The upcoming SUVs include seven-seater models to EVs as most of the manufacturers are focusing on the SUV segment to improve growth
SUV segment is one of the fastest growing in the country. Two new manufacturers are coming to India this year and the first models from them will be SUVs. In this article, we take a look at the upcoming SUVs in India and the list includes Hyundai QXi, MG Hector, Tata H7X, Hyundai Kona and Mahindra TUV 300 facelift:
1. Hyundai QXi
Hyundai is currently working on a new compact SUV and it is codenamed as QXi. The upcoming model will make its debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. The new model is based on the same platform as Grand i10 and it could follow the same design theme as new generation SUV models like Sante Fe and Kona. The compact SUV will be positioned below Creta in Hyundai’s lineup.
The interior is going to be based on a new design theme and it will be packed with lots of features. The QXi will be the first product from Hyundai to come with 1.0 L turbocharged petrol and other engine options include 1.4 L diesel and petrol engine with 6-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic transmission. The QXi will be launched in India soon.
2. MG Hector SUV
MG Motor is one of the new manufacturers coming to India this year and the first product from the company will be Hector. The full-size SUV is based on the Baojun 530, which is currently on sale in the Chinese market. But the company has made some changes for the exterior design to make the SUV different as the front get MG grille along with a new set of bumpers.
The front get split headlamp setup with LED DRLs on top and headlamp below it. The rear also gets LED tail lamp and the interior gets a premium design theme. The Hector will be loaded with lots of segment first features and it is expected to be powered by 2.0 L diesel engine from FCA along with a petrol engine. The transmission options include manual and auto.
3. Tata H7X (7-Seater Harrier)
Tata Motors is developing a 7-seater version of Harrier and it is codenamed as H7X. The upcoming model will be based on the same D8 platform of Harrier. The overall wheelbase is expected to be the same for both models but the dimensions will be bigger and it will come with the Impact Design 2.0 theme. The front and rear might get some changes compared to Harrier.
The interior is likely to come with new features like bigger infotainment system along with new safety features. The H7X will be powered by the same 2.0 L diesel engine sourced from FCA but it will produce 170 hp and 350 Nm, which is more than the Harrier and transmission options include manual and auto. The company is also likely to offer a petrol engine.
4. Hyundai Kona EV
Hyundai is going to introduce the Kona EV in India by the middle of this year. The company has already showcased the SUV at various events across India and initially, the electric SUV will come to India via CBU route. The Kona EV is expected to come with 39 kW Lithium-ion battery pack and the range is around 350 km.
The SUV also comes with fast charging technology, which will make it easier for customers to recharge the battery. 0-100 kph takes just 10 sec for the electric SUV and top speed is 155 kph. The exterior design theme of Kona EV is unique and the company has packed the SUV with lots of features. Hyundai is expected to price the Kona EV aggressively in India market.
5. Mahindra TUV 300 Facelift
Mahindra is working on the mid-life facelift model of TUV 300. The upcoming model gets a new front grille with a new set of bumpers. The company has added LED DRLs in the headlamps and the alloy wheels also get a new design. The tail lamp design is slightly different and it is clear lens type along with a new cover for the spare wheel.
The interior might be carried over from the current model with minor changes like new colour options for the dashboard and introduction of some new features. The TUV 300 will come with standard safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, speed alert and more.
The engine is going to be the same 1.5 L unit with 100 hp. The TUV 300 facelift will be launched later this year in India.