New mini SUVs coming to India in 2016

The compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has been a booming segment in our current four-wheeler market. The vehicles built in this category offer comfort, presence and mostly sufficient interior space for occupants and lastly allows to accommodate luggage comfortably. Subsequently, the trend can be observed for a new sub-category of mini SUVs that have the dimensions of a hatchback but look and feel like a big vehicle. All these vehicles are sub 4-metre in length allowing then to qualify for tax exemptions. Also, nowadays the perception of an SUV has changed; vehicles in most cases are now front wheel driven and skip most features of a thorough off-roader. These cars are more inclined towards application on tarmac with average off-roading qualities. 

One such example that falls in the mini SUV segment is the Mahindra KUV100 that was launched this year. Other manufacturers have also taken a note of this emerging segment. With that said, we have listed what car makers have to offer in this evolving segment for the year of 2016.

Mahindra NuvoSport:

Mahindra had the Quanto which did not fare well in the market. The manufacturer now aims to change that with the new NuvoSport. You can say that the NuvoSport is a facelift of the Quanto but the engineers at Mahindra have done a serious makeover to make you think again. The manufacturer has recently released the official images of the NuvoSport which showcases an aggressive yet sporty styling. The front facia has been extensively reworked while the rear has reminiscence of the Quanto. Although, the manufacturer hasn’t disclosed the details yet, expect the NuvoSport to have a slightly longer wheelbase which will allow better road handling characteristics and roomier interiors. The NuvoSport is scheduled for its official launch on April 4th and is expected to be placed in the price range of Rs 5.9 lakh to Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

Datsun Redi Go:

Datsun has been testing the Redi Go mini SUV for quite some time now. Borrowing the underpinnings from the Renault Kwid, the Redi Go will share the same CMF-A platform. The mini SUV features a narrow track with a tall stance and good ground clearance. It is also rumoured that the Datsun Redi Go could be priced lower than the Kwid. With that said, the car will lose out on the features in the interior like the touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrumental cluster to name a few. Under the hood, the Redi Go will borrow the same 3-cylinder 800cc engine powering the Renault Kwid. Expect the company to introduce the Redi Go by mid-2016.

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Suzuki Ignis:

Unveiled at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo, the Suzuki Ignis is a mini SUV based on an entirely new platform. The exterior design of the Ignis is straight yet has the necessary curves giving it a retro look. The car has a tall stance with sufficient ground clearance to take on unpaved roads. The Ignis has a high-set bonnet, with blacked out A- and B-pillars which gives the mini SUV a helmet-like roof design. Also the front grille extends till the front fenders while incorporating the LED fused headlight in it. At the back, the Ignis has a flat tailgate design with simple tail lamps which looks very classy. Powering the Ignis is likely to be a 1.2-litre petrol engine paired to the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology to produce 85PS of power and 115Nm of torque which will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The manufacturer has planned to launch the vehicle in India during the festive season of Diwali.

Tata Nexon:

Tata had displayed the pre-production ready Nexon mini SUV at the Delhi Auto Show. The Nexon will be a 5-seater vehicle sporting beefy exteriors with high ground clearance. The front bumper gets a wide air scoop while the fog lamps have been place high off the ground under the headlights. The rear has high set tail lamps and a section of the bumper combined with the tailgate thus allowing easier access to loading luggage in the trunk. The mini SUV will feature a dual tone exterior colour scheme as offered on the recently launched Vitara Brezza. Interior details of the mini SUV are yet to be disclosed by the manufacturer. The Tata Nexon is likely to be offered with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and the 1.3-litre diesel engine sourced from Fiat. Both engine options will be coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox while an AMT transmission variant will be offered in the diesel variant. Tata Motors is yet to confirm dates for the launch of the Nexon, but expect it be close to the end of 2016.