Upcoming Compact SUVs In Next 12 Months – New Venue To Kia Syros

New cars will continue to launch in the highly competitive compact SUV segment including facelifts, EVs, new-generation updates and fresh models

The compact SUV segment is among the most popular market spaces in the Indian automotive industry. With consistent growth over the years, the sub-4-meter SUVs are one of the top choices for new car buyers, thanks to their affordable price tag, practicality, features and road presence. Banking on this trend, car manufacturers are planning to launch a slew of new models in the country. In this article, we will look at the upcoming compact SUVs in the next 12 months.

1. New-Gen Hyundai Venue

Hyundai will launch the second generation model of the Venue in the Indian market next year i.e. 2025. Internally codenamed QU2i, where the ‘i’ stands for India, the new-gen Venue will get a host of updates inside out. While the details about the project are under covers, the spy shots confirm that an all-new design similar to the current crop of Hyundai SUVs including the latest Creta and Alcazar, updated interior layout and enhanced feature set will be a part of the package.

As per the reports, the upcoming new-gen Venue will be the first model to be manufactured at the Hyundai’s new Talegaon-based manufacturing facility. The current set of powertrain options will likely be carried forward into the next-gen Venue.

2. Kia Syros

Kia is currently working on a new compact SUV for the Indian market and it will likely debut early next year i.e. 2025 followed by its market launch soon after. To be positioned between current Sonet and Seltos, the sub-4-meter SUV has already been spotted a few times during test runs, wrapped in heavy camouflage. Internally codenamed AY, the sub-4-meter SUV will reportedly be sold in both electric and petrol-powered versions and is expected to come at a starting price of under Rs. 10 lakh.

3. Skoda Kylaq

Skoda India will soon take the wraps off the Kylaq SUV as it is scheduled for a debut on November 6. Rivalling the likes of Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV3XO and Kia Sonet amongst others, the new sub-4-meter SUV will be based on the familiar MQB-A0-IN platform and it will likely share a lot of parts with the Kushaq. The Kylaq will be powered by the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, putting out 114 bhp and 178 Nm of peak torque. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

4. Maruti Suzuki Fronx Facelift

Internally codenamed YTB, the Fronx Facelift will be launched in India next year. The crossover SUV debuted in the domestic market in 2023 and has been quite popular amongst compact SUV buyers. The facelifted Fronx will likely use the Maruti Suzuki’s new HEV series hybrid powertrain technology which could deliver a fuel efficiency of over 30 kmpl. The highlight of the Fronx Facelift will be its updated design, new features and an efficient powertrain.

5. Mahindra XUV3XO EV

The electric version of the XUV3XO SUV is already under development and has been spotted multiple times during test runs. Internally codenamed S240, the Mahindra XUV3XO EV is expected to get a 35kWh battery pack. Squarely aimed at the Tata Nexon EV, it will likely debut by the end of this year and we expect the electric SUV to be launched at a starting price of around Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom).

The EV SUV will reportedly go into series production starting November this year. In terms of design, we can expect minor cosmetic tweaks inside out, in line with what we have seen in the XUV400 EV.