Upcoming Compact SUVs with AWD system

Over the past few years, compact SUVs with all-wheel-drive (AWD) have been the preferred choice among customers seeking cars that can both navigate city streets and off-road tracks. As the demand is increasing, manufacturers are preparing to introduce new models with AWD systems. This article explores some of the upcoming compact SUVs that will feature AWD systems.

Next-Gen Kia Seltos

Kia will launch the second generation of the Seltos by 2025. The new car has been seen taking test drives in South Korea, and have shown a complete redesign. One of the major changes in the new Seltos is the inclusion of a possible hybrid powertrain, which would give the car AWD capability.

The new Seltos will carry over the existing engine options, such as the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. However, for overseas markets, Kia will likely offer a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid engine paired with an electric motor on the rear axle, giving the Seltos AWD. This would give the vehicle more off-road ability, offering improved traction in adverse driving conditions.

While there is no signal of whether the AWD hybrid variant would be brought to India or not, Kia has already demonstrated that it is interested in selling hybrid cars in India. Thus, there could be a possibility of an AWD version reaching India in the future. The new Seltos is to be launched worldwide in the second quarter of 2025 and would launch in India with an early 2026 release.

New Renault Duster

Renault has been driving its next-generation Duster on public roads overseas, and revealed an electric rear axle, hence making it AWD-ready. The third-generation Duster was launched last year, and it's reported to come with new powertrains, including the electric AWD technology. The new Duster will come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, coupled with a mild-hybrid system and an electric rear axle that provides increased off-road performance.

The rear axle electric motor will be utilized only in low-grip situations or off-road driving. The system will deliver the extra traction where necessary, particularly in poor driving conditions. The system is comparable to the Jeep Avenger 4xe system where the rear axle motor is utilized only when necessary.

The 4x4 variant of the Duster will be available in India in 2026 but cannot be an AWD variant for India because of price issues. Renault is reportedly selling a petrol variant exclusively in India. The facelift model will have changes in the guise of design improvements as well, such as a new front bumper, new headlamps, and re-styled rear tail-lights.

Nissan's Duster-Based SUV

Nissan plans to introduce its own version of the Duster in India by 2025. Although Nissan hasn't been too forthcoming, it has been known that its own interpretation of the SUV would be feature and price-oriented over the Renault Duster. It will use the same CMF-B platform as the Duster but would offer more high-spec options, including potentially a stronger turbo-petrol engine.

The Nissan SUV will be introduced with turbo-petrol engine options, such as a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. The car is expected to be introduced in lower volumes with emphasis on premium features and upper-end technology. Similar to the Duster, the Nissan SUV will also come in a seven-seater option.

The two Renault and Nissan models will share the same mechanical configurations but with Nissan offering extra premium elements such that its SUV will be somewhat more premium than the Renault Duster. The two companies will also come out with 7-seater compact SUV versions that will enter India in 2026.

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