Growing to clock 54,850 units in February 2021 as against the sale of 27,273 units in the corresponding month last year, the compact SUV segment has come to include the participation of almost all the manufacturers in the country today. The Kushaq marks the latest entry, and clearly the most exciting in terms of what it has to offer. A part of the segment that arguably is the most trending as far as passenger vehicles are concerned, the Kushaq is indicative of the direction in which the segment of compact SUVs is heading in. It is was until recently led by Maruti Brezza, a compact SUV segment that shares its platform as well as the assembly line with the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Said to have grown at the expense of mid-size sedans (including compact sedans) and premium hatchbacks, the compact SUV segment consists of no less than 11 offerings today. They are proof of the fact that they are not missed by any manufacturer. Overtaking the Maruti Brezza as the most selling compact SUV in April 2021, the Hyundai Venue has demonstrated how manufacturers like Hyundai, which began by selling high-end SUVs like Terracan and Santa Fe in India, are warming up to the trend of compact SUVs that is unique to India. Clearly so, when one understands that the Renault Duster was born out of the highly popular Renault Clio as a cost-effective crossover in Europe. It soon challenged more premium offerings there like the Skoda Yeti. Highlighting Indian automobile buyers’ psyche of cost consciousness, the compact SUVs like Kushaq are highlighting new growth prospects, technologies and features.

Tech and price trends

Considering the starting price of Brezza and Venue at INR 7.39 lakh and INR 6.92 lakh approximately, the Kushaq, at a starting price of Rs.10.5 lakh is certain to appear costly. Zac Hollis, Skoda’s director of Sales, Service & Marketing, has informed through a tweet that even the basic ‘Active’ variant carries a significant additional equipment over its competitors (see the comparison chart). The Kushaq is being offered with a TSI technology engine right at the basic level, he has added. Being offered with a cylinder deactivation technology that shuts two out of the four cylinders by sensing the load (via the accelerator pedal input) to ensure superior fuel efficiency and lower carbon footprint, the Kushaq reflects a technology trend that is taking shape among compact SUVs as new products join the fray. So, if the Renault Duster and one or two other vehicles in the compact SUV segment offer a turbo-petrol engine like the Kushaq does, right at the basic level, a majority offer a MPI engine. The technology trend concerning compact SUVs ironically also highlights a stress on petrol engines. The BSVI emission norms and decreasing price gap between petrol and diesel are said to be the reasons. Presenting the superior drive-ability and fuel efficiency of diesel are the turbo-petrol (also termed as Gasoline Direct Injection) models and variants. In the Kushaq, Skoda has termed the technology coinage as TSI.

If the compact SUV offerings like the Kushaq, Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Duster and many others highlight a rising trend of petrol only variants in-line with the reasons mentioned above, an amount of technological exploration is on in the area of transmissions. As urban buyers warm up to compact SUVs and make a shift over from sedans and hatchbacks, almost every model being offered on the market is available with an option of an automatic gearbox. The highlight of this trend is the mushrooming of dual-clutch automated transmissions that support sporty and agile driving experience. As the first product to spring from Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project (see box), the Kushaq, is available with a choice of the much acclaimed DSG automated transmission. Apart from just one or two vehicles in its segment offering a CVT ‘auto’ transmission, and what could be termed as conventional ‘torque convertor’-based auto-box, many compact SUVs are offering their version of DSG automated transmission by calling them as DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission). Most basic trims in the segment are offered with a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission.

Feature trends

Almost all the compact SUVs being offered in India are front-wheel drive with the engine and trans-axle located transversely at the front. The only four-wheel drive compact SUV, Duster, has already lost its arrangement to power both the axles. A look at the powertrain arrangement of the compact SUVs and their monocoque body construction, and it will be clear that they could be described as front-wheel hatchbacks with ‘lift-up’ suspension, an appropriate body style, and bigger dia. wheels and higher ground clearance. Most compact SUVs are equipped with McPherson strut suspension at the front and a twist beam axle at the rear. The Kushaq is no exception. It is keen to set itself apart from the Korean, Japanese and homegrown offerings like the Mahindra XUV300 with safety, quality, design and technology, according to Hollis. Offering TSI engines and DSG transmission, which were until now found on more premium offerings, the Kushaq, reflects its technological composition and the fact that it is the first vehicle to roll-out of the India-centric project set up with an investment of Euro-one billion, in its price positioning. The compact SUV with the lowest starting price – the Hyundai Venue at Rs.6.92 lakh approximately, offers a 1.2-litre MPI petrol engine at the basic level. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

When it comes to features, none of the compact SUVs on offer, including the Kushaq, is immune to the fact there is a direct bearing of price. The basic variants get what could be termed as ‘essential’ features whereas the top-end variants get a variety of ‘bells and whistles. Put together all the them and they include voice command, LED headlamps and tail lamps, rear view monitor, airbags, ABS and EBD, electronic parking brake, air purifier, start/stop, telematics, sunroof, TPMS, ESC, rear parking sensors, VSM, hill-start assist, cruise control, keyless entry, rear parking camera, touchscreen infotainment system and others. A look at the features offered by the compact SUVs, and a clear trend is evident in terms of technology. This technology pertains to an ability to stay connected with an increasingly smarter use of telematics. Many compact SUVs offer satellite navigation, tracking and connectivity features that are unique to their manufacturers. Ford, for example, offers the SYNC connectivity technology on the EcoSport. What makes it interesting is that a lot of software work relating to the connectivity features and various other functions of these compact SUVs has happened in India. If the Brezza’s local content amounts to 98 percent, that of the Kushaq is 93 percent.

Summing up

Emerging as a hot-bed of style and technology (the Tata Nexon is also available as an electric compact SUV and the MG Hector as a hybrid compact SUV), the trend pertaining to compact SUVs is getting clearer and clearer with every new product introduction. It is underlying quality, safety, comfort, localisation (read as Atmanirbhar Bharat) and an ability to control costs. 

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has expanded its Alcazar SUV range with a new Corporate variant with diesel powertrain at prices starting INR 1.78 million and an expansion of automatic transmission options in the Prestige DCT Petrol (7-speed) at INR 1.86 million.

The Alcazar Corporate variant is equipped with a voice-enabled smart Panoramic Sunroof and is available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmission choices, and is designed to appeal to the evolving aspirations of Indian SUV buyers.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we are continuously listening to customer feedback and evolving our product offerings to meet their aspirations. The introduction of the Corporate variant in Alcazar Diesel with a voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof and the inclusion of DCT in the Prestige Petrol variant reflects our commitment to providing a more personalized and premium SUV experience. With these updates, we aim to offer more choice and delight to our customers who seek performance, technology and sophistication in their vehicles.”

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When Tata Motors launched the Harrier.ev, it wasn’t just introducing another electric vehicle — it was signalling a shift in India’s premium electric vehicle landscape. Based on Tata’s Gen 2 EV (acti.ev+) architecture, the Harrier.ev blends familiarity with futuristic design, making electrification a natural progression rather than a disruptive leap.

Interestingly, the company is providing a lifetime warranty on the battery for the first vehicle owners, applicable only to private owners. 

Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, told Motoring Trends, “We have said that our Gen 2 approach is basically a pure EV approach. Much the same way, the acti.ev+, in fact, we have taken that architecture further ahead on the Harrier.ev to make sure that you can get the seating comfort of a regular SUV without any compromise on the battery or powertrain.”

While rivals explore born-electric platforms from scratch, Tata’s strategy with the Harrier.ev is different – marrying known aesthetics with a ground-up EV design. That’s not just a technical decision, but as Kulkarni stated, it’s rooted in customer behaviour.

“There is a section of people who are saying, who want the comfort and the familiarity of the product that they are using. So we have ​made a product that retains that familiarity, while giving them the benefits of electrification,” Kulkarni explained.

The Harrier.ev isn’t just about powertrains and batteries – it’s about creating a ‘third space.’ With features like a 14.5-inch Neo QLED screen and Dolby audio, Tata wants the Harrier.ev to be as comfortable and connected as a living room.

“You have office, you have home, and everything in between is where you spend a lot of time in the car. People expect it to be comfortable, convenient, connected and safe,” Kulkarni said.

Even as the EV market rapidly matures, Tata remains mindful of long-term viability. Decisions around battery size, AWD vs FWD configurations, and software-driven features were all taken with a delicate balance of affordability and future-readiness in mind.

“We worked with two sizes of batteries. This was about making the right choices,” said Kulkarni, noting how Tata’s dual-battery strategy is now industry standard.

As Kulkarni explained, For Tata, the Harrier.ev is more than a product – it's a culmination of years of foresight, strategic evolution and a deep understanding of the Indian consumer. It’s a vehicle that reflects not just where the market is headed, but how Tata Motors is determined to lead it there.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive in a hybrid avatar, featuring a 48-volt system that delivers improved fuel efficiency. The models are priced at INR 4.47 million and INR 5.09 million, respectively.  

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has defined the premium SUV segment in India, admired for its rugged design, robust performance and unmatched all-terrain capabilities. The stylish and feature-rich Legender complements the Fortuner, exemplifying Toyota’s core values of quality, durability and reliability. Together, they have cultivated a loyal following among urban adventurers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The new Neo Drive variants introduce Toyota’s advanced 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V system comprising a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This technology mirrors hybrid electric systems by recuperating braking energy during deceleration, contributing to smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency. The Smart Idle Start-Stop function further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when stationary, resulting in lower emissions and fuel savings.

Importantly, the company claims that these enhancements do not compromise the Fortuner and Legender’s formidable payload capacity, durability or off-road performance. The Multi-Terrain Select system optimises throttle response, braking and traction control to deliver a superior driving experience across diverse terrains.

On the design front, the Fortuner retains its bold, purposeful stance, ideal for rugged adventures, while the Legender exudes a more dynamic and premium appeal with dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps and a sleek fascia. Both models offer dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials and ergonomic seating designed for long-distance comfort.

In terms of safety the SUVs come with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, WIL Concept Seats, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control and more. Toyota’s focus on customer convenience extends to tailored finance solutions, including up to 8-year funding plans, Toyota Smart Balloon Finance and pre-approved value-added services such as extended warranty and genuine accessories. Buyers will also benefit from five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable to 5 years/220,000 km, along with the customisable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling. The new Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants meet these expectations with bold design, powerful performance, and comprehensive features, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to delivering ever-better cars and advancing towards carbon neutrality.”

Bookings for the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants commenced on 2 June 2025, with deliveries set to begin from the third week of June.

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Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has onboarded popular actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador.

The company shared that Tripathi, who is known for his versatility and grounded charm, embodies Hyundai India’s values of reliability, authenticity and a deep-rooted connection with the country’s diverse audience. With this association, HMIL further strengthens its ambassador lineup that already includes iconic personalities.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India.”

Pankaj Tripathi, said, “It is an honour to associate with Hyundai Motor India, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation and customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos. I look forward to this partnership where together, we can connect with people across the country - not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.”

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