4 Much-Awaited Subcompact SUVs in 2025 - New Venue to VW Tera

The subcompact SUV segment has been witnessing tremendous growth, driven by high market demand. These vehicles are favoured for their compact body built, practicality, efficiency and affordability. As we step into 2025, four new subcompact SUVs are set to intensify the competition in the segment including the Kia Syros, Maruti Fronx facelift, new-generation Hyundai Venue and Volkswagen Tera. Lets’ take a close look at key details of these upcoming subcompact SUVs. 

Kia Syros

Bookings for the all-new Kia Syros are already underway nationwide. Prices of the vehicle will be revealed on 1st February. The new Kia subcompact SUV is being offered with two engine options – 1.0L turbo petrol (120bhp/172Nm) and 1.5L diesel (116bhp/250Nm). A 6-speed manual gearbox comes as standard across the model lineup, while a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and 7-speed DCT automatic are reserved for the diesel and petrol engines. 

Kia has equipped the Syros with lots of advanced goodies such as the dual 12.3-inch screen setup, a 5-inch climate control screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four ventilated seats, in-car connectivity, reclining and sliding second row seats with centre armrest, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Level 2 ADAS suite and more. 

Maruti Fronx Strong Hybrid 

The Maruti Fronx will receive a significant update this year. As per media reports, the updated version of the subcompact SUV will mark debut of Maruti Suzuki’s in-house developed strong hybrid powertrain. Codenamed HEV, the brand’s strong hybrid system will also be introduced to its other mass-market offerings including Swift, Baleno and Brezza. This technology will be offered with 1.2L Z12E petrol engine that also does duty in the Swift and Dzire. The 2025 Maruti Fronx facelift will surely be high on fuel efficiency, delivering over 35kmpl. Rumour also has it that the updated Fronx could also be the second Maruti Suzuki in India to feature ADAS suite. Minimal changes are expected to be made inside and out as well. 

New-Gen Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue recently received feature upgrade in the country. The subcompact SUV will also witness a generational shift towards the end of this year as well. Spy images reveal that the all-new Venue will derive its design elements from the new Creta and Alcazar. It will get a newly-designed front grille, which will be wider than before. The headlamp and taillamp clusters will also be revised. While the side profile will remain largely unchanged, it might get new alloy wheels. Inside, the 2025 Hyundai Venue is likely to get new seat upholstery and trims, revised switchgear and a new steering wheel. The infotainment system might also get an update. Under the hood, the new Venue will continue to feature the 83bhp, 1.2L petrol, 120bhp, 1.0L turbo petrol and 100bhp, 1.5L diesel engines. 

Volkswagen Tera 

Volkswagen will foray into the highly competitive subcompact segment with the Tera this year. It’s expected to be based on the Skoda Kylaq that comes at a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh. Similar to the Kylaq, the Volkswagen Tera will be built on the MQB A0 platform featuring the brand’s signature grille, slim LED headlamps, sporty front and rear bumpers, a slightly sloping roofline and stubby taillamps connected via a black bar. While the Tera and Kylaq share the platform, the former will be slightly longer and shorter. Interior details are not available at this point of time. However, its cabin and features will be similar to the Skoda Kylaq. Powering the new Volkswagen subcompact SUV will be a 1.0L, 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol engine. Transmission options on offer will be a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.