Upcoming SUV Launches In India In 2021: Here Are Our Pick Of The Top-8 Most-Awaited Models Coming To India

Updated: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 16:51 [IST]

The year 2021 seems to be off to a flying start, with the market already having witnessed a number of new products, facelifts and other updates being introduced. However, with just the first month of the new year coming to an end, there is still a lot more to look forward to in the coming months.

The SUV segment seems to have the most demand in the country at the moment, with multiple new products being introduced across all categories. Having said that, we have compiled the top-eight SUVs which according to us are among the most awaited ones in the Indian market.

Note: The list is not arranged in any particular order.

Tata HBX

Tata has confirmed the arrival of the HBX micro-SUV in the Indian market this year. The Tata HBX concept was most recently showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. it will be the second product after the Altroz to feature the brand's ALFA architecture. Once introduced in the Indian market, the new HBX will be positioned below the Nexon and become the entry-level SUV offering for the brand.

Tata Motors is yet to unveil the complete production-spec version of the HBX, which is expected to take place soon. The launch of the micro-SUV, however, is slated for mid-2021, with the price tag expected to be in the range of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, ex-showroom.

Renault Kiger

Renault is all set to enter the compact-SUV segment with their new Kiger model. The Renault Kiger recently had its world premiere giving us a first glimpse of the final production-spec version of the SUV, ahead of its launch in the country. The new Renault Kiger will be part of the same CMFA+ platform as the Kwid, Triber and its cousin, the Nissan Magnite.

The new Renault Kiger will be powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox choices. The SUV will also come packed with features, equipment and connected technology. Renault is expected to introduce the Kiger in India sometime in the coming months, with pricing for the SUV said to start from Rs 5 lakh, ex-showroom.

Skoda Kushaq

The Skoda Kushaq is one of the most important launches for the Czech brand in the Indian market, as well as for the VW Group. Initially showcased as the Vision IN concept at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Kushaq SUV will be the first product under the Volkswagen Group's 'India 2.0' project. The new SUV will also debut the MQB A0 IN platform, which will go on to underpin a number of other models in both Skoda and Volkswagen's India lineup.

Skoda recently released images of the first production-spec Kushaq SUV for the Indian market. Although covered in camouflage, some of the design elements on the SUV were noticeably similar to its concept version.

Skoda has confirmed that the new Kushaq will be powered by two petrol engine options: a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI, mated with multiple transmission options, depending on the model. The Kushaq is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2021 and will be positioned in the mid-size SUV segment.

Volkswagen Taigun

The Volkswagen Taigun is the next big product launch from the German carmaker in the Indian market. The Taigun will be introduced in India post the introduction of the Skoda Kushaq and will feature most of the same components, features and equipment. The Taigun will also be the second product in India to be part of the MQB A0 IN platform.

Mechanically, the Volkswagen Taigun is expected to carry forward the same engine and transmission options as its cousin. This will come in the form of a 1.0-litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI. Transmission options will vary between a six-speed manual, six-speed torque-converter and a seven-speed DSG automatic, depending on the variant.

Mahindra XUV500

The new-generation Mahindra XUV500 has been in the works for the Indian market for quite a while now. The SUV has been undergoing extensive testing in the market, ahead of its expected launch sometime in March 2021.

The new Mahindra XUV500 will feature a completely revamped design and styling, with a host of new exterior and interior features. It will also feature a completely refreshed dashboard and cabin space, while also offering connected tech as well.

The new-gen XUV500 will be powered by the same petrol and diesel engine options as the new Thar. However, Mahindra will tune the engines to produce higher power and torque outputs.

Citroen C5 Aircross

Citroen - the French carmaker is finally set to enter the Indian market, after constant delays due to the pandemic in 2020. The Citroen brand will introduce the C5 Aircross as their first product in India. The new Citroen C5 Aircross will be positioned as a premium mid-size SUV offering in the market, packed with a host of features and equipment.

The new Citroen C5 Aircross SUV is said to be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel unit producing 180bhp and paired with an eight-speed automatic. The SUV will be locally assembled in India and is scheduled to go on sale sometime in the coming months. Prices for the new SUV is expected to be in the range of around Rs 30 lakh, ex-showroom.

Hyundai Creta 7-Seater

Hyundai is said to be working on a new seven-seater SUV for the Indian market, based on its best-selling Creta model. The new 7-seater SUV will, however, come with a completely different nameplate and will be positioned above the Creta.

While the SUV is said to be based on the Hyundai Creta, the company is expected to bring in a number of subtle changes to its design, both inside and out, allowing both SUVs to be differentiated from one another.

Mechanically though, the new seven-seater Hyundai SUV will carry forward the same 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options, along with the more powerful 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit. The new 7-seater Hyundai Creta is expected to arrive in late-2021 and will be priced at a slight premium compared to its five-seater sibling.

MG ZS Petrol

MG Motor India introduced the ZS SUV in its electric form last year in the Indian market. The company is now said to be bringing in the SUV's petrol-powered version as well. The new MG ZS SUV will carry forward most of the same features, equipment and connected technology as its EV version, albeit a few differences.

The SUV, will, however, now come powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, mated to either a manual or automatic transmission option. The MG ZS petrol SUV will also be priced in the range of Rs 12 - 16 lakh, ex-showroom.