All New Sub-Compact SUVs Launching Soon: Renault Bridger To Mahindra Vision X
Sub compact SUVs are in great demand in India, particularly due to the terrific value proposition that they offer. Since they measure under four metres in length and use smaller engines, sub-compact SUVs enjoy tax cuts in India. These now attract 18% GST, whereas bigger cars and SUVs can fall into a 40% tax slab. This enables carmakers to price them competitively. Most models come well-packaged as well. This segment already has a bunch of interesting products. Here are 8 new sub-compact SUVs expected to launch in the next two years.
Renault will launch a second sub-compact SUV in India in the next two years. It will be positioned between the Kiger and the new Duster. The concept previewing this model will be showcased in France next week. Called the Bridger concept, it will have a bold design, illuminated ‘Renault’ lettering along the front fascia, an upright stance, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and an imposing road presence.
This product is aimed at emerging markets and will be designed by Renault’s India team. The company claims that despite its compact proportions, this SUV will offer ample room inside. When launched, the it is likely to use the Kiger’s 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine. It makes 98hp and 160Nm on the Kiger. The SUV will be based on a monocoque platform (likely CMF-A+ derivative).
It will be manufactured in India, and we may also see the Bridger-based SUV reach global markets later as a Dacia model, in the future. In India, it will compete primarily with popular models like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza and several other models.
After the production form of Renault Bridger goes on sale here, Renault’s alliance partner Nissan is expected to come up with its own version of it. Details are limited at the time oif writing. In Nissan’s portfolio, it will be positioned between the Magnite and the upcoming Tekton. Mechanically, this model will remain identical to the Renault sibling. Once launched, it will compete with the same set of rivals as its platform sibling. This product is likely to launch in late 2027.
Volkswagen is reportedly readying a new sub-compact SUV to rival the Skoda Kylaq. This product will be underpinned by the same MQB A0 IN platform as the Kylaq. It will use the same 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine and will be offered with manual and a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This engine makes 113hp and 178Nm on the Kylaq and a similar tune is expected on Volkswagen’s sub-compact SUV as well.
It was previously rumoured that VW would bring a tweaked version of the Tera as its sub-four-metre SUV here. More recent information suggests that the company will likely design a new product altogether. The Kylaq is now priced in the range of Rs 8-13 lakh, ex-showroom. A similar pricing is to be expected for the VW SUV. If placed well, this product can potentially become the spiritual successor of the VW Polo here.
Hyundai will launch the all-new Bayon in India in late 2026. Internationally, the Bayon has been a popular crossover. But the India-bound second generation will be more SUV-ish with its styling. It has already been spied on test, revealing a taller stance and a boxy design. The global-spec measures over 4 metres in length. The Indian version will likely have shorter overhangs to fit into the sub-four-metre bracket.
The biggest highlight of the new Bayon will be its new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This is reportedly being developed specifically for India and will be hybrid-ready. A strong hybrid version could be introduced later. Additionally, Hyundai may also offer the i20 N-Line’s 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine on the new Bayon.
Kia is developing an all-electric version of the Syros. The Syros.EV will be the carmaker’s second mass-market EV in India, and will be positioned below the Carens Clavis EV. The electric SUV will have EV-specific design differentiations from the outgoing internal combustion version. Though unconfirmed, two battery packs- 42 kWh and 49 kWh are likely to be offered, claiming range figures of around 300km and 400km respectively. The Syros EV will rival the MG Windsor, Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV in India.
Hyundai will introduce a small electric SUV based on the global Inster EV, to rival models like the (facelifted) Tata Punch.EV and Citroen eC3. It will target urban buyers and will likely be offered with two battery packs- 42 kWh and 49kWhm with WLTP claimed ranges of 300km and 355km, respectively. The standard version will have 97hp on offer while the longer range version will make 115hp. This EV will reportedly support DC fast charging speeds of up to 120kW. Like most Hyundais, the Inster-based EV will also come well-equipped.
Image source: SRK Designs
Mahindra will launch the production form of the Vision S concept in the first half of 2027. The name of the production remains under the wraps now. What we do know is that it will also be a sub-4 metre product, underpinned by Mahindra’s newly-developed NU_IQ platform. It will sit above the XUV 3XO in Mahindra’s domestic portfolio. Inside, the Vision S-based SUV will come packed with features and modern technologies.
Mahindra is likely to offer both petrol and diesel engines on the production-spec Vision S. Spy shots of the diesel have already surfaced online. It will likely feature the 1.5L four-cylinder diesel that does duty on the XUV 3XO and several other Mahindra models. Later in time, the carmaker may also consider offering hybrid engines on this product.
Expected to launch in 2027, the production form of Mahindra Vision X will also be a sub-compact SUV. It will possibly be the successor to the current XUV 3XO. This SUV is also based on the NU_IQ- the manufacturer’s new multi-energy modular platform.
Like many modern Mahindras, this product will also have a tech-heavy cabin. The design of the production form is expected to stay true to that of the concept. Both petrol and diesel engines, likely borrowed from the 3XO, will be offered on the final form. The SUV will have a front wheel drive (FWD) layout.