These days sub 4 metres SUV vehicles are extremely popular in the automobile sector. It is noteworthy that this new segment was started by Ford EcoSport in the year of 2012 and seeing its huge success other companies also became serious towards this new segment.
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza has increased the popularity of this segment and Mahindra’s four compact SUVs made this category more interesting. We are giving you information about such four vehicles to be launched this year:
1) Honda WR-V
Estimated price: Rs 6.5 – 10 lakh
Launch: The first half of 2017 (Expected : March 2017)
Honda launched the seven-seater BR-V compact SUV last year. This year, the company is going to launch sub 4 metres compact SUV. It will compete directly with Fiat Avventura, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV 300.According to the reports Honda has already started manufacturing this SUV in its Pune Plant in India.
The Honda WR-V is based on the Jazz hatchback and it shares the same engine – the 1.2-litre, i-VTEC petrol that produces 90 bhp and 109 Nm torque and the 1.5-litre, i-DTEC diesel engine that delivers 99 bhp and 200 Nm torque.
Although, the Honda WR-V will get new front grille, body cladding, roof rails, LED day time running lamps, new tailgate and registration plate on the bumper.
2) Ford Ecosport 2017
Estimated price: Rs 7 – 10.50 lakh
Launch: During Diwali 2017
The first sub-compact SUV of the country is going to change for the first time in this festive season. However before makeover, the company is going to launch it with some changes in January or February 2017 in the Indian market on account of the increasing competition in this segment.
The main rivals of the Ford EcoSport 2017 will be the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra NuvoSport, Tata Nexon and Mahindra TUV3OO.
Although, the coming version of the Ford Ecosport 2017 in the festive season will have the new front fascia like the big SUVs – Ford Kuga and Ford Edge. In addition, the SUV will get new trapezoidal grille, new headlamps, fenders, LED DRLs, new fog lamps, revised bumpers, new LED tail lamps, revised skid plates and restyled blue oval badge.
However, it will not change mechanical and will come equipped with the 1.5-liter petrol, a 1.0 liter turbo petrol and the 1.5-liter diesel engine.
3) Datsun GO Cross
Estimated price: Rs 6 – 9 lakh
Launching: By the end of 2017
The Datsun GO Cross was first showcased in Delhi Auto Expo 2016. The car drew the attention of car lovers.
The Datsun GO Cross will come equipped with hexagonal grille with chrome bezel, LED headlamps, silver chromed bumper with black plastic extensions, LED fog lamps, LED taillight, rear bumper with pseudo air intakes, silver diffuser, auxiliary circular lamps and chromed finished wheels. No doubt with such features, it will be a nice looking car.
Now that, Datsun is the budget brand of the Nissan group, so it is expected that it will be cheaper than its rival SUVs.
4) Tata Nexon
Estimated price: Rs 7 – 10 lakh
Launch: The second half of 2017
Encouraged by the success of the Tiago hatchback Tata Motors is planning to launch the Nexon. This sub-compact SUV will be based on the company’s new ‘IMPACT Design’ philosophy. The Tata Nexon will come with attractive design and best in class features.
The company will launch this sub-compact SUV in both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.2 litre, turbocharged petrol engine produces 100 to 110 bhp of power and 170 Nm torque while the 1.5 liter diesel engine delivers 108 bhp of power and maximum torque of 260 Nm.
The engine will be mated to 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic transmission.