Earlier this month, Mahindra had released a video demonstrating the off-road capabilities of the new Thar. It appears to have been filmed at a Mahindra test track and if you look closely, you will notice a prototype of a compact SUV testing in the background.

The prototype appears at the 45 second mark in the video. The SUV can be seen testing on the banked section of the track in the background. While it is difficult to comment on what this car might be, it appears to be smaller than the XUV300.

In the sub-compact SUV segment, Mahindra currently offers the KUV100 NXT. It is powered by a BS6-compliant 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 115 Nm @ 3,500-3,600 rpm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Earlier, Mahindra's Rajesh Jejurikar had stated that the carmaker plans to focus on SUVs instead of crossovers and will not target segments where it does not have a competitive advantage. So, it would be safe to assume that Mahindra does not plan to enter a new segment with the new model.

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While Citroen is yet to launch its first product in India, work on a second model is already underway. Citroen's second offering is likely to be a sub-4 meter SUV (codenamed: C21) and according to media reports, it could be called the C3 Sporty.

The C3 Sporty could be based on the modular CMP platform. It would most likely feature Citroen's funky design language with a triple-tone exterior and headlamp pods positioned lower down on the front bumper.

Reports indicate that the C3 Sporty could be offered with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Puretech petrol engine. The engine could be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The C3 Sporty could also get an all-electric variant with an output of 134 BHP and 260 Nm. A 50 kWh battery could offer a maximum range of 330 km on a single charge. A 37 kWh battery with 230 km of range could be offered in the lower variant.

It is said that the Citroen C3 Sporty will be produced in India. Engine and transmissions will probably be imported.

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It is rumoured that Renault might postpone the launch of the Kiger sub-4 meter SUV. It could now be launched in 2021.

Earlier reports indicated that Renault was planning to launch the Kiger in July 2020. However, the launch could now be pushed to next year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the generally negative market sentiment.

The Kiger is expected to be based on the CMF-A+ platform. Spy images suggest that the car could borrow design cues from the updated Kwid. It could get a twin-slat grille with slim triangular lights and tri-pod headlamps positioned lower down on the front bumper.

The Renault Kiger could get a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine paired with either a manual or an automated manual transmission (AMT).

Thanks to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent these images in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this page!

Back in 2018, there were reports of Honda planning to develop a sub-4 metre SUV for India. Now, according to a trademark application, the SUV could be called ZR-V.

The new sub-4 metre SUV is expected to be positioned below the HR-V in Honda's model line-up. It is expected to share its platform with the Honda Amaze and is likely to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and other sub-4 metre SUVs.

In the international market, the ZR-V could be get two petrol engine options. These include a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit with Honda's compact hybrid system (e-HEV).

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According to a media report, Toyota is likely to reveal a Yaris-based SUV this week.

The new SUV is expected to be based on the TNGA-B platform, which supports both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The SUV could be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a hybrid system. It could get CVT and 6-speed manual gearbox options.

Test mules of Toyota's new compact SUV have already been spotted in Europe. The early prototype was sporting a Yaris hatchback body shell.

If launched in India, the new Toyota SUV could compete with the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and the Mahindra XUV300.

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According to a media report, Nissan might launch the Magnite sub-4 meter SUV in India in May 2020.

The Nissan Magnite (codename: EM2) is expected to share its underpinnings with the Renault Triber (CMF-A+ platform). The carmaker has already released a couple of teaser images that reveal the car's side profile and its tail lamp cluster. It is expected to get a stepped roof like the Triber to increase headroom. The SUV could also be offered with a sunroof.

The Nissan Magnite is likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (codename: HR10). The entry-level variants might also get a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre unit.

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Nissan has filed a trademark application for 'Nissan Magnite'. A media report suggests that Nissan could use this name for its upcoming sub-4 meter SUV.

The Magnite is expected to share its underpinnings with the Renault Triber. It could be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while lower variants could get a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre unit instead.

Nissan has released a couple of teaser images of the upcoming model. It appears to have a dual-tone exterior with a black roof and silver trim along the window line. At the rear, the car has wraparound tail light that looks similar to the one on the Triber but with different detailing.

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According to a media report, Kia is likely to launch the Sonet sub-4 meter SUV in India in August 2020.

The Sonet was unveiled in concept form at the 2020 Auto Expo. The car features a tiger nose grille with red accents and has wraparound headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the concept car has wraparound tail lights and a light bar that stretches across the width of the car.

The production-spec Sonet is expected to share its underpinnings with the Hyundai Venue. It could be offered with a 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options, with either a manual or automated manual transmission (AMT).

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Nissan has released a new teaser image of its upcoming sub-4 metre SUV. The new image reveals the car's tail lamp cluster.

The image indicates that the tail lamps on the new SUV will be similar to those on the Renault Triber. While the basic shape of the tail lamp is similar, the detailing appears different.

Nissan's new SUV could get a stepped roof like the Triber. It is expected to be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while entry-level variants could get a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre engine.

Kia has unveiled the Sonet sub-4 meter SUV concept at the 2020 Auto Expo.

The Sonet is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Venue. It has a tiger nose grille with red accents at the front and wraparound headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. The front bumper has silver inserts and red highlights. The car has blacked-out A and B-pillars and a black roof with silver roof rails. It gets silver trim along the window line and dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, the Sonet has wraparound tail lights and an LED light bar that stretches across the width of the car. The dual-tone rear bumper also has silver inserts with red highlights.

The production-spec Kia Sonet is expected to be offered with a 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options. Customers could get a choice of a manual or automated manual transmission (AMT).