The SUV market is one of the fastest growing segments in India. One in four vehicles sold last year was an SUV. The SUV market grew 30% in the last financial year alone, despite demonetisation, diesel fuel bans and pollution concerns. Compare that with the passenger car market that grew only 3.9% and an overall industry growth of 6.8%.
And it’s set to get even hotter this year, with more than a dozen new launches. However, we pick five of the hottest SUVs to watch out for this year, starting this May
The Volkswagen Tiguan will be assembled in India. (Photo: )
Expected price: Rs 25 lakh – Rs 30 lakh
If you are looking for a premium compact, five-seater SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan should be on your list. This compact SUV will be made by Volkswagen at its plant in Aurangabad and will sit alongside the Skoda Yeti as far as positioning goes. It is based on the company’s new modular MQB platform that also underpins the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq. It will be powered by a 2-litre diesel engine with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and optional all-wheel drive.
The Skoda Kodiaq will likely be a seven-seater in India. (Photo courtesy: )
Expected price: Rs 30 lakh – Rs 35 lakh
Looking for something bigger? The upcoming Skoda Kodiaq fits the bill. It will be offered as a seven-seater in India and looks quite stunning. It has subtle design cues from the Audi Q7. The Kodiaq will be loaded with features such as a panoramic sunroof, infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, wi-fi hotspot, wireless phone charging etc. It will come with a 2-litre diesel putting out 190 bhp of power and a petrol engine putting out about 177 bhp of power. It will compete with the Ford Endeavour and the Toyota Fortuner.
The Jeep Compass is being made in Pune for all right-hand drive markets. (Photo Courtesy: )
Expected price: Rs 20 lakh – Rs 25 lakh
The Jeep Compass really looks tough. It is being completely assembled in India. It is a five-seater SUV that comes with a choice of a 1.4-litre turbo-charged (Multi-Air) petrol engine that puts out 160 bhp of power, and 250 Nm of torque or a 2-litre diesel engine that puts out 170 bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque, with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.
The Isuzu MU-X launches in May. (Photo courtesy: )
Expected price: Rs 20 lakh – Rs 25 lakh
Given the enthusiasm around the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pickup truck, the SUV variant on the same platform should be interesting. The Isuzu MU-X launches in May and will replace the MU-7 that hasn’t sold too well. It shares its platform with the Chevrolet Trailblazer as well. It will come with a 3-litre diesel engine putting out 175 bhp of power and 380 Nm of torque, with four-wheel drive system and six-speed manual transmission.
