It’s an open fact that we love them and when it came to SUVs, car makers went out all guns blazing at the Auto Expo 2018. Some striking concepts which will later come out as production models and some ready to be manufactured SUVs were displayed at the expo. Here’s our Top 5 pick.
Tata H5X
A showstopper, the Tata H5X concept had everyone’s attention at the Auto Expo 2018. Based on an all-new platform borrowed from Land Rover, a production version of this SUV is already being tested in the country. Two variants, a 5-seater and a 7-seater will most probably come out next year and will be powered by Fiat’s Multijet II, 2.0-litre motor which also sits under the Jeep Compass’ hood.
Although we’re sure the production version will look more or less similar to the concept on the outside, the bits inside the cabin of this concept might not make it to the production car. It will all be fresh and exciting for sure is what we can tell you. The car’s designer event went out to say that almost 85% of bits on the concept H5X will make it to the production-spec car.
Mahindra Rexton
A rebadged Ssangyong, the Mahindra Rexton will debut in the latter half of the year as the homegrown car maker’s flagship. With a slightly redesigned fascia which gets a toothy grille, the SUV will also get a brand new identity in the form of a new name before its formal launch.
The SUV comes fitted with a 2.2-litre engine which delivers 178 hp of power and 420 Nm of torque to all four wheels, paired with a 7-speed Mercedes-Benz Automatic transmission. Equipment on the new car includes HID headlamps, LED DRLs, an electric sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated seats, 8″ touchscreen infotainment with GPS navigation, 9 airbags, electronic parking brake and much more.
Kia SP Concept
A new entrant in the India car market, Kia will introduce a production version which will look pretty much like the SP concept SUV in the later half of 2019.
A smart looking vehicle, no technical details have been revealed. However, the production ready Kia SUV will most likely be powered by 1.6-litre diesel and 1.6-petrol motors which power the likes of the Creta.
Mahindra KUV100 Xtreme
For another INR 3.2 lakh over the cost of a standard KUV, Mahindra Customization will build an SUV for you which leaves its donor car’s rather ordinary image behind. Built on a made-to-order basis, the KUV100 Xtreme’s body panels get injected with lots of protein, it gets wider rubber and really cool wheels.
For what looks a pretty little beach buggy, the KUV100 Xtreme probably continues with the same underpinnings and motor as the standard car. Since details are scarce, we believe there might be some changes here and there. But if you like what you see, you may contact Mahindra Customization and ask them to build one for you.
New 2018 Honda CR-V
The new fifth-generation Honda CR-V will go on sale in India later this year and folks who admire the car will be happy to know that it will be sold with the option of a diesel engine and 7 seats.
The 5th Gen Honda CR-V comes with bold and sophisticated new styling, featuring LED head and tail lights, LED Daytime Running lights, sharp front grille and sporty new alloy wheels.