AUTOMOBILE COMPANIES PLANNING TO LAUNCH NEW SUVs THIS FESTIVE SEASON

The festive season is fast approaching and automotive manufacturers, as they always have, are looking to take advantage of the positive buying sentiments that generally exist during this period by bringing in new launches. Below are some of the listed companies that will bring out the much-awaited new models this season:

- the largest carmaker in India will introduce the Escudo (another midsize SUV which will slot below the Grand Vitara but will have slightly larger proportions). Unlike other models, the Maruti Suzuki Escudo will be sold through the regular Arena dealerships and it will likely feature the familiar 1.5L mild hybrid and strong hybrid petrol powertrains. But the overall design will be heavily influenced by the upcoming e-Vitara as well as the Grand Vitara. It will also be packed with features to lure in customers. - the third generation Hyundai Venue has been seen testing multiple times on public roads over the last several months. It will get a thorough redesign inside and out while the equipment list will be upgraded as well. Some of the highlights include Level 2 ADAS and panoramic sunroof. It will undoubtedly borrow styling cues from the latest Creta and Alcazar. - the new generation Bolero will take an evolutionary approach to design over the existing model. It is expected to sit on a brand new ladder frame architecture and will give the bigger midsize SUVs a tough run as it could become slightly premium in terms of equipment and technologies planned. Nevertheless, the existing Bolero MUV will retain its spot in the lineup. - the Punch ICE remains glaringly different from the current crop of volume-based Tata SUVs as it has not been through any major cosmetic revisions since its market launch in 2021. In line with its EV counterpart, it will get exterior updates while the cabin will also be subjected to noticeable changes. As for the powertrain, the same 1.2L NA petrol will be retained.