ENTRY AND COMPACT SUVS
In SUV race, CNG raring to close gap with diesel
CNG is becoming a popular choice among cost-conscious small SUV buyers, surpassing diesel and BEVs in registrations. The demand for CNG vehicles has increased significantly, with manufacturers seeing remarkable sales growth. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India are leading the way in CNG SUV offerings and sales. New models are being introduced to meet the rising consumer demand for CNG options.
Indian car buyers trade up selectively as CNG, EVs gain ground over fuel; SUV growth reshapes price ladder
Indian passenger vehicle sales have shown a pronounced shift towards higher price bands and alternative fuel options. The ₹12 lakh-20 lakh segment grew significantly, while lower segments experienced a slight decline. Petrol vehicle registrations decreased, with CNG and electric vehicles gaining market share. Compact SUVs have become increasingly popular, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and technology advancements.
Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG launched at Rs 9.99 lakh: Check features, mileage & variants
Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO ZNG CNG in India at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Available in four variants, the compact SUV offers a claimed mileage of 24.70 km/kg, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, twin CNG cylinders, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera. It rivals the Tata Nexon CNG and Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG.
Smart #2 electric city car unveiled: Price, range, features and UK launch details
Smart has introduced the Smart #2, a dynamic electric city car set to launch in early 2027. This compact vehicle boasts an impressive range of 180 miles per full charge, powered by a rear-wheel drive system and an 80bhp engine. With three available trim levels, pricing begins at £17,900 for the base model.
2026 Thar OG vs old Thar: How the facelifted SUV differs from the outgoing model in 5 major areas
The Mahindra Thar OG arrives with a revised lineup and several updates borrowed from the Thar Roxx, while retaining the existing Rs 10.32 lakh starting price. Compared with the outgoing Thar, it is wider, gets more ground clearance, updated lighting and new cabin features, along with revised suspension and traction hardware. Its three engine options, however, continue unchanged.
First-time car buyers make a comeback as lower GST boosts small-vehicle demand
First-time car buyers are returning to India's market, increasing their sales share significantly. Lower taxes have revived demand for entry-level passenger vehicles, boosting overall industry growth. Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors report higher first-time buyer contributions to their sales figures. Entry-level SUV sales also saw substantial year-on-year growth following tax adjustments. This trend indicates a broadening market base and renewed momentum towards mass motorisation.
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VinFast plans to develop two India-specific EVs in strategy shift, sources say
Vietnamese automaker VinFast is developing two new electric vehicles for India. These new models will be more affordable than current offerings. This strategic shift follows the suspension of plans for global models in India. VinFast aims to build these vehicles using local suppliers from the start. The company is investing significantly in India as a manufacturing hub.
Tata Motors returns to South African car market after six years
Tata Motors is re-entering South Africa's passenger vehicle market after a six-year hiatus, introducing a range of SUVs and a hatchback to compete with Chinese automakers. The company aims to capture a significant market share by offering budget-friendly options. Tata plans to expand its dealership network and introduce additional models in the future, partnering with Motus Holdings for distribution.
Having a very good cost base critical in India: Skoda Auto Executive
Skoda Auto is aiming to increase its market share in India with the launch of its new sub-compact SUV, the Kylaq. Priced competitively below its rivals, the Kylaq marks Skoda's return to the segment after 11 years.
Micro SUVs take the wheel as Motown hits rough patch
Micro SUVs are gaining popularity in India, driving a significant shift from traditional cars. Sales of models like Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch have surged by 72% in the first four months of this fiscal year. This trend is supported by rising rural aspirations and the versatility offered by these vehicles.
Skoda Auto plans to offer mild hybrids to EVs in India: Chairman & CEO Klaus Zellmer
Carmaker Volkswagen Group's Skoda sees an opportunity to launch plug-in and mild hybrid cars in India to expand its fuel choice offering to consumers and reduce emissions, a Skoda Global executive said in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Skoda SUV contest: Co shortlists 10 names starting with K, winner to get new car & a ticket to Prague
Skoda Auto India shortlisted 10 potential names for its new compact SUV, due to launch by March 2025. The final name will be revealed on August 21, 2024. The SUV will rival Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Venue, featuring a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. Prices are expected to start from Rs 8 lakh ex-showroom.
India's love for sub-4 metre compact cars fades as SUVs gain ground
India's preference for compact vehicles under 4 meters in length is declining, with their market share dropping from 62% in 2021 to 50% in 2023. The number of models in this segment has also decreased. Shifting consumer tastes, including a preference for larger vehicles, are prompting automakers to rethink strategies. The popularity of entry-level SUVs has grown, overlapping with premium hatches and sedans. New safety requirements and challenges in designing small cars are also affecting the market. Urban incomes and easy financing options are driving the trend towards premiumization.
Skoda India to take on Vitara, Brezza with compact SUV launch in 2025
Skoda Auto is set to launch a compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) in India, aiming to tap into the growing demand for "accessible premium" vehicles. The new compact SUV, to be unveiled in a year, is expected to be a significant volume generator for Skoda in India. Skoda Auto India aims to increase its market share to 5% by 2030. The new model will be part of Skoda's strategy to offer tailor-made products for Indian customers.
India's craze for SUVs: There's more to it than meets the eye
The fall in sales of small cars and the rise in SUV sales may not be only due to Indians now ditching small cars and preferring to buy SUVs. Due to several factors, carmakers are focusing more on SUVs, making them affordable even if they have to downsize them in different respects, just as small-car segment crumbles under stress.
With right tweaks, SUVs are trending
The roomier vehicles have a special value proposition in India where cars carry more people than in other countries. The higher driving position and bigger ground clearance also work better on road conditions that are deteriorating as the vehicle population rises. The shift in consumer preference away from low-slung sedans is aided by overlapping price segments as SUVs shrink and lose their all-terrain, or even crossover, functionality.
SUV is car of choice for many first-time Indian buyers now
While first-time buyers for compact SUVs like Hyundai Venue account for 40% of the sales of the model, the numbers for mid-sized vehicles such as Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Creta stand at 21% and 26% respectively. The proportion of first-time buyers for Maruti Suzuki Brezza stands at 23%. The ratio is higher, at about 30%, for the newly launched Fronx.
Small SUVs are winning big in India as hatches get sidelaned
The SUV segment has been growing in volume and consequently market share, with several new models being introduced, whereas passenger car model launches have come down drastically, experts said.
Maruti's twin-pronged strategy to protect, enhance market share
In the SUV segment, the company plans to launch new models, while in the non-SUV space comprising hatchbacks, sedans and vans, Maruti aims to bring in new features, technology and aggressive design language. In order to prune the deadwood, MSI has also decided to discontinue the S-Cross from the line up and plans to focus on the new model which is going to be produced by Toyota and feature both mild and strong hybrid technology.
Two out of every five car buyers opted for an SUV in the first five months of 2022
Given the growing demand, automakers are going all out to offer feature-rich entry-level SUVs — which with a share of 21 per cent — has emerged as the largest segment in the local market.
Compact SUVs overtake small cars as India's largest segment in FY22
Compact SUVs are set to overtake premium small cars to become the top-selling segment in the Indian passenger car market this fiscal year ending March 31. More than one in every two passenger vehicles sold in the country now is a utility vehicle, driven by the strong demand for SUVs.
Tata Punch: Prices start at Rs 5.49 lakh; Tata Motors expects it to be its top-seller
The Punch will take on the popular models like the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10, offering a sub-compact SUV as an alternative to the hatchbacks. The new car will be sitting right at the heart of a segment where almost 900,000 cars are sold annually — across entry and premium hatchback and entry sedans.
Kia hopes to breach compact SUV top 3 with Sonet launch
Korean automaker Kia Motors is bullish that its just-launched Sonet will drive it into the list of top three compact sport utility vehicle brands in India.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor set to enter compact SUV segment this festive season
In March 2018, Toyota Motor Corp and Suzuki Motor Corp (SMC) had concluded a basic agreement for supplying hybrid and other vehicles to each other in the Indian market.
Exit from Diesel may cost Maruti SUV crown
Nearly 70% of sub-compact SUVs — up to 4-metre length — sold in India run on diesel.
Second EV product in India could be a smaller SUV: Hyundai
The company currently sells SUVs like Creta and Tuscon with conventional petrol and diesel engines.
In small SUV, India drives past Japan; the US is next
The country overtook Japan in 2017 as the third largest market for compact SUVs thanks to the huge success of Maruti Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza and the Hyundai Creta.
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza to be unveiled at 2016 Auto Expo
Maruti's compact SUV, the Vitara Brezza will be the most anticipated new car at the Indian Auto Expo.
Mahindra & Mahindra unveils micro SUV KUV100; to take on Grand i10 & Maruti Swift
Bookings for KUV100 or the S101 will open at all dealerships across India from December 19, and the car will go on sale from January 15, 2016.
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