Forget the sub-4 meter SUVs/crossovers we covered a few weeks ago. The cars listed here, in comparison to the compact SUVs, can be considered full-sized. These cars have a more rugged appeal, get seven seats, and some have the 4x4 option.
1. Mahindra Scorpio Facelift
The Mahindra Scorpio facelift has been testing for over a year now and we should see the car launch by the middle of the year. We can confirm that the refreshed Scorpio gets a redone interior inspired by the XUV500, while the design of the front fascia is thoroughly revised with inclusion of projector headlights. At the back, the test cars sport LED taillights.
Do not expect any drastic mechanical changes as the current 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine would continue doing duty on the updated Scorpio. The engine could be tweaked for better emissions and fuel efficiency.
2. Renault Duster Facelift
Announced for Europe last year, the facelifted Duster takes certain styling cues from the D-Cross concept and definitely looks like a step in the right direction. The Duster facelift gets an updated headlight design with integrated LED daytime running lights, new body colors, reprofiled taillights and an updated interior.
While the diesel engine - 1.5-liter K9K - will continue unchanged, we hope Renault launches the car with the new 1.2-liter TCe turbo-petrol engine. A 4x4 option will also be a welcome addition to the range.
3. Skoda Yeti Facelift
Skoda India showcased the refreshed Yeti at the 2014 Auto Expo last month, announcing that the market launch will take place in the second half of this year.
The updated Yeti for India will only come in the 'Outdoor' body style (while Europe gets a Style variant also). It will be offered with the same 2.0-liter diesel engine available now. This engine is offered in power states of 110 PS and 140 PS. While the 110 PS uses a 5-speed manual to send power to the front wheels, the 140 PS gets a 6-speed manual sending power to all wheels of the SUV.
4. Maruti SX4 S-Cross
Though internationally the S-Cross is a successor to the SX4, for India, the S-Cross will be a completely new product while the SX4 (available in India only as a sedan) will be replaced with the Ciaz.
The S-Cross is reported to launch in the early part of next year. In Europe, its available with a 1.6-liter petrol engine putting out 120 PS and 156 Nm of torque, and a 1.6-liter diesel (Fiat Multijet) producing 120 PS and 320 Nm of torque. The S-Cross is available with 2WD and 4WD. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual or CVT for the petrol, and a 6-speed manual for the diesel.
5. Hyundai ix25
The Hyundai ix25 is reported to be based on the next generation i20. The crossover has been spotted testing in Europe, China and Korea and is likely to be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show next month.
Unlike the Duster, the ix25 will be a feature-rich product offering a modern, well-built cabin with the regular array of safety systems like ABS, EBD and Airbags. A Hyundai official told Indian Autos Blog to expect a few features filter down from the larger Santa Fe, and features like rear AC vents are a given for a car of this class.
6. Honda Brio-based SUV
While the Honda Vezel will not make it to India due to cost reasons, the company is considering a crossover based on the Brio platform. No, this will not be a souped-up Brio wearing a rough road kit, but a re-engineered product sharing only the underpinnings of the small car.
The Brio platform has proven cost effective and flexible for Honda Cars India, which launched the Amaze last year and is preparing to launch the Mobilio this year. A well designed crossover powered by Honda's fuel efficient diesel engine could be the ultimate spin-off on the Brio's platform.
7. Ford Endeavour Facelift
The Ford Endeavour received a mild facelift in markets like South Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia last year. The tweaked Endeavour gets redesigned headlights inspired by the Figo, and new bumpers.
There are no major upgrades to the interiors, and even the powertrain options continue unchanged. Until the next generation Endeavour (based on the Everest concept) is unveiled, this mildly refreshed model will ensure the SUV putting up a fight with rivals from Toyota, Mahindra/Ssangyong and Hyundai.
8. Mahindra Bolero Facelift
The Bolero is India's largest selling SUV and has sold over 6.5 lakh units. Recent spyshots suggest that Mahindra is readying an updated Bolero with redesigned bumpers and wheel arches in order to extend the expiry date of the SUV.
With the Bolero though, sales have continued to increase with its age. Though there haven't been any updates since 2011, Mahindra sold in excess of 100,000 units of the Bolero in 2012 and 2013.
