is going to be a big SUV but initially, the company will introduce a 5-seater version only.
The interior will get a modern design theme with lots of features and quality of materials is expected to be really good. The SUV will be powered by both petrol and diesel engines with the option of manual and auto as four-wheel drive might be offered later.
7. New Mahindra Thar
Mahindra commenced the development of second-generation Thar in India and it is expected to be based on a new platform as the new model need to pass the upcoming crash test and safety norms. The company has increased dimensions compared to the current model.
The exterior design theme took inspirations from Jeep CJ5 and retains the overall body shape but the interior will be completely new with modern features also. The suspension is expected to be an independent unit for better ride quality and the company is developing a new BSVI diesel engine with more power than current engine, mated to 5-speed manual gearbox. The Thar is expected to be introduced by the end of 2019.
Image Credit : Team-BHP