Presently, the options available in the sub-compact SUV segment are very family-oriented and subtle-looking models. However, in the coming months, four new rugged sub-compact SUVs will be making their debut in India. These SUVs will boast a rugged design which will help them stand out in the crowded sub-4m SUV segment. So, if you are someone who loves butch-looking SUVs and is on a budget, then make sure to read till the end.
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The upcoming SUV from Mahindra, which is the Vision S, will be a Land Rover Defender on a budget. This SUV’s test mules have been spotted on multiple occasions on Indian roads. It has been noted that it will be a very unique and rugged-looking SUV with a macho stance and road presence.
In terms of design, the Vision S will get a very boxy and upright stance. At the front, it will feature circular LED headlights with DRLs inspired by the Thar Roxx. Along with it, the SUV will boast a flat grille featuring Mahindra’s signature slats, a chunky front bumper, and will also include a skid plate to add to the rugged appearance.
Moving to the side profile, this SUV will get thick body cladding, which is a must for rugged SUVs. It will also feature a high window line and large alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches depending on the variant. Other notable highlights will include side steps and roof rails. As for the rear, the Vision S will get a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, vertical LED tail lamps, and a simple but tough-looking bumper.
On the inside, the Vision S is expected to offer a modern yet practical cabin. It will feature a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and ADAS Level 2 as well.
As for the powertrain options, Mahindra is expected to offer a 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. A hybrid version is also expected to be introduced later. The Mahindra Vision S is expected to make its debut by late 2026 or by early 2027. Its price is likely to be in the range of Rs 10 to Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).
Renault is currently in the process of making a strong comeback in India, and one of its most important upcoming models is the Renault Bridger. This new SUV will be positioned between the Renault Kiger and the Renault Duster.
The Bridger will be based on the new RGMP platform, which, as per the company, will support multiple powertrain options. These will include petrol, hybrid, CNG, and even fully electric versions. This will make it one of the most versatile SUVs in its segment, like the Tata Nexon.
In terms of design, the Bridger will get a bold and boxy stance with a high ground clearance of around 200 mm. At the front, this SUV will feature a large grille with an illuminated Renault logo and sleek LED headlights. The side profile will feature squared wheel arches and large alloy wheels, and the rear will get sharp LED tail lamps and a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate.
Despite being a compact SUV, it will offer a spacious cabin along with a boot space of around 400 litres. The Renault Bridger is expected to launch in India by late 2027, and its price will likely range between Rs 8 to Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom).
Renault’s strategic partner, Nissan, is also working on its own version of the Bridger as part of its new Indian product offensive strategy. This upcoming SUV will share the same platform and powertrain options as the Bridger but, like all other badge-engineered models, will get a completely different design.
Unlike the boxy design of the Bridger, the Nissan version is expected to take inspiration from the flagship global SUV Patrol. This means it will have a more aggressive and premium design language.
It will be built on the same RGMP platform and will offer petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrain options similar to the Bridger. Production will take place at the Oragadam manufacturing facility near Chennai alongside the Renault Bridger. The Nissan version is expected to be launched around 3 to 6 months after the Bridger, which means it will most likely be launched by early 2028. Pricing is expected to be in the range of Rs 8.5 to Rs 14.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
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The Mahindra Thar three-door is a crowd-favourite SUV and was recently given a minor facelift. However, now the company is gearing up to launch the new version, which will be getting a significant upgrade. In terms of design, the facelifted Thar will get circular LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs, a revised grille and bumper, and new alloy wheels.
The overall design will take inspiration from the Thar Roxx. As for the interior, its biggest upgrades will be in terms of features. The SUV is expected to get a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with new additions like ventilated seats, automatic climate control, wireless charging, and push-button start.
The powertrain options will remain unchanged. It will continue to be offered with a 1.5-litre diesel, 2.2-litre diesel, and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine along with both manual and automatic gearbox options. The higher variants will also continue to offer 4WD capability. The Mahindra Thar facelift is expected to launch in late 2026, most likely around the festive season. As for the prices, they are expected to start from around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
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