The sub-4 metre SUV segment has some of the highest selling SUVs. Among all, the Nexon and Punch have largely dominated the segment. However, the ex-leaders like the Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV300 are set to receive facelifts. Whereas the segment will be extended with the arrival of compact SUVs like the Toyota Taisor, Tata Punch EV, and Skoda/VW SUV. So should you wait for these SUVs or buy one from the options currently available? Well, you can decide once you read our today’s 5 upcoming compact SUVs in India article as we are sharing all the details.
5 upcoming compact SUVs in India – Mahindra XUV300
The Mahindra XUV300 has been in the market for years but failed to create its own presence. Despite being widest in the segment, the interiors were a bit outdated when compared to the competitors. However, Mahindra is preparing to give the XUV300 a comprehensive upgrade with a facelift. The test mules have been spotted testing which revealed some of the key details.
On the design front, the XUV300 facelift is expected to receive XUV700 inspired headlamp design. A test mule was spotted with XUV700-like inverted DRLs and turn indicators. Apart from the headlamp setup, the XUV300 may get a raised-up bonnet with revised grille and tweaked bumpers. The side profile could largely remain the same apart from new alloy wheels. At the rear Mahindra will join the connected tail lamp club which was revealed on the test mule. Along with the connected treatment the overall tail lamps will get inverted comma-like design. Other changes could include revised tailgate and revised bumpers.
Even the interiors are expected to receive a major design overhaul. A test mule did reveal the interiors but it was very similar to the outgoing model. We assume Mahindra were testing new automatic transmission on the outgoing car. However, a new 10.0-inch touchscreen system was spotted and it will be a major upgrade over the current model. Other than that, we are expecting features like 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, premium sound system, and digital instrument cluster.
Specification wise, the XUV300 facelift is likely to continue with the same powertrain. The options include – a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with 108bhp and 200Nm of torque and a 1.5-litre TGDi engine with 128bhp and 250Nm of torque. There is also a 1.5-litre diesel engine on offer and the unit produces 115bhp and 300Nm of peak torque. The 1.2-litre TGDi engine comes mated with only a manual gearbox while the other two (1.2-litre turbo petrol & 1.5-litre diesel) come mated with manual and AMT transmissions. However, with the news of the new torque converter gearbox, Mahindra is looking to offer an improved driving experience over the AMT.
Kia Sonet Facelift
Another compact SUV which is all set to receive a facelift is the popular Kia Sonet. Now Sonet was a blockbuster for Kia but sales were affected as soon as Nexon gained its popularity. To counter the Nexon, Kia will give the Sonet a much needed facelift. However design wise, the Sonet may not receive a significant change. Kia will majorly focus on loading the Sonet with more features.
To make the Sonet look refreshed, Kia will offer a new DRL setup on the Sonet facelift. We could also see a slightly teaked grille and front bumpers. The side profile, again, could remain unchanged, but it may receive all new alloy wheels. The rear will also receive some minor tweaks like revised bumpers and tail lamps. In fact we assume the new Sonet could get vertical tail lamps as seen on the Seltos facelift. Few days back a test mule was spotted of the Sonet facelift, revealing the interiors of the SUV. It was spotted with a new black and beige interior colour theme. Other major changes included a revised centre console with a new panel for the climate control. The new panel now looks cleaner and less cluttered than the outgoing model.
Now although Tata has equipped the new Nexon with a huge list of features, the Sonet already came equipped with few of them. However, we can expect a new and bigger infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera etc. Kia could also equip the Sonet facelift with ADAS as the Venue has recently received the technology. Kia Sonet facelift will continue with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (82bhp/115Nm), 1.0-litre turbo petrol (118bhp/172Nm) and 1.5-litre diesel engine (114bhp/250Nm). Transmission options will include manual, iMT, CVT and DCT. Nexon is mostly on par with almost everything offered by Sonet here, barring the diesel automatic. Sonet is the only C-SUV with this engine and transmission option.
5 upcoming compact SUVs in India – Tata Punch EV
The final SUV and the only EV on today’s list of the 5 upcoming compact SUVs is the Tata Punch EV. The SUV will be based on Tata’s gen-2 platform and according to Tata, the gen-2 platform is a much more advanced platform compared to the gen-1 platform. The gen-2 platform will benefit the Punch EV to offer more range than gen-1 and could also have fast charging capabilities.
In terms of specifications, Tata Punch EV could come equipped with a single 26-30kWh battery pack. The electric motors could probably be shared with the Nexon EV MR variant. On the design aspect, the Punch EV will largely remain identical to the current ICE version of the Punch. However, factors like blue accents, closed-up grille, and new alloy wheels could be the differentiating factors. The Punch EV was spotted on the charging station and unlike the current Tata EVs which have charging port on rear fenders, the Punch EV had a charging port at the front grille.
The interior layout will also remain more or else identical to the ICE Punch. What could be different is the new 10.25-inch infotainment system that was spotted before on the test mule. We are assuming it could be similar to Nexon’s unit and may even get a similar UI. Blue accents could be added inside as well, particularly around the AC vents. Also, the Punch EV could get a rotary knob gearbox rather than a conventional gear lever. In terms of features, we are expecting the Punch EV to come loaded with – connected car technology on phone and watch from the base model, 6-Airbags on higher variants, leatherette upholstery, 45W Type-C charger, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging pad.
Toyota Taisor
To enjoy the hot selling segment of sub-4 metres SUV, Toyota could also introduce a new product. The brand has trademarked the Urban Cruiser Taisor nameplate and we believe it could be used for their upcoming SUV, rebadged Maruti Fronx. They previously had the Urban Cruiser (rebadged Maruti Brezza) on sale but was discontinued. However, with the new Taisor SUV, Toyota will re-enter the segment. So what all to expect with the Taisor?
Well, being the rebadged version of Maruti Fronx, we can expect the Taisor to be identical to the latter. Toyota may try to make the Taisor look different with different grille and tweaked bumpers. Also, the Suzuki logo on the grille will be replaced by the Toyota logo. The other design approach could be like something we saw with Grand Vitara and Hyryder. So similarly, Toyota may give the Taisor an entirely different design element to differ itself from the Fronx. In fact to a certain extent the Taisor may even borrow design cues of the Hyryder. The side profile could be similar to the Fronx with an aggressive sloping roofline. A different set of alloy wheels could be an obvious change. Now for the rear profile, Toyota may retain the design elements of the Fronx as the Fronx does look attractive from the rear.
The interiors on the other hand are expected to remain exactly the same. The Taisor will have a similar dashboard layout of the Fronx and only possible change could be a different colour theme. Maruti Fronx is a decently feature loaded SUV and we believe the equipment list to be shared with Toyota Taisor as well. The list includes – 36-degree camera, 9-inch infotainment system, Arkamys sound system, cruise control, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, wireless charging pad, electrically adjustable ORVMs and height adjustable driver seat.
The powertrain options of the Taisor will be borrowed from the Fronx. The Fronx comes with two engine options – a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol is capable of producing 88bhp and 113Nm of torque. Transmission options include a manual and an AMT. This engine also comes with a CNG option that produces 76bhp and 98Nm of torque. Coming to the 1.0-litre turbo petrol this engine is capable of producing 98bhp and 147Nm of torque. This engine comes with a manual and automatic gearbox.
5 upcoming compact SUVs in India – Skoda Compact SUV
To spice up the compact SUV segment, Skoda has planned to introduce an all new compact SUV in India. Now although we do not have enough information about this SUV, expect it to be inspired from the Skoda Kushaq. It will be based on the downscaled iteration of MQB A0 IN platform that currently underpins the Kushaq.
In terms of design the entry-level Skoda SUV will share the design cues of the Kushaq. It can get an aggressive front fascia with a sculpted bonnet and sharp cuts & creases. It will house Skoda’s family grille with sleek LED headlamps on either side of the grille. From the side the SUV is expected to have a boxy design with a Kushaq-like silhouette. Also, like any other sub-compact SUVs, the Skoda SUV too is expected to come with 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear is also expected to get all the Skoda design bits. It will possibly get a rear spoiler, rear wiper, a handsome tailgate design, and sleek LED tail lamps. For the interiors you may expect a different dashboard layout than the Kushaq or even Slavia.
However, the overall interior design could remain simple and elegant like any other Skoda cars. It will share certain elements from Kushaq like the steering wheel, touch screen system, and digital instrument cluster. In terms of features, Skoda is expected to equip features at par with the competitors. The list will possibly include features like – LED headlights, LED tail lamps, wireless charging pad, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, leatherette upholstery and more. Also, we can expect the Monte Carlo and Matte Black editions for this Skoda SUV.
Powering the car could be Kushaq’s 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 115bhp and 178Nm of torque. The engine comes paired with both manual and torque converter automatic transmissions. Now as we know Skoda and VW share platforms – Kushaq & Taigun, Slavia & Virtus, similarly we can see VW’s iteration of this Skoda SUV. However, VW’s compact SUV will share the design cues with the Taigun.
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