Upcoming SUVs From Rs 10-20 Lakh In FY 2020-21

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced SUV, here are some upcoming models

It’s no surprise to see SUVs driving off showroom floors like hotcakes. The body style resonates with the Indian buyer who for the most part, is looking for a family car that can do the everyday grind well and give that ‘big’ car feeling at the same time. Let's not forget here that these SUVs need to be reasonably priced as well. Keeping all of this in mind, multiple carmakers will be launching SUVs in FY2020-21 priced somewhere between Rs 10 lakh and 20 lakh, most of which debuted in some form at Auto Expo 2020. Let’s take a look at them:

Renault Duster Turbo

Expected Price: Rs 13 Lakh

Expected Launch: August 2020

Renault showcased a new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine at Auto Expo 2020 along with a Duster with the same engine at their pavilion. It is supposed to be a replacement for the 1.5-litre diesel engine that Renault lost to BS6 emission norms. Despite the current-gen Duster now entering its twilight years, this new engine definitely appealed to a lot of people for one simple reason: it was the most powerful petrol unit in its class. The 2020 Nissan Kicks is already available with this engine mated to a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. While the Duster might not be scheduled for a full-generation update anytime soon, a new engine underneath the bonnet and those red accents will definitely provide some boost to its diminishing appeal.

Mahindra Thar

Expected Price: Rs 10 Lakh

Expected Launch: November 2020

We first expected the new Thar to make an appearance at Auto Expo 2020. Turns out, Mahindra believes the Thar needs a separate occasion all to itself, and we have to say we kind of agree. The Thar has been a singular lifestyle offering in the budget segment but with some compromises. The new Thar is going to be pricier than the outgoing model and quite a bit richer too in terms of features. There is even a petrol engine under the bonnet and you will have the luxury of an automatic transmission as well, both of which will be firsts for the Thar.

Force Gurkha Facelift

Expected Price: Rs 9.75 Lakh to Rs 13.30 Lakh

Expected Launch: September 2020

When we first saw the Gurkha facelift at Auto Expo 2020, we had to double check if we weren’t accidentally at the Mercedes-Benz pavilion. The resemblance to the G-Wagon was uncanny. The big giveaway, however, was the huge ‘F’ sign resting in the middle of the grille. Being a facelift, not much has changed underneath the body. The engine now meets BS6 emission norms and on the inside, you will find that the Gurkha now employs a touchscreen.

Tata Gravitas

Expected Price: Rs 15 Lakh

Expected Launch: September 2020

Tata’s 7-seater version of the Harrier has been in the works for sometime now. In fact, the automatic transmission in the Harrier was initially supposed to debut with the Gravitas but alas, plans changed. We got to see the Gravitas at Auto Expo 2020 and while it looks similar to the Harrier in many ways, the elongated rear end is pleasantly distinct.

Skoda Vision IN

Expected Price: Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 16 Lakh

Expected Launch: January 2021

Skoda revealed the Vision IN right before Auto Expo 2020. While it was not the finished product, it was quite close to one. It is based on the VW Group’s localised MQB A0-IN platform, so we think Skoda will be able to price it aggressively. The engine options here will be a 1.0-litre TSI that makes 110PS and 175Nm and possibly a 1.5-litre TSI that makes 150PS/250Nm. There won’t be a diesel on offer with the Skoda compact SUV. It will take on the Hyundai Creta with its sharp styling.

Volkswagen Taigun

Expected Price: Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 16 Lakh

Expected Launch: January 2021

The Taigun was revealed alongside the Skoda Vision IN and the two have a lot in common. It shares its styling with the China-spec Volkswagen T-Cross and will go up against the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the Indian market. The Volkswagen SUV comes loaded with top-of-the-line features such as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.2-inch touchscreen, LED headlamps and more. The Taigun will be manufactured in India itself and we think that will allow Volkswagen to price it aggressively.

MG ZS

Expected Price: Rs 12 Lakh to Rs 16 Lakh

Expected Launch: January 2021

MG already offers the ZS in India but that one is an EV and this will be the regular petrol model. Reversing the conventional product timelines, the petrol model follows the electric. The ZS was also revealed at Auto Expo 2020 and will be offered in India with two engine options: a 120PS petrol unit and a turbo-petrol that makes 160PS and 230Nm! From what we know, MG plans to offer only automatic transmission along with both engines. It will also have feel-good features such as a panoramic sunroof and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.