The growing popularity of the SUV design at an affordable price point has made compact SUVs and now micro SUVs the next big segment in India with a vast lineup of models set to arrive in 2016.
From being big, brawny, expensive and gas guzzling; SUVs are now compact with smaller engines and dimensions making them more practical and far easier to live with. The popularity for these compact all-rounders is growing by the day and 2016 will see a host of manufacturers entering this space with their respective iterations. Clearly, the customer will be spoilt for choice with options starting from as low as Rs. 3 lakhs going up to Rs. 15 lakhs. With the new year all set to begin, we list down the upcoming compact SUVs scheduled for launch in India in 2016.
Mahindra XUV100 (S101) – Codenamed S101, Mahindra’s next major and also its smallest launch will be the XUV100 (possible name) that will take on the B-segment hatchbacks with its brawny appeal and an SUV-like profile. The XUV100 will also be the first micro SUV to go on sale in the country kickstarting an all-new segment. Power is expected to come from new 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options while an AMT unit could be offered in addition to a manual gearbox.
Launch Period – January 2016
Estimated Price – Rs. 3.8 – 5.6 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Mahindra Quanto Facelift – Mahindra never got it right with the Quanto but the automaker is working towards introducing a comprehensively updated model that just might change the same. The new Quanto will receive an upgraded front and rear fascia complete with new grille and LED DRLs, apart from an upgraded interior as well. The UV will also get upgrades to the mechanicals for improved handling and stability in addition to an AMT unit. The updated Quanto will be positioned below the new TUV300 in Mahindra’s lineup.
Launch Period – February 2016
Estimated Price – Rs. 5.9 – 7.6 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Datsun Redi-GO – Nissan’s third offering under the Datsun brand, the Redi-GO concept was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo and gained rave reviews for its crossover looks. A lot of the styling is expected to be carried over from the concept while the underpinnings are shared with the Renault Kwid being based on the CMF-A platform. The Redi-GO will draw power from the same 800cc three-cylinder motor as the Kwid and will be priced aggressively courtesy of massive localisation. The Redi-GO will be Datsun’s cheapest offering in India.
Launch Period – February 2016
Estimated Price – Rs. 2.6 – 3.8 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Maruti Suzuki YBA – Maruti Suzuki will be stepping into the sub 4-metre compact SUV space next year with the YBA (codename) that will take on the Mahindra TUV300, Ford EcoSport and the likes while sharing its design details with the new generation Vitara. Power will come from the tried and tested 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines with the latter possibly getting the SHVS technology as well. The YBA will be loaded on equipment shared with the Baleno and could possibly be sold via NEXA dealerships.
Launch Period – February 2016
Estimated Price – Rs. 5.5 – 8.30 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Honda BR-V – Honda’s Brio based compact SUV, the BR-V will be launching in India next year with a 2016 Auto Expo showcase on the cards. The Japanese SUV gets fresh styling unlike other Brio based models while the interiors come from the City lending a premium appeal. The BR-V will also be the only full-sized 7-seater that will attract a lot of buyers. Power will come from a 1.5-litre diesel tuned for 100 PS, paired to a 6-speed gearbox, returning a healthy fuel economy. Knowing Honda, pricing is expected to be on the premium side on the BR-V that will locks horns with the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and the likes.
Launch Period – Early 2016
Estimated Price – Rs. 8.5 – 13.7 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Datsun GO-Cross – Datsun pulled off a surprise just last month by unveiling the GO-Cross which is a crossover based on the GO+ compact wagon. An appealing car to look at, the added elements have transformed the looks of this model which will make for an attractive buy in India. To be offered with 7 seats, the Datsun GO-Cross will become the cheapest crossover vehicle to be sold in India, once launched in earlier 2016.
Launch Period – May 2016
Estimated Price – Rs. 4.5 – 6 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Maruti Suzuki Ignis – In addition to the YBA, Maruti is planning to launch the Ignis micro SUV that was revealed internationally earlier this year. With butch looks and small proportions, the Ignis will be locking horns with the upcoming Mahindra XUV100 also set for launch in 2016. Engine options could include the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel as the model will rival several hatchback based crossovers including the Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura and the likes. The Ignis could be showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo next February.
Launch Period – October 2016
Estimated Price – Rs. 4.5 – 6.5 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Tata Nexon – A very ambitious Tata Motors showcased the Nexon compact SUV at the 2014 Auto Expo and the model will finally see production next year. Based on the same X1 platform that underpins the Zest and Bolt, the Nexon will come loaded with features in addition to the bulky looks. Influences from the Zica’s styling is expected to make it as well. While a 1.2-litre petrol could be offered, a newly developed 1.5-litre diesel engine is expected to make its debut on the compact SUV producing around 110 BHP, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The production spec Nexon will be revealed at the 2016 Auto Expo while the launch is expected in the 2017 fiscal.
Launch Period – End 2016
Estimated Price – Rs. 5.5 – 8.5 lakhs (ex-showroom)
