The Great SUV Shift: Five Game-Changers Ready to Reshape India's Roads

The Indian automotive landscape, it's quite something, isn't it? Every other day, it seems, there’s a new SUV making waves, or at least attempting to. And honestly, our collective fascination with these rugged (or sometimes not-so-rugged) machines only appears to be growing. You could say it’s an obsession, this need for more ground clearance, a commanding driving position, and that undeniable road presence.

But just when you thought the midsize SUV segment — already a battleground, let's face it — couldn’t possibly get any hotter, well, hold onto your hats. Because India is about to witness a rather significant invasion. We're talking about five, yes five, brand-spanking-new or radically refreshed midsize SUVs poised to hit our roads very, very soon. From established giants like Hyundai and Kia to comeback stories like Renault, and even a bold new direction from Tata, the choices are about to become incredibly exciting. Or incredibly overwhelming, depending on how you look at it!

Let’s dive in, shall we, and see what’s brewing in the world of India's most sought-after vehicle type.

1. Tata Curvv: The Coupe-SUV's Electric Entry

First up, we have Tata Motors, who are clearly not content with just dominating the EV space; they want to redefine segments. The Curvv, which we first saw as a concept — and what a concept it was — is slated to be their stylish coupe-SUV offering. It’s quite a big deal, a really significant launch. What’s intriguing is Tata’s strategy: it's set to launch as an electric vehicle first, probably in early 2024, followed by its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart. This shows a real commitment to future mobility, doesn't it? We expect it to be packed with features, sitting somewhere between the Nexon and Harrier in their lineup, and perhaps, just perhaps, it’ll truly popularize the coupe-SUV trend in India.

2. Honda Elevate: A Much-Needed Re-Entry

Now, Honda, bless them, has been a bit quiet in the SUV arena for a while, particularly after the CR-V's departure. But that's about to change dramatically with the Elevate. Globally debuted on June 6, 2023, this midsize SUV is Honda’s grand statement for India. In truth, it’s designed primarily for us, and that’s a good sign. Powering it will be the very reliable 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine we know from the City, paired with either a manual gearbox or a smooth CVT. And yes, for once, we're likely to see some advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) making their way into a Honda for this segment. It's a solid, sensible, and much-anticipated return, you could say.

3. Hyundai Creta Facelift: The Segment Leader Gets a Glow-Up

Ah, the Creta. The king of the midsize SUV jungle, no doubt about it. But even kings need a refresh now and then to keep their crown shining. Hyundai is planning a significant facelift for the Creta, set to arrive in India sometime in 2024. And when I say 'significant,' I mean it. We're talking about design changes that bring it closer to its global siblings, the Tucson and Palisade — think a more aggressive, sharper face. Beyond the looks, there's chatter of a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine joining the existing lineup, giving buyers even more punch. And, as is becoming standard practice for new models in this segment, expect ADAS features to be a prominent offering. The competition will surely be watching this one closely.

4. Kia Seltos Facelift: Style Meets Substance, Again

Naturally, where the Creta goes, its stylish cousin, the Seltos, isn’t far behind. Kia is also gearing up for a major facelift of the Seltos, with its global debut penciled in for June 20, 2023, and an India launch following swiftly in July. Much like the Creta, the Seltos facelift will bring refreshed styling — a nip here, a tuck there — to keep it looking sharp and contemporary. It will, importantly, also inherit the new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. Kia’s always been good at loading their cars with tech and features, and the updated Seltos is expected to continue this tradition, including, you guessed it, ADAS. It’s all about staying competitive, isn’t it?

5. Renault Duster: The Icon's Grand Comeback

Finally, a name that evokes a certain nostalgia for many — the Duster. The original Duster practically created the midsize SUV segment in India before, well, before it faded out. But hold on, because the Duster is set for a grand comeback! The next-generation model, likely to arrive in 2024, is expected to be built on the CMF-B platform, which promises a more modern, robust foundation. What’s exciting is the talk of both a five-seater and a seven-seater variant, significantly expanding its appeal. Engine options could include a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and potentially even hybrid powertrains. If Renault gets this right, the Duster could very well reclaim its iconic status and shake things up in a big way. It’s the comeback kid we’re all rooting for, perhaps.

So there you have it. Five compelling reasons why the midsize SUV segment in India is about to get even more vibrant, more competitive, and certainly more interesting. The next couple of years are shaping up to be quite a ride for car enthusiasts and buyers alike. Tough choices ahead, but isn’t that the fun part?