Top 10 Upcoming SUVs In India In 2018 — Maruti Brezza Petrol Included

Maruti Brezza Petrol

There is no doubt that the Maruti Brezza is the best-selling SUV in India right now. But Maruti is looking to establish itself in the segment by launching the petrol version of the Brezza in the country.

The Maruti Brezza petrol model is expected to be powered by the familiar 1.2-litre unit which does its duties in the Baleno, Swift and the Ignis.

Expected Launch: Mid-2018
Expected Price: Rs 5.5 Lakh to Rs 7 Lakh

Hyundai Sub-Four Metre SUV

India's second largest car manufacturer Hyundai is yet to launch an SUV in the sub-four-metre segment despite showcasing the Carlino concept at the 2016 Auto Expo. But that is expected to change in 2018. Hyundai is expected to launch its sub-compact SUV based on the Carlino concept.

Not much is known of the engine specifications, although we expect the SUV to be powered by the 1.2-litre or the 1.4-litre engine and might be offered with both manual and automatic gearbox.

Expected Launch: Mid-2018
Expected Price: Rs 5.5 Lakh to Rs 7.5 Lakh

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Hyundai Creta Facelift

Hyundai launched the Creta SUV back in 2015, since then the vehicle has dominated the premium SUV segment. However, Hyundai is not looking to drop the leadership tag and is looking to consolidate its position with a facelift.

The Creta facelift features a redesigned bumper with flared contours under the headlamps, cascading front grille, revised headlamps with LED daytime running lights and faux bash plate. The facelifted Creta is expected to continue with the present engine options: 1.6-litre petrol and diesel as well as the 1.4-litre diesel engine.

Expected Launch: Mid-2018
Expected Price: Rs 9.30 Lakh to Rs 14.50 Lakh

Datsun Go-Cross

The Datsun Go-Cross concept was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi and is expected to launch in January 2018 in Indonesia. The Go-Cross is expected to rival the likes of Mahindra KUV100 Nxt and Maruti Celerio X.

Datsun has not revealed the specifications of the Datsun Go-Cross; however, we expect it to be powered by the 1.2-litre petrol engine which powers the Datsun Go hatchback in India and could borrow the 1.5-litre engine which powers the Datsun Go+ MPV.

Expected Launch: Early 2018
Expected Price: Rs 5.5 Lakh To Rs 7.5 Lakh

Tata Q501

Tata Motors has found its mojo with the success of the Tiago hatchback, Nexon compact SUV and the Tata Hexa crossover. The home-grown carmaker is looking to fill the void created by the Tata Safari and it has been testing an SUV codenamed Q501.

The Tata Q501 will be a premium SUV and will be built on the Land Rover Freelander 2 platform. The mid-size SUV is expected to be offered with both 5 and 7 seater options and possibly an all-wheel-drive option as well. The Tata Q501 will rival the likes of Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson in the Indian market.

Expected Launch: Late 2018
Expected Price: Rs 15 Lakh To Rs 20 Lakh

MG GS Concept

MG Motors India has set its sights on India especially the burgeoning SUV segment. We expect the company to launch the MG GS concept in India and will take on the Hyundai Creta. The company has not revealed the production version, and hence we do not have many details of the specifications.

Expected Launch: Late 2018
Expected Price: Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 13 Lakh

2018 Honda HR-V

Honda Cars India is focusing on premium offering be it sedans, hatchback or crossovers in the recent past. The Japanese carmaker is looking to bring an SUV which will be positioned between the BR-V and the CR-V. With the HR-V, Honda is looking take on the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Captur in the market.

For the global market, the Honda HR-V is available with a 1.8-litre petrol engine; however, for India, Honda is expected to employ the tried and tested 1.5-litre VTEC engines in both petrol and diesel forms.

Expected Launch: Late 2018
Expected Price: Rs 12 Lakh to Rs 15 Lakh

BMW X3

The third-generation BMW X3 is all set to be launched in India and will cater to buyers who prefer an SUV in the price range under Rs 50 lakh. Ahead of the launch, BMW will showcase the new X3 at the upcoming 2018 Auto Expo to be held in Delhi.

The third-generation X3 see changes to the exterior as well as to its interiors. Both the petrol and the diesel engines have been updated as well.

Expected Launch: February 2018
Expected Price: Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh

Audi Q5

Audi revealed the next-generation Q5 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and will make it to India this year. The new Q5 features a large frame chrome grille, chunky front bumper with large air intakes.

The new Audi Q5 will be available with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine and comes mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox and Quattro AWD. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine might make it to India as there is a growing demand for petrol vehicles in India.

Launch: January 18, 2018
Expected Price: Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 Lakh

Other Mentions:

We all know that Lamborghini is all set to launch the Urus touted as world's first super SUV. The launch is scheduled for January 11, 2018, and expected to cost a whopping Rs 3.5 crore.

Renault will launch the Duster facelift by late-2018. The new Duster is a lot more spacious and will come upmarket features to increase its appeal among car buyers in India. The facelifted Duster is expected to cost in the range of Rs 9 lakh to Rs 13 lakh.

Hyundai and Honda are expected to launch the Santa Fe facelift and CR-V facelift as well in India though there is no clear indication from the companies.

Also, Mahindra might surprise many by launching the compact Tivoli in India but with a Mahindra badging and not under the SsangYong brand to increase its acceptability in the country.

DriveSpark Thinks!

As mentioned earlier, India is seen as a market for both mass-market and niche SUVs as buyers seem to prefer an SUV over a sedan. The upcoming SUVs list does reflect that there is one SUV for every segment and customers will indeed be spoilt for choice.