The recently concluded International Auto Show at Frankfurt saw a slew of launches and unveils. As we ran through the events and different pavilions, we were surprised by the number of SUVs which made their presence felt at the IAA. Here is the list of the top 10 SUVs from the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017.
1. Volkswagen T-Roc
Volkswagen revealed the production version of their all-new SUV, the T-Roc. Based on the Golf platform from the MQB family, the T-Roc is a Hyundai Creta-sized compact SUV but will most probably be positioned at a premium pricing. We expect VW to bring this SUV to India soon to tap the ever-growing SUV market.
2. Porsche Cayenne
While the Porsche Cayenne had been revealed before Frankfurt, the International Auto Show saw the sporty SUV at its first public debut. While not much has changed on the outside, underneath the surface, it is all new and much lighter and faster than before.
3. Audi Q5
The all-new Audi Q5 has been long overdue and we had an opportunity to get up close with the India-bound SUV in Frankfurt. Like all new Audi SUVs, even the Q5 gets angular than before along with a sea of changes in the mechanical department as well. The India-bound car will drive in with the new 1.4-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre TDI engines with automatic gearboxes by 2018.
4. Renault Duster
Renault has gone all radical with its global line-up and the Duster is the latest model to join them. The 2018 Duster gets the starry grille in the front and all-new headlamps and futuristic square tail lamps. The best part is that the Duster retains its mechanical prowess that has impressed many of us with its capability.
5. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser gets another update and we are not sure if we like the new styling on the mammoth. The suave horizontally slatted grille has made way for a Prado-like vertically slatted grille along with some more nips and tucks around the exterior. The insides also get their share of updates with a tweaked design of the dash and some added equipment.
6. BMW X3
Another machine which is headed to India the new BMW X3. It is a new-generation car with a new platform, better dynamics and of course, a slew of engine options globally. But when it comes to India, you can expect it to come with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines and a 3.0-litre diesel straight six as well.
7. Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq will be launched in India in October and before we drive the car at the end of this month, here is what it looks like. The Kodiaq is Skoda’s version of a big-fat SUV that will ideally compete with the likes of the Ford Endeavour and the Toyota Fortuner. With seven seats, four-wheel drive and mammoth promotions this will only be the second SUV from Skoda in India.
8. SSangyong Rexton
After Mahindra’s acquisition of the Korean carmaker, the Rexton was the first and only car to be introduced in India. It could have been a success but it was the first time for even Mahindra to handle such a premium car, its service and technicalities. The all-new Rexton is a much better car than its predecessors and in this SUV-hungry market, it has a good opportunity in India.
9. Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq was unveiled earlier this year and the compact SUV is all set to drive into India next year. Sitting below the Kodiaq, this premium SUV will compete with the likes of the T-Roc, the Jeep Compass and will come in with similar engine options as the Skoda Octavia.
10. Honda CR-V Hybrid
This car makes it to the list only because Honda sells the CR-V in India. Being a petrol-only SUV, its sales are understandably low. With the series hybrid setup of the CR-V, the SUV will become quite expensive, just like the Honda Accord Hybrid. In spite of being brilliant cars, the lack of GST-sops for hybrids will mean a very steep price tag for the CR-V hybrid in India.
