Upcoming Subcompact SUVs In India

1. Tata Nexon

Tata Nexon at the 2016 Auto Expo

Tata Motors is finally getting things right in the passenger vehicle space with the Tiago. The Indian automaker will now be finding its niche in the sub-compact SUV space with the Nexon that will be making it to dealerships by the end of 2017. The Nexon is a sub-4 metre offering and we did see the production ready version at the Geneva Motor Show this year. The production spec model comes complete with the beefy and curved styling, and compact proportions. Engine options are likely to include the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and an all-new 1.5-litre diesel, while paired to manual and AMT units. Prices are expected to start around Rs. 7 lakh (ex-showroom).

2. Mahindra S201 (SsangYong Tivoli Based Compact SUV)

More recently, Mahindra made it clear that the SsangYong Tivoli won't be making it to India and instead, the country will be getting an all-new compact SUV based on the Tivoli. Keeping proportions similar, the Mahindra model has been codenamed S201 and is expected to roll out at the 2018 Auto Expo. The model was also recently spotted testing as well giving a glimpse of the what the upcoming Mahindra compact SUV will look like. The SsangYong Tivoli has been appreciated overseas and we can expect a lot of those attributes to be incorporated into the model developed for India. The Mahindra compact SUV will be based on the Tivoli's X100 platform and will draw power from a 1.5-litre diesel and an all-new 1.5-litre petrol engine. The model is likely to be more urban-driven as a product and will come loaded with a host of active and passive convenience features, apart from the tech and safety equipment. The Mahindra S201 is likely to make it to production by next year and will take on the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and the likes.

3. Hyundai Carlino

Hyundai Carlino at the 2016 Auto Expo

Hyundai India showcased its iteration of a sub-compact SUV this year at this year's Auto Expo called the 'Carlino Concept' and the model will be the Korean car maker's answer to the Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport among others. Now, from what we have learnt, Hyundai's upcoming sub-compact SUV will be modeled after the Creta, sharing a host of features and equipment with the latter as well as the i20. A stretched version of the Grand i10 platform is likely to underpin the model codenamed 'HND-14'. Meanwhile, Hyundai has also teased the Kona compact SUV for global markets and it is possible that the Indian model could pick up a feature or two from the same. That said, details on the HND-14 is still under wraps and the production spec model is likely to be revealed by 2018. Sales could commence the same year or by  early 2019.