Contents
These are the four upcoming compact SUVs set to launch in India soon
The Indian automotive landscape, particularly the sub-4-meter SUV segment, is a battleground teeming with established players and aspiring challengers. This segment caters to a diverse range of buyers seeking a perfect blend of practicality, performance, and affordability. In 2024 and 2025, this space will witness a surge of activity, with several new and refreshed models vying for consumer attention. Here are the four best upcoming compact SUVs launching soon in India. Let’s dig in.
1. Mahindra XUV300 Facelift:
Mahindra, a household name in the Indian automotive industry, is preparing to revitalize its popular XUV300 with a mid-2024 facelift. This update aims to enhance the SUV’s appeal and competitiveness in the face of ever-evolving market demands.
Visually, the XUV300 facelift will embrace a bolder aesthetic. Spy images hint at a more angular nose, redesigned LED daytime running lamps, and a comprehensively revised front fascia. The rear will also transform, potentially featuring a new tailgate adorned with a full-width LED light bar and stylish C-shaped tail lamps.
Under the hood, the XUV300 facelift is likely to retain the existing engine options, ensuring a familiar driving experience for existing owners and potential buyers. These include a 1.5-litre diesel engine, a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, and a 1.2-litre TGDI petrol engine. However, the latter will receive a significant upgrade with the introduction of a brand-new 6-speed automatic transmission, enhancing convenience and driving dynamics.
2. Mahindra XUV300 EV:
Capitalizing on the burgeoning electric vehicle market in India, Mahindra will introduce a fully electric version of the XUV300 facelift alongside the ICE model. This strategic move positions Mahindra as a key player in the rapidly growing EV segment, catering to environmentally conscious buyers seeking a practical and stylish electric SUV.
Design-wise, the XUV300 EV will mirror the design language of the ICE facelift, ensuring continuity within the XUV300 model family. However, specific details regarding the electric powertrain, including battery capacity and range, remain under wraps. Nevertheless, the XUV300 EV holds the potential to disrupt the sub-4-meter electric SUV segment, offering a compelling combination of familiar design, eco-friendly credentials, and potentially competitive pricing.
3. Skoda New Compact SUV
Skoda, the renowned Czech carmaker will finally enter the highly contested sub-4-meter SUV arena in India with a brand-new offering. This anticipated debut will take place around March 2025 and will mark the brand’s foray into a crucial segment dominated by established players.
While details remain scarce, Skoda confirms that the new SUV will be built upon the MQB-A0-IN platform, the same platform that underpins the successful Kushaq. This platform offers a balance between performance, space, and fuel efficiency, catering to the core requirements of sub-4-meter SUV buyers.
In terms of powertrain options, the new Skoda SUV is likely to feature the familiar and proven 1.0-litre TSI engine. While a larger 1.5-litre engine option has been rumoured, cost and practicality considerations might lead Skoda to stick with the smaller, fuel-efficient 1.0-litre unit.
Visually, the new Skoda SUV is expected to showcase the brand’s latest design philosophy. This includes a distinctive split headlamp setup and sweeping taillights reminiscent of the larger Kodiaq, creating a visually appealing and recognizable SUV.
4. Kia Clavis:
Kia, renowned for its bold design and innovative features, has thrown a curveball into the sub-4-meter SUV segment with the trademark registration of the name “Clavis” in India in late 2023. However, details about this mysterious car are non-existent, leaving room for speculation and excitement amongst automotive enthusiasts.
Some industry experts theorize that the Clavis could be a micro-SUV, a rapidly growing sub-segment within the compact SUV category. If this holds, the Clavis could potentially rival popular offerings like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Casper, offering a compact and feature-rich option for urban driving and manoeuvrability.
Further speculations suggest that the Clavis might share its platform and powertrain options with the Hyundai Casper, utilizing the proven
Also read: Three Upcoming 7-Seater SUVs With Diesel Engine In India