Honda Brio (Unnamed)
The Brio-based sub-compact SUV that will rival EcoSport is expected to bear a resemblance to the CR-V in terms of design. The front might feature design cues from the Amaze and Mobilio, but the rear could have CR-V-inspired tail-lamps, a tapered rear-quarter glass and a lower entry-point boot. We expect to see a 1.5-litre, i-VTEC petrol and the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine under its hood.
Expected price: `6.5-11 lakh
Expected launch: End-2015
USP: Based on successful Brio hatch, sporty yet compact SUV, excellent technology and class-leading mileage
Chevrolet Adra
Based on GM’s new global small-vehicle platform—the Gamma 2—the concept was developed by Indian designers at its technical centre in Bengaluru. In terms of engine, GM could either pick from the ones that power its other cars sold in India—the 1.3-litre diesel and the 1.4-litre petrol—or use its new 1.2-litre, four-cylinder Ecotec engine that is known for delivering high-performance as well as impressive fuel economy.
Expected price: `6-9 lakh
Expected launch: End-2015
USP: Sporty design, ‘Make-in-India’ strategy, class-leading mileage
Hyundai ix25
Based on Kia Soul’s platform, the compact SUV follows Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design philosophy; therefore, it resembles the flagship SUV Santa Fe. The dimensions of the vehicle are: 4,270mm length, 1,780mm width, 1,630mm height and 2,590mm wheelbase. There is no clarity on engine option yet; however, we are expecting 1.4-litre VTVT petrol, 1.4-litre CRDi diesel and 1.6-litre CRDi diesel from Verna. It will take on the likes of Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano.
Expected price: `7.5 lakh
Expected launch: August 2015
USP: Fluidic design language, class-leading cabin space, trusted tech
Hyundai i20 Cross
The Korean carmaker’s first ever crossover in India will share its platform and features with the i20. In all likelihood, it will also get the same engine options—a 1.2-litre Kappa2 petrol and a 1.4-litre CRDi diesel. The i20 Cross will get bigger alloys, additional body cladding and a more feature-rich cabin.
Expected price: `6-8.50 lakh
Expected launch: Early 2015
USP: Based on successful i20 hatch, sporty and bold characteristic, trusted tech
Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha
The Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha will be a sub-4-metre compact SUV powered by the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre multijet diesel mill, which also powers cars like Swift and Swift Dzire. Maruti Suzuki has been reportedly working on its own diesel engine line-up, which, if ready on time, might be fitted in the XA Alpha.
Expected price: `6.50-10 lakh
Expected launch: Mid-2015
USP: Most-awaited SUV from Maruti Suzuki, best-in-class diesel engine, competitively priced
Maruti Suzuki SX4 Cross
This crossover resembles the European SX4 hatchback-based ‘S-Cross’, but will feature some exterior and mechanical changes. The SX4 S-Cross is expected to get a 1.3-litre, 92bhp multijet diesel engine and a 1.4-litre, 94bhp petrol engine.
Expected price: `6.5-9 lakh
Expected launch: Mid-2015
USP: Maruti Suzuki trusted backing, based on SX4 sedan, sporty and muscular design'
Tata Nexon
It will be built on a thoroughly updated version of the Vista X1 platform. The vehicle will probably be powered by the company’s new 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron engine that is capable of churning out 84bhp and 140Nm of torque. The diesel model might feature the 1.3-litre Multijet engine sourced from Fiat, which also does duty on the Vista.
Expected price: `6-8 lakh
Expected launch: Last quarter of 2015
USP: Futuristic design; new segment from Tata; competitively priced
Volkswagen Taigun
The VW Taigun features a twin-split grille, rear-mounted spare wheel, roof rails, and rugged side-cladding. Based on a stretched version of the PQ12 platform, which also underpins the Up! hatchback, the Taigun is expected to feature a new 1.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine, which will develop 105bhp and 175Nm of peak torque.
Expected price: `8-10 lakh
Expected launch: Mid-2015
USP: Reputed Volkswagen backing, lightweight with modern features, expected to be made in India