Maruti Suzuki Escudo to Hyundai Venue & Tata Punch: Top upcoming affordable SUVs

The demand for SUVs is quite strong in the Indian market at present. It is clearly visible as the SUV segment has a share of almost 55% in the passenger vehicle (PV) sales. On one hand, it seems as if carmakers are unwilling to introduce hatchbacks and sedans; on the other, there is no dearth of new SUV launches. This trend will continue as more SUVs are set to enter the market.

Among the top SUVs that will be launched in India in the near future are the new Maruti Suzuki Escudo, second-generation Hyundai Venue, Tata Punch facelift, new-generation Mahindra Bolero and Renault Kiger facelift. All these models will cater to the mass market, particularly in the sub-Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom) price segment.

Maruti Suzuki Escudo

Maruti Suzuki India has plans to launch two new SUVs in the country this fiscal. While one will be its maiden EV, the e Vitara, the other will be an internal combustion engine (ICE) model, slated to enter the market on September 3. This ICE mid-size SUV is reportedly being referred to as "Escudo". However, it will have a completely different name.

From what we know so far, the Escudo will have multiple powertrain options, like the Grand Vitara. It will be feature-loaded and get bells and whistles like Dolby Atmos, a powered tailgate, and Level 2 ADAS. It will also have an underbody CNG tank. The Escudo will be sold from Maruti's Arena dealerships.

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Motor India will launch the second-generation Venue on October 24. For reference, the Venue is the company's largest-selling car after the Creta. While the Venue is already a feature-loaded vehicle, in its fresh avatar, we are expecting a lot of changes.

There will be major design updates to the front with a new fascia having a refurbished grille and fresh LED headlamps. The compact SUV will run on newly designed alloys. Inside, we are expecting a new dashboard layout with a twin-screen setup for the infotainment and instrument cluster. We expect the powertrain choices to remain similar to the outgoing model.

Tata Punch

Tata Motors will launch the Punch facelift, reportedly on the lines of the Punch.ev, later this year. While the Punch has been a volume driver for the homegrown auto giant over the past two years, the lack of updates in the ICE version is impacting the volumes now.

We expect the ICE version of the new Punch to have a sleek design like the Punch.ev. While powertrain options are expected to remain similar, the cabin will be much more advanced, like that of the Punch.ev, with features like a bigger touchscreen infotainment, digital instrument panel and new steering wheel.

Mahindra Bolero

Homegrown SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra is reportedly working on the new Bolero. Most of us know that the Bolero has been the real volume churner for the company over many years. It still performs handsomely.

In its new avatar, the Bolero is expected to have a butch design, but much more sophistication when it comes to features. On the outside, the front and rear will be updated with a new grille, headlamps, taillamps and bumpers. Inside the cabin, we expect a new infotainment system, steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and automatic climate control. The Bolero will continue to be offered with a diesel powertrain.

Renault Kiger

After updating the Triber MPV, Renault is all set to launch the new Kiger SUV on August 24. Like the new Triber, we expect the new Kiger to get a major design overhaul, despite being a facelift.

The Kiger facelift will be updated with new headlamps and taillamps. The bumpers will be new and the SUV will now drive on a fresh set of alloys. Inside the cabin, we are expecting the vehicle to get a new touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster. The dashboard layout will also be changed to give the cabin a new touch. Since this will be a facelift, we expect the powertrains to be similar to the outgoig model.