More than a dozen new compact SUVs will make it to the Indian car market over the next 3 summers. However, there are a bunch of affordable, compact SUVs that are sold in other parts of the world but that don’t have a definite India-launch plan. We bring you five such affordable SUVs that we wish is brought to India soon. More than whether the Indian car buyer will opt for these vehicles, it’s mainly about whether the automakers who build these vehicles have the will to manufacture and sell them here.
Toyota Rush
The Toyota Rush is in its second generation and is a popular compact SUV in South East Asia. A rebadged Daihatsu Terios, this 5 seat SUV features a petrol motor with 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic transmission options. A four wheel drive system is also offered on this ladder frame equipped compact SUV. Daihatsu even sells a 7 seat variant of the second generation model. A diesel motor isn’t a part of the equation though and if Toyota does greenlight this SUV for the Indian car market, it would have to plonk in an oil burner. The 1.4 liter D-4D turbo diesel motor could be one option.
Also see: Toyota’s 5 upcoming cars for India
Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen plans to begin selling the Taigun Micro SUV in international markets from 2016. The Taigun is based on the A0 (pronounced A-Zero platform), which also underpins hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Up!, the Skoda CitiGo and the Seat Mii. 1 liter naturally aspirated (74 Bhp-95 Nm) and turbocharged (108 Bhp-175 Nm) petrol engine will power this monocoque SUV that will be front wheel driven in standard trim. An all wheel drive layout was showcased in the concept version. With a mass market automaker such as Mahindra all set to bring the S101 codenamed Micro SUV, Volkswagen bringing in the Taigun could do the automaker a solid sales boost. However, the German automaker is said to consideration a stretched A0 platform to underpin a new compact SUV built mainly for India.
Suzuki i-M4
Japanese automaker Suzuki showcased the iM-4 Micro SUV at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The monocoque SUV could eventually replace the Jimny. The concept featured a hybrid option, along with the naturally aspirated, 1.2 liter K-Series petrol motor. A four wheel drive system was also featured in the iM-4 concept, which measures 3.69 meters in length and is based on the Suzuki new generation platform. If the upcoming Mahindra S101 clicks, the iM-4 would be a logical choice for Suzuki to bring to India. The automaker’s Indian division, Maruti Suzuki, is already said to be working on a Micro SUV for India.
Jeep Renegade
Later this year, the Fiat-Chrysler group will enter the Indian car market with the Jeep SUV brand. Recently, the Jeep Renegade was launched internationally. On whether this compact SUV will make it to Indian shores remains a matter of conjecture. There have been some reports speculating the SUV’s launch here in 2017, while other reports have denied this development. While the rugged Renegade is an uncertainty for India, Fiat is developing a compact SUV codenamed the X3U. The X3U is expected to reach the Indian car market in 2016.
Ssangyong Tivoli
South Korean utility vehicle maker, Ssangyong, which is owned by the Mahindra group, has a solitary offering in India, the Rexton luxury SUV. The automaker recently unveiled the Tivoli, a compact SUV that will rival the Renault Duster in international markets. The monocoque bodied SUV uses 1.6 petrol and turbo diesel motors, and seats five. Ssangyong has been mum about its expansion plans in India, which means that the Tivoli may not reach Indian shores anytime soon. The platform, which underpins this SUV, is said to be arriving into India on the Mahindra S102 crossover.
