According to a media report, Tata Motors is planning to launch a new micro-SUV to rival the likes of the Mahindra KUV100 and Maruti Ignis. Codenamed X445 / Hornbill, the new model is rumoured to be launched around 2020-21.

Reports suggest that Tata had initially planned to introduce the Hornbill in 2022 but decided to prepone the launch after re-evaluating the segment. 

The new model is expected to be based on the Advanced Modular Platform (AMP) that will debut on the upcoming Harrier SUV. Rumours suggest that it could be offered with a 1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine from the Tiago or a revised version of the same powerplant. Transmission options might include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT.

That said, there has been no word yet from Tata Motors confirming these reports. Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki is also planning a new micro-SUV called the Y1K. Hyundai and Datsun also have plans to enter this segment.

Source: Economic Times

The first test mule of the India-bound Kia SP Concept-based SUV has been spotted in South Korea. This SUV is expected to be Kia's first offering in the Indian market.

Kia is yet to formally announce the name of the production-spec SP Concept. However, in a pole conducted by the carmaker, the majority of Indians voted for the name Trazor. 

The spy images indicate that the Kia Trazor gets a tiger nose grille and a rectangular air dam. It appears to have projector headlamps instead of the LEDs that were seen on the concept car and is riding on 5-spoke alloy wheels. From the side, the Trazor looks similar to the Hyundai Creta, while at the rear, it features wraparound L-shaped tail lights. 

Technical details including the choice of engines and transmissions have not been announced as yet.

Source: cafe.naver.com

According to a media report, Hyundai is likely to introduce an automated manual transmission (AMT) on its upcoming small hatchback. Reports suggest that the carmaker will offer the new AMT on other models like the Elite i20 and the upcoming QXi crossover as well.

It is believed that Hyundai's new entry-level hatchback Santro, could replace the Eon. It will compete with models like the Maruti Celerio, Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid and Datsun Redigo, all of which are available with an AMT.

It has been reported that Hyundai could also offer the new AMT on the Elite i20, which is currently available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is expected to allow the company to price the car more competitively against its rivals that have expensive CVT and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Hyundai is also working on a sub-4 meter SUV to take on the Tata Nexon and Maruti Vitara Brezza. The Carlino concept-based SUV (codenamed: QXi) is also seen as a likely candidate for the new AMT.

Source: Carwale

More spy images of the new Hyundai compact SUV have surfaced online. This time the test mules were spotted on the streets of South Korea.

The spy images suggest that the styling of the new compact SUV will be based on the recent design trend at Hyundai. It is likely to feature a large cascade grille in the front and a split headlight design which takes inspiration from the Kona. The side profile looks almost similar to the Creta. At the rear, it has a raked windshield and a shark fin antenna. One of the test mules also has silver roof rails.

It is still unclear whether Hyundai will offer this compact SUV in India. However, the carmaker has already confirmed that the Indian market will get a compact SUV based on the Carlino concept which was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. A sub-4m micro SUV is also being considered.

Source: blog.naver.com

According to a media report, Hyundai is evaluating a sub-4m micro SUV for India. The new model could be positioned below the upcoming Carlino concept-based compact SUV (codenamed: QXI).

We had previously reported that Hyundai plans to launch 8 new products in India by 2020. However, the rumoured micro SUV is not expected to be a part of this plan. It has been reported that the carmaker is conducting market surveys for a possible entry into the micro SUV segment.

Hyundai's micro SUV could rival the Renault Kwid in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki is also developing a product in this segment. It is expected to be based on the Future-S Concept, which was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo, and is expected to be launched around 2020.

Source: Autocar India

According to a media report, Datsun is planning to launch a sub-4 meter compact SUV in India. It is expected to be priced under Rs. 10 lakh.

The upcoming SUV will be based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-A platform and will have a compact crossover styling similar to that of the Tata Nexon. It is likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine derived from the 1.0-litre unit that is currently offered on the Redi-GO. A diesel engine may not be offered.

Datsun is also expected to launch facelift versions of the GO and GO+ in September 2018.

Meanwhile, Renault is working on an MPV based on a similar CMF-A+ architecture. Codenamed RBC, the new MPV is also rumoured to get a turbocharged petrol engine. It is expected to be positioned below the Lodgy and could be launched in 2019.

Source: Autocar India

Thanks to BHPian saket77 for sharing this information with other enthusiasts! 

According to a media report, Maruti Suzuki is planning to revive the Zen brand with a sub-compact SUV, positioned below the Vitara Brezza. The report suggests that this could be a production version of the Concept Future-S, which was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.

The Concept Future-S was created in-house by Maruti Suzuki in India and debuts a new design language. It has an upright front facia with white accents around the grille and headlamps. The front bumper has a silver scuff plate and twin vents on either side with white surrounds. The front windshield also has a white frame. The concept car has pillar-less doors and a gently sloping roofline that terminates into a raked rear windshield. The rear features a similar twin-U shaped light design as the front with white highlights. The rear bumper looks chunky and has a large silver skid plate. Further, the Concept Future-S gets cream colored interiors with orange accents and a 3-spoke steering wheel finished in orange. The black centre console houses a circular infotainment screen. 

Maruti hasn't disclosed any technical details about the Concept Future-S / Zen. However, media reports suggest that it could be based on the HEARTECT platform that underpins the new Swift. The car may be offered with a full-electric powertrain or a hybrid powertrain featuring a 1.2-litre, K-series petrol engine or a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine.

Source: Financial Express 

The interiors of the upcoming Mahindra S201 compact SUV have been spied for the first time. The S201 is based on the Ssangyong Tivoli and appears to have a similar dashboard layout as its Korean counterpart.

According to the latest spy images, the S201 is likely to get a dual-tone dashboard with a touchscreen infotainment system with air-conditioning vents on either side. The climate control module has gloss black finish. It includes a rotary fan speed controller and a digital readout. The SUV has a 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with silver accents and a twin-pod instrument cluster with a central MID. An engine start/stop button has been provided and the SUV appears to have chrome door handles. There is a front centre armrest and the seats are wrapped in fabric upholstery.

Under the bonnet, the S201 is likely to get a 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Reports suggest that Mahindra might also offer a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It will compete with the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport.

Source: MotorVikatan

The Kia SP Concept-based SUV will be company's first offering for the Indian market. The name of the production-spec SP Concept will be decided through an online poll, which is currently live on this website. The SUV is expected to be launched in the second half of 2019.

Kia has narrowed down on four potential names for the SP Concept - Tusker, Trazor, SP-Z and Trailster. At present, 'Tusker' has received the most number of votes, while 'Trazor' is in second place.

The Kia SP Concept was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. The concept features Kia's 'Tiger Nose' grille at the front finished in silver and wraparound headlights. The front bumper has an integrated silver scuff plate and LED DRL strips placed vertically. The A, B and C-pillars are finished in black and it has a white roof. The rear features a dual-tone bumper, wraparound tail lights and a silver garnish running across the tailgate.

The SP Concept-based SUV is expected to rival the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and the likes in the Indian market. Kia is also evaluating the Stonic compact SUV and Grand Carnival MPV for India.

Kia showcased a wide range of models from its global line up at the 2018 Auto Expo. Among them were the Stonic compact SUV and the Grand Carnival MPV. Latest reports suggest that both these models are now being evaluated for India.

The Kia Stonic is based on the Rio hatchback. It measures 4,140 mm in length, 1,520 mm in width and 1,760 mm in height. The car has a dual-tone exterior with silver trim around the grille and projector headlamps. The rear features a roof spoiler and wraparound tail lamps. The dual-tone rear bumper has an integrated silver scuff plate and chrome exhaust tips.

The Stonic is powered by a 998 cc, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 118 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 172 Nm of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. The Stonic could rival the Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon in the Indian market.

The Grand Carnival, also known as Sedona in some markets, is a large MPV with power sliding rear doors. It comes in 7, 8 or 11-seat configuration and could compete with the Toyota Innova Crysta in the Indian market. It is powered by a 2.2-litre, turbocharged diesel engine that produces 199 BHP @ 3,800 rpm and 441 Nm @ 1,750-2,750 rpm, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Autocar India