In 2020, Mahindra will release the second generation Thar SUV. Buyers have reacted well to the new model, which presently has a waiting list of more than 11 months. It is the only model in the lifestyle SUV market that costs less than 20 lakh rupees.
Things may, however, alter in the near future. In the next years, two new lifestyle SUVs priced under Rs 20 lakh would be introduced in the Indian market. In truth, Mahindra is working on a 5-door version of the Thar SUV with a lengthy wheelbase. The 5-door Thar is slated to go on sale in 2022-23, and testing of the SUV will begin soon.
In terms of competitiveness, Force Motors is set to release the next generation Gurkha SUV in the near future. The redesigned Gurkha made its debut at the 2020 Auto Show. Maruti Suzuki, on the other hand, is working on a new 5-door extended wheelbase Jimny SUV. In India, the LWB Jimny might be dubbed the “new Gypsy” and released by July 2022.
New Force Gurkha
The new model is built on a ladder-on-frame chassis. The SUV has a tougher body shell that complies with new crash test and pedestrian safety regulations. Except for the contemporary features and redesigned front grille with retro-styled headlights with LED DRLs, the general appearance is unchanged. Significant modifications to the interiors include a new colour palette, dashboard design, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
The new Gurkha will be powered by a 90bhp diesel engine that complies with BS6 regulations. The SUV will be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and 4WD (four-wheel drive) with manual locking differentials controlled by levers. The 2WD (two-wheel drive) technology might possibly be introduced by the corporation.
Jimny LWB
Suzuki has begun field testing the Jimny SUV’s LWB variant in several countries. The new model will have a 300mm larger wheelbase than the Jimny Sierra and will be 300mm longer overall. According to reports, the lifestyle SUV would be powered by a more powerful 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, similar to the one found in the international-spec Swift Sport. Suzuki could include the SHVS mild hybrid technology to improve fuel economy. This engine produces 127 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.
The 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that generates 102bhp and 130Nm of torque might be used in the India-spec vehicle. The SUV’s wheelbase will be 2,550mm, and the ground clearance will be 210mm. The kerb weight will be 1190kg, which is 100kg more than the Sierra 3-door.