SUVs were once a vehicle for only business class people primarily driven by hired drivers but with the easier to drive SUVs the difference between it and a car is fast diminishing. Segment which is driving its usage are crossovers and compact SUVs.
Nissan Kicks
With the success of Terrano which was based on Renault platform, Nissan finally decided to go ahead with its own SUV. Kicks is based on ‘V’ platform similar to Sunny and Micra. The all new Kicks is all set to take on the SUVs like Ford Ecosport. The vehicle has a very modern design with big wheel arches and sloping roof. It would be powered by 1.5 litre dCi K9K diesel engine that punches out a peak power of 83bhp for standard variant. The VGT version would be more powerful and will have maximum power of 108bhp. The launched vehicle would be smaller than 4.3m concept in order to get tax break. Nissan Kicks will stant against Duster, Honda Vezel and Fiat 500X. The price for this vehicle will be between 8-12lakhs. It is expected to arrive in showrooms by June, 2016.
Mahindra KUV100
Mahindra might not be launching small car any time soon but KUV100 is sure to come to the market soon. It is not a true SUV but more of a crossover. The petrol engine is going to come from its sister concern SsangYong. The petrol variant will have a 1.2 litre engine that is going to punch a peak power of 80bhp whereas diesel variant with will be powered by 1.5 litre mHawk80 engine with maximum power of 75bhp. In addition this crossover vehicle will get anti lock braking system, 4 airbags, and electronic stability program with 3+3 seating. It will be priced around 5 lakhs. With this aggressive pricing it is going to give a tough fight to Wagon R and Chevrolet Beat.
Tata X104
In 2014 auto expo Nexon concept was unveiled which is going to be launched in 2016 as Tata X104. It is not going to be complete SUV but more of a crossover or compact SUV. It is more likely to be powered by 1.5 litre Fiat Multijet based diesel engine with maximum power of 110bhp. The 6-speed manual gearbox is specially designed for this vehicle to take up extra torque and power. Once launched it would be one of the most stylish compact SUVs. X104 has to take on Ford Ecosport, future Maruti YBA, VW Taigun and Mahindra KUV100. This car is not likely to get a 4 wheel drive and could come to market in first half of 2016.
Maruti YBA
Maruti, the market leader of hatchbacks, compact sedan and multipurpose vehicle is going to enter into new domain i.e. compact SUV with its YBA model. With the recent success of its MPV offering Ertiga, Maruti is all set to take up this domain by storm and shake the leadership of Ford Ecosport. This sub 4 meter compact SUV is expected to have the similar impact as Alto 800, Swift or Dzire. YBA will have to face tough competition from Ecosport, VW Taigun, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. It will be fitted with 1.5 litre diesel engine with peak power of 100+bhp. 1.3 litre DDiS diesel engine would be used in its diesel variant that will be based on engine from Ciaz and Ertiga. The expected mileage for diesel variant is going to be around 20-22kmpl whereas for petrol it would be around 15kmpl. The price for YBA will be around 7-12 lakhs and is more likely to come to showrooms in mid 2016.
Hyundai Creta(launched)
The Korean car maker is number 2 car manufacturer in India after Maruti both in terms of sales and brand value. It had series of successes with its i20 and i10 car models. Now it wants to seriously get into the SUVs segment and with its all new Hyundai Creta it looks like they will be able to make a dent on sales of Ecosport and Scorpio. The interior and equipments for Creta would be no doubt best in the segment but we have to see its handling due to its raised suspension. The car would get power from 1.6 CRDi engine which is one of the best in the market. Hyundai might also be looking at 1.6 to keep a control on the pricing which would be most important factor for its success.