The biggies are coming: Five new SUV models to hit Indian roads this year

If you are planning to buy an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) in the coming months, we have a good news for you. The year 2018 will be a year of SUVs and MUVs where a series of them will be rolled-out in the country. The Indian auto market will witness the entry of a range of new utility vehicles from both homegrown and foreign automakers. While the country's auto majors like Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors have already announced their plans to develop new platform SUVs like Mahindra U321 and Tata Q501 (codenamed), the car makers like Hyundai are all set to bring an all-new entrant in the sub 4 meter SUV segment. At the same time, auto majors, Maruti and Honda are looking to roll-out upgraded versions of their popular utility vehicles.

Here are the much-anticipated SUVs / MUVs / Crossovers that are likely to mark their debut in India in 2018.

1. Mahindra U321

The Mahindra U321 model (codenamed) is likely to be introduced in the price segment above Mahindra Xylo. The SUV is based on Mahindra's technical center, based in North America and it will be manufactured in India. Powered by a 1.99L diesel engine previously used to power its sibling Mahindra XUV 500, the new Mahindra SUV is likely to give competitors like Ertiga and Innova a rub for their money. 

2. Nissan Kicks

Nissan Kicks will be a premium crossover based on the company's proven model Terrano. It will be placed a notch higher in the premium SUV segment compared to  Terrano. The Kicks SUV was recently in the limelight for receiving a 4-star rating in the Latin NCAP tests.

3. Tata Q 501

To be placed in the premium SUV segment the all-new Tata SUV will be competing with the likes of Ford Endeavor and Toyota Fortuner. The Tata Q501 (codenamed) will be based on the platform of Land Rover Free Lander 2.

4. Datsun Go Cross

Datsun, which is a budget car brand of Japanese automaker Nissan, is expected to roll-out its much talked about compact crossover – Go Cross – in the Indian market next year. The Datsun Go Cross, which is currently in the concept stage, will soon be launched in Indonesia, followed by its India launch later this year. Speculations are rife that the vehicle will be showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. 

5. Hyundai's New Compact SUV

The all-new Hyundai compact SUV will be placed in the segment of sub 4 meter SUVs in the country. The model will be based on the Carlino concept of the South Korean carmaker, which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016. Under the hood, the model is expected to be launched in both petrol and diesel versions, powered by a 1.2l petrol or 1.4l diesel engine, respectively.