Upcoming Sub-4m SUVs In India In 2020

In 2020 there will be several new entrants in the sub-4m SUV class alongside refreshed ones.

2020 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza has been holding onto its leading position since its launch. However, in the face of stiff competition, this diesel-only SUV is starting to pale. Especially because Maruti Suzuki is not updating its 1.25-litre diesel engine to meet BS6 standards. Its design could also do with an update as the Brezza hasn’t received a touchup since it launched in 2016.

The refreshed Vitara Brezza may either borrow the 1.5-litre normal petrol engine from the Ciaz or the compact 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine from the Baleno RS.

The Maruti Vitara Brezza facelift is expected to be unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo and go on sale in March.

New Tata H2X / Hornbill

The new Tata H2X is expected to create a new sub-category in the Indian SUV market. The mini SUV is still known by its codename H2X and is speculated to be called the Hornbill. It is likely to be positioned under the subcompact SUVs. It is likely to carry a price tag similar to that of the Maruti Ignis.

We may get to see the Tata H2X either in its concept or near-production form at the 2020 Auto Expo in February. Expect the Tata H2X to go on sale later in 2020. The H2X might get the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines from the Tata Altroz premium hatchback.

Kia Sonet / Kia QYI

The Kia QYI is the codename for an upcoming sub-4m SUV that’s rumoured to be officially named as the Kia Sonet.

The Kia Sonet / QYI would share its chassis and engines with the Hyundai Venue. So, the same 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a diesel engine options are expected. The diesel engine displacement is not clear. The Venue’s 1.4-litre diesel engine might not gain BS6 upgrade, while the 1.6-litre diesel engine could be replaced with the Kia Seltos’ 1.5-litre engine. Thus, the Sonet may get this 1.5-litre diesel engine, although with lower power output.

The QYI petrol might get a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission options like the Venue. The Sonet diesel will probably get a 6-speed manual transmission. It may even get a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

Renault HBC / Kiger

The Renault HBC is the codename for the upcoming subcompact SUV from Renault. The HBC is speculated to be officially named as the Kiger, and is expected to be based on the Renault Triber modular MPV. The Triber’s 2600mm long wheelbase should give it a healthy leg room.

The HBC might borrow the Triber’s 1.0-litre normal petrol engine along with its 5-speed manual transmission. If it does, then it could be positioned aggressively against other subcompact SUVs. It could, then, cost as much as the Tata H2X. However, it could also get a new 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine along with a 6-speed manual transmission to give it the performance to match its rivals.

Tata Nexon EV

The new Tata Nexon EV shares its underpinnings with the regular petrol/diesel-powered Nexon. But it gets a minor exterior and cabin makeover to give a distinct identity. Unique features of the Nexon electric include an electric sunroof, new steering wheel with easy-reach horn and full-colour LCD instrument cluster. The fact that it doesn’t come with cruise control allows us to infer that Tata expects its Nexon to be primarily used in the city. Electric cars’ battery range generally drops faster when driven at high speeds.

Tata says that the Nexon electric can go 312km on a single charge. A full charge takes about 8 hours and DC fast charge can replenish 80% of its battery in an hour. A full charge should consume about 30 units of electricity. So, theoretically, it can run 10km on 1 unit (kWh) of electricity. That should come down to about 70p per kilometre.

The Nexon EV is likely to be priced in the range of Rs. 15.0 lakh to Rs. 17.0 lakhs (ex-showroom), and will go on sale in January 2020.

2020 Tata Nexon Facelift - Launched

Tata has launched the Nexon facelift at Rs. 6.95 lakh to Rs. 12.7 lakh. It retains its 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre turbo diesel powertrains with no change in power and torque outputs. The petrol engine makes 110PS of power and 170Nm of torque while the diesel engine makes 110PS of power and 260Nm of torque. Notable new features of the 2020 Nexon facelift include an electric sunroof, cruise control and a new design borrowed from the Nexon electric.

Volkswagen T-Cross

The Volkswagen T-Cross measures just over the 4-metres long in its current form and could be trimmed to fit into the highly popular subcompact SUV segment in the country. The T-Cross is thus, expected to be competing with the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 among others. 

The VW T-Cross might be getting a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine options. Both petrol and diesel versions are likely to get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

The T-Cross is likely to be placed as a premium subcompact SUV and hence, priced accordingly. The upcoming SUV is expected to launch sometime in 2020. 

Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is one of the few real SUVs in India that you can take off-road. The 2020 Mahindra Thar might borrow the 2.2-litre diesel engine from the Mahindra Scorpio and XUV500. Expect some visual tweaks, but nothing big enough to take away its Jeep appeal.

The BS4 Thar costs Rs. 10.0 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new-gen 2020 Thar might cost substantially higher at around Rs. 12.0 lakh - 13.0 lakh. The new-gen Thar is expected to be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo and may launch in the second half of the year.