With robust demand, the sub-4 metre SUV segment in India has been witnessing tremendous growth over the past couple of years. The sales chart surged sharply after the introduction of micro SUVs such as the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Competition in this segment is expected to become fiercer with the arrival of at least five new models. Let’s take a look at key details of these upcoming micro SUVs.
Kia Syros – Early 2025
The Kia Clavis or Syros will be the name of the upcoming sub-4 metre SUV from the South Korean automaker in India. The model is likely to make its global debut towards the end of 2024, followed by its market launch in early 2025. The Clavis/Syros will feature an upright stance with roof rails and massive body cladding. Spy images suggest that the new Kia micro SUV will come with ADAS technology and a sunroof, along with features such as ventilated and powered front seats, leatherette upholstery, a 360-degree camera, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and rear disc brakes. The Kia Clavis/Syros will be offered with both petrol and electric powertrains.
Maruti Fronx Facelift – 2025
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has been generating volume for the Indo-Japanese automaker since its market arrival. The carmaker has confirmed that it will update the micro SUV lineup with a strong hybrid powertrain next year. Reports suggest that the Indo-Japanese automaker is working on its own strong hybrid technology, which will be used for its mass-market, small offerings, including the Fronx, Baleno, Swift, and Brezza. Details of the 2025 Maruti Fronx facelift are scant at this point. However, it’s likely to receive a few changes both inside and out.
Hyundai Inster EV – H2, 2026
Hyundai’s global entry-level Inster EV will also make its way to India in the second half of 2026. Here, it will compete against the Tata Punch EV. Based on the affordable E-GMP (K) platform, the Hyundai Inster EV is globally offered with Standard 42kWh and Long-Range 49kWh NMC battery packs, offering WLTP-claimed ranges of 300km and 355km, respectively. The micro SUV will come with features such as dual 10.25-inch displays (for touchscreen infotainment and instrumentation), auto climate control, ADAS, a 360-degree camera with blind spot monitoring, and more.
Maruti Small SUV (Y43) – 2026 Festive Season
Maruti Suzuki, which has launched four SUVs in the past two years, will further expand its SUV portfolio with a range of new models. The plan also outlines a new micro SUV to challenge the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch, expected to arrive around the 2026 festive season. The model is expected to have a boxy, SUV-like stance with high ground clearance. It might share some design elements and features with the Fronx. Under the hood, the new Maruti micro SUV is expected to feature a 1.2L Z-Series mild-hybrid petrol powertrain with both manual and automatic transmission options.
Hyundai Bayon – FY27
Hyundai’s next major offering in the micro SUV space will be the Bayon crossoverwhich shares its platform, components, and engines with the i20 hatchback. Codenamed Bc4i, the model is expected to arrive in India in fiscal year 2027. In global markets, it’s sold with the 1.0L turbo petrol engine in two states of tune. In India, the new Hyundai micro SUV could be offered with a 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine delivering 118bhp and 175Nm. There might also be an 82bhp, 1.2L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine on offer.
