Compact SUVs have overtaken the small car segment in the Indian passenger vehicle market. The arrival of new SUVs priced under Rs 10 lakh in the past few years and the availability of finance are the major reasons behind their popularity. Furthermore, the compact SUVs, with their SUV-ish design, upright driving stance, and high ground clearance, make them more suitable for Indian driving conditions. If you’re looking for a compact SUV, at least four new models are coming your way.
Upcoming Compact SUVs
Nissan Magnite Facelift
The Nissan Magnite is currently one of the most affordable SUVs in the country, along with its French cousin, the Renault Kiger. The Japanese automaker has already started testing the Magnite facelift, which is likely to arrive towards the end of 2024 or early 2025. The updated model will receive minimal cosmetic changes, including a new grille, revised headlamps and LED signatures, redesigned bumpers, and new alloys. A few upgrades will also be made inside the cabin. The new Nissan Magnite facelift will continue to use the existing 72bhp, 1.0L petrol and 100bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol engines.
Kia Key
Kia India has been testing a new sub-4 metre SUV that’s likely to be named ‘Kia Clavis’ or ‘Kia Syros’. Previous spy images reveal that the model will carry an upright stance with massive body cladding, roof rails, and high ground clearance. Interior details of the Clavis compact SUV are still under wraps, though it’s likely to come with a sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and ventilated seats. The engine setup might include a hybrid setup with an FWD (front-wheel drive) system.
New-Gen Hyundai Venue
The new-generation Hyundai Venue compact SUV is scheduled to hit showrooms next year. It will be the first Hyundai model to be produced at the company’s new Talegaon-based facility. The carmaker aims to manufacture nearly 1,50,000 units annually. The 2025 Hyundai Venue is likely to witness comprehensive changes inside and out, while the engine-gearbox combos are expected to be carried forward from the current generation.
Skoda Compact SUV
Skoda has released the first teaser of its upcoming compact SUV, which will go on sale in India by March 2025. It will be based on the MQB A0 IN platform and have a shorter wheelbase than the Kushaq. Reports suggest that the upcoming Skoda compact SUV will have different body panels than its elder sibling. Similar to the Slavia and Kushaq, it could also be offered with the ADAS suite and a 360-degree camera. Under the hood, the model is likely to feature the 115bhp, 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with both 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.
