After hatchbacks, the segment that has most takers in India is SUVs. They range from compact SUVs that are below four-metres to large SUVs. Along with the updates of existing models, several cars are set to make their debut next year. Here is a list of SUVs that are set to hit the roads soon.
Tata Harrier
One of the highly anticipated launches next year is Tata Harrier. Tata's entry into the premium SUV segment is expected to create waves in the market. Code named as H5X, Harrier was displayed first at the previous auto expo in New Delhi. Built on Tata's new Omega platform, the car is powered by a 140 bhp, 2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. Though Tata is yet to announce the price, Harrier prices could start from Rs 15 lakh.
Renault Duster
Renault Duster came to India as the star of the SUV segment. Unknown in India, French car maker Renault became popular in the country riding on the success of Duster. Sold since 2012 without much changes, the new Duster will come with major changes. The new Duster, however, could continue with its 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol engines that have been doing duty since their launch. The price could range from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
Nissan Kicks
Nissan aims to gain a bigger pie of the Indian car market with the launch of Kicks. Positioned in the compact SUV segment, Kicks will be launched in the beginning of next year. It will share its platform with Renault Duster, Lodgy and Captur. The concept model of the compact SUV was first displayed at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show in 2014. The production model was launched in Brazil in 2016. The car sold in Brazil features premium interiors, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system and automatic climate control. In India, Kicks could be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines and cost anywhere between Rs 8 lakh and 15 lakh.
Kia SP
Korean car maker Kia will enter the Indian market with its SP. The production model of SP that was displayed at New Delhi Auto Expo as a concept will hit the roads by the end of next year. SP could have a 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol engines. To be built at Kia's Andhra factory, SP will have a price tag of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
XUV 300
Code named as S 201, the small SUV from Mahindra will be under four meters. S 201 uses the modified platform of Mahindra's South Korean subsidiary SsangYong's small SUV Tivoli. S 201 will not only share the platform with Tivoli but it could have similar design elements too. This could be the first vehicle in the segment that will have a panoramic sunroof. The SUV could share the recently launched Marazzo's 1.5-litre diesel engine. The engine is good enough for 123 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque. The car could be priced between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 12 lakh.
MG HS
British car maker Morris Garages', known as MG Motor, first vehicle for India will be launched by the middle of next year. Featuring a cheaper price tag and superb styling, the vehicle could be named HS. It is 4655 mm long, 1835 mm wide and 1760 mm tall. The company could make India-specific changes to the car. A bold design that suits SUVs, big grille, high-mounted daytime running light, LED headlamps and muscular bodylines are some of the features. The LED taillamp is inspired by Audi. The grille and bumpers could be changed for the Indian market. The vehicle could also be available in dual colours and graphics. In China, the vehicle is sold with a 1.8-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines. In India, the car could get a Fiat-sourced 2-litre MultiJet diesel engine. The car will be built at the Halol plant in Gujarat that China's largest automaker SAIC Motor Corp, which owns the MG brand, bought from General Motors.
Hyundai Stikes
Stikes was first displayed at the 2016 auto expo in New Delhi under the name of Carlino. Though Hyundai is yet to announce the name, the production version could be called Stikes. Codenamed QXI, the vehicle is likely to be launched early next year. Likely to be positioned under Hyundai's best-seller Creta, Stikes could be powered by Hyundai's existing engines in India - 1.4-litre petrol and CRDI diesel units. It could share the design elements of the company's second-generation fluidic concept. The five-seater is likely to be sold under Rs 10 lakh.
