The Indian automobile industry has witnessed a surge in demand and sales of SUVs over the last couple of years. This is why OEMs are rolling out new products across SUV segments. The subcompact SUVs have always been favoured for their compact yet assertive looks, high ground clearance and affordability. The compact SUV segment, which is already the most crowed space, is going to expand further with a range of new models. Here’re key details of the upcoming compact SUVs, which are slated to go on sale in 2024 – 2025.
Tata Nexon CNG
The Tata Nexon CNG is slated to go on sale in the second half of 2024. We have seen the model at the first edition of the Bharat Mobility Show earlier this year. It will be the first turbocharged CNG car in the country. The design of the CNG version will be exactly similar to its ICE counterpart. Though, it will get a i-CNG badging on the boot lid. In fact, the Nexon CNG will have same interior layout and features as the petrol/diesel version. That means, it will continue to come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, AC controls, a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, wireless phone charger and more. The Tata Nexon CNG will come with a 1.2L turbo petrol engine paired to a CNG kit. While the gasoline unit makes a top power of 118bhp with 170Nm, the CNG version will be slightly less powerful.
Nissan Magnite Facelift
After four years of its presence in India, the Nissan Magnite subcompact SUV is ready for a mid-life update in late 2024. Minimal changes are expected to be made to its exterior and interior, while the engine setup will remain unchanged. The fresh spy images reveal that the new Nissan Magnite facelift will come with the revised front and rear bumpers, redesigned headlamps and taillamps and newly-designed alloy wheels. Interior could be revised with features such as ventilated seats, auto dimming IRVM and electric sunroof. Nissan might also offer six airbags as standard safety fitment. For power, the 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift will use the same 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol and turbo petrol engines, making 72bhp and 100bhp, respectively.
Kia Syros/Key
Kia’s upcoming new micro SUV is likely to be named ‘Syros’ or ‘Clavis’ that will go up against the Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The model will carry tall stance and high ground clearance with design elements such as vertically positioned LED headlamps and taillamps, thick body cladding, roof rails, large glass windows with distinct kinks. In terms of features, the new Kia Syros or Clavis micro SUV might offer dual-screen setup (one for the infotainment and one for the instrument functionalities), ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a Bose audio system, a 360 degree camera and a panoramic sunroof. The new Kia micro SUV will be offered with both petrol and electric powertrains. It will come with the FWD setup.
Skoda/Volkswagen Compact SUVs
Skoda and Volkswagen are ready to foray into the sub-4 compact SUV segment in coming years. The upcoming Skoda compact SUV, which is confirmed for hit roads by March 2025, is currently in its testing phase. Speculations suggest that its production-ready version might debut at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show, followed by its market launch. It will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB AO IN platform, and sit on a 2,566mm long wheelbase. When it comes to engines, the new Skoda compact SUV is likely to come with the 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine making power worth 115bhp and 178Nm of torque. Buyers will have two gearbox options – 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic. There could be a performance-oriented variant of the SUV featuring 1.5L TSI motor with manual and DCT gearboxes.
New-Gen Hyundai Venue
Hyundai Venue is ready to enter into its second generation in 2025. It will be the first Hyundai model to be produced at Hyundai’s Talegaon facility with an estimate figure of 1,50,000 units on annual basis. Codenamed Project Q2Xi, the 2025 Hyundai Venue is likely to come with significantly improved design and interior. Details on the new-gen model are scanty at this point of time. Currently, the subcompact comes with the 83bhp, 1.2L petrol, 120bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol and 100bhp, 1.5 diesel engines. The higher variants offer three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport, which can be accessed with a rotary dial integrated on the centre console.
