As the world moves towards SUVs, we list down 5 mini SUVs coming to India this year

CompactSUVs are big sellers formany carmakers. The SUV movement is going strong and more carmakers are lining up new offerings. Compact SUVs are not really “SUVs”, they have a lot of SUV characteristics like a flat bonnet, high ground clearance and seating position, squared-off design and much more.
Here are 5 such SUVs that will be launched in India later this year:

Kia Sonet

Kia has been successful in the mid-size SUV segment with Seltos and now it is eyeing the compact SUV pie. As we know Kia and Hyundai are siblings so the upcoming Sonet will be sharing the platform and engine options with Hyundai Venue. The Sonet will have a more up-market and plush interior when compared to its sibling. Just like the Seltos, top-end GT-Line variant shouldget red accents for a sportier appeal. The Sonet looks bold and quirky.It boasts Kia’s tiger-nose front grille, wide bumpers and angular headlamps. The powertrain options are expected to be a 1.2-litre, 83hp naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre, 99hp diesel engine and a 1.0-litre, 118hp turbocharged petrol motor. It will go against the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300.

Nissan Magnite

Nissan’s mid-size SUV Kicks failed to clock the numbers the carmaker would have hoped for Nissan will be looking to reverse its fortunes with “Magnite”, a very competitively priced SUV. We expect its base variant to undercut the rivals by quite a fair margin. Also, another unique selling point of the Magnite will be its feature list that could be borrowed from the Kicks–a very well-equipped SUV. The new SUV will come with connected features, a big touchscreen infotainment system and maybe a 360-degree camera on higher variants. The lower variants will come with a three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 72hp and 96Nm of torque while the higher variants will get a 1.0-litre turbocharged, three-cylinder petrol engine which will produce around 95hp. You would also be able to get a CVT transmission with this engine which will be a first in the compact SUV segment.

Renault Kiger

Renault will also be launching a compact SUV based on the upcoming Nissan Magnite. Renault and Nissan- the sister companies, will be sharing platform and engines for both of these SUVs. The Kiger will be based on the CMF-A+ platform that also underpins the Triber. The sub-4 metre SUV is expected to come with a 1.0-litre, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that we will also see on the Nissan Magnite. The engine will produce 99 Bhp and 160 Nm of torque and it should come with a CVT and a 5-speed manual transmission. Kiger should come equipped with steering mounted controls, touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control and some kind of connected tech. According to the latest rumors, the SUV will also come with a sunroof,making it the most affordable car with a sunroof. Once launched, the Kiger should be the most affordable compact SUV in the market with prices starting around Rs. 6.5 lakhs.

Tata HBX

Tata HBX was one of the most hyped vehicles at the Auto Expo 2020. The carmaker   shared that the concept presented at the Expo was 90% close to the production model that will go on sale in the second half of 2020. That means we can expect Tata HBX to retain split headlamps, pronounced wheel arches, flat bonnet and roof rails. The interior will feature a digital instrument cluster, floating touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control and a Harman sound system. It will be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine that we have seen on the Altroz, Tiago and the Tigor. The engine develops 86PS and comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT transmission. Tata is also working on a direct-injection version of this motor but it is not yet confirmed whether it will make its way to the HBX.  Once launched the Tata HBX should be priced around Rs. 5 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Possibility of Jimny’s launch in India has created much excitement, particularly since the legendary Gypsy had been discontinued by Maruti Suzuki. It is the only upcoming SUV which will come with a proper 4×4 system making it the most capable off-roader in the segment, thanks to the short wheelbase and overhangs, ladder-frame chassis, lightweight and low-range transfer case. The three-door model that is popular in n the international markets will not be ideal for Indian market so Maruti Suzuki is working on a five-door version of the Jimny. The manufacturing of the Jimny for the international markets will take place in Gujarat and eventually, the five-door Jimny will also be made there.  The SUV is likely to be equipped with  steering mounted controls, SmartPlay infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control and some basic connected-car tech that we have seen on the recently updated Brezza. The SUV will be powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that drives other Maruti Suzuki cars such as Brezza and Ertiga. This engine produces 100bhp which is enough for an SUV that does not weigh much. Maruti Suzuki Jimny should launch the Jimny at a starting price of around Rs. 9.50 lakhs.

With the increase in demand of the SUVs, the automakers are trying to reduce the cost of the compact SUVs by offering a smaller and compact version. For SUV enthusiast the good times are about to get even better.