The hotly contested compact SUV segment in India got even more interesting with the launch of new Mahindra XUV300. Maruti Brezza and Tata Nexon are still the two on top, as far as sales are concerned, but Mahindra XUV300 surprised most, when it posted sales of 4,484 units in Feb 2019, in spite of not being on sale for the full month (it was launched on 14th Feb). Old horse Ford EcoSport sales have taken the worst hit, declining the most in the sub 4m SUV segment.
Launch of Mahindra XUV300 was just the beginning. The compact sub 4 meter SUV party in India is set to get even more exciting. Two more SUVs are planned in this segment in the coming months. The first one to join next, is Hyundai with the Carlino Styx and following this, will be Toyota Brezza, with a rebadged and more feature rich Maruti Brezza.
Hyundai Carlino sub Creta SUV (codenamed QXi) is based on the Carlino concept, which was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. It will be positioned on a new platform, and sit below the Creta in company line-up (which is also the reason why it is known as baby Creta). Spy shots confirm that it will come with features like projector headlamps, LED DRLs and LED tail lamps, machine cut alloys in dual tone finish, roof rails, a hexagonal front grille and aggressive bumpers. It will also get dual tone exterior colour options. Seen here is a white body colour with black roof and A, B, C pillars.
Also on offer will be leather seats soft touch dashboard and door panels along with steering mounted controls, an 8.0” touchscreen infotainment system, and a host of safety features among which will be ABS, EBD, lane assist, 6 airbags, sunroof, start stop feature and keyless entry. Set to comply with new BNVSAP safety norms, the new Carlino Styx will also receive rear parking sensors and seatbelt reminder across all variants.
Engine specifications on the Hyundai Carlino sub Creta SUV will include both petrol and diesel engine options. These will be new turbocharged 1.2 liter petrol 3 cylinder mill generating about 120 PS power and 170 Nm torque. Diesel motor will be 1.5 liter turbocharged, to deliver 115 PS and 250 Nm. Transmission options on offer will be manual as well as automatic.
Hyundai plans launching 8 new cars in India by 2020 among which will be new gen variants of Creta, i20, i10, Elantra, Tucson, Carlino etc. New Hyundai Carlino Styx SUV will make its global debut in April at the 2019 New York Auto Show while launch in India is scheduled sometime in May 2019. It will be the company’s first offering in the sub 4 meter SUV segment. Expect it to be priced in the Rs 8-12 lakhs price range.
