the compact SUV space in India is going to feel crowded. In a good way. Showrooms will get busier. Launch events will get louder. And buyers? Slightly confused, maybe. Because while EV headlines keep flashing, the petrol SUV story is still running strong. Very strong.
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1. Renault Mini Duster
Take Renault for instance. The brand is quietly preparing what many insiders are calling the Mini Duster. It will sit below the Duster, but don’t assume it’s a smaller, softer thing. Not really. Unlike the city-friendly Renault Kiger, this new SUV is expected to look tougher. More upright. Higher bonnet. Squared proportions. Muscular arches. The kind of design that says I can handle bad roads even if most owners won’t leave the city. Under the hood, the trusted 1.0-litre turbo petrol motor may continue. It’s familiar. It works. And Renault probably knows customers don’t want experiments here.
2. Volkswagen Compact SUV
Now shift to Volkswagen, Calm, Strategic. The German brand is developing a compact SUV aimed directly at India’s highly competitive segment. Expected to use the 1.0-litre TSI engine pushing around 114 bhp and 178 Nm, it sounds properly sorted on paper. Yes, it will share its base with the Volkswagen Kylaq, but this is not just a badge swap. Volkswagen reportedly wants distinct styling. Slightly different character. Maybe sharper lines. A global unveil is likely around mid-2027. Still some time. But planning has clearly started.
3. Mahindra Thar Facelift
Then comes Mahindra & Mahindra. And honestly, Mahindra doesn’t need introduction in SUVs. The Mahindra Thar already carries a strong emotional connect. Now, test mules of its updated version especially the three-row variant have been spotted more than once. That usually means launch isn’t too far. Expect design tweaks inspired by the bigger Thar Roxx. Slightly more premium vibe. The engine and gearbox options are likely to stay the same. Safe decision. Interiors, however, should get attention. Bigger screens. New features. Maybe better material quality. It was needed, to be honest.
Also read : Mahindra Thar Price Hiked by Rs. 20,000 But This One Version Is Still Safe
4. Maruti Suzuki Fronx Flex Fuel
And then there’s Maruti Suzuki. The volume giant. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has already done well, but the company seems not stopping there. A feature expansion is expected. Possibly Level 2 ADAS. That would be a big leap for the segment. Even more interesting is the talk of a flex-fuel powertrain. If introduced, it could be the first of its kind in the brand’s local lineup. That signals future thinking. Slowly, but clearly.
5. Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift
Meanwhile, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift has been spotted testing repeatedly. Exterior updates may remain subtle. Maybe new alloy designs. Minor cosmetic tweaks. Inside, a larger touchscreen infotainment system seems almost certain. In the CNG variant, the fuel tank could be relocated under the floor. More boot space. More practicality. There is also chatter about a new six-speed manual transmission. Could improve highway comfort. Small change. Big impact.
Also read : Maruti Suzuki Brezza Spotted With Underbody CNG Tank Launch Soon
So yes, the compact SUV fight is about to intensify. Petrol models are still very relevant in India. Buyers want reliability. They want features. And they want value. Over the next year or so, expect launches, comparisons, and endless debates in parking lots. The story is just beginning.
