Top 8 must-see SUVs at the Auto Expo 2016

Content

Auto Expo 2016 has been mainly about the SUVs, be it concepts or launch ready models.  From the sub-four metre Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza to the extra-large Jeep Grand Cherokee, there are UVs in all sizes and shapes on display at the Biennial event.  Here is our list of the top eight models that you must see from this year’s expo.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza: Maruti announced its entry in the compact SUV segment with the Vitara Brezza. The model will compete with the Ford EcoSport, after its launch in March. It is a nice looking vehicle with conventional SUV looks despite the size restrictions. The LED light guides and the contracted look really make the car standout. Among the other things that we know at the moment, this will have the 1.3-litre diesel engine producing 90bhp / 200Nm and the car will be sold through the standard Maruti Suzuki dealerships across India.

Toyota Innova Crysta: Technically this is not an SUV, but Toyota’s best-seller in the new avatar, certainly deserves attention. This is the next-gen model, with a modified ladder-on-frame platform, new engine options and better exterior and interior design. The silhouette is still unmistakably of an Innova, but the hexagonal grille and sleek headlamps with projectors, make it more appealing. The interior looks great as well, it is far better than that of its predecessor, plus the space for the second row has increased. As for the performance, the Innova will get the new 2.8-litre diesel engine and produce 140bhp. A launch date isn’t confirmed yet, but it is expected within the first half of 2016.

BMW X1: BMW has launched the next-gen X1 in India at a starting price of Rs 29.9 lakh (ex-Delhi). The entry-level crossover is based on the Mini’s new UK1 platform and has primary front-wheel drive, unlike any other BMW. This has liberated lot of space in the cabin and also increased the boot space substantially. The new X1 is also taller than the previous model, so it finally looks like a crossover and not an estate.

Honda BR-V: Honda will launch the BR-V in the next couple of months  to rival the Renault Duster and the Hyundai Creta. Its main USP: three rows of seating, unlike the five seat option in its competitors. The BR-V is based on the Honda Mobilio, though it has been upgraded to look more like an SUV. The interior, when compared to the MPV is much better as well – the BR-V shares components with the City and gets a touch screen music system, navigation and other premium features. The engine options will be same as well with the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel units powering the front wheels. 

Hyundai Tucson:  This is a premium five-seater SUV from Hyundai that will be positioned above the Creta. The D-Segment sedans aren’t doing too well in India and Hyundai is hoping that an SUV in the same price segment might do better. The Tucson will get both the petrol and diesel engine options, with manual and automatic transmissions. Hyundai will launch the Tucson before the festive season, with a price starting around Rs 15 lakh.

Hyundai HND-14: This is purely a concept in the very initial stage, but by the looks of it, will turn into the compact SUV for Hyundai. The design, though not similar to any of the current Hyundai SUVs, looks pleasant. There are no details available at this moment, but it should reach production in the next couple of years. 

Tata Nexon: We saw the Nexon in concept form at the last Auto Expo and the one displayed today looks more like the production ready version. Of course, there is still some time for the launch, as Tata Hexa and the compact sedan are expected to hit the showrooms before this. The Nexon looks great and we are hoping there aren’t any changes to the exterior before launch. It will be launched in the first quarter of 2017 to compete with the Ford EcoSport and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: Fiat Chrysler announced the debut of Jeep brand in India at the Auto Expo, by displaying few of their models. While everything from this all-American brand is worth looking at, do not miss the Grand Cherokee SRT. This badass SUV is huge and gets an equally huge 6.4-litre V8 engine that can get this from standstill to 100kmph in five seconds. Also this one isn’t just about going fast, the interior with the rich leather trim and modern features looks luxurious.