The festive season is just around the corner and a slew of new models are lined up for launch in the coming months. Unsurprisingly, all these launches are SUVs. From facelifts to hybrids to all-electric SUVs, there are new models rolling out of Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota's stables. We give you a rundown of all new SUVs coming our way by Diwali 2022.
Hyundai Venue N-Line – September 6
Hyundai’s second N Line model in India will be the Venue N Line, slated for a September 6 launch. Like the i20 N Line, the Venue N Line will come powered only by the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, but the gearbox is limited only to the 7-speed DCT unit. It will be offered in two trim levels – N6 and N8 – and is expected to come with a sportier suspension and exhaust set-up. There will be cosmetic tweaks as well – sportier bumpers, new colours, N Line badges as well as new upholstery, red accents and aluminium pedals on the inside.
Mahindra XUV400 EV – September 8
Mahindra’s new EV onslaught for India will be led by the XUV400 EV – an electric version of the ICE-powered XUV300 that draws design inspiration from the eXUV300 concept that was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. But unlike the XUV300, the XUV400 will be longer than four metres (around 4.2m), given that electric vehicles are not eligible for the sub-4m tax benefits. Technical details are currently scarce, but it is likely to come with single front axle-mounted electric motor making around 150hp. It is also expected to come with Mahindra’s AdrenoX infotainment system and ADAS features. It will squarely be aimed at the Tata Nexon EV.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder, unveiled in July, is Toyota’s first foray into the midsize SUV segment and will challenge the dominance of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Uniquely, the Toyota Hyryder distinguishes itself with 1.5-litre mild and strong hybrid petrol powertrains and even gets an AWD system with the former. Styling is typically Toyota and it's generously equipped on the inside as well. However, the strong hybrid versions are likely to be on the more expensive side. Bookings for the Hyryder have been underway since July.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Sibling to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara will closely follow the former. Both models, in fact, have been co-developed by Toyota and Maruti Suzuki and will be manufactured by the former at its Bidadi plant. Both models get individual exterior styling, but similar interiors with only minor trim differences. The Grand Vitara will also use the same set of mild and strong hybrid powertrains as the Hyryder. We have already had a brief track experience with the Grand Vitara at Maruti’s R&D facility in Rohtak about which you can read here. Bookings for the Grand Vitara are ongoing as well.
Citroen C5 Aircross facelift
Citroen’s debut model in India is all set to receive a mid-life cycle facelift. We had exclusively reported in June that the model will arrive here by September, and like before, Citroen will bring the C5 Aircross facelift as a CKD. When launched, the SUV will rival the Volkswagen Tiguan, Jeep Compass and the recently launched Hyundai Tucson. In overseas markets, Citroen has discontinued the 177hp, 2.0-litre diesel, but the India-spec SUV will continue to be powered by it. The facelifted C5 Aircross gets revised styling on the outside, a new dashboard design with a larger 10-inch touchscreen and more equipment.
Mahindra XUV300 1.2 turbo
The XUV300 with the 131hp, 1.2-litre mStallion direct-injection turbo-petrol engine has for long been delayed, but Mahindra recently put out a teaser confirming the launch of the more powerful SUV. It marks a reasonable 21hp bump in power over the current 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and will likely be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Cosmetic tweaks is likely to be limited to only a new set of alloy wheels, but it will feature Mahindra’s new twin peaks logo as on the XUV700 and Scorpio N. There could also be updates to the interior like new upholstery and improved infotainment software.
MG Hector facelift
The MG Hector is soon due a mid-life facelift that will bring comprehensive cosmetic updates on the outside. Teaser images have hinted at a completely new front fascia with a larger grille, tweaked headlamps and a new bumper. MG has also teased a new 14-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system for the updated Hector – the largest screen fitted to any car on sale in India – and it could also come with ADAS features. It is expected to remain mechanically unchanged to the existing Hector, which will also continue to be on sale alongside the new model. The updated Hector will thus be positioned above the existing model.
Which of these new SUV launches are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below.
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