Auto car: New cars for 2019: Upcoming SUVs

AUDI Q3

Audi’s second-generation Q3 is scheduled to come to India next year. In terms of design, the front end of the new Q3 is clearly inspired by the flagship Q8 SUV. The cabin of the new Q3 is roomier than the previous model, as it is based on a new version of VW’s ubiquitous MQB platform, which has also seen overall length and width increase marginally.

There’s more equipment on offer on the new Q3 as well. Entry-level models get 10.25-inch instrument cluster as standard while higher variants will get Audi’s Virtual Cockpit (a 12.3-inch screen with Google maps and voice command functionality) as an optional extra. Abroad, the entry-level Q3 (35TFSI) will be powered by a 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol will be offered in two states of tune – 190hp (40TFSI) and 230hp (45TFSI). The 2.0-litre diesel also gets two states of tune – 150hp in the 35TDI and 190hp in the 40TDI.

Coming: End 2019
Engines: 1.5P, 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: Rs 38-46 lakh

AUDI Q8

Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q8, isn’t signed off for India but it’s under consideration. The Q8 features a coupé-like roofline and frameless doors. Notable styling flourishes include bulging wheel arches inspired by the famous Quattro and the option of 22-inch wheels, the largest to be offered straight from the factory. It’s the same size as a Q7, but the Q8 has a strict five-seat layout, whereas the Q7 can be had with seven.

Inside, the influence of the new A8 is evident, most notably with the new control system for the major functions, which are spread across two large touchscreens. The Q8 is likely to be available with a choice of two 3.0-litre engines – a 340hp petrol in the 55 TFSI and a 286hp diesel in the 50 TDI. The petrol will feature an 8-speed gearbox, with a 7-speed S tronic unit for the diesel.

The Q8 is set to go head-to-head with the Range Rover Sport, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 3.0P, 3.0D
Price: Rs 1-1.3 crore

BMW X2

Designed to appeal to a younger audience, the BMW X2 has a unique exterior design largely unchanged from that of the Concept X2. As with the second-generation X1, the X2 is based on BMW’s UKL platform. Size-wise, it is more compact than the X1. The cabin of the X2 will be similar to the X1’s, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen iDrive display and a head-up display likely to be offered as optional extras.

Under the bonnet, there will likely be three turbocharged four-cylinder units available – a 190hp, 2.0-litre petrol that drives the front wheels, a 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel that sends power to all four wheels, and a 231hp, 2.0-litre diesel motor with AWD. The petrol engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the diesel gets an 8-speed torque converter. It’ll be interesting to see the pricing of the X2, considering the gap between the X1 and X3 isn’t huge.

Coming: End 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: Rs 42-48 lakh

BMW X5

Along with the new platform that’s shared with the upcoming X7 – the new X5 is bigger, has updated powertrains, and features BMW’s latest digital cockpit and infotainment functions in a more luxurious cabin. Other options include a head-up display and a larger infotainment screen than the outgoing X5’s, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, conversational speech recognition control, gesture control and a touch-control rear seat entertainment system.

Under the hood, a six-cylinder petrol and two six-cylinder diesel engines will be available to begin with. The petrol engine is BMW’s familiar 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder turbocharged unit with 340hp
and 500Nm, and the diesel will be the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder producing a maximum output of 265hp and 620Nm.

Inside, tech highlights include a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a similar-sized infotainment screen, both featuring BMW’s new ID7 operating system. The X5 will also have on offer an optional third row of seats.

Coming: Mid 2019
Engine: 3.0P, 3.0D
Price: Rs 70-80 lakh

BMW X4

First up from BMW for India, next year, will be the new X4. The first-generation X4 debuted in 2014, while this second-generation model, was unveiled only earlier this year. The new model is noticeably larger than the X3, the model it is based on.

There will be two engine options on offer at launch - the X4 xDrive30i, which employs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol that makes 252hp and 350Nm of torque, and the xDrive30d, which is powered by a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel producing 265hp and 620Nm of torque. Both models will get all-wheel drive as standard, along with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Unsurprisingly, the X4’s interior also has plenty in common with the new X3. This includes the latest iDrive infotainment system (with a 6.5-inch display as standard or a 10.3-inch unit available as an option), which also gets voice and gesture control as standard.

Coming: Early 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 3.0D
Price: Rs 58-66 lakh

BMW X7

BMW’s seven-seat Mercedes-Benz GLS rival, the X7, will be the brand’s largest SUV yet. It’ll have three rows of seats, and will sit alongside the 7-series in the BMW line-up. Inside, it will feature a new screen-based instrument panel. On offer will be a selection of six and eight-cylinder engines.

Coming: End 2019
Engines: 3.0D, 4.4P
Price: Rs 1.3-1.6 crore

DATSUN COMPACT SUV

Not much is known about the Datsun compact SUV at this point, but we can tell you it is most likely to be launched next year. It is expected to be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-A platform, which will also spawn a Renault MPV in the first quarter of 2019. While details are scarce, what we can tell you at this time is that the Datsun compact SUV will be less than four metres in length to avail tax benefits and will have crossover styling in the mould of the Tata Nexon. The Datsun compact SUV will only be offered with a single engine option – a turbocharged version of the Redigo’s 1.0-litre motor. And no, there won’t be a diesel powerplant.

The launch of this compact SUV will align well with the company’s strategy of positioning models priced below Rs 10 lakh under the Datsun brand, while models above that mark will be positioned as Nissan models.

Coming: End 2019
Engines: 1.0P
Price: Rs 6-8 lakh

Datsun Cross image used for representational purposes

HYUNDAI TUCSON FACELIFT

With action in the midsize SUV segment hotting up, Hyundai will bring in the facelifted Tucson to India next year in April. In addition to the new face and other minor exterior changes, new features on the Tucson could include a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control.

Coming: May 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: Rs 19-27 lakh

HYUNDAI COMPACT SUV

It’s been a longish wait, but Hyundai’s compact SUV (codenamed QXi) will finally be launched next year in March. In production form, the Hyundai compact SUV will only retain a few elements from the Carlino concept displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo. The front grille will be a variation of Hyundai’s new-age cascading grille, while the split and almost Kona-like headlamps will be new additions. It’s also likely to resemble its big brother, the Creta, in profile. The final specifications of the Hyundai compact SUV are not known as yet, but we can confirm that the model will be available with a 118hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, as well as a new 1.5-litre diesel motor. The diesel engine on offer will be BS-VI-compliant. We have learnt that power and torque figures for the new diesel engine will be 115hp and 250Nm, respectively. Expect it to sport a premium price tag.

Coming: March-April 2019
Engines: 1.0P, 1.5D
Price: Rs 7-12 lakh

JEEP WRANGLER

The Jeep Wrangler has been given a complete overhaul, but with minimal, truly subtle styling changes, it retains its iconic design and off-road capability. In addition to the interior being better finished and equipped with a number of new features, the new Wrangler also sees some length added to its wheelbase, along with longer front and rear overhangs on the four-door model; this makes it much bigger on the inside, with more room for the front and rear passengers. The added length at the back has also resulted in the rear seat being moved back a bit to free up additional legroom.

Also new to the Wrangler are two four-cylinder engines – a new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, and it is possible India could get these new powertrains along with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking even more power, the 3.6-litre V6 petrol and 3.0-litre diesel are also likely to be offered. And since it will continue to be manufactured in the US and will only be shipped in as a CBU, it will continue to be one pricey Jeep.

Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 3.6P, 2.2D, 3.0D
Price: Rs 60-80 lakh

KIA SP CONCEPT-BASED SUV

Preparing for an India entry next year is Kia Motors, and the production version of the SP Concept-based SUV will be the brand’s first offering for our market. The SP Concept made its debut at the 2018 Auto Expo and grabbed plenty of eyeballs. Its squarish profile and sharp styling won it many fans. Up front, the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille - which proved to be a hit with nearly every showgoer - is likely to be retained on the production-spec SUV, along with slim headlamps and tail-lights that resemble those on the Hyundai Creta, replete with a chrome bar in between. Expect it to have a spacious interior with funky styling and nearly every feature you’d expect to find in an SUV of this size.

Speculation suggests the Kia SUV will share its platform with the next-gen Creta, and will likely also share its engines and transmissions. Expected to be launched in April 2019, the SP Concept-based SUV will take on the likes of its cousin, the Creta, the Tata Harrier, the Renault Captur and Nissan Kicks.

Coming: April 2019
Engines: 1.6P, 1.6D
Price: Rs 9-12 lakh

MAHINDRA XUV300

Mahindra is working on a new sub-four-metre SUV to rival the likes of the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. The monocoque SUV (codenamed S201) will be based on the SsangYong Tivoli. The new SUV’s look will be similar to its sibling, but will get different front and rear styling. The Mahindra version will also get more ground clearance and use chunkier tyres. Expect it to come packed with features like dual-zone auto climate control, seven airbags, a 7.0-inch touchscreen and ESP. The SUV will come with multiple engine options, but most interesting will be Mahindra’s new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. It is essentially the same G80 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit that powers the KUV100 NXT, but with major upgrades in the form of direct injection and turbocharging. A 1.5-litre diesel engine will also be on offer.

Coming: Early 2019
Engines: 1.2P, 1.5D
Price: Rs 7-12 lakh

MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT

Spearheading Mitsubishi’s India comeback will be the third-generation Pajero Sport. The model is not entirely new, having gone on sale in markets abroad in 2015. Test cars have been spotted in India, suggesting a mid-life facelift for the Pajero Sport is on the way, and that could be the model that eventually makes it to India.

On the inside, the new Pajero Sport gets an all-leather interior, dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera and seven airbags, to name a few features. Powering it will be a 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel motor that makes 181hp and 430Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Expect the engine to be BS-VI-compliant by the time the SUV makes it to India. Four-wheel drive will be on offer, and an off-road mode will be part of the package, as well.

Coming: End 2019
Engines: 2.4D
Price: Rs 40 lakh

MAHINDRA ALTURAS G4

Based on the second-gen SsangYong Rexton, Mahindra’s new flagship SUV has been christened the Alturas G4 and comes with a grille design more in line with other Mahindra models. Additionally, for India the Mahindra (which was codenamed: Y400) will feature a tweaked suspension set-up to better suit our roads.

The new Mahindra SUV’s equipment list will include projector headlamps, a 9.2-inch HD touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, a 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster, cooled seats, Nappa leather upholstery and a smart tailgate. Under the bonnet of the new Mahindra Alturas G4 will be a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine that produces 180.5hp and 450Nm of peak torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed torque converter automatic transmission, though all-wheel drive will be on offer with higher-spec variants.

Coming: End 2018
Engines: 2.2D
Price: Rs 24-30 lakh

MG SUV

Another new manufacturer commencing operations in India next year will be MG Motor. The carmaker will begin its innings in the Indian market by launching a re-styled and re-engineered version of Chinese carmaker Baojun’s 530 SUV. Measuring 4,655mm in length, 1,835mm in width and 1,760mm in height, MG’s first SUV will be a shade larger than a Jeep Compass, and promises to be sufficiently roomy on the inside. Along with the SUV’s hefty size and long equipment list, MG Motor India is plannning to take on the likes of the Compass and the Hyundai Tucson, and according to sources, a sub-Rs 20 lakh price is the target, which will position it just below the Tucson. For the SUV, MG is expected to source a 2.0-litre diesel engine option from Fiat. MG Motor is currently working on heavily localising the new SUV that will be produced in India at SAIC’s plant in Halol, Gujarat.

Coming: April 2019
Engines: 2.0D
Price: Rs 20 lakh

JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK

The wait for the Trailhawk has been a long one, but it’ll be here soon. It will be the first Compass variant in India to be offered with a diesel-automatic engine-gearbox combination. That aside, the Trailhawk will distinguish itself from other Compass variants with its notably enhanced off-road ability.

Coming: February 2019
Engines: 2.0D
Price: Rs 25 lakh

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC FACELIFT

For 2019, the GLC will get restyled LED headlights and bumpers, along with a tweaked grille, a dual-touchpad interface for the infotainment on the steering wheel and a sleeker, high-resolution infotainment screen. It could also get the new 2.0-litre diesel engine seen on the C-class facelift.

Coming: End 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Prices: Rs 52-58 lakh

Pre-facelift model shown

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE

It looks more muscular, and in this all-new form, the Mercedes-Benz GLE will get – for the first time ever – seats for seven, and an advanced suspension system that Mercedes claims surpasses even that found on its S-class flagship. The SUV has more space than its predecessor, with a considerably longer wheelbase at 2,995mm (an increase of 80mm) which means second-row legroom is increased by 69mm, to 1,045mm. A third row of seats will be optional.

The interior includes two 12.3-inch digital displays as standard, like those that debuted in the new A-class sold abroad. There is a multi-function steering wheel with touch panels and a larger touchpad in the centre console, which replaces the rotary dial on the outgoing GLE. Engine options are likely to include a 3.0-litre V6 petrol and V6 diesel, along with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel; all mated to a 9-speed automatic ‘box.

Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 2.0D, 3.0P, 3.0D
Prices: Rs 75-85 lakh

NISSAN KICKS

The Kicks will sit above the Terrano in Nissan’s India line-up. In terms of appearance, the India-spec Kicks will be largely identical to the model sold in international markets, albeit bigger than the model sold abroad. Expect the India-spec SUV to be around 4.4m in length. It’s likely to be taller and have a longer wheelbase as well to create a spacious interior. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be part of the package, as will automatic climate control and several other goodies.

It is likely the India-spec Kicks will have the tried-and-tested 110hp, 1.5-litre diesel motor, and a 106hp, 1.6-litre petrol engine. Gearbox options could include a 6-speed manual for the diesel and a 5-speed manual for the petrol. A CVT gearbox could also be offered on the petrol-powered Kicks.

Coming: Early 2019
Engines: 1.6P, 1.5D
Price: Rs 9.4-15 lakh

RENAULT DUSTER

It’s been a long time coming, but next year is when Renault will finally launch the new Duster in India. The new model’s styling is more evolution than revolution, and picks up where the current-gen model left off. It gets a more stylish chrome-lined grille and wider, redesigned headlamps, along with LED daytime running lights.

There’s also a new design for the alloy wheels on the new-gen Duster. The big changes are inside, with a redesigned dashboard sporting rectangular AC vents, and the steering wheel is similar to the one seen on the Captur. Additionally, it gets some chrome elements on the dash that will no doubt spruce-up the interior. The next-gen Duster is likely to carry on with the current-gen model’s engines, so a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engines will be on offer. Just like the current-gen Duster, it will be available in 2WD and 4WD variants, and will almost certainly also get a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes.

Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 1.6P, 1.5D
Price: Rs 9-15 lakh

KIA COMPACT SUV

Kia will also be bringing its compact SUV to the Indian market next year. The sub-four-metre SUV is expected to share its basic underpinnings and engines with the Hyundai QXi. That said, the Kia will distinguish itself with funkier styling.

Coming: End 2019
Engines: 1.0P, 1.5D
Price: Rs 6-9 lakh

PORSCHE MACAN FACELIFT

For 2019, Porsche will bring in the Macan facelift. While the changes on the outside are minimal, it will get more features on the inside - including an updated infotainment system - and there will be a set of new and more powerful engines to choose from.

Coming: March 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 3.0P
Price: Rs 85 lakh - 1.1 crore

SKODA KODIAQ RS

Skoda is likely to bring a hotter variant of its full-size SUV, the Kodiaq, next year. Made for the enthusiasts, the Kodiaq RS is expected to sport more aggressive design elements. Powering it will be a 240hp, 2.0-litre, twin-turbo diesel engine.

Coming: End 2019
Engines: 2.0D
Price: Rs 40 lakh

TATA HARRIER

This has to be one of the most hotly-anticipated launches of recent times. The H5X concept whipped-up quite the storm at the 2018 Auto Expo, and Tata Motors wants to cash in on the hype with the production version of the H5X, named the Harrier. The Harrier will be built on Tata Motors’ Omega platform, a derivative of Jaguar Land Rover’s L550 platform that underpins the Discovery Sport.

The final form of the Harrier remains a mystery but spy shots and official renderings have given a good idea of what to expect. The five-seat Harrier will carry many of the H5X’s radical design details. It is also known that the model will be launched with a 140hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine. Gearbox options will include a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed automatic sourced from Hyundai. All-wheel drive with drive modes will be on offer as well. Tata has even been testing the Harrier at the racetrack to get the SUV’s handling and dynamics package right.

Coming: January 2019
Engines: 2.0D
Price: Rs 15-20 lakh

Also see:

New cars for 2019: Upcoming hatchbacks

New cars for 2019: Upcoming sedans

Coming: End 2019

Engines: 1.0P

Price: Rs 6-8 lakh