New cars for 2020: SUVs to wait for

Audi Q2

The Q2 is Audi’s smallest SUV on sale globally. It measures 4,191mm, which is a tad shorter than the Creta. The SUV is based on the brand’s MQB architecture and features traditional Audi styling cues. It does get some funky bits like the R8-style blade on the C-pillar and lighter paint shades. The Q2 will come with one of the three TFSI engines that are available abroad, ranging between 1.0 to 2.0-litre displacements, mated to Audi’s dual-clutch automatic gearboxes.

Coming: Late 2020
Engines: 1.0P-2.0P
Price: From Rs 28 lakh

Audi Q3

The second-gen Q3 will sit above the Q2 and is more sportier than its predecessor. A key rival to the Mercedes GLA, BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40, the new Q3 will come with Audi’s virtual cockpit system and a long list of technology earlier seen on more expensive models. India will most likely get the Q3 with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. There may not be a diesel unit on offer.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 2.0P
Price: From Rs 37 lakh

Audi Q7 facelift

The updated Q7 sports a refreshed design to bring it in line with Audi’s other SUV range. This includes a new-look grille and new standard LED headlights. The rear now features a chrome strip that runs between the rear lights. Audi has put major focus into the new Q7’s interior to match the rest of the range, and has included the latest version of Audi’s twin-touchscreen MMI infotainment system, featuring a main screen of 10.1 inches. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system is standard, with an optional head-up display available. There is no news on the engines for India. We expect the current set of engines to soldier on after getting a BS6 upgrade.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 2.0P
Price: From Rs 75 lakh

Audi Q8

The Q8 is unmistakably the most stylish and most luxurious Audi SUV currently. It sits above the Q7 and gets a five-seat cabin. The Q8 gets similar features and interior bits from the Audi A8 L sedan. This means it gets a 10.1-inch screen as well as another 8.1-inch unit. The India-bound Q8 is likely to come with a 340hp petrol engine.

Coming: January 2020
Engines: 3.0P
Price: From Rs 1 crore

BMW X1 facelift

The extensively updated X1 gets a larger kidney grills and fresh styling for its front and rear bumpers. Larger brake discs for the M-Sport variants are also added, alongside new colour and wheel choices for the rest of the range. Interior revisions are limited to new materials with better quality and it continues to be offered with three infotainment screen options depending on variant. For India, the model is expected to continue to be sold with the same diesel and petrol engine options, both upgraded to BS6 norms.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 1.5P, 2.0D
Price: From Rs 35 lakh

BMW X2

The X2 is essentially a stylish, slant-roof SUV targeted at the younger audience. It shares most of its underpinnings, engines and interior bits with the X1 that comes with a more upright stance. It is based on the UKL1 platform that is shared with many other newer BMW models. The X2 will most likely share its 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines with the X1 in the Indian market. The model will be more of a rival to the next-gen Mercedes GLA SUV that will also feature a coupé-like profile.

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: From Rs 40 lakh

BMW X6

The third-gen X6 is a tad bigger than its predecessor. It takes the game forward with all-new styling and continues to rival the Mercedes GLE coupé that will also see a full-model change soon. It also sees newer rivals in the form of the Audi Q8 and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. The interior is largely shared with the X5, along with high-definition digital displays for the instruments and infotainment system. The global engine line-up for the X6 includes the petrol-engined xDrive40i and M50i and the diesel-powered xDrive30d and M50d.

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 4.4P, 3.0D
Price: From Rs 1 crore

Citroën C5 Aircross

Citroën’s first product for India, the C5 Aircross SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Jeep Compass. The SUV is 4,500mm long, 1,840mm wide, 1,670mm high and gets a 2,730mm long wheelbase. It sits rather high up too, with a ground clearance of 230mm. For India, the Citroën C5 Aircross will only be offered with a single engine option – a 130hp, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The company is currently in process of setting up its India network that includes sales, service and leasing options. The SUV will be produced near Chennai via the CKD assembly route.

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 1.5D
Price: From Rs 25 lakh

Force Gurkha

Image used for representational purpose only.

Force Motors is all set to bring in a heavily updated Gurkha next year. The SUV will get an all-new bodyshell and other mechanical bits in order to clear the new crash-test norms. It will also get a BS6-compliant 2.2-litre diesel engine under its hood. According to sources, the company will ditch the 2.6-litre diesel engine. It is also said that soft- and hard-top variants will be available. What’s more, there will be more creature comforts as well including better quality materials on the inside. The Gurkha will rival the all-new Mahindra Thar, which will also come to India next year.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 2.2D
Price: From Rs 12 lakh

Hyundai Tucson facelift

The Tucson facelift gets a restyled nose and a mild design update to the headlights, which are
now full-LED units, at least on the top-spec trim. It will also get Hyundai’s cascading grille. The features list now includes a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control. The upgraded infotainment system is now an 8.0-inch unit and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For India, the Tucson is expected to use the same 155hp, 2.0-litre petrol and 185hp, 2.0-litre diesel engines. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.

Coming: Early 2020
Engines: 2.2D, 2.0P
Price: From Rs 21 lakh

Hyundai Creta

The second-gen of Hyundai’s blockbuster SUV will be here by February. The model is already on sale in China and is called the ix25 there. The new Creta gets fresh styling inside out, comprising Hyundai’s cascading grille, chunky squared-off wheel arches and unique rear styling. On the inside, the model will feature a vertical touchscreen infotainment setup similar to the MG Hector. Under the hood, the engine line-up will be identical to the Seltos’ – two petrols (a 1.5-litre and a 1.4-litre turbo), and a 1.5-litre diesel, mated to multiple gearbox options; a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic, a CVT and a dual-clutch automatic will be on offer.

Coming: February 2020
Engines: 1.5P, 1.4P, 1.5D
Price: From Rs 10.5 lakh

Jeep Compass facelift

The Compass will see a mid-cycle update sometime next year. The model is expected to get major sheet-metal changes with a fresh design at the front and a heavily updated interior. The interior quality is expected to be better and there will be more features too. Expect a larger infotainment screen and more gizmos. The BS6-compliant, 2.0-litre diesel and the 1.4-litre turbo petrol are likely to make up the Jeep’s engine line-up.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 2.0D, 1.4P
Price: From Rs 15 lakh

Kia compact SUV

Image used for representational purpose only.

Set to debut at Auto Expo 2020, the new SUV will be the Korean carmaker’s third model for India, after the Seltos and upcoming Carnival MPV. Measuring less than 4m long to comply with India’s ‘small car’ regulations, the new model will be Kia’s smallest SUV yet. The SUV will share its platform and basic mechanicals with the Hyundai Venue (remember, Hyundai and Kia come under the umbrella of the Hyundai Motor Corporation). However, the Kia SUV will be very different in look. According to sources, this new SUV will borrow styling from the recently unveiled Kia Xceed crossover. This means, the Kia compact SUV will get a slightly more rounded look than the Venue. The Kia SUV will also carry different styling theme on the inside. Like the Venue, the new Kia compact SUV will come with a 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine. The compact SUV will also be offered with Hyundai-Kia’s latest BS6-compliant 1.5-litre diesel engine. While the engine already does duty on the Seltos in 115hp variable geometry turbo form, the Kia compact SUV will receive the lower output (estimated at 90hp) version of the unit. The 1.5 diesel engine, in both states of tune, will be rolled out onto Hyundai’s India models too. It remains to be seen whether Kia adds a diesel-automatic option on this compact SUV.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 1.0P, 1.2P, 1.5D
Price: From Rs 7.3 lakh

Land Rover Discovery Sport facelift

The updated Discovery Sport may not look very different from the earlier car but it now features all-new underpinnings. The model ditches the D8 platform for the more advanced Premium Transverse Architecture that does duty on the brand-new Evoque. Exterior tweaks are subtle with minor headlight and grille design refreshes. It also sports a significantly revised interior that brings it in line with other newer Land Rover models, like the Evoque and the Velar. The India-spec car is expected to continue with the same engine options, and a 48V mild-hybrid is a possibility too.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: From Rs 53 lakh

Land Rover Defender

The new Defender has been reborn as a mainstream SUV rather than a purely utilitarian and practical off-roader. Stylistically, it isn’t a modern interpretation of the older design but there are a whole load of details that link the two visually – the block-like profile, short overhangs, the flat panels and glass area, the squared-off wheel arches and the distinctive ‘hips’ with the individual tail-lamps stacked vertically. Inside, quality levels are very high, and what gets your attention is the design. Nothing is overdone when it comes to detailing and what helps is that the clean, one-piece dash and floating centre console is surrounded by some tough-looking features. There’s also a 10.0-inch touchscreen and a dash-mounted gear lever. The Defender can also be configured to seat three abreast up front. It comes with a huge 291mm ground clearance, a 38-degree approach angle and 40-degree departure angle. Water-wading depth is at an incredible 900mm. The new Defender will arrive here in solely in its long-wheelbase 110 form – it’s built on a 3,022mm (119-inch) wheelbase and not a 110-inch wheelbase. Engine options will include both petrol and diesel options, though the ones likely to make it here first are the four-cylinder P300 petrol making 300hp, and the 240hp D240 diesel. The first batch of Defenders will be imported and positioned as adventure/luxury vehicles with local production commencing later, just as JLR did with the Discovery Sport and Evoque.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: From Rs 75 lakh

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

It’ll be a little over a year after the second-gen Evoque was revealed that the model will come to India. The upcoming smallest SUV in the Range Rover line-up is expected to be powered BS6-compliant versions of the current model’s 240hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 180hp, 2.0-litre diesel engines with 48V mild-hybrid assist. While the exterior design doesn’t stray too far from the first-gen model, the interiors of the new Evoque are a far nicer place to be in. Expect prices to rise slightly, which means it will be even more expensive than current rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.

Coming: Early 2020
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: From Rs 55 lakh

Mahindra Scorpio

There will finally be an all-new Scorpio on sale next year. The new SUV will be wider and longer than before but will continue to use ladder-frame construction. Expect better-quality interiors and a lot of part-sharing with newer Mahindra models like the XUV300 and the Marazzo. It will come with a BS6-compliant 2.2-litre engine that’s good for at least 140hp.

Coming: Late 2020
Engines: 2.2D, 2.2P
Price: From Rs 10 lakh

Mahindra Thar

Expected to make its public debut at the 2020 Auto Expo will be the new Mahindra Thar that features a new ground-up design and completely new underpinnings. The second-gen SUV will be much bigger and wider thanks to the new ladder- frame setup seen on the TUV300 and the Scorpio. The model will be offered with a factory-fitted hard-top for the first time, at least as an option. The cabin will be a huge step up in terms of quality of materials and features like a touchscreen infotainment system and a reverse camera. The new Thar will continue to be offered with a standard transfer-case-driven, four-wheel-drive setup. There will be petrol engine on offer too, but at a later stage. The new Thar will first debut with a 140hp, 2.2-litre diesel that will power the new Scorpio. This BS6-compliant unit will be paired with a 6-speed manual. There are talks of a 2WD automatic gearbox-equipped variant too, primarily aimed at buyers who want to use it as a city vehicle only.

Coming: Early 2020
Engines: 2.2D, 2.2P
Price: From Rs 11 lakh

Mahindra XUV500

The second-gen XUV500 will be built on an advanced monocoque construction to be shared with Ford. The new SUV will feature  multiple engine and gearbox options. The 2.2-litre BS6 engine is expected to make as much as 170hp in the top variant. There will  be a petrol-powered variant as well.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 2.2D
Price: From Rs 13 lakh

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Maruti Suzuki S-Cross petrol

The S-Cross will also ditch its 1.3-litre diesel for a 1.5-litre petrol. Additionally, there are talks of the model getting another round of updates as well. Additionally there will be a 4-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox as well – a first automatic for the S-Cross in India.

Coming: February 2020
Engines: 1.5P
Price: From Rs 9.5 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza facelift

Maruti will introduce an updated Vitara Brezza sometime in February next year. The model will
get mild styling tweaks on the outside and equipment updates as well. The big news is that the SUV will ditch its 1.3-litre diesel engine for a 1.5-litre petrol that is currently available on the Ciaz and the Ertiga. The refreshed Vitara Brezza will be sold as a petrol-only.

Coming: February 2020
Engines: 1.5P
Price: From Rs 8 lakh

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The new range-topping GLS SUV is based on the brand’s fresh Modular High Architecture (MHA) platform, like its smaller sibling – the GLE. The SUV gets a major update in terms of design and it looks similar to the rest of the models in the range. It gets a sleeker and more rounded look, while still carrying an upright stance. It gets Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen above the centre console, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a new steering wheel with touchpads on the upper spokes and a touchpad on the centre console instead of the old rotary controller. Thanks to the increase in wheelbase, second and third-row passengers get more room than before. For India, expect the new GLS to come with similar engine options as the S-class.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 3.0D, 3.0P
Price: From Rs 1.10 crore

Mercedes-Benz GLB

The new GLB will sit above the GLA and below the GLC. It is based on the same architecture as the GLA but will sport a more upright design and get a seven-seater cabin. The GLB borrows styling cues from the GLC as well as the G-class, and that includes short overhangs and skid plates at both ends. It also looks like a scaled-down version of the GLS when viewed from the rear three quarters. It features well-appointed interiors with the latest Mercedes styling, as well as gadgetry like the new 10.0-inch MBUX dual-screen system. For India, the SUV will come with a petrol as well as a diesel engine, likely to be in the GLB 200 and the GLB 220d guise.

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 2.0D, 2.0P
Price: From Rs 45 lakh

Mercedes-Benz GLE

The new GLE not just gets fresh styling but also comes with an updated suspension and more cabin room. At 2,995mm, the SUV’s wheelbase sees an increase of 80mm, which means second-row legroom is up by 69mm, to 1,045mm. Two 12.3-inch screens are standard, along with multi-function touch panels on the steering wheel and a large touchpad on the centre console. Under the hood, the X5 rival will get more than one BS6-compliant diesel engine option. The line-up is likely to start with the GLE 400d that uses a a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine good for 330hp at 3,600-4,000rpm and 700Nm at 1,200-3,000rpm. The second diesel variant, the GLE 300d, equipped with the new 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder engine (codename: OM654) could also be added at launch. This engine makes 245hp at 4,200rpm and 500Nm at 1,600-2,400rpm. The GLE’s petrol engine would be the 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder unit that puts out 367hp at 5,500-6,100rpm and 500Nm at 1,600-4,500rpm. All engines come mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Coming: February 2020
Engines: 3.0P, 2.0D, 3.0D
Price: From Rs 70 lakh

MG compact SUV

The second product from MG Motor India is expected to be a Creta-rivalling SUV based on the Baojun 510. The new MG SUV will share some of its underpinnings with the Hector and will get similar styling too. The model, however, will be a five-seater and will most likely get only a petrol engine. As far as powertrains go, the new SUV will come with a 1.5-litre petrol engine – essentially the non-turbocharged version of the Hector’s engine – good for 115hp.

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 1.5P
Price: From Rs 9.5 lakh

MG Maxus D90

The D90 SUV will be taking on the Fortuner and the Endeavour by the horns. Essentially a rebadged product from parent SAIC’s Maxus brand, this new ladder-frame-based SUV will come sometime in late 2020 and will sit above the Hector. The MG D90 gets butch SUV styling and is 5m long, which means it’s even bigger than the Mahindra Alturas G4. It will feature a spacious 7- or 8-seat cabin. The model, like the Hector, will be loaded to the gills with features and creature comforts. For India, expect the same 2.0-litre FCA-derived diesel along with a petrol engine.

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: From Rs 27 lakh

MG Hector 6-seater

The six-seat Hector will not just get an extra row of seating but also look visually different than the standard model. It will get a slightly altered grille design and new front bumper. The model will also get different alloy wheels and a revised rear bumper. It will be slightly longer thanks to all the styling changes, but there won’t be any difference on the inside. The second row will feature individual captain chairs. Engine options will remain the same as the 5-seat model – a 143hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol; a 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel; and a 48V mild-hybrid version of the
turbo-petrol engine

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 1.5P, 2.0D
Price: From Rs 17.5 lakh

Nissan compact SUV

Image used for representational purpose only.

 

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 1.0P
Price: From Rs 6.5 lakh

Renault compact SUV

Image used for representational purpose only.

The next Renault product for our market is a new compact SUV (codename: HBC) that will be based on the Renault-Nissan’s global CMF-A+ modular platform that also underpins the Triber. It will be a sub-four-metre model and will be positioned at the lower-end of the compact SUV market. In order to keep costs in check, Renault will share a lot of parts with the Triber and other models, like dashboard design, switchgear and some interior bits. The same 1.0-litre engine from the Triber will be used, and there’ll be a turbocharged variant as well. Gearbox choices will include a 5-speed manual as well as an AMT option.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 1.0P
Price: From Rs 7.5 lakh

Skoda midsize SUV (Kamiq)

Skoda’s much-awaited Creta rival will hit the showrooms sometime towards the end of 2020. This new SUV will be the first offering from the VW-Skoda’s India 2.0 plan and will sit on the brand’s MQB A0 IN platform designed specifically for emerging markets like ours. The Skoda Kamiq for India will look similar to the model sold in Europe but will be slightly longer; this means more cabin room especially in the second row. This new SUV will be around 4.2m long and will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos in India. A 1.5-litre turbo petrol will be the sole engine on offer. Skoda could offer a CNG variant as well.

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 1.5P
Price: From Rs 10 lakh

Skoda Karoq

The Karoq will sit below the Kodiaq when it comes to India sometime in mid-2020. The model will not be brought in via the CKD route, but will be a CBU import. It shares its MQB modular platform with other VW Group cars like the Octavia, Superb and the Passat. In India, expect the Karoq to go head to head with the Hyundai Tucson and the Jeep Compass. It’ll be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel and 1.5 petrol engine.

Coming: April 2020
Engines: 2.0D, 1.5P
Price: From Rs 28 lakh

Tata Gravitas

The seven-seat SUV from Tata (codename: H7X) will share most of its interior and exterior bits with the Harrier. However, it will be around 62mm longer and will come with an additional row of seats. Its wheelbase remains the same, which means the SUV will have same interior room as the Harrier in the first two rows. The model will get the more powerful, 170hp, 2.0-litre BS6 diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Key rivals to the Gravitas will include the 7-seat Hector and the 7-seat Creta that are due in the latter half of 2020.

Coming: Early 2020
Engines: 2.0D
Price: Rs 18 lakh

Tata Nexon facelift

The refreshed Nexon will get a new bonnet and front bumper design, reprofiled fog lamp clusters, a slimmer grille that’s more like the Harrier’s, and new headlight units with DRLs. Additionally, the revisions will be required to comply with latest pedestrian protection norms that’ll come into effect in October 2020. The SUV will also get an updated touchscreen infotainment and an all-new fully digital instrument cluster, similar to the one on the Tiago and the Tigor. It will also get BS6-compliant versions of the current 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engines, and the same 6-speed manual and 6-speed AMT gearbox options.

Coming: Early 2020
Engines: 1.2P, 1.5D
Price: From Rs 7 lakh

Volkswagen T-Roc

The T-Roc is actually a Golf-based crossover that is a bit shorter than the Tiguan but with a sportier stance. The SUV, however, is relatively wide and lower slung too. The SUV gets an arrowhead-like nose and its lines flow nicely around the wide haunches. It also gets some butch cladding, big wheels and even roof rails to complete that SUV look. It’s not as spacious as the Tiguan though. The interiors gets a new digital instrument panel and funky new-age dash. Under the hood, the model will be powered by a 1.5 TSI petrol engine.

Coming: Early 2020
Engines: 1.5P
Price: From Rs 20 lakh

Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen’s answer to the Hyundai Creta, the T-Cross will hit showrooms sometime in end of 2020. This new SUV will share its underpinnings, body panels and other bits with the Skoda Kamiq SUV, which means it will be based on the brand’s tailored-for-India MQB A0 IN platform. The Volkswagen T-Cross for our market will get a higher 205mm ground clearance to help tackle our roads better and give it a proper SUV stance. The axle and suspension setup for the India-bound model will be different too, to suit Indian driving conditions. The T-Cross will have a 5-seater version and will come with a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. VW will also most likely offer a CNG variant since there will be no diesel engine on offer.

Coming: End 2020
Engines: 1.5P
Price: From Rs 10 lakh

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

The Tiguan Allspace is essentially a longer variant of the standard 5-seat Tiguan. There is a 215mm addition to the overall length, including an extra 110mm to the wheelbase, which allows the interior to accommodate an extra row of seats, or an additional 115 litres of boot space. On the outside, it’s largely similar to the standard Tiguan, with only minor revisions to the bonnet and front grille. Under the hood, the SUV will come with a 1.5 TSI petrol engine.

Coming: Mid-2020
Engines: 1.5P
Price: From Rs 35 lakh

Disclaimer: All prices, estimated, ex-showroom.

Also see:

New cars for 2020: Hatchbacks to wait for

New cars for 2020: Sedans to wait for

New cars for 2020: EVs to wait for

Upcoming cars under Rs 10 lakh promising affordable performance