New cars for 2021: SUVs

New Audi Q3

The wait for the second-generation Audi Q3 has been a long one. Revealed in 2018, the new Q3 has moved further up the ranks in terms of its design, size and features, and with the Q2 taking over as the entry-level Q model, the Q3 has been allowed some room to grow. Design-wise, the second-gen Q3 is clearly inspired by the bigger Q8, and thanks to the increase in dimensions, will be roomier than its predecessor. In international markets, the new Q3 is equipped with adaptive dampers, park assist, Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instruments display, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. For India, Audi is most likely to offer the new Q3 with a 2.0-litre petrol engine only, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. That said, the standard Q3 may be preceded by the high-performance RS Q3, which is also set for an India launch. When it arrives in 2021, the new Audi Q3 will rival the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and the second-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Coming Late-2021
Engines 2.0 P
Price Rs 40–50 lakh

Audi Q5 Facelift

The Q5 hasn’t been part of Audi’s India portfolio since the BS6 emission norms came into effect, but the SUV is set to return in facelifted form next year. Among key changes on the outside are a new octagonal ‘Singleframe’ grille, LED headlights, OLED tail-lights, revised front and rear bumpers and new wheel designs. Inside, the updated Q5 will benefit from a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen and connected car tech. Expect the Q5 to borrow the 245hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the A6 sedan, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and Quattro all-wheel-drive.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 2.0 P
Price Rs 55–60 lakh

Audi Q7 Facelift

Like the A4 and Q5, the Q7, too, has been missing from Audi’s India range for quite some time now, but it will make a comeback in 2021. The updated Q7 gets a number of styling changes that lend it a more butch look that’s in line with the latest SUVs from Audi. The Q7’s interior has also been redone, with the switch to Audi’s new-age, twin-touchscreen MMI infotainment system. A 3.0-litre V6 petrol will likely be the sole engine on offer in India.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 3.0 P
Price Rs 80–85 lakh

Citroën C21 Compact SUV

Citroën will follow up its debut offering, the C5 Aircross, with a brand new compact SUV. Codenamed C21, it’s based on the PSA Group’s new Common Modular Platform (CMP), designed for developing markets. It’s expected to bear familiar Citroën crossover design cues, like a split headlight setup, chunky alloy wheels and heavy body cladding all around. Powering the C21 will be a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is expected to be the only engine on offer. Sources say this engine is being benchmarked against Maruti Suzuki’s engines for refinement and fuel efficiency.

Coming Late-2021
Engines 1.2 P
Price Rs 7–11 lakh

Image Courtesy: Gokulraj

BMW X3 and X4 Facelifts

The third-generation BMW X3 – launched in India in 2018 – is due for a mid-life update in 2021. Every BMW Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) – mid-life refresh in BMW-speak – brings a number of cosmetic changes, and the updated X3 is expected to get sharper, slimmer headlights and styling that brings it more in line with the current 3 Series. It’s also likely to have upgraded infotainment, features and new tech, which will be mirrored by the X4 LCI that is also expected to be launched in India next year.

Coming Late-2021
Engines 2.0 P, 2.0 D, 3.0 D
Price Rs 62–68 lakh

Citroën C5 Aircross

The model that will mark Citroën’s India entry is the C5 Aircross. It was originally slated for a late-2020 launch, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the PSA Group to push it to the first quarter of 2021. The C5 Aircross is quintessentially French, and will certainly attract attention with its novel design and quirky styling. The 5-seat SUV is expected to be offered in a single, fully-loaded variant and is likely to come with features such as an electronic parking brake, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free tailgate, full-LED headlamps with DRLs, a panoramic sunroof, a powered driver’s seat, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12.3- inch digital instruments screen. Powering the SUV will be a 2.0-litre diesel engine good for 180hp, mated to an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. While the C5 Aircross will be locally assembled, it’s expected to be priced upwards of Rs 30 lakh. At this price, the SUV will do battle with the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass and the facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 2.0 D
Price Rs 30 lakh

New Force Gurkha

The hard-nosed Force Gurkha has received a thorough revamp. Design changes include new bumpers, headlights with LED DRLs, revised tail-lights and a different grille. It’s based on a new ladder-frame chassis and has been designed to meet the new crash test and pedestrian-protection norms. Force has tried to lend the new Gurkha a more upmarket feel on the inside. The interior has a dual-tone colour scheme, a redesigned dashboard and a touchscreen infotainment system. As before, it will be available in 3- and 5-door forms, and a two-wheel-drive version will be on offer too.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 2.2 D
Price Rs 10–12 lakh

Ford EcoSport Facelift

2021 will bring a major update for the Ford EcoSport. The pioneer of the compact SUV segment is set to be facelifted and will receive significant sheet metal changes and styling tweaks, along with using Mahindra’s 1.2-litre T-GDI engine that will serve as a replacement for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in the EcoSport. The 1.2-litre T-GDI (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection) unit belongs to Mahindra’s new mStallion family of petrol engines. Codenamed G12, the BS6- compliant engine produces a healthy 130hp and 230Nm or torque.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 1.2 P
Price Rs 11–13 lakh

Ford C SUV

Ford is working on a new C SUV, codenamed CX757, it will share its platform and other mechanicals with the next-gen XUV500, and will take on the Tata Harrier and MG Hector, slotting in above the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. It will also be designed by renowned design house Pininfarina. When Ford’s new SUV arrives closer to the end of 2021, it is expected to borrow the new XUV500’s 185hp, 2.2-litre diesel and 190hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines.

Coming End-2021
Engines 2.0 P, 2.2 D
Price Rs 14–20 lakh

Ford Ranger Raptor

Ford’s renowned Ranger pick-up truck (on which the Endeavour is based) will make its way to India next year. Leveraging the 2,500-unit rule for CBUs, Ford will ship in the performance version of the Ranger, named the Raptor. The Raptor is powered by an twin-turbo version of the Endeavour’s 2.0-litre Panther diesel engine. In bi-turbo guise, it makes 213hp with a solid 500Nm. The pick-up’s four-wheel-drive system channels power via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It also gets long-travel suspension with Fox dampers, a six-mode Terrain Management System (TMS), high-range and low-range settings and BF Goodrich tyres.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 2.0 D
Price Rs 70–80 lakh

Seven-Seat Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta family will grow in 2021 with the arrival of a new 7-seat derivative. However, it won’t be called Creta, and will instead have a completely different name. This is to help differentiate it from the 5-seat Creta, which will continue, positioned below the new model, in the Hyundai line-up. The 7-seater will sport styling tweaks up front, but the bigger design changes will be at the rear, as this will be a longer vehicle with a more upright rear section. Expect the 7-seat model to use the same 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, as well as a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, as the Creta.

Coming Late 2021
Engines 1.4 P, 1.5 P, 1.5 D
Price Rs 13–20 lakh

Seven-Seat Jeep Compass

Codenamed ‘project 598’, Jeep’s D SUV will be based on the Compass’s monocoque platform, but it will be much longer to accommodate the third row of seats. Its wheelbase will also be increased over the standard Compass to balance the extra length (and aid stability), which could result in better cabin space, especially in the middle row. Powering this 7-seater will be FCA’s familiar 2.0- litre diesel engine, which does duty in the Compass, the Tata Harrier and the MG Hector, but in a higher 200hp state of tune. A 9-speed torque-converter automatic with all-wheel drive will also be part of the package.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 2.0 D
Price Rs 30–35 lakh

Isuzu V-Cross, MU-X BS6

With BS6 norms coming into effect this year and the COVID-19 lockdown halting operations for all carmakers, Isuzu was forced to push back the introduction of its BS6 model range, and has effectively had no passenger vehicles to sell for the majority of 2020. That is set to change in early 2021, as Isuzu will roll out BS6 versions of the V-Cross lifestyle pick-up truck and the MU-X SUV. What’s worth noting is that these will be upgraded versions of the BS4 models, and not the new-generation models that have been revealed abroad.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 1.9 D, 2.5 D (V-Cross); 3.0 D (MU-X)
Price Rs 17–21 lakh (V-Cross); Rs 28–30 lakh (MU-X)

Jaguar F-Pace Facelift

As part of a mid-life update, the F-Pace will get a number of exterior changes and also an overhauled interior. The LED head-and tail-lights are slimmer than before, the wheel options are new, and the front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned. Inside, the dashboard is all new and features an 11.4- inch tablet-like touchscreen. A big addition to the F-Pace is the company’s new Pivi Pro infotainment system. In India, the F-Pace is expected to come with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel, and hybrid versions may be offered too.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 2.0 P, 2.0 D
PRICE Rs 68–75 Lakh

Land Rover Discovery Facelift

Land Rover recently revealed the mid-life update for the fifth-gen Discovery, which features a refreshed design, new tech and a set of hybrid powertrain options. Tweaks to the head- and tail-lights, grille and bumpers aside, the facelift also gets a tablet-style 11.4-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system and a new steering wheel inspired by the one on the Defender. There will be a set of new-generation engines, including a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol, as well as 3.0-litre petrol and diesel straight-six engines; the latter two will now feature a 48V mild-hybrid system.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 2.0 P, 3.0 P, 3.0 D
Price Rs 78–90 lakh

Mahindra Bolero Neo

Even after all these years, the Bolero remains a key pillar for Mahindra, continuing to rack up strong sales month after month. In 2021, the trusty, utilitarian workhorse is set to receive its biggest overhaul in years. Mahindra will roll out the Bolero Neo, which will be based on a new-age ladder-frame chassis. And while the Bolero won’t stray too far from its boxy, upright design, it will look more modern and will have a better-appointed (and equipped) interior.

Coming Late-2021
Engines 1.5 D
Price Rs 8–9.5 lakh

Mahindra TUV300 Facelift

After receiving an update in 2019, the Mahindra TUV300 family will return in the BS6 era with another facelift. Caught testing on multiple occasions, the standard 7-seat TUV300 is expected to get a host of styling changes and a longer features list, along with an upgraded 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine. The larger TUV300 Plus will also make a comeback with cosmetic tweaks that will mirror those on the smaller TUV. Also expected are captain’s chairs for the second row and a forward-facing third row.

Coming Early 2021
Engines 1.5 D (Std), 2.2 D (Plus)
Price Rs 9–11 lakh (Std), Rs 10–12 lakh (Plus)

New Mahindra Scorpio

2021 will see the launch of an all-new Mahindra Scorpio. The new-gen SUV will be wider and longer than before, based on an updated ladder-frame chassis with all-new body panels. That said, it’s expected to retain the upright silhouette that has defined it since it was first launched in 2002. The interior will be plusher and have a completely new design, too, borrowing certain parts from newer Mahindra models. Under the hood, the new Scorpio will come with a 140hp, 2.2-litre diesel and also the new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Thar.

Coming Mid 2021
Engines 2.0 P, 2.2 D
Price Rs 12–16 lakh

New Mahindra XUV500

Originally set for a 2020 debut, the new Mahindra XUV500 is now likely to arrive by March 2021. It is expected to have a plusher interior with a dual-screen setup, advanced driver assistance systems and both, petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol engine will be the 2.0-litre mStallion unit – which recently debuted on the second-gen Mahindra Thar – albeit transversely mounted, of course, and in a higher state of tune, developing 190hp. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel, meanwhile, is expected to put out a substantial 180hp. Both engines are expected to get a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and an all-wheel-drive system is also likely to be offered on higher variants.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 2.0 P, 2.2 D
Price Rs 13–19 lakh

Mahindra XUV300 1.2 M-stallion

Though the XUV300 is already available with a BS6-compliant, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, it will soon add a new-gen, 1.2-litre, direct-injection turbo-petrol from Mahindra’s mStallion family to its roster. Paired with a manual gearbox, the new engine will put out 130hp and 230Nm, which is 20hp and 30Nm more than the current petrol engine. The XUV300 with this new engine made its debut at the 2020 Auto Expo in ‘Sportz’ form, with exterior decals and an all-black cabin with red accents, but the car was never launched. Expect to pay a premium over the current XUV300 petrol variants that retail for Rs 8.3-11.84 lakh.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 1.2 P
Price Rs 10.5–12.5 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

If online chatter is anything to go by, the Jimny is one of the most awaited launches of 2021. India will get the Jimny in a new, larger 5-door body style that’s in development. A larger cabin and the addition of rear doors will make this 5-door Jimny more suitable to family buyers, but what will be interesting to see is how the stretched dimensions, particularly the longer wheelbase, impact the off-roader’s ability in the rough. Size aside, the Jimny 5-door will be no different to the 3-door model in its basic ingredients. It will be built on a ladder-frame chassis, feature rigid axles at both ends, and employ four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case. The India-spec 5-door will be powered by the 105hp, 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that can also be found in the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Ertiga and Vitara Brezza. Maruti will retail the Jimny 5-door at its premium Nexa outlets, with prices to start at just under Rs 10 lakh. Production of the Jimny is set to commence in December 2020 for exports, and will only be launched for Indian customers in the second half of 2021.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 1.5 P
Price Rs 10–12 lakh

New Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

Maruti Suzuki hit the nail on the head with the Vitara Brezza compact SUV. Launched in 2016, the Brezza quickly rose to the top of the segment, but five years later, the first-gen model will be due for replacement. For the second-gen model, Maruti is likely to stick with the rugged, squared-off and upright stance that made the Brezza so popular, and also focus on retaining its roomy back seat and large boot. It’s expected to be based on Suzuki’s Heartect platform and be notably lighter and more efficient than its predecessor. The new Brezza could also bring back Maruti’s 1.5-litre diesel engine.

Coming Late-2021
Engines 1.5 P
Price Rs 8-12 lakh

New Mercedes-Benz GLA

Originally set to be launched in 2020, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA will now be launched early in 2021. The new-gen SUV aims to build on its predecessor’s success, but replaces its rounded design and hunkered-down appearance with a more upright stance and muscular styling on the outside. On the inside, the new GLA will offer more in the way of space and is also set to introduce features that weren’t present in its predecessor. The GLA will be offered with petrol and diesel engines, and the hotter AMG GLA 35 could be on the cards as well.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 2.0 P, 2.0 D
Price Rs 38–45 lakh

Skoda Kushaq

Among all Skoda’s launches slated for 2021, arguably be the most important will be the much-awaited Kushaq mid-size SUV. Scheduled to make its world premire in March, the SUV will be the first offering from the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 plan and will be based on the heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform. Previewed by the Vision IN concept seen here and set to precede the launch of the Volkswagen Taigun – which it shares its underpinnings with – the Skoda Kushaq will be over 4.2m long and will have a 2,671mm wheelbase, which promises ample space for rear seat passengers. 1.0- and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options will be on offer with manual and automatic gearbox options.

Coming Mid 2021
Engines 1.0 P, 1.5 P
Price Rs 10–16 lakh

Renault Kiger

The next big thing from Renault is the Kiger compact SUV. Previewed by the Kiger concept (80 percent of it is said to be shared with the final, road-going model, design-wise), the production version will be based on Renault- Nissan’s global CMF-A+ modular platform that also underpins the Triber and the recently-launched Nissan Magnite. Renault’s first sub-four-metre SUV is set to be positioned at the lower end of the compact SUV market. In order to keep costs in check, the Kiger will share parts and components with the Triber and other Renault models, and will have some familiar bits on the inside. Along with a 72hp, 1.0-litre, naturally-aspirated engine, there will also be a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol option. There will be no diesel engine on offer. Gearbox choices will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT for the naturally-aspirated petrol, while the turbo variant is also set to get a CVT automatic option. While it will be positioned in the lower-half of the compact SUV segment, price-wise, expect it to be at a bit of a premium compared to the Magnite.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 1.0 P
Price Rs 5.5-10 lakh

Tata HBX

Tata Motors has confirmed that the final, production-spec mini-SUV, based on the HBX concept, will be launched by March 2021. It will be the second Tata model, after the Altroz, to be based on the carmaker’s new ALFA platform, and will slot in below the Nexon in the company’s SUV range. The production-spec HBX’s interior is likely to remain largely the same as that of the concept we saw at Auto Expo 2020, minus some of the trinkets. Speaking of features, the HBX is expected to get a part-digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control and a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. It could also debut the direct-injection version of Tata’s 1.2- litre turbo-petrol engine. While the base engine option is expected to be the same 1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol also found in the Tiago, Tigor and Altroz, the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with direct injection will likely be a significantly more powerful alternative. Gearbox options for the Tata HBX will likely include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. There will be no diesel engine on offer, but Tata is working on an all-electric version of the HBX, which should arrive in a couple of years.

Coming Early-2021
Engines 1.2 P
Price Rs 4.5–7.5 lakh

MG ZS

The ZS range will expand with the arrival of a 1.5 naturally-aspirated and a 111hp, 1.0-litre, direct-injection turbo petrol engine. The latter will be offered with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and is set to sport a sub-Rs 10-lakh starting price.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 1.0 P, 1.5 P
Price Rs 10–16 lakh

New Range Rover

The new-gen Range Rover will be the first Land Rover to use JLR’s Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA), is expected to derive styling cues from the Velar and feature rear-wheel-steering.

Coming End-2021
Engines 3.0 P, 3.0 D, 4.4 P
Price Rs 2–4.5 crore

Skoda Kodiaq Petrol

The previously diesel-only Kodiaq will return as a petrol-only model, with the venerable 2.0-litre TDI being replaced by the 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI mill. This engine will be offered with a 7-speed DSG automatic.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 2.0 P
Price Rs 33–37 lakh

Toyota Hilux

Widely considered to be among the hardiest, most reliable vehicles ever made, the Toyota Hilux is a pick-up with an enviable reputation. What will come as welcome news for those keen to have the Hilux in India is that it’s based on the same IMV platform as the ever-popular Innova Crysta and Fortuner, and also has the same powertrains, which will help Toyota keep costs in check. And talking of costs, Toyota is targeting an aggressive starting price of Rs 15 lakh for the Hilux, which will rival the Isuzu V-Cross.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 2.4 D, 2.8 D
Price Rs 15–20 lakh

Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift

Updated for 2021, the Volkswagen Tiguan now sports a number of design changes, including a slimmer grille and restyled LED headlights. When it returns to India, the 5-seat Tiguan will be powered by the same 150hp, 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed DSG automatic as the T-Roc. To keep prices in check, the Tiguan facelift will only be available in front-wheel-drive form and is likely to be assembled at Volkswagen’s Chakan plant, near Pune. Expect aggressive pricing for the updated Tiguan.

Coming Late-2021
Engines 1.5 P
Price Rs 26-29 lakh

Volkswagen Taigun

Volkswagen’s long-awaited Taigun is set to make it to showrooms some time in the middle of 2021. This new mid-size SUV is based on the same MQB A0 IN platform as the upcoming Skoda mid-size SUV, and while both SUVs will look different, the Taigun will share most of its mechanicals. Inside, the Taigun will have a digital instruments display and a large touchscreen infotainment system with connected-car tech. It’s expected to come with 1.0- and 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines, as well as manual and automatic gearbox options.

Coming Mid-2021
Engines 1.0 P, 1.5 P
Price Rs 10–16 lakh

Also see:

New cars for 2021: Sedans

New Cars for 2021: EVs