As far as 2016 is concerned,
SUVs and
Crossovers clearly gonna top the new cars list up for the new year. Some are in various stages of development, while others are already available in other markets, it is just a matter of time before their respective makers launches them in India in next 12 months. Here are top 10 SUVs, compact SUVs, and crossover models that are worth waiting for this year. Come on folks, let's start day dreaming!! India incorrigibly loves SUVs isn't it??
The F-Pace is essentially the Jaguar’s first proper SUV in its decades of legendary existence. Under skin is a new alloy-intensive platform and will be available with a comprehensive selection of engines, both petrol and diesel. A 3.0-litre TDV6 pumping out 700Nm of torque is available. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with sporty paddle shifters. This particular version comes with AWD tech and can sprint to 100kmph in 6.2 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 240kmph. Multiple drive modes add versatility to driving.
The Renegade is one offering which is made for emerging markets includes ours. Although much smaller than its siblings typical of the brand, the Renegade has quintessential Jeep looks. The Jeep Renegade will be made available with two engine options including the 2.4-litre Tigershark and the 1.4-litre Multiair. The Renegade is likely to be a hit for the legendary brand once launched in India, considering the fast-growing compact SUV market.
#3. Volkswagen Tiguan
Revealed at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, the Tiguan is based on the latest drive architecture, that’s also used on upcoming cars like the new Passat and Skoda Superb. With seven-seat configuration, the SUV will come with a 2.0-litre diesel and could also get both a front and an all-wheel-drive option, along with a 6-speed dual-clutch unit. The Tiguan is also likely to come with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a long list of safety features. With a sticker price of Rs 25-30 lakh, the Tiguan will be launched this year in India.
Also Read: Volkswagen Plans To Improve Product Range With New Cars After Low Sales
This is perhaps the first models that started the compact luxury SUV craze in India. However, the X1 is also a testimony to the fact that bad cars can be sold at the mercy of brand image. The next-gen X1's biggest change is the adoption of the UKL1 platform sourced from the 2-Series Active Tourer which means the all-new BMW X1 will be offered as standard with a front-wheel drive system but for more money clients will still be able to get an optional xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Also Read: 2016 BMW X1 To Feature Transverse Engine, FWD
#5. Honda BR-V
Honda will finally have an entrant in the fierce compact SUV rivalry. Based on the Mobilio MPV, the Br-V gets an upright stance and a beefy exterior, replete with body cladding and big, 16-inch alloy wheels. It will be the first seven-seat sUV in the segment. Stylish interiors emphasise the car’s premium standing. The Br-V will be powered by the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines that are found on the Honda city. However, the diesel unit will be tuned to produce more power than in the city. Also, both engines will be mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox, with the petrol engine getting the option of a CVT automatic.
#6. Hyundai Tuscon
After a long hiatus, the Tucson will make a comeback and will be positioned between the
Creta and the Santa Fe. Besides the usual airbags and ABS, the safety kit on the car could include blind-spot assist. The Tucson is also big on passenger space, where headroom and legroom is aplenty, although it is only a five-seater. The list of engines include a 1.6-litre petrol motor, and 1.7-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines, along with both manual and automatic gearboxes. Hyundai is looking to assemble the new Tucson in India and that should allow the company to price it at approximately INR 18 lakh, undercutting its rivals — the Honda CR-V and Skoda Yeti. Question is, how well will the Hyundai brand be received at this price point?
#7. Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
The GLC Coupe is a fastback, coupe-inspired crossover to challenge the BMW X4. Saying that, we also believe that the headroom especially at the rear, won’t be as much as the GLC thanks to the sweeping roofline. Underpinning both GLC body styles is a four-wheel drive architecture and optional air suspension (unique in the sector) borrowed from the C-Class range, including greater use of aluminium to save around 80kg from the kerb weight. No rear-wheel drive models have been confirmed yet, but it would be a simple, CO2-saving move to launch, should the market demand it. Expect it to be launched by mid-2016.
#8. Nissan X-Trail Hybrid
Nissan will unveil the new X-Trail at the Auto Expo 2016. It is sleeker than its predecessor and looks more in line with Nissan’s global family of crossovers. It will feature the carmaker’s electronic 4WD system that can be operated on the go. The big difference is that the next-gen X-Trail SUV for India will be powered by a petrol hybrid engine and not a diesel. This means the standard 145bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine will be assisted by a hybrid motor, which will together generate 179bhp. The new X-Trail’s cabin feel has been softened considerably and made more luxurious; black, chrome and beige dominate, and the centre console gets a piano-black finish. It will be offered as a seven-seater model only. The company is planning to price it at around INR 32-35 lakh.
#9. Tata Nexon
Based on the Nexon concept you see here, Tata's upcoming production version will take on the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300. Based on the mechanicals of the Bolt and Zest, the Nexon will be more of a crossover than a proper SUV. Its aggressive design has a sloping roof much like the one on the Range Rover Evoque. Tata’s all-new, in-house-developed 110bhp, 1.5-litre diesel engine will debut in this car, along with a more powerful, turbocharged version of the Zica’s 1.2-litre petrol engine. Transmission duties are likely to be handled by a new six-speed manual gearbox. Expect the production car to debut at the 2016 Auto Expo and go on sale soon after. While the shape will be the main draw, what will also appeal to car buyers is the amount of space inside, thanks to the long wheelbase and wide cabin.
#10. Maruti-Suzuki Ignis
This tiny crossover based on the lightweight suzuki IK-4 concept, could be the most successful compact car launched in 2016. Measuring a nifty 3.7 metres, the Ignis is a whole size smaller than the Ford ecosport, but a step bigger than the muscular renault Kwid. What makes it so unforgettable is the shape: those oval light clusters up front, the big wheel arches and that retro rear that’s designed to look like some of the rear-engined suzuki cars from back in the day. However, it will be spacious than it looks, thanks to an intelligent interior layout and slimline seats. Its two-tone interiors, seen on the display model at the 2015 Tokyo motor show, feature a floating infotainment display atop the dash. In India, the car is likely to receive the ubiquitous Maruti 1.2-litre K-series petrol and the 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engines.
Also Read: Future Maruti Suzuki Cars Must Address Brand's Design Deficit
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