The sub-4 meter SUV category is getting popular among first time car buyers in the country. The Tata Punch is currently one of the top-selling mini SUV in our market.
If you are planning to buy a budget SUV, here’s a list of 4 upcoming small SUVs that will cost less than 15 lakhs.
Hyundai Ai3
The Korean automaker Hyundai will introduce a new micro SUV, codenamed Ai3 in our market before the end of this year. In fact, the new small SUV has been caught testing multiple times in the brand’s home market.
The new model will be positioned below the Venue in the brand’s SUV line-up and will rival the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and the soon-to-be-launched Maruti Fronx.
It is likely to share the underpinnings with the Grand i10 Nios. It is expected to be offered with a 83bhp, 1.2L NA petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options. A CNG version could also be launched in our market.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Suzuki will launch the Fronx crossover in the country in the first half of April 2023. It will be sold through NEXA dealerships and can be booked online or at dealerships by paying a sum of Rs 11,000.
It is essentially the crossover version of the Baleno hatchback. The crossover shares most of the components and features from the hatchback sibling.
It will be offered with two engine options – a 90PS, 1.2L NA petrol and a 100PS, 1.0L turbo petrol. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
Maruti Jimny 5-door
Maruti Suzuki will launch the Jimny lifestyle SUV by May 2023. To be sold through NEXA dealerships, the Jimny will can be booked at a token amount of Rs 25,000.
It will be available in two trim levels – Zeta and Alpha. It is expected to be priced somewhere between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 14 lakh.
The new model will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B 4-cylinder petrol that produces 103bhp and 134.2Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic.
It comes with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system with a manual transfer case and a low range gearbox with WD-high, 4WD-high and 4WD-low modes.
New Tata Nexon
Tata Motors is testing the new Nexon compact SUV on the Indian roads. Expected to be launched sometime this year or early next year, the new Tata Nexon will come with design changes and upgraded interior along with a new turbo petrol engine.
The new model will share styling cues from the Curvv SUV Coupe. Inside, the SUV will have a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a digital driver display and new dashboard layout.
The SUV will get a new 1.2L turbo petrol engine that produces 125PS and 225Nm of torque. It is also expected to receive a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Our Thoughts
Out of 4 SUVs listed above. Maruti Jimny SUV is much awaited and much talked about. It is yet to launch, but the anticipation is very high. After launch the real scenario will be understood. After Jimny, Maruti Fronx is also making a lot of buzz. On road trails are started, if you want to test drive just head to Maruti website and fill up test drive form.
