Compact SUVs have been hitting the sweet spot for a majority of India’s automotive buyers, of late. Almost every carmaker wants to get in on the action, and brands that are new to India want to leap into the market with their own compact SUV offerings. Here are the ones we’re most excited about
MG HECTOR
What to expect
A solid compact SUV that has the potential to be a mover and shaker in its segment.
When is it out?
It’s expected to be launched in June 2019, at an estimated price of Rs 15 lakh
Morris Garages (MG) is all set to make its long-awaited debut in India, and it’s starting off with the Hector. The Chinese owned company will first roll out a five-seater version, with plans to release a seven-seater as well. The Hector will be powered by a Fiat-sourced 2-litre diesel engine, similar to the ones seen on the Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass, as well as a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The car is being heavily promoted for all its tech goodies, which include a 10.4-inch tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system, in-built internet connectivity and a unique AI voice assistant that will be capable of performing more than 100 functions.
SKODA KAROQ
What to expect
A well-constructed compact SUV with classic Skoda craftsmanship
When is it out?
It’s expected to be launched by March 2020, at a price of Rs 18 to Rs 20 lakh
Skoda first unveiled the Karoq in May 2017. It was the Czech carmaker’s answer to everyone else’s mid-size SUV offerings and is considered to be the popular Yeti’s replacement. It takes its design inspiration from both the Yeti and the Kodiaq, Skoda’s flagship SUV. While the Karoq comes with six engine options around the world, the India-spec SUV will likely get Volkswagen’s new 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine as well as a 2-litre TDI diesel engine. The fact that the Karoq will be locally assembled will help keep the price within a range of Rs 18 to Rs 20 lakh.
AUDI Q3
What to expect
A rugged-looking SUV that places a considerable amount of emphasis on safety
When is it out?
It’s expected to be launched by August 2019, at a price of Rs 35 to Rs 40 lakh
Diving into the premium segment, the Audi Q3 is the German manufacturer’s offering in the compact SUV market. The Q3’s subtle but aggressive look is defined by those matrix headlamps and signature single-frame octagonal grille. As with every Audi, the carmaker has put a lot of emphasis on safety. The Q3 scored 95 per cent for adult occupant protection and 86 per cent for child occupant protection in crash tests. It will reportedly be launched with four different engine options – three petrol engines and one diesel unit – in combination with front-wheel or Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD), with power outputs between 150 to 230 bhp. It will also feature smart driver assistance systems like adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist, active lane assist and park assist, which will help you get out of tight parking spaces by automatically backing out.
KIA TUSKER
What to expect
A funky looking debut vehicle by a renowned carmaker
When is it out?
It’s expected to be launched by August 2019, at a price of Rs 10 to Rs 16 lakh
The Kia Tusker (the actual name hasn’t been confirmed yet) will start off Kia’s innings in India. The Tusker is a glimpse of what the Korean carmaker has in store for us. The concept was showcased back in February 2018, but a camouflaged Tusker, which was spotted being tested around Delhi, confirmed that the car will retain most of its design from the concept vehicle. The Tusker will be powered by two newly-developed 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. It will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, which will not only produce Kia cars for the Indian market but will serve global markets as well.
HYUNDAI VENUE
What to expect
An affordable compact SUV with a host of segment-first features
When is it out?
It will be launched in May 2019, at a price of Rs 8 to Rs 10 lakh
Hyundai’s Venue makes a great option for those looking for a compact SUV, but who find the Creta too expensive. The chrome mesh grille and the split headlamps make the Venue distinctive from all of Hyundai’s other offerings. It takes those design elements from its bigger siblings overseas, the Kona and Palisade. The Venue comes with a host of segment-first features, like eco-coating, air purifiers, HD display screens, Arkamys Sound and more. Hyundai is also highlighting its Blue Link connectivity in collaboration with Vodafone, which comes with features like panic notification, auto crash notification, SOS/Emergency Assistance, stolen vehicle tracking with immobilisation (only on the 1-litre petrol version) and many more.
MAHINDRA EKUV100
What to expect
A reliable electric compact SUV at an affordable price
When is it out?
It’s expected to be launched by July 2019, at a price of Rs 10 to Rs 12 lakh
Sparking things up on the list is the Mahindra eKUV100. This all-electric offering by Mahindra will be the first of its kind. Mahindra isn’t a stranger when it comes to electric cars (it launched the eVerito in 2016), so it knows what it’s doing. With tighter environmental laws and strict emission restrictions already being in place, it’s good to think ahead of the curve and offer a budget-friendly, good looking, all-electric compact SUV. The eKUV100 will be powered by a 3-phase AC induction 31kW electric motor, coupled to a lithium-ion battery. According to the company, it will have a range of 140 km, and the battery will be equipped with fast charging, which will help juice up the car to 80 per cent in less than an hour.
