Meet the Micro SUVs coming to India next year

Move over the compact SUV. The Micro SUV is all set to be the next big thing in India. 2016 is when all the big action will unfold. No less than 3 micro SUVs, with starting prices of under 5 lakh rupees are lined up for a launch next year. And the buyer is likely to get three more options with starting prices close to 5 lakh rupees. If you want an SUV and you’re on a very tight budget, next year could be very special for you.

Micro SUVs

Mahindra S101

The Mahindra S101 will kickstart the Micro SUV segment. The vehicle could be called the XUV100. Featuring a monocoque design, a sub-5 lakh price tag is almost certain as Mahindra has been hinting that the S101 will take on budget hatchbacks sold in India. 1.2 liter petrol and 1.5 liter turbo diesel engines are expected to be offered. A unique 6 (3+3) seat layout, dashboard mounted gear shifter and an AMT will be the various stand out bits of the vehicle, which will be Mahindra’s least priced SUV.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Ignis, which was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, is coming to India, and the EconomicTimes reports that a Diwali 2016 launch is on the cards. The Ignis will be sold with petrol and turbo diesel engines. While the micro SUV gets a four wheel drive system in market abroad, only a front wheel drive layout is likely for the Indian car market. The Ignis can seat five and will sit under the upcoming YBA compact SUV in terms of price and positioning. The Ignis will be Maruti’s answer to Mahindra’s S101.

Datsun RediGo 

The RediGo is more of a hatchback, which will get butch crossover-like styling, a-la-the Renault Kwid. A hefty ground clearance will be another major selling point. These factors are expected to push the vehicle into Micro SUV territory. The RediGo is expected to share engines and transmissions with the Kwid, given the fact that both vehicles are based on the CMF-A platform. Likely to be Datsun’s least priced vehicle in India, the RediGo could even undercut the Kwid in terms of pricing.

Super-affordable compact SUVs

Tata Nexon

The Nexon is the first sub-4 meter crossover with the Tata badge. First showcased at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, the Nexon is expected to be launched next year. With styling inspired by the Range Rover Evoque, the sharp looking crossover is expected to feature 1.2 liter REVOTRON turbo petrol and Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engines. Given the gaining popularity of automated manual transmission equipped cars, the Nexon is also likely to pack in an AMT option. Prices could start from as low as 5 lakh rupees.

Maruti Suzuki YBA (Brezza/XA-Alpha)

The YBA is Maruti Suzuki’s answer to the Ford Ecosport and the Mahindra TUV300. A sub-4 meter compact SUV, the YBA could be named as the Brezza. First seen at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo as the XA-Alpha, the YBA will use 1.2 liter petrol and 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engines. It remains to be seen if Maruti Suzuki sells this SUV from the NEXA range of premium dealerships. A launch at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo is likely. Expect a price tag close to the 6 lakh rupee mark.

Mahindra Quanto Facelift

The Quanto is getting a major makeover, and is expected to be launched early next year. With Mahindra tasting success with the TUV300, the Quanto is likely to be pitched as a price warrior. The facelifted SUV is expected to sit in between the S101 ans the TUV300. Apart from revised styling, the Quanto could gain better appointed interiors and more features. Under the hood, the 1.5 liter twin scroll turbocharger equipped diesel engine borrowed from the TUV300 is likely.