2 popular SUVs to make a comeback in India

In India where modern SUVs are ruling the market, two of the oldest SUVs will soon make a comeback. However, to take on these modern SUVs, both the popular SUVs will return with modern features and technology. One of these ruled the 1990s era while the other became the first ever compact SUV in India. We are talking about the legendary Tata Sierra and the popular Renault Duster. The Sierra will return as an EV whereas the Duster which was recently unveiled will soon make its way to India. Interestingly both these SUVs will probably get launched in 2025.
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Popular SUVs – Tata Sierra

What will it look like?

Talking about the Sierra EV first, Tata Motors has already showcased the concept version of the SUV. Now although the Sierra looks modern, Tata has maintained a few elements from the older Sierra. For instance the older SUV used to get a large glass area which Tata Motors tried to carry on the new Sierra as well. Tata has not overdone with cuts and creases and has in fact gone with subtle design. On the production model, we can expect certain things from current Tata SUVs. Expect the Sierra to get vertical LED headlamps, connected LED DRLs, and connected tail lamps. In fact the Sierra concept was equipped with alloy wheels which was later seen on Safari facelift.

Interiors and Features

We even got to see the interiors of the SIerra EV. They were in concept form but we do have a glimpse of what they could look like. According to Tata Motors, it will be the second row which will be enjoyed by the most buyers. The Sierra EV will be luxurious and spacious with some smart convenience features, especially for second row passengers. The overall layout will be very simple and less cluttered. The dashboard will get no physical buttons, thanks to the new touch panel for AC controls that we have seen on recent Tata SUVs.

Other than that, the Sierra could get the 12.3-inch or larger touchscreen system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 4-spoke steering wheel with illuminated Tata logo. Just like the alloy wheels, even the steering wheel from the Sierra concept was seen on the Safari facelift. Rest, expect features like premium sound system, V2V charging, and different persona packages that will add more features like pillar mounted LED ambient lights.

Specifications

Now, Tata has not shared details about the battery pack that will power the Sierra but we expect that Sierra should return a real-life range of 500-600km. Also, Tata Motors could offer dual motors like the Harrier EV giving it AWD hardware for off-road capabilities. But will the car be launched with ICE variants? Well, certainly! But again, Tata has not shared any details regarding the same. The SUV will be launched in 2025!

Popular SUVs – Renault Duster

Design

The SUV which once ruled the Indian market was soon taken over by the Hyundai Creta. Also, Renault didn’t really upgrade the Duster which ultimately led to the discontinuation of the SUV. Fast forward to 2023, the sister brand of Renault, Dacia, has launched the all new Duster in overseas markets. It gets a new platform and plug-in hybrid technology. Now Renualt has confirmed that the new Duster will come to India will certainly be a threat to the segment king Hyundai Creta. Talking about the new Duster, the SUV is larger than before and looks more rugged than before. The squarish headlamps are replaced by sleek LED units and get sharp cuts and creases on the bonnet. From the side profile as well the new Duster has a boxy design which looks more like a true SUV. The rear design is clean with cleaner looking Y-shaped LED tail lamps.

Interiors

Even the design of the dashboard is very much like an SUV with a slimmer and upright dashboard. What catches the attention are the neatly designed AC vents as they mimic the Y-shaped DRLs and tail lamps. The steering wheel has a unique hexagonal styling and just behind that is a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The other display is the 10-inch touchscreen system which has been angled towards the driver. In fact, the entire centre console is slightly angled towards the driver which will help to reach the controls with ease.

Renault has also continued with physical buttons for the climate control and not integrated inside the touchscreen. Also, the new Duster will have a very practical cabin with immense storage spaces. We can see a deep slot on the centre console and plenty of storage in front of the gearbox. Another interesting element is the new gear lever which is very compact in size. A switch for the electronic parking brake can be seen on the right side of the gear lever.

Features

Overall, the interiors of the new Duster look modern and have some interesting elements. Rest, expect features like – wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, 6-speakers Arkamys 3D sound system, 6-Airbags, ADAS, 12V charging socket, 2 USB type-c charging ports and a wireless charging pad.

Engine Specifications

The all new Renault Duster is expected to come with three engine options. The options include – a 1.0-litre turbo petrol, a 1.3-litre turbo petrol, and a 1.2-litre plug-in hybrid engine. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol will produce around 120bhp while the 1.3-litre turbo petrol could produce segment leading 168bhp. Also, the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine will be a flex fuel compliant unit. Lastly, we have the 1.2-litre hybrid engine which will produce 140bhp with the help of a 9kWh battery pack. It will be a plug-in hybrid technology and if Renault brings this in India then it might be a big hit for the company. The new Duster will likely come to India in 2025 and will take on the Hyundai Creta and upcoming Tata Curvv.