The Indian automobile market had been doing quite well up until the Coronavirus pandemic came along. Right now, buying a new car is probably not the biggest priority for anyone but car manufacturers are looking to move forward as soon as possible. While there are a number of budget-friendly cars available in India, if you have an extra buck to spend and are looking for something a little more premium, the Rs. 10 to 15 Lakh segment might just be what you’re looking for.
First model in our list of upcoming cars under 15 lakhs is the new Volkswagen Taigun SUV, which was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo. It is based on the heavily localised MQB AO IN platform, which will also underpins the next-gen Vento, Polo and an all-new sub-4 meter SUV. The SUV will directly rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks. The new model will be offered with 2 petrol engines – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged. While the former is good for 113bhp and 170Nm-200Nm of torque, the 1.5L unit produces 148bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor (1.0L) and a 7-speed DSG automatic (1.5L).
At the 2020 Auto Expo, Skoda had showcased the Vision IN SUV concept. The company has confirmed that the Vision IN concept based mid-sized SUV will be launched in early 2021. It is rumoured to be called the Skoda Kosmiq. The new model will be based on the MQB AO IN platform, which will also underpin the next-gen Skoda Rapid. Set to rival Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos, the Kosmiq SUV will be one of the most awaited upcoming cars under 15 lakhs in India. The SUV will be offered with 2 engine options – a 1.0L turbocharged petrol with 6MT and torque convertor automatic and a 148bhp, 1.5L TSI with 7-speed DSG.
Tata Motors had showcased the HBX micro SUV concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company has confirmed that the new micro SUV will be launched in our market in the first quarter of 2021. It is based on the new ALFA modular platform, which also underpins the Altroz premium hatchback. The micro SUV will directly rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 85bhp and 110Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed MT and an AMT.
Indo-Japanese automaker has decided to bring back the iconic Gypsy nameplate in the market. The company had showcased the 3-door new Jimny off-roader at the 2020 Auto Expo. However, MSIL will launch the 5-door version as the next-gen Gypsy in India in 2021. The SUV will be produced at the Suzuki’s Sanand based plant in Gujarat. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 103bhp of power and 138Nm of torque.
Homegrown automaker, Mahindra is readying an all-new mid-sized SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. The new SUV is rumoured to be based on the SsangYong’s X100 platform that also underpins the XUV300. Likely to be called the XUV400, the new model is rumoured to be offered in 5- and 7-seat options. The SUV is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines.
MG Motors is planning to introduce the petrol-derivative of the ZS SUV in the Indian market. The company had showcased the ZS Petrol at the 2020 Auto Expo. In India, it will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. The SUV is currently available in select international markets, where it is available with 2 petrol engine options – a 104bhp, 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol and a 109bhp, 1.0L turbocharged petrol.
Joining our list of upcoming cars under 15 lakhs is the Tata Blackbird mid-sized SUV. Likely to be based on the Chery Tiggo 5X, the new SUV will be positioned between the Nexon and the Harrier. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Kia Seltos. The SUV is expected to be powered by a new 1.5L petrol engine. The diesel version will receive the 1.5-litre turbocharged unit that powers the Nexon.
Korean automaker, Kia will launch its 3rd new model – the Sonet for the Indian market in August 2020. It will be based on the Hyundai Venue’s platform and will rival the likes of the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Hyundai Venue. The SUV will be offered with multiple segment-first features. It will come with 3 engine options – a 82bhp, 1.2-litre petrol, a 118bhp, 1.0L turbo-petrol and a 99bhp, 1.5L diesel.
