New Compact SUVs Launching Next Year

Compact SUV wave to storm Indian automotive market in 2025. Kia, Hyundai, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, and Volkswagen are ready with new models featuring better performance, advanced features, and new-age powertrains. From the latest addition of tech-packed interiors to hybrid and electric options, the SUV is branded to keep up with the rising demand for stylish and practical vehicles. 

Kia Syros

Kia India is going to introduce the new compact SUV Syros in the Indian market on 19 December 2024. This sub-4 meter SUV will, of course, be a box-shaped design that Kia has not had in its range so far for the Indian market. The front of the car will receive an aggressive face with vertically stacked LED headlamps and angular LED DRLs. There is going to be a sloping bonnet and the pronounced wheel arches. Flattered roof rails as well as unique L-shaped LED taillights are all part of Syros' design.

More cabin space the Syros is going to have as compared to the sibling Kia Sonet. Expected features in this new compact SUV include a panoramic sunroof, fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and an ADAS. Safety features, along with six airbags, would have electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, and a reversing camera. 

The Syros will come in two petrol engines: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit churning out 82bhp and a more potent 1.0-litre turbocharged unit producing 120bhp. There could also be a diesel version available with the 1.5-litre unit used in the Sonet, churning out 115bhp.

Hyundai Venue (Next-Gen)

Hyundai will introduce the next-Gen Venue with new design and more advanced features by 2025. New Venue would arrive in a split headlamp pattern with a bold grille and also having a taller front bumper than its predecessor. The new vehicle will also come out in horizontal two-piece LED signatures tail-lamps. Interior of the SUV would receive leatherette upholstery, the panoramic sunroof, better headrests for the front seats along with a larger touchscreen.

The new Venue will carry Level 2 ADAS technology. It includes auto high beam, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and autonomous emergency braking. This Venue will come with the same 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.5 litre turbo diesel, and a 1.0 litre turbo petrol. It will be offered with either a 5-speed manual, or 6-speed manual, and 7-speed DCT automatic. 

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

Mahindra is going to introduced the electric variant of its popular XUV 3XO SUV in 2025. Close to 375-420 km will be the range of electric XUV 3XO with small battery pack of about 35 kWh. It will sport like XUV 400, but with dual tone alloy wheels and copper accenting. It will have a grille with black casing for a stacked LED headlamp, roof rails, roof-spoiler and L-shaped LED tail lamps.

Inside, the XUV 3XO EV will have a two-tone design like the XUV 400, which has a floating touchscreen along with wireless mobile charging and also gets controls on the steering mount. This is going to be the less pricey compact cousin of the XUV 400. So, customers who want an electric SUV will now get a sporty yet economical option from this segment.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Facelift

The compact SUV from Maruti Suzuki, the Fronx will get a facelift in 2025. The new model will be equipped with a hybrid engine, which will be delivering more than 35 km per litre of fuel efficiency. This will be an environment-friendly product in the compact SUV segment. The 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine would be paired with smaller battery pack. This hybrid system would consume less fuel and also leave a much smaller carbon footprint of the car.

The facelifted Fronx will also feature a Level 1 ADAS suite, which includes lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and high beam assist. The facelifted Fronx will be a safe bet for those who seek a very affordable compact SUV with newer safety features.

The Fronx targets those buyers looking for a cost-effective yet fuel-efficient product and feel relatively safe.

Volkswagen Tera

German automaker Volkswagen is to launch the new Tera compact SUV by 2025. The third in line will be on their list, after Nivus and T- Cross. It is set to compete directly with the Fiat Pulse and the Renault Kardian in the Brazilian market. This is going to be a fresh design inspired by the newest European and North America models. The front end would comprise LED headlights and DRLs. Side profile is expected to be clean, curvaceous, with lots of plastic cladding to offer that rugged look to SUV.

Tera is to be constructed over the MQB-A0 platform like the Polo, T-Cross, and Nivus. Under the bonnet, there will be a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine that will churn out 116 hp. The gearbox duties will be handled by either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic unit. It will ensure an ideal balance of excellent fuel efficiency and aggressive performance under both city driving and highway conditions. Volkswagen will bring sub-4-metre version of the Tera, specifically for the Indian market. It is expected to priced competitively in the range of Rs. 18 lakh to Rs. 24 lakh.