Here Are The SUV Brutes We're Seeing At Auto Expo 2020

SUVs took centre stage in 2019. The most noted ones being the Hyundai Venue and Kia Seltos, which has racked up bookings north of 60,000 in a very short span! Now, with just a couple of days for 2020, Indian automotive enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the Auto Expo 2020. The event is expected to be dominated by SUVs. Not surprising, considering 5 out of 7 SUVs managed to reap success this year despite their premium price tags and the industry slowdown. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some SUVs expected at the Auto Expo.

Hyundai:

Hyundai has already revealed their Auto Expo plan and will be showcasing two SUVs: 2020 Creta and Tucson facelift. The 2020 Creta is the second-generation update to Hyundai’s popular SUV and will be based on the Kia Seltos’ underpinnings. The SUV looks radically different from the existing model with its interior taking some influence from Tesla cars. No doubt, it’s one model we’re looking forward to.

On the other hand, the current Tucson will be getting its first-ever update in the form of a facelift. Exterior updates include tweaked headlamps, tail lamps, bumpers, wheels and a new grille. The biggest change will be on the inside as the facelifted model comes with a new dashboard. Further, it is expected to come with BS6-compliant diesel and petrol engines.

Skoda:

Skoda has also announced their Auto Expo plans and will be unveiling two new SUVs: the Vision IN concept and Karoq. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is building the Vision IN concept primarily for our country. It’s likely to borrow plenty of bits from the Kamiq SUV. Further, Skoda has revealed the interior image via a sketch, and it looks posh!

The Skoda Karoq is a midsize SUV that’ll rival the Jeep Compass and the upcoming Volkswagen T-ROC. It’s slated for an April-2020 launch at an expected price between Rs 17 lakh and Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom). The Karoq looks like a mini Kodiaq and will be offered with a BS6-compliant petrol engine only.

Maruti Suzuki:

The star at Maruti Suzuki’s pavilion is expected to be the Futuro-E electric SUV. We expect to see the concept version of the electric SUV at the event. Details are scarce currently but watch this space for updates. Besides, we are likely to see the petrol variants of the Vitara Brezza and S-Cross. You can also expect news regarding the Maruti 7-seater, which is under development at the moment. Maruti, Jimny please?

Kia:

The focus at Kia’s pavilion is expected to be the QYI compact SUV. The SUV has been spotted testing across India and will be based on the Hyundai Venue’s underpinnings. We expect the QYI to come with the Venue’s 83PS 1.2-litre engine, 125PS 1.0-litre engine, and a detuned version of Seltos’ 1.5-litre CRDI engine. It is likely to come with a few premium features like wireless phone charger, connected car tech and cruise control. All of this is expected to be offered at a slight premium over the Venue, which starts from Rs 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom India).

Volkswagen:

Volkswagen is doing a portfolio revamp with two new premium SUVs: the T-ROC and Tiguan Allspace. The T-ROC is equivalent to the Skoda Karoq and is VW’s take on the premium midsize SUV segment. Check out our detailed spy report of the India-spec T-ROC, which looks identical to the model sold overseas.

The Tiguan Allspace 7-seater SUV has been spotted testing extensively in India. It could also come in a premium-looking sportier R-Line trim level. The Allspace will come with a 2.0-litre TSI engine that develops 190PS and 320Nm. VW could also offer a handful of premium features to differentiate it from the standard model.

MG Motor:

Yes, we’ll be seeing the recently unveiled ZS EV and the successful Hector at MG’s pavilion. But apart from that, the model that’s highly anticipated is the Hector 6-seater SUV. The Hector 6-seater comes with styling upgrades to differentiate it from the standard model. Inside, the Hector’s middle row bench has been replaced by individual captain seats. It’s also the first Hector in India to come with a third row. Engine options are likely to be similar to the Hector, albeit upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms. The Hector 6-seater will debut in mid-2020 and is expected to be priced a lakh above the current model, which starts from Rs 12.48 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata Motors:

Tata Motors is going all out with SUVs at this edition of the expo. It is likely to unveil the Gravitas 7-seater SUV, which will come with a BS6-compliant engine and an automatic gearbox, and the highly anticipated production-spec H2X SUV, which will lock horns with the 2020 Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. We also expect the keenly awaited Nexon EV to be displayed at the pavilion.

Mahindra:

Mahindra is expected to take the wraps off three new SUVs at Auto Expo 2020: the 2020 Thar, 2020 Scorpio and 2020 XUV500. All three models are set to get a generation update. You can read the latest updates of the three models below:

• Here’s A Sneak Peek Into The 2020 Mahindra Scorpio Cabin

• The 2020 Mahindra Thar’s Cabin Sure Looks Upmarket

• Here’s A Much Clearer Look Of The 2020 XUV500’s Cabin

We also expect to see the greener electric version of the XUV300. When launched, the XUV300 electric will lock horns with the Tata Nexon EV that’s set for launch in early-2020.

Renault:

The highlight at Renault’s stall is expected to be the unveiling of the HBC sub-compact SUV. The HBC will based on the Renault Kwid’s CMF-A platform that has proven to be extremely successful. It’s likely to come with the new 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that’s under development. Other details are scarce at the moment and we expect further information at the event. 

Mercedes-Benz:

Mercedes-Benz will be the only luxury carmaker at Auto Expo 2020 with the 2020 GLE and 2020 GLS SUVs. Bookings for the 2020 GLE are already open and it’s expected to be priced from Rs 90 lakh (ex-showroom). You can read more details about the India-spec GLE right here. The GLS, on the other hand, comes with premium looks and a properly luxurious cabin. It is offered with 3.0-litre V6 diesel and 4.0-litre V8 diesel engine options. We also hope to see the uber luxurious Maybach GLS 600 SUV.

Haval: 

Chinese Giant Great Wall Motors will debut their Indian operations with the Haval brand. We expect to see three new SUVs from the Chinese manufacturer: H2, H6 and H9. The H2 is a midsize SUV that’ll lock horns with the Creta and Seltos while the H6 is a tad bigger and will rival the MG Hector and Tata Harrier. On the other hand, the H9 is a full size SUV that has been recently unveiled in Malaysia. It’ll rival the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mahindra Alturas G4 when launched in India. Further, we expect to see some electric offerings under GWM’s plans to focus on electric mobility in India. 

These are the SUVs that are expected to debut at Auto Expo 2020. Which SUV are you eagerly waiting for to launch in 2020? Let us know in the comment section below.