Top 5 upcoming compact SUVs

After getting hatchbacks in the B+ segment, automotive manufacturers are working to introduce a model in the compact SUV segment, as this one of the fastest growing segments. Manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Fiat, Honda, Nissan and Tata are working on the new compact SUVs.

The next biggest introduction in the compact SUV segment is the Ford Ecosport. We can expect Ford to get the SUV on sale from as early as April. People have high hopes from the Ecosport, and as it is under 4 metres, it can cut into Duster’s pricing and offer a more value for money package. On the other hand, the Ecosport’s revolutionary 1.0-litre 125bhp petrol motor could be a game changer as well. The 1.5-litre diesel will also be available for the diesel lovers.

1)   Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha

Maruti Suzuki had showcased the XA Alpha concept at the 2012 Auto Expo and the company prepares to introduce the production ready model of this SUV by late this year. As per our knowledge, the XA Alpha will not look anything like the existing Maruti Suzuki models. It will be available with a 1.4-litre petrol engine and 1.3-litre diesel mill.

2)   Honda Jazz SUV



Honda has been working on the new Jazz platform and we believe that this new hatchback will be available in India by 2014. On the same platform, the company has even built an SUV that will make it to India as well. The Honda Jazz SUV will be available in petrol and diesel engine options and we expect to come to India by the end of next year. It will be a 7-seater, and could just be under 4-metres due to Honda’s philosophy of man maximum, machine minimum.

3)   Fiat Punto Adventure

CarDekho was the first to reveal the fact that Fiat is working on the Punto Adventure. The Punto Adventure will be available with a 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engine. This Adventure version will be on sale sometime in the start of 2014, and it will get the fascia of the new Grande Punto that will be launched in India in 2014. The Punto Adventure will be priced somewhere close to the Renault’s existing Duster models.

4)   Nissan’s NH79/X79

Recently, we revealed the images of the Nissan’s Duster version. It gets the X-Trail like snout and we believe Nissan has made several changes on the inside as well. Nissan could probably get an official 7-seater version of the Duster too, as it has learnt from its previous experience of the X-Trail. The NH79 will go on sale sometime around the festive season. The Nissan NH79 could be priced a notch higher than the Duster.

5)   Tata Vista Xtreme Crossover

India’s largest vehicle manufacturer, Tata Motors is also working on an SUV that will be based on the Vista’s X1 platform. The company had recently showcased the concept at the Buddh International Circuit and the vehicle does look muscular. The Vista Xtreme will not just have higher ground clearance, but will also have better driving dynamics. We can expect this vehicle to be launched sometime early next year or by the end of this year. This Vista will be powered by a 1.3-litre quadrajet engine, however the power ratings could be 108bhp, instead of the 90bhp that is available on the D90.