7 all-new SUVs launching in India during 2018; From Maruti Vitara to Mahindra XUV700

2018 promises a big year for SUV fans and prospective buyers in India, for 7 all-new SUVs are lined up for launch right from early next year. Here’s a quick walk through on what’s coming in.

Maruti Vitara

Maruti will launch a new Hyundai Creta rival called the Vitara. The Vitara will measure a little under 4.2 meters in length, and will sit above the sub-4 meter Vitara Brezza compact SUV in terms of price and positioning. 1.4 liter BoosterJet petrol (138 Bhp-230 Nm) and 1.6 liter turbo diesel (118 Bhp-320 Nm) engines are expected to be offered on the Vitara, which is also expected to get 6 speed manual and automatic gearboxes. The Vitara’s prices are likely to start from a little over Rs. 9 lakhs. We expect it to be showcased at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo.

Mahindra S201

Mahindra will launch an all-new sub-4 meter compact SUV, its third for the Indian market. This time around, the S201 code-named SUV will be a monocoque vehicle. A rebadged and restyled Ssangyong Tivoli, the S201 is expected to be a segment leader in terms of power and torque outputs. The petrol will be a 1.2 liter turbocharged unit with direct injection, and a 140 Bhp output. The diesel will be a 1.5 liter turbocharged unit with a 125 Bhp output. Both engines are likely to get manual and automatic gearbox options. Prices are likely to start from between Rs. 7 and 8 lakhs.

Mahindra XUV700

The all-new Ssangyong Rexton will be sold as a Mahindra, and the XUV700 badge is likely to be used on the new, 7 seat luxury SUV. The XUV700 will seat 7 and will be diesel powered. It will get a 2.2 liter turbocharged engine with 189 Bhp-420 Nm on tap. Manual and automatic transmission options, and rear wheel drive and and 4X4 drivelines will be offered. A massive SUV, the XUV700 measures 4.85 meters in length. It will rival the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour in India, and is likely to undercut them in a big way, with prices starting between Rs. 20-22 lakhs.

Tata Q501

Tata will also launch a Hyundai Creta rivaling SUV next year. Code-named the Q501, the new compact SUV is said to be developed with extensive inputs from Land Rover. Other details of the vehicle remain unknown for now. Expect competitive pricing, a wide choice of engines and gearboxes, and a 5 seat layout. This SUV is likely to be shown at the upcoming 2018 Indian Auto Expo.

Nissan Kicks

Nissan will launch the Kicks, a compact SUV that’ll slot into the Renault Captur segment, which also hosts the Hyundai Creta and even the Mahindra XUV500 in terms of price overlap. The Kicks will get the same engine options as the Captur – a 1.5 liter petrol (104 Bhp-140 Nm) and a 1.5 liter turbo diesel (108 Bhp-240 Nm). The petrol engine will get a 5 speed manual gearbox while the diesel will get a 6 speed unit. Prices are likely to start from a little under 10 lakh rupees.

Honda CR-V

 

Honda will launch the all-new 7 seat CR-V next year, and this SUV will be offered with a 1.6 all-aluminum liter turbo diesel engine for the first time in the Indian market. This motor makes 158 Bhp and 350 Nm, and comes with front wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The new CR-V will be CKD assembled in India, and is also expected to be offered with a petrol engine options.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi will launch the latest-generation Outlander in India by the middle of next year. It;ll be a CR-V competitor, and will offer 7 seats. However, the India-spec Outlander is expected to be a petrol-only crossover, with a 2.4 liter MIVEC unit that is naturally aspirated being offered as standard. Peak power is rated at 169 Bhp while peak torque is rated at 225 Nm. A CVT automatic gearbox with 6 stepped shifts will handle transmission along with an all wheel drive system. The Outlander is likely to be priced close to the Rs. 30 lakh mark.