Along with a range of new car launches, the Indian auto sector had an eventful year in 2023 with numerous facelifts and tweaks. Every debut or launch featured flair, innovation, and cutting-edge technology, creating new standards for the industry—from electric offerings to compact SUVs. The majority of prominent automakers, from Tata Motors and Hyundai to Honda and Kia, updated their compact SUV models this year, with substantial and minor midlife improvements, and at the same time, they also launched several enticing new products in the country. Let's take a detailed look at the compact SUV models that made waves in the Indian market this year as 2023 draws to an end.
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Honda Elevate
The new SUV from Honda, priced between Rs 11 lakh and Rs 16 lakh (All prices, ex-showroom), was launched back in September. In terms of market competition, the Elevate locks horns with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the 2023 Tata Nexon. The 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine that drives the City sedan is the only powertrain option available for the mid-size SUV. This engine can produce a maximum torque output of 145Nm along with 120bhp of peak power. Furthermore, a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed CVT are the available transmission choices.
Speaking of styling details, the exterior follows the current global design language Honda uses for its SUVs, which includes a large grille with the Honda logo, sharp headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED turn indicators, diamond-cut R17 alloy wheels, and LED taillamps. Meanwhile, the Elevate's dimensions are 1,790mm in width, 1,650mm in height, and 4,312mm in length. Notably, its 458-litre cargo space is the largest in its class.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Suzuki launched the Fronx in April and the price for the SUV's base model starts at Rs 7.46 lakh (ex-showroom). It has a design that combines the form of the Baleno hatchback with the stance and appearance of the Grand Vitara. The car's integrated LED taillamp at the back and distinctive tailgate arrangement only serve to enhance its appeal. Its dimensions stand at 3,995mm in length, 1,765mm in width, and 1,550mm in height, with a 2,520mm wheelbase.
Customers who are interested in the SUV have a choice between the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine. The turbo-petrol unit has a maximum power output of 99bhp and a peak torque of 147.6Nm. Meanwhile, the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 89bhp and a maximum torque of 113Nm. A 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual gearbox are the available transmission options for the Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine. For the naturally aspirated unit, there is a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic manual transmission (AMT).
2023 Tata Nexon and Nexon.ev Facelift
On September 14, 2023, Tata Motors introduced the eagerly awaited Nexon and Nexon.ev facelifts in India. With ex-showroom starting prices of Rs 8.10 lakh and Rs 14.74 lakh, respectively, these Tata SUVs offer several improvements over their predecessors. The new Nexon's mechanical layout hasn't changed all that much. The SUV offers the same choices: a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 113bhp and 260Nm, or a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit delivering 118bhp and 170Nm. The turbo-petrol engine's new gearbox options, which include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT, and a 7-speed DCT, are the sole changes. In contrast, the diesel engine is available with two different gearbox choices: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT.
Next, there are two battery pack configurations for the Nexon eV: Medium Range and Long Range. The Long-Range model features a larger 40.5kWh battery than the Medium-Range model's smaller 30kWh battery. The ARAI-certified driving ranges of the MR and LR versions are 325-kilometre and 465-kilometre, respectively. These figures represent an improvement of 12 kilometers over the prior figures. Performance-wise, the LR variant generates 215Nm of peak torque and 127bhp of maximum power, while the MR variant offers 143bhp and 215Nm.
Kia Seltos
In July, the SUV received a mid-life refresh, with prices starting at Rs 10.89 lakh (ex-showroom). However, two months later, the brand raised the costs of the GTX Plus and X-Line manual and automatic models by Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000, respectively. In India, the SUV is offered in nine variants: HTE, HTK, HTK Plus, HTX, HTX Plus, GTX+ (S), GTX+, X-Line (S), and X-Line. It competes with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Hyundai Creta.
The redesigned Seltos keeps the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engines under the hood. The SUV's petrol engine produces 113bhp/144Nm and is connected to either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. The turbo-diesel engine, on the other hand, produces 114.4bhp and a maximum torque of 250Nm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission. A new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is also offered as a replacement for the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol mill. Producing 158bhp and 253Nm of torque, this powerplant is already available with the Kia Carens. Either a six-speed iMT or a seven-speed DCT is coupled to this unit.
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Hyundai Exter
The price of the Hyundai Exter ranges between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10.15 lakh (both ex-showroom). Launched in July, the SUV's safety features comprise six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), burglar alarm, hill assist control, automatic headlights, child seat anchor (ISOFIX), rear defogger, rear parking camera, Day and night IRVM (with Bluelink controls), and more. The 1.2-litre Kappa 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which powers the Exter, generates a peak torque of 113.8Nm at 4,000rpm and 82bhp of power at 6,000rpm. There are two transmission options: a 5-speed AMT and a 5-speed manual. Additionally, the Exter can run on compressed natural gas (CNG), producing 95.2Nm and 68bhp when paired with a manual transmission.
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