SUVs has been the first choice of Indian buyers for like forever. They are loved for their space, practicality and that bullying image that comes along with them. If we consider this year, there have been a lot of sports utilities flown into this space both on the performance car end and on the less powerful mass-market end. Then be it the compact SUV or crossovers or full sized SUV, we have had it all. A few to name are Hyundai Creta- heavily popular by now, Maruti S-Cross, Mahindra TUV300, BMW X5M, X6M, etc, etc, you name it!. Well, this bombardment isn't going to settle easily as more and more manufacturers have more products lined up for us. And for the time being we are naming 5 that are getting our hopes up and high.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Fiat-Chrysler group is expected to bring the butch Jeep Grand Cherokee in early 2016 just after the Indian Auto Expo. The vehicle is characterised by its massive road presence, a boxy setup that encapsulate straight lines, squared-off taillamps and headlamps, large wheels, off-roadability. It is expected to be priced in a bracket of INR 55 to 70 lacs. Moreover in a recent report, Fiat is said to invest around $280 million in the Ranjangaon facility in coming year and develop it as an assembly hub for Jeep products in India, that's a decent first step. Though, initially the vehicles might be brought as a CBU but they will be assembled on a later stage. Also, these funds will be used to develop a new Jeep in India whose production will begin in the second quarter of 2017. Other Jeeps that will make it here will include the tough looking Wrangler and probably Renegade.
Honda BR-V
The Brio based or I should say the Mobilio based compact SUV from Honda, the BR-V is expected to make its debut in India in coming months. Speaking of the looks, as seen in the show-car from the Indonesian Auto Expo the front and rear end of the car have been heavily redone to make it look brawny. While side cladding, projector headlamp, DRLs and LED taillamp has been added to make it a premium proposition. On the inside, it borrows the dash setup of City and Jazz, though expect different color scheme. The car will take on the now abundant compact SUV segment and will only make it to India in early 2016. Price? In or around INR 7 to 12 lacs.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Trailblazer is the nearest SUV launch that we will see as it is coming the 21st of this month. The full sized SUV will also be the largest and the most powerful in the segment. It has huge dimensions massive boxy design elements. On the inside it has generous amount of room for even the third row of passengers, gets leather upholstery and a touchscreen infotainment system. Under the hood, is the latest Duramax 2.5 litre engine that produces an overwhelming torque of 500 Nm and a power of 200 bhp mated to an automatic power will go the rear wheels only. On a later stage, a 2.8-litre diesel producing around 161 bhp is also expected. It is expected to be priced around 30 lacs.
Also See: Upcoming Launches in Next 15 Days
Audi Q7
The updated Audi Q7 is on its way to the country in a couple of months. The next-gen Q7 loses massive weight compared to the outgoing generation and consequently will be more fuel efficient. The exteriors look leaner and meaner. The front gets the all new single frame grille setup as seen in Q3 facelift, a new set of LED projector headlamps will also find home along with the latest setup of DRLs. The insides are also revamped and carry elements like a fully digital and customizable instrument cluster, like we have in the TT. Besides, under the hood it will get the same 3.0-litre V6 engine from the current Q7, but a bit refined. Expected Price- INR 60 to 80 lacs.
Ford Endeavour
The good old Enddy, that was once best-selling SUV of the segment until it was superseded by the Toyota Fortuner, is coming back with a bang and is expected to redeem its presence. It would be offered with a plethora of features, as is the case with Fords. Exteriors boast the massive signature grille, prominent wheels arches, projector headlamps, DRLs, muscular hood and a mature rear. Step inside and you will see lots of leather, a dual tone black-beige color scheme, Ford SYNC 2, a 4x4 control knob, a vivid driver information cluster, adjustable seats for the front as well as rear passengers and more. Choices won’t end here because one can also choose between a 2.2-litre diesel or a more advanced 3.2 litres in-line 5 cylinder engine (Diesel). There will be two transmission options available, a manual and an automatic while manual will be only offered with the 2.2-litre one. Price Wise, it is expected to be around INR 25 to 30 lacs.
