Upcoming Subcompact SUVs in India: Kia Sonet Facelift, Tata Punch EV, and More

SUVs are available in a range of shapes and sizes in India, ranging from micro and small to large and subcompact. In our industry, one of the main factors driving demand for sport utility vehicles is the sub-4 metre category. A lot of customers choose the subcompact cars over their competitors in the market because they offer greater convenience at a reasonable price. These SUVs are popular owing to their striking design, wide ground clearance, and practicality. With the new year around the corner, we've created a list of the top three upcoming subcompact SUVs from different manufacturers. Let's take a more detailed look at several potential features of these cars.

Kia Sonet Facelift

The Kia Sonet facelift was unveiled to the masses on December 14. It is currently available for booking in India at Rs 25,000 and is expected to go on sale early in January. The engine options—a 1.5-litre diesel, a 1.0-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol, and a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol—as well as three levels of trim that span across seven variants—HTX, HTX+, GTX+, X-Line, HTE, HTK, and HTK+—are available. 

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Among the vehicle's notable features are a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front seats, an electric sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, ABS with EBD, ESC, Level-1 ADAS, and six airbags. In terms of price, the refreshed version is predicted to be a bit more expensive than the current model, which costs between Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 14.89 lakh. These are ex-showroom prices. Following the launch in the country, the new SUV will compete with the Mahindra XUV300, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, the Renault Kiger, and others.

Tata Punch EV

The Punch EV from Tata Motors will be a new addition to the company's lineup of electric vehicles in the nation. The micro SUV is expected to have two trim levels - Medium Range and Long Range, similar to the existing Nexon EV. Although Tata Motors hasn't issued an official statement, market predictions suggest that the electrified Punch will be available in India in the first half of 2024.

The upcoming EV is probably going feature the manufacturer's Ziptron technology, with two battery options that might offer ranges of approximately 200 and 300 kilometres on a single charge. LED headlamp clusters, a modified grille, a front bumper with a charging connection, and other EV-specific design improvements are likely to be on the cards. Additionally, the new Punch Electric may be equipped with alloy wheels that differ from the regular version.

Toyota Taisor

Toyota India is anticipated to introduce the much-awaited Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, in the first quarter of next year. Given that it is a rebadged vehicle, the powertrain will be comparable to that of the Fronx. As a result, the same engine options are expected: a 1.2-litre Dual-Jet Dual-VVT petrol engine and a 1.0-litre Turbo Boosterjet engine.

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The Fronx's feature set, which consists of a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, automatic climate control, and 9.0-inch HD Smart Play Pro+ infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wireless charger is likely to be included in the new Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. In terms of design, the Taisor may differ slightly from the Fronx, which could lead to a modest price increase.