Five SUVs We Can’t Wait To See In India, And They’re All Coming in 2020

It’s not just India, but the whole world that is obsessed with SUVs. An increasing number of manufacturers are allocating their resources for the development of all sorts of SUVs from tiny namesakes such as the S-Presso to full-sized ones such as the Defender. Given our penchant for SUVs, we have a fair number inbound for the coming year, with some of them even set to be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2020. Here’s a quick look at the five most-anticipated SUVs that are set to break cover in the coming months. These include all-new products such as the Kia QYI, as well as updates to existing popular models such as the Hyundai Creta. Read on to know all about them:

Kia QYI

It’s no secret that every manufacturer wants a piece of the action in the sub-4m compact SUV space. Currently, the most crowded segment, the sub-4m space, first kindled by the EcoSport, has come a long way with almost every mainstream manufacturer eyeing market share. Kia is the latest of the lot and the QYI sub-compact SUV is what they are bringing. Expected to be launched a couple of months after the Carnival MPVs debut, the QYI is likely to be based on the Venue and use the same 1.0-litre T-GDI, 1.2-litre Kappa, and the Seltos’ 1.5-litre diesel engines. The sub-compact SUV has been spied testing in India and bears a strong resemblance to the international Kia Stonic. We expect a price range of Rs 6.8 lakh to Rs 11.4 lakh. 

2020 Hyundai Creta

Next up from team Hyundai is the 2020 Creta. With the Seltos making its grand debut and eating up a fair bit of sales, Hyundai India is expected to showcase the new Creta at the upcoming Auto Expo. The SUV has been spied testing in India and we know how the 2020 Creta will look (thanks to the China-spec ix25). Styling of the China-spec SUV is bound to split opinions and we will reserve our comments until we see it in the flesh. We also have clear images of the cabin, which now sports a portrait-style touchscreen with various other modern bits. It is expected to be underpinned by the same platform as the Kia Seltos and will most likely share the powertrain options too. 

MG ZS EV

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MG’s second offering for India is the much-awaited ZS EV SUV. The all-electric SUV, aimed directly at the Hyundai Kona Electric, is expected to carry a price tag that hovers around Rs 25-lakh mark. What it packs is a 45.6kWH battery pack that is capable of a maximum range of 428km (NEDC). The electric motor is good enough for 150PS of power and 350Nm of torque (14PS more than the Kona Electric). What we also know is that MG is setting up charging infrastructure before the all-electric SUV debuts in December (launch by early 2020). It will also come packed with features such as i-SMART connected-car tech, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, and a single-zone climate control equipped with a PM 2.5 air filter. According to an RTO document, MG India might also offer the ZS SUV with a petrol and hybrid powertrain.

Tata Buzzard 

The Buzzard/7-seater version of the Harrier is one of the most anticipated models from Tata along with the Altroz hatchback and the facelifted Nexon. It has been spotted testing numerous times with heavy camouflage. First showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the SUV is expected to be showcased at the upcoming Auto Show. Mechanicals are likely to remain similar to the Harrer but the 2.0-litre diesel engine might be offered in the 170PS tune as the Jeep Compass. The front end of the Buzzard is expected to look similar to the Harrier with most of the changes focused towards the rear. Spy shots also reveal a bulge on the roof, probably to improve headroom for the third-row passengers. The Buzzard is expected to command a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the Harrier, which currently retails for Rs 13 lakh to Rs 16.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). 

2020 Mahindra Thar

Mahindra bid farewell to the first-generation Thar with the Thar 700 limited edition. The next-gen Thar has already been doing the test rounds and is all set to be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo. The SUV is expected to make use of a BS6-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine that develops 140PS of power and 320Nm of torque. We also got a peek at the Thar’s interiors revealing the 6-speed manual gearbox. The SUV also gets a completely revamped exterior styling with wide fenders and butch looks. Given the number of changes and the new powertrain options on offer, the 2020 Thar is highly likely to come at a premium and is expected to be priced around Rs 10-lakh mark. 

So these are the SUVs we are looking forward to seeing in 2020. Which ones are you waiting for?