Honestly, the compact SUV segment is about to get crazy hot over the next two years. Hyundai, Tata, Kia, Volkswagen, Renault all are bringing something new. And yes, some of it is ICE, some electric. I still remember sitting in a Kiger test drive a few years back. Turbo engine. Felt nice. But cabin was noisy. Little things like that matter, trust me.
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1. Renault Mini Duster
Renault is cooking up a new sub-four-metre SUV in India. Below the new-gen Duster. Dealers jokingly call it “mini Duster”. Funny, right? But seriously, this one won’t look like Kiger. Upright. Squared-off. Big wheel arches. Chunky body cladding. Engine? Same 1.0-litre turbo petrol from Kiger. Manual, CVT all options. Could launch next year. I had a chat with a friend at Renault once, he whispered, Real-world noise levels will surprise buyers. Curious to see if it holds true.
2. Volkswagen Compact SUV
Volkswagen is finally entering the Indian compact SUV war. Expected mid-2027. Based on Kylaq, MQB A0 IN architecture, but not a rebadge. Has its own style. Engine 1.0-litre TSI turbo, 114 bhp, 178 Nm. I remember driving a prototype of VW’s earlier small car. Smooth. But city traffic? Turbo lag noticeable. So yeah, buyers, expect a little patience. Small things add up in daily drives.
Also read : Volkswagen Tera Review The SUV Thats Turning Heads – But Is It Really Worth It
3. Tata Punch EV Facelift
Tata Motors teased the Punch EV facelift. February 20, 2026 debut. Front looks upright now. Closed-off grille inspired by Harrier EV. Front bumper reprofiled. Nexon EV-style aero alloys. Yellow with black roof. Batteries still 25 kWh and 35 kWh. Interior loaded with premium stuff. I remember a dealer once telling me Crowded city charging might be slow. True. And it matters. EVs are not just about numbers on a brochure. Real roads tell a different story.
Also read : Tata Punch EV 2026 Facelift Fresh Exterior Design Unveiled
4. Hyundai Compact Electric SUV (HE1i)
Hyundai is pushing a made-in-India compact EV. Launch confirmed 2027. Sub-four-metre. Inspired by global Inster concept. But India-tuned. Two battery options. Standard expected 300-350 km real-world range. I once drove an imported concept EV here in Mumbai. AC too weak. Suspension harsh. Local roads can be cruel. HE1i better fix that.
5. Kia Syros EV
Kia is stepping in with a Syros-based e-SUV. Entry-level electric fight. EV2 inspired. Two battery packs. Cabin loaded with features. Funny story during a prototype drive, AC and infotainment sync went funny. Glitches. But that’s the charm of EV testing. Real-world fixes always come later.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, 2026-27 is going to be exciting. Renault and VW doing traditional ICE charm. Tata and Hyundai pushing EVs. Kia showing tech flair. But here’s my two cents marketing promises are sweet, real-world drives are sweeter. Test drives. Local road checks. That’s the only way to know what you’re really buying. Simple.
