The calendar year 2019 promises some exciting new car launches for the Indian market. Well, there are at least 13 Upcoming SUVs in India in 2019 and here's our complete list of these models along with their launch details, expected ex-showroom prices and specs.
Upcoming SUVs in India in 2019
Nissan Kicks
Nissan Motor India will launch the Kicks on 22 January 2019. The India-spec Nissan Kicks is underpinned by a reworked version of the B0 platform of the Duster and Terrano. The Indian version is bigger than the global counterpart (Length x Width x Height: 4,295 mm x 1,760 mm x 1,590 mm) and is likely to go on sale at a starting price of INR 9.5 lakhs. The powertrain options will come from the Duster, thereby comprising the 1.5-litre H4K petrol and 1.5-litre K9K diesel motors. You can read in detail about the new Hyundai Creta-challenger in our test drive review.
Jeep Compass Trailhawk
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk will be launched in the first half of the year. In essence, the Trailhawk is a more accomplished off-roader thanks to the 20 mm additional ground clearance, Active Drive low-range 4WD, hill descent control, ‘Rock Mode’ for its Selec-Terrain 4WD system, and better Approach- and Departure-angles.
Powering the Jeep Compass Trailhawk is the same 2.0-litre, Multijet II diesel engine that powers the regular Compass. The motor produces a maximum power of 170 bhp along with a peak torque of 350 Nm. Internationally, the engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The top-end Compass model is expected to be priced north of INR 25 lakh.
Kia SP2i
The SP2i (codename) will be Kia Motors India's first-ever product for the local car market when it comes out in H1, 2019. Based on the Kia SP Concept that debuted at the Auto Expo 2018, the new model will rival the Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta and Jeep Compass. It will feature Hyundai-Kia's new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines that will be compliant with the BS6 emission norms. By 2023, the SUV should even receive all-electric and hybrid powertrains. The SP2i is underpinned by an updated version of the Creta's platform. It is likely to go on sale at a starting price INR 14 lakh and is among the most awaited upcoming SUVs in India in 2019.
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) plans to launch the Kona Electric SUV in India in H1, 2019. The Kona will cost INR 25 lakhs and will be available in less than 20 cities, with the company targeting 50 units a month sales.
Internationally, the Hyundai Kona EV is available in two variants. The base variant offers 136 PS-395 Nm and gets its juice from a 39.2 kWh battery. It has a driving range of 345 km*. The higher version provides 204 PS-395 Nm and draws power from a 64 kWh battery pack that offers a driving range of 546 km*. It was this specification which was presented at the MOVE 2018 Summit.
* As per New European Driving Cycle (NEDC)
Hyundai Styx
The Hyundai Styx (Codename - QXI), which will launch in March 2019, will go on to rival the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza. It will be designed s per the company's latest design philosophy At the front-end, the new model will feature the latest iteration of the company's cascading grille, while its side profile is likely to mimic that of the Creta in no small extent. The rear-end will flaunt wrap-around taillamps and a faux skid plate.
Reportedly, the Hyundai Styx will be underpinned by Verna's platform. The engine options will comprise a 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged direct injection petrol and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel motor. The latter will replace the 1.6-litre CRDi motor that can't attain BS6 compliance. A SmartAUTO AMT will be offered instead of a conventional torque converter unit to keep costs under a check.
2019 Hyundai Tucson (facelift)
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson (facelift) will reportedly go on sale in the second half of 2019. The refreshed version of the company's Jeep Compass-adversary features new LED headlights, the latest iteration of the cascading grille, new bumpers, L-shaped LED DRLs, 19-inch wheels, new exhaust finishers, and new tail lamps.
The interior sports a new centre console, a revised instrument cluster, and new upholstery. The touchscreen infotainment system offers a 7-inch floating touchscreen display. Specifications and prices are expected to remain mostly unchanged.
MG Hector
Hector is the market name of MG’s first SUV for India. While the company had earlier planned to introduce the new model in Q2 2019 (April-June 2019), it has now pushed the launch to mid-2019 (May-August 2019). The MG Hector is based on the Baojun 530 and features a revised front fascia and an updated interior to carve out its own distinct identity. While the China-spec Baojun 530 is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated motor, the Indian SUV will be sold with a 2.0-litre Multijet oil burner and the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit.
Mahindra XUV300
The Mahindra XUV300, which becomes the first monocoque sub-4-metre SUV from Mahindra and Mahindra, will launch on February 15. It will rival the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza and is expected to have a starting price of INR 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The XUV300 is based on the Ssangyong Tivoli's X100 platform and will draw power from 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines that will offer 200 Nm and 300 Nm, respectively.
The interior of the Mahindra XUV300 will be packed with segment-leading features like 7 airbags, disc brakes on all four wheels, electric sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier becomes the first production model to feature the company's Impact 2.0 design language. It is based on the Omega Arc platform that has been derived from JLR's L550 architecture. It is powered by an FCA-sourced 2.0 Multijet II-based Kryotec motor. While it will be launched only with a six-speed manual transmission, a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic unit will be made available at a later stage.
The Tata Harrier will cost INR 16-20 lakh (on-road), which means the new model will have the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass, and even the Mahindra XUV500 in its crosshairs. The new model will launch on January 23.
New-gen Renault Duster
The latest generation Renault Duster was unveiled on 15 November 2017. On sale in several global markets, the second generation has a modern design and a more contemporary interior. It continues to be underpinned by the Logan/B0 platform. On 9 October 2018, it was reported that there has been a delay in the India launch of the new Duster owing to the company's concerns of a possible sales cannibalisation between the new model and the Captur.
Given the poor sales performance from the latter, Renault India could finally launch a locally manufactured and adapted version of the new Duster in India in H2 2019 to get back in business in the SUV segment.
Ford Endeavour facelift
The Ford Endeavour facelift should launch in India in early-2019. While prices are expected to remain mostly unchanged, the new model will offer a higher equipment level.
The SUV will offer passive keyless entry and push-button start/stop. While the Thai-spec Endeavour facelift features a new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that outputs 213 PS /500 Nm, the Indian version will retain its current power options. These include a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine (160 PS/385 Nm) diesel engine and a 3.2-litre turbocharged five-cylinder oil burner (200 PS/470 Nm), will be carried over.
Mahindra TUV300 facelift
Mahindra is working on a mid-cycle facelift for its rugged sub-4-metre offering. The new model should launch by April 2019 and will feature additional safety features and minor styling tweaks. The new model should even benefit from a modified body structure to comply with the new crash tests that come into effect in October 2019. The company is also said to be working on a BSVI-compliant motor to meet the emission norms that come into effect from 1 April 2020.
Tata H7X
The Tata Harrier will spawn a 7-seater sibling, which has been codenamed the H7X, featuring a more conventional roofline. The three-row version will feature a different name, and while the Harrier is powered by the 140 PS version of FCA's 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine, the H7X will employ the 170 PS iteration, dubbed ‘Kryotec170'.
Prices of the Tata H7X could cost up to INR 21 lakh (on-road), while its launch is slated to take place in H2, 2019.
