New cars for 2017: Upcoming SUVs

Next year promises to be big on new SUVs. Here is a comprehensive list of the upcoming launches.

The year 2017 is set to be big for SUVs in India, with many automakers set to foray into the new or existing segments with all-new or facelifted models. The launch of the Tata Hexa is expected to be the biggest in the first half of the year with the new model carrying forward the brand’s new philosophy that started with the Tiago. Other mainstream models expected include the long-anticipated Tata Nexon, Ford’s facelifted EcoSport and Honda’s Jazz-based crossover, the WR-V.

The luxury segment though won’t be stepping in lightly either, with a large onslaught of SUVs expected from global carmakers. Audi is set to bring its high-performance diesel SQ7 early next year followed by the new Q5. Lexus is set to make its India debut in March with a line-up of two SUVs, and Maserati will attract some eyeballs with its all-new Levante SUV.

Here is a comprehensive list of all the SUV expected over the course of the next 12 months.

Audi Q2

It’s the smallest offering in Audi’s ‘Q’ range of SUVs that’s expected to hit our shores no earlier than mid-2017. Unlike the Q3 and the Q5, which look like shrunken versions of the Q7, the Q2’s beefy, chiselled fascia and raked, almost- hatchback-like rear end give it a unique stance. More importantly, at an expected Rs 27 lakh, what you will get is a luxury SUV for the price of a luxury hatchback.

Plus, the Q2 claims to be a proper five-seater, and it’s got a 405-litre boot too. The Q2 comes with all the goodies offered on bigger Audis. It’s impeccably put-together cabin gets a dash-top-mounted infotainment screen and the all-digital Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster.

While entry-level models will be front-wheel drive, this being a Q, its higher variants will get an all-wheel-drive system. The engine line-up is likely to comprise a 1.4-litre TSI turbo-petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel, both producing 150hp.

Coming: 2018
Price: Rs 27 lakh
Engines: 1.4 P, 2.0 D

BMW X7

It’s the SUV sibling of BMW’s latest 7-series, which it will share underpinnings and tech with. Expected to arrive in 2018, the X7 will be the largest model in the carmaker’s line-up. Unlike the X5 (which can be had in a seven-seat  configuration), the X7 is a proper seven-seater and will rival full-fat luxury SUVs like the Mercedes GLS, the Range Rover and the Audi Q7. Motivation for this behemoth is likely to come from six- and eight-cylinder engines like the 3.0-litre diesel, and a 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol from the 7-series.

Coming: 2018
Price: Rs 1.1-1.3 crore
Engines: 3.0 D, 4.4 P

New Audi Q5

Although the new Q5 looks like a Q7 head on, the rest of the car looks pretty much unchanged. But this Mercedes GLC rival is actually all new, and thanks to its modular underpinnings which it shares with the new A4 and Q7, it’s as much as 90kg lighter than before.

The resemblance to the Q7 continues into the interior too, where fit, finish and equipment levels have taken a huge step up in the new Q5. It gets the de rigueur 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, an 8.3-inch free-standing screen for the MMI infotainment system. The unit offers Wi-Fi connectivity along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Also, it’s amply spacious for five and comes with a massive 610-litre boot. It’s likely to arrive by late 2017 with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines producing 252hp and 190hp respectively. For India, an eight-speed auto ’box and all-wheel drive will be standard too.

Coming: Late 2017
Price: Rs 62 lakh
Engines: 2.0 D, 3.0 D

Audi SQ7

Audi has managed to make turbo lag a thing of the past, and the first proof of this is the SQ7. It packs a 435hp 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 diesel that’s got a neat trick up its sleeve – an electric compressor that forces air into the engine at low rpms, before the turbochargers come into their stride. 

The result is a whopping 900Nm of torque on tap at as low as 1,000rpm, or pulling power from get-go! Audi claims that the 2,330kg SQ7 will blitz the 0-100kph dash in 4.9 seconds, and you can buy yourself all that performance for an expected Rs 1 crore.

Coming: January 2017
Price: Rs 1 crore
Engine: 4.0 D

Jeep Compass

During the recent global unveiling of the spanking new Compass, Jeep was quick to declare its plans of assembling this model in India at FCA’s Ranjangaon plant. And so, this small SUV, with an expected price tag of Rs 20 lakh could be the model that gives the company some much-needed traction in India.

The Compass is a Hyundai Tucson-sized SUV that looks like a mini Grand Cherokee. Like the
Grand Cherokee, it features slim headlamps, an upright stance, massive ground clearance and big alloy wheels. It’s likely to come to India with a Fiat-sourced 172hp 2.0-litre turbo-diesel which will send power to the front wheels on base variants via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Higher variants will get AWD with a locking differential and a low-range gearbox. But for enthusiasts, Jeep is likely to bring in a Trailhawk variant that’s jacked up further by 20mm, and gets off-road tyres, extra body cladding and tougher underbody protection. With all that kit, it’s safe to say that the Compass is sure to be the most capable off-roader in its segment.

Coming: End 2017
Price: Rs 20 lakh
Engine: 2.0 D

Chevrolet Trailblazer facelift

Last year, Chevrolet launched its Fortuner-rivalling Trailblazer in India. A facelifted version of the SUV is on sale in some markets, and will head our way in 2017. It’s got a new face, and new LED tail-lamps, but proportionally remains the same as the outgoing model. The interior too has been revised and features an updated centre console and better quality materials. Its current 200hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel and six-speed automatic gearbox though, are likely to be carried over unchanged. 

Coming: April 2017
Price: Rs 25 lakh
Engine: 2.8 D

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

To take on the BMW X6, Mercedes brought out its own SUV-coupé in the form of the GLE Coupe. Now, Mercedes plans on introducing the coupé body style on the smaller GLC. It shares its running gear with the regular GLC, but chucks the boxy roofline for a swooping, sexier silhouette, that’s sure to ramp up its ability to turn heads. Initially expected to arrive as the petrol-powered GLC Coupe 300, it could also get an AMG-line variant which will give it some go for its show.

Coming: 2017
Price: Rs 55-65 lakh
Engines: 2. 0 P, 2.1 D

Datsun Go Cross

The Go and Go+ hatchback and sub-four-metre MPV haven’t garnered many footfalls for Datsun showrooms. However, one concept that did grab a lot of attention at the 2016 Auto Expo is the Go Cross, a GO+ based compact crossover. You’d hardly notice the link between the two though, and that’s thanks to the jacked up stance, beefy body-cladding, skid-plates and radical front end styling of the concept. So strong was the response to this stylish model, that it’s now slated for an earlier-than-expected launch in 2017. The growing demand for crossovers makes the Go Cross a potential winner for Datsun. However, its success will depend on Datsun’s ability to price it smartly.

Coming: March 2017
Price: Rs 6-8 lakh
Engine: 1.2 P

New land Rover Discovery

This latest Discovery looks more Range Rover than Land Rover, and thanks to its aluminium intensive construction, it’s a massive 480kg lighter. So, expect it to be quicker, more frugal and better to drive. In fact, Land Rover says that this is its most potent off-roader yet. Not too lofty a claim considering the Discovery’s massive 220mm ground-clearance (283mm on models equipped with air suspension) and wading depth of 900mm. Also, it gets a low-ratio transfer case and the latest Terrain Response 2.0 system that should make easy work of any road surface.

Its flexible cabin has space for seven full-sized adults, but if it’s luggage you want to haul, the power-operated seats (controlled via the car’s 10-inch infotainment touchscreen) can be folded away to free up 2,406 litres of loading space.

JLR’s 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel is likely to be the mainstay engine. While base versions will get the engine in its 180hp state of tune, a twin-turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre diesel, producing 240hp will make its debut in the Discovery. A more powerful 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and supercharged petrol will also be offered. All motors will be paired with eight-speed automatic gearboxes.

Coming: Late 2017
Price: Rs 1.5 crore
Engines: 2.0 D, 3.0 D, 3.0 P

Lexus LX

Massive SUVs, wearing the big ‘L’ badge, aren’t rare on our roads. While the models were privately imported until now, with Lexus – Toyota’s luxury brand – entering India, the LX could soon be bought from an official showroom. It’s a rich man’s Land Cruiser that will ferry seven around in the lap of luxury. Initially, the model be fully imported and so, will be pricey. However, unlike the Land Cruiser, you do get the luxury, equipment styling and the Lexus badge.

Coming: March 2017
Price: Rs 1.5 crore
Engines: 5.7 P, 4.5 D

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

If the regular Evoque wasn’t chic enough, Land Rover has attempted to make it more fashionable still by lopping off the roof. Its cloth-top folds away in 18 seconds and it can seat four comfortably. And because it says Range Rover on the nose, know that it can still outperform most other luxury SUVs when you take it off road. Expect it to come with JLR’s new high-tech 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel, and probably a 2.0-litre petrol too.

Coming: Mid 2017
Price: Rs 80 lakh
Engines: 2.0 P, 2.0 D

Renault Kaptur

This is the Renault Kaptur with a ‘K’, not to be confused with the smaller Ford EcoSport-rivalling Captur sold in Europe. True, the two cars do share a lot of the uber-cool crossover styling, but the India-bound Kaptur’s building blocks are closely related to that of the rugged Duster. Along with its underpinnings and all-wheel-drive gear, the Kaptur will share the 1.6-litre petrol and popular K9K 1.5-litre diesel with the Duster. Additionally, it’s likely to get a 2.0-litre petrol with a four-speed automatic too. Being a more premium offering, it will be positioned above the Duster. To be priced at an estimated Rs 16 lakh, it will take on the Mahindra XUV500 along with higher variants of the Hyundai Creta when it arrives here in early 2017.

Coming: End 2017
Price: Rs 16-20 lakh
Engines: 1.5 D, 2.0 P

Lexus RX 450h

This sporty, rather futuristic- looking luxury crossover promises sharp handling and a properly luxurious interior. It has its work very cut out for it thanks to the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. However, where its rivals offer either a now-looked-down-upon diesel or a petrol guzzler, the Lexus is an eco-friendly petrol-electric hybrid. Being a hybrid and a full-import will make it expensive, but with local assembly on the cards, expect prices to go down later. 

Coming: March 2017
Price: Rs 65-70 lakh
Engine: 3.5 P + electric
 

Maruti S-cross Petrol

A hefty price tag and hatchback-like looks have weighed the S-cross down. Furthermore, it could only be had with diesel engines – Fiat-sourced 1.3- and 1.6-litre units. Now, however, Maruti plans on introducing a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol motor in its premium crossover. This unit (also likely to power the Ciaz) makes 100hp and 133Nm of torque. Given the slow shift in preference to petrol cars, the addition of the petrol engine in the S-cross will surely make it a more viable proposition. Being a premium offering, how we wish it came with an automatic gearbox too!

Coming: Mid 2017
Price: Rs 8-10 lakh
Engine: 1.5 P

Maserati Levante

Everything from the Renault Kwid to the Bentley Bentayga testifies that SUVs are here to stay. But want one with some Italian flair? No, it’s not a Ferrari, but it’s close. Very evidently a performance SUV, the Levante claims to offer unrivalled handling. It uses the same foundations as the Ghibli and 

Quattroporte performance sedans, and will be introduced with a 275hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel. This motor allows the SUV to despatch the 0-100kph run in 6.9sec. Enthusiasts, however, will have to wait for the stronger V6 and twin-turbo V8 petrol versions which are expected to arrive later. All models will get four-wheel-drive and air suspension as standard. Expect it to arrive loaded with everything that comes 

in a Rs 1.25 crore car.

Coming: Early 2017
Price: Rs 1.25 crore
Engines: 3.0 P, 3.0 D

Tata Nexon

In the ever-burgeoning sub-four-metre compact SUV segment, Tata’s Nexon is sure to be the most stunning automobile you could treat yourself to. That’s thanks to its muscular stance and that edgy coupé-like roofline; a marked departure from its boxy rivals. Its premium interior too is just as impressive, featuring an eight-speaker audio system and a dash-top-mounted 6.5-inch touchscreen for the Harman-sourced infotainment unit. It will also come with a multi-drive mode system; a class-first feature.

Space has always been a USP of Tata cars, the Nexon being no different. Despite the sloping roof, the cleverly engineered rear seats ensure that even tall passengers have sufficient headroom.

Tata will employ a brand new 1.5-litre turbo-diesel and a turbocharged version of the Tiago’s 1.2-litre petrol on the Nexon – both producing 110hp. Both engines will send power to the front wheels via new six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

Coming: End 2017
Price: Rs 7-10 lakh
Engines: 1.2 P, 1.5 D

New Honda CR-V

Honda India is likely to skip the mid-cycle facelift of its petrol-only CR-V SUV, and will instead bring in an all-new model for 2017. It’s a more upmarket offering, made evident by the design language that it shares with models from Acura, Honda’s premium car division. Besides, it’s bigger than the outgoing car too, which should make it more spacious. This extra space has allowed for a seven-seat cabin configuration, which could be offered on the India-bound model. It is still expected to receive petrol engines only. One being the current model’s 2.4-litre unit, and the other a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, both making 190hp and mated to CVT automatics. 

Expected: Late 2017
Price: Rs 17-20 lakh
Engines: 1.5 P, 2.0 P
 

New Nissan X-Trail 

The latest India-bound X-trail looks more modern and rounded than its blocky predecessor. The bigger difference is that it will come here in a petrol-hybrid avatar, rather than a diesel as the previous-generation car did. We drove the car and found it to be quite refined, spacious and well equipped.

What Indian buyers will surely appreciate its claimed fuel efficiency of 20kpl. However, being a full import, this SUV will be quite expensive for its size.

Coming: January 2017
Price: Rs 35 lakh
Engine: 2.0 P + electric

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda’s upcoming flagship, the Kodiaq, is a seven-seat luxury SUV that will take on the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Fortuner. It’s only 40mm longer than an Octavia, but Skoda claims that it’s more spacious than its rivals, especially in the middle-row seats. Speaking of interiors, Skoda has raised its bar for quality and luxury with the use of plush materials all around the cabin. It’s loaded with features too. There’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher variants with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, Wi-Fi Hotspot connectivity, wireless phone charging and lots more. Expect a 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel mated to a brand new seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic to be mainstay on the Kodiaq. But there is the possibility of a 2.0-litre petrol as well. 

Coming: August 2017
Price: Rs 25-30 lakh
Engines: 2.0 P, 2.0 D

Volvo XC90 Polestar

Last year, Volvo introduced its mighty impressive second-generation XC90. The one area where the big luxury SUV slightly lacked, however, was performance, using a 2.0-litre diesel in a segment full of 3.0-litre six-pots. However, there’s a new version coming that will address that. Volvo’s in-house tuning division, Polestar, has taken the petrol hybrid powertrain from the XC90 T8 and wound it up to 420hp. And with a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.5sec and the fuel efficiency of a hybrid, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Coming: 2017
Price: Rs 1.3-1.4 crore
Engine: 2.0 P + electric

Honda WR-V

Slotted below the BR-V, the WR-V is Honda’s Jazz-based hatchback crossover that will rival the likes of the Hyundai i20 Active and the Fiat Avventura and Urban Cross. A recently unveiled sketch of the car showcases a muscular exterior, replete with aggressive bumpers and body cladding. However, to keep costs in check, the crossover is likely to feature a similar interior as in its premium hatchback sibling. It is also expected to share engine and gearbox options with the Jazz.  

Expected: March 2017
Price: Rs 8-10 lakh
Engines: 1.2 P, 1.5 D

Tata Hexa

The Hexa picks up where the poorly received, yet supremely capable Aria left off, and dials up the premium factor to eleven with its aggressive SUV-like styling and features like a Harman-sourced touchscreen infotainment system and a 10-speaker JBL audio system. Not only is it visually rugged, it’s built on a tough ladder-frame chassis. To further enhance its off-roading creds, Tata has even given the Hexa an all-wheel-drive system. This system can be configured via a rotary-knob drive mode selector, much like the one on high-end Land Rover SUVs. The Hexa is loaded on the safety front too, with top-end variants getting six airbags, ABS, EBD, hill hold and hill descent control. Power comes from a 156hp 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that is mated to either six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

Coming: January 2017
Price: Rs 12.50-18 lakh
Engine: 2.2 D

Ford EcoSport facelift

The Maruti Vitara Brezza stole the EcoSport’s thunder from right under its nose. In response, Ford now plans on giving its sub-four-metre compact SUV some much-needed sprucing up.
The facelifted EcoSport will get a more aggressive face with a bigger grille, beefier bumpers, reprofiled tail-lamps, and new alloy-wheels. Updates to the interior are likely to include a touchscreen infotainment system – a feature buyers sorely missed in the current model. It’s likely to continue with the same set of potent petrol and diesel engines, and will retain the quirky proportions, the boot-mounted spare-wheel and fun-to-drive manners that made it popular.  

Coming: Early 2017
Price: Rs 7-10 lakh
Engines: 1.0 P, 1.5 P, 1.5 D

Volvo XC40

The Chinese-owned Swedish carmaker will resurrect its small car line-up with an Audi Q3-rivalling compact crossover – the upcoming XC40 – that it previewed with the Concept 40.1. Although the concept car shares a lot of its styling cues with the larger Volvo XC90, it will be built on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture(CMA) dedicated to development of its small cars. It will be powered by efficient three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, and is also likely to be offered with hybrid powertrains. The best bit though, is that the production car is likely to look near-identical to the concept. A sedan based on the same mechanicals is also expected later.

Coming: 2018
Price: Rs 25-40 lakh
Engines: 1.5 P, 2.0 D

Volkswagen Tiguan

After the Passat, Volkswagen plans on bringing in the Tiguan to India. It’s a Hyundai Santa Fe rival and will be the first of a slew of SUVs that the VW group plans to launch in India. It will arrive here in the middle of 2017 and is expected to be locally assembled at VW’s Aurangabad plant. However, at an estimated Rs 30 lakh, it will be quite expensive. Its restrained, yet appealing exterior packs quite a spacious and superbly appointed cabin that buyers will appreciate. The mainstay engine, a 2.0-litre diesel, will come with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox and an optional all-wheel-drive.

Coming: Mid 2017
Price: Rs 30 lakh
Engine: 2.0 D