The SUV/crossover segment is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment in India this year. Popularly categorized into mini (sub-4 meter), compact (5-seat SUVs/crossovers) and full-sized (7-seat SUVs), here is a list of upcoming launches in this segment in India this year.
1. Audi Q3 facelift:
Audi India will launch the Q3 facelift on June 18 in New Delhi. The facelifted Q3 brings LED headlights, Audi's Singleframe grille and gets a few feature upgrades as well. The Q3 facelift will continue to be powered by the 2.0-liter 177 bhp diesel engine.
2. 2015 Audi Q7:
The second generation 2015 Audi Q7 is reported to come to India around the Diwali period (November 2015). Based on the new MLB Evo platform, the new Q7 will come powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission for the Indian market.
3. 2015 BMW X6:
The second generation BMW X6 will launch in India within the next couple of months, sources tell Indian Autos Blog. The coupe-styled X6 will launch through the CBU route, and will reportedly come with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine. Post the launch of the new X6, BMW India could also introduce the performance-oriented X6M and X5M models in the country.
5. Chevrolet Trailblazer:
GM India have confirmed the launch of the Trailblazer this year, with a recent report indicating that a launch will take place in the second half of this year. The Trailblazer for the Indian market is likely to be powered by a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine capable of 500 Nm of torque, a class-leading figure.
6. 2015 Ford Endeavour:
The next generation 2015 Ford Endeavour is due to launch in India this year, with reports claiming a launch around August. The SUV will be powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine and a 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel engine paired to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
7. Hyundai Creta:
Perhaps the most anticipated launch in this list, the Hyundai Creta is reported to launch on July 21, with production slated to begin on June 20. The Indian market introduction will also mark the world premiere of the Creta, which is based on the Hyundai ix25.
8. Land Rover Discovery Sport:
The Land Rover Discovery Sport, a successor to the Land Rover Freelander, is expected to have its launch in India come August this year. The 5+2 seat SUV brings Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system among other features.
9. Mahindra U301:
The Mahindra U301 (codename) is a compact SUV touted to replace the aging Bolero. Based on a hydroformed ladder-frame chassis, the U301 will most likely be powered by a 1.5-liter diesel engine with manual and automated manual transmissions.
10. Mahindra S101:
Mahindra will also launch the S101 (codename) in India this year, based on an all-new monocoque platform. This sub-4 meter vehicle would debut a new 1.2-liter petrol engine apart from the 1.5-liter diesel unit. Like the U301, the S101 too will come with manual and automated manual transmissions.
11. Mahindra Quanto facelift:
Mahindra is also working on a facelift for its Quanto sub-4 meter offering. The Quanto facelift, according to reports, will come with SUV-like styling, a better quality cabin and a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
12. Maruti S-Cross:
Expected to launch in the first week of July, the Maruti S-Cross is reported to come with Fiat-sourced 1.3- and 1.6-liter MultiJet diesel engines. Production of the S-Cross has started at Maruti's Gurgaon plant, and further details are expected to be announced in the coming days.
13. Mercedes GLE (Mercedes M Class facelift):
The facelifted M Class, called the Mercedes GLE, will make its way into India this year sporting updated styling on the outside and inside. For the Indian market, Mercedes-Benz India is unlikely to alter the 2.2-liter four-cylinder CDI or the 3.0-liter V6 CDI diesel engines.
14. 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander:
Reports are rife that Hindustan Motor Finance Corp (HMFCL) will launch the Outlander in India this year, initially with a petrol engine. The 2016 Outlander (facelift) was revealed at the 2015 New York Auto Show in April this year, and sports a new front fascia along with updated interiors and features. A diesel variant on the Outlander will follow next year the report stated.
15. Tata Hexa:
The Tata Hexa, essentially a heavily re-engineered Tata Aria, is expected to launch in India this year. Apart from featuring SUV-styling cues and an improved interior, the Hexa will also come with a more powerful version of the 2.2-liter VariCOR diesel engine, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is reportedly in the works.
