With the arrival and subsequent success of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the compact SUV segment has become the most talked about one in the Indian automobile industry.
Manufacturers are well aware of customer preference, which clearly is in favour of compact SUVs compared to MPVs and hatchbacks.
Without wasting any more time, many car makers have commenced working on their version of compact SUVs. While some of them will directly compete against the Vitara Brezza, some will be positioned as premium offering in the compact SUV segment.
We have compiled a list of compact SUVs coming to India.
Tata Nexon
Tata Motors' Nexon compact was showcased at Auto Expo 2016 and the market launch is expected in 2017. Tata has already started testing the Nexon on the Indian roads. It is built on the heavily modified Tata X1 platform of the Indica and will feature the next generation Impact design philosophy of Tata Motors. The compact SUV of Tata is likely to get a1.2-litre turbo-charged petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine.
Hyundai compact SUV
Hyundai's compact SUV for India is expected enter the market by 2018. Hyundai showcased the HND-14 Carlino concept at Auto Expo 2016, and it has been considered as the base for the compact SUV. The design language of the SUV will be in line with the i30 hatchback, while the compact SUV will be based on the stretched i10 platform. Hyundai compact SUV will share many parts of i20 and the Creta. The production-spec will be Hyundai's first project from its Indian R&D centre in Hyderabad.
Honda compact SUV
Honda is reportedly working on a seven-seater compact SUV at the company's Thailand research facility for Asian markets. The upcoming SUV will be based on the company's HR-V SUV. "The growth in the category (mini SUV) is significant, and we believe that it will continue. Honda is now considering capturing the SUV segment," Yoichiro Uen, president and CEO of Honda Cars India, said recently hinting at the upcoming compact SUV.
Jeep B-SUV
Jeep's B-segment compact SUV is codenamed 526. This SUV will be a sub- 4 metre SUV that will take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport. The B Jeep is likely to be extracted from the Renegade SUV, which Jeep is selling in the international market. The SUV will boast of many premium features and will be priced above the rivals to position it as a lifestyle offering in the segment.
Land Rover Defender mini
Tata Motors owned British luxury SUV maker Land Rover is reportedly planning to manufacture and launch the mini version of the Defender in India by 2019-20. The mini-Defender project is code-named L860. Land Rover India has already started discussions with the component vendors and the company is also planning for exports.
