Here is part-II of the upcoming SUVs and crossovers:
Renault Kaptur
End 2017
The Kaptur will be the next offering from Renault in India. From the information that is known, the vehicle is based on the same BO platform that underpins the Duster. The difference though is that the Kaptur is more premium than the Duster, which is more utilitarian. The Kaptur is larger than the Duster as well.
As for engine options, the Kaptur is offered with a 1.6 or 2.0 liter petrol engine in the global market For India though, we expect diesel power to be on offer. Currently, the company only has the 1.5 liter K9K unit which is doing duty on the Duster, but there is no clarity on what engine is coming in the Indian version.
Toyota C-HR
2018
Toyota’s compact and stylish SUV, the C-HR is expected to be launched in India sometime in 2018. The vehicle is a compact SUV that will take on the likes of the Creta when introduced in the Indian market. In the international market, the C-HR is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces a maximum of 114 BHP.
There is a 1.8-litre hybrid engine too. Toyota will most likely launch the vehicle in India with a diesel powerplant too. To take on the Creta, the C-HR will be priced from Rs. 9 lakh, while the top end model may cost as much as Rs. 14 lakh.
Isuzu MU-X
End 2017
The MU-X is the successor to the MU-7 SUV that is on sale in the country currently. It is based on the i-GRIP platform and will come with the option of 4wd. Power will most likely come from a 3.0 liter diesel engine that produces 177 Bhp. More details will be known closer to the launch of the vehicle.
Nissan X-Trail
Mid 2017
Nissan currently has only one SUV on sale in the country, the Terrano. Globally, the Nissan brand is well known for its SUVs, however we haven’t received any global SUV yet. While we did have the X-Trail on sale previously, it was removed from the Indian market a few years ago. After having showcased the new X-Trail at the 2016 Auto Expo, the company is expected to bring the X-Trail name back to India sometime this year.
The new X-Trail which will come will be offered in hybrid form only, which will make it the only hybrid SUV in the segment and the only compact SUV to get a hybrid powertrain (the other SUV being the XC90). The vehicle is expected to be priced around the 35 lakh mark. Power comes from a 2.0 liter petrol engine that is mated with an electric motor. Output from the petrol engine is 145 Bhp and 207 Nm where as the electric motor produces 40 Bhp and 107 Nm.
VW Tiguan
May 2017
The Tiguan is a compact SUV which will take on the CR-V and the Tucson when it is introduced in the Indian market. The launch is expected to take place as soon as April this year. The Tiguan will also be powered by a 2.0 liter TDi engine but this one will be mated to a 7-speed DSG as opposed to the 6-speed DSG on the Passat. Power outputs are not known for the Tiguan either, however we expect it to be either the 180 PS or the 190 PS state of tune which is on offer in the global market.
Skoda Kodiaq
August-September
Skoda’s first 7 seat SUV is set to make its global debut in September this year. Skoda India has decided that they want to cater to the premium market and hence will be bringing in this 7 seat SUV to take on the Fortuner and the Endeavour. It is based on the Superb platform.
The 2.0 liter diesel engine is most likely going to be the choice for the Indian market along with the 1.8 liter TSi unit if they wish to bring in a petrol as well. It will feature an all new dashboard design and will also be packed with a lot of new technologies.
Audi Q2
Mid 2017
Audi India will get its smallest crossover, the Q2 into the Indian market sometime this year. This will make it the cheapest Audi on sale in the country. It will be priced around the Rs 20 lakh mark. It carries the Audi design theme and has a virtual cockpit on the inside, something that we have come to expect from Audis. It will feature LED headlamps as well. On the engines front, the 1.4 liter TFSi unit from the A3/4 is expected while we could also get the 2.0 liter diesel engine.