Hyundai ix25 to Fiat 500X: SUVs coming to India in 2015

Automakers expect 2015-16 to be far more fertile and productive. Which is why India is going to see an influx of SUVs and Crossovers in the near future. Here are the SUVs that are likely to be launched in India in 2015.2015 Audi Q3The Q3 has been highly successful both in India and globally but it now receives new styling, updated engines and a few more features. The new styling is more of a facelift rather than an all new design, and the familiarity continues on the insides as well with the exception of a new steering wheel, instrument cluster and the updated MMI infotainment system. Audi says that all of the Q3's engines receive updates.2015 Audi Q7The new generation of the Q7 has been revealed ahead of its January 2015 debut at the Detroit Motor Show, and it is likely to make it to India by mid-2015. This new generation Q7 is 37mm shorter and 15mm narrower than before, with an additional 21mm of leg room. The initial batches of the 2015 Q7 will be brought to India as CBUs.BMW X1The updated version is likely to come with a face lift, better interiors and equipment. But the biggest change, to our dismay, is that the new BMW X1 will be a front-wheel drive, which will undoubtedly make it more fuel efficient, but will rob it of the rear-wheel drive fun. The new X1 will be based on the company's UKL1 front-wheel drive platform, as used by the latest Mini hatchbacks. The new BMW X1 could come to India by the end of this year.Fiat 500XLike the 500 and the 500L - the 500X also has two iterations - one a stylish urban vehicle and another, more rugged version. Both versions of the 500X are expected to be launched in India along with the Abarth range this year. The 500X globally has a range of four petrol and three diesel engine options, and also comes with options of an all-wheel drive system and a new 9-speed automatic gearbox. On the infotainment front, the 500X will get equipment from Garmin, and audio technology from Beats by Dre.Ford EndeavourThe Endeavour has been around for a while now but it's time it was upgraded. The new iteration is set to be much more contemporary in terms of exterior as well as interior styling. The Endeavour is inspired by the new Ranger pickup, from where it borrows its platform. Ford is expected to launch the new Endeavour here sometime in 2015. It will come in via the CKD route from Thailand.Honda CR-V dieselHonda has unveiled the 2015 CR-V facelift. The SUV is expected to make its way to India in 2015. The previous-gen Honda CR-V is already available in the country. The facelifted CR-V gets a new grille and headlamps. There are also new front and rear bumpers, skid plates and LED tail lamps. On the engines front, aside from the existing 2.0-litre 155PS petrol engine, the CR-V now gets a diesel motor.Hyundai ix25Hyundai's weapon of choice for the compact SUV onslaught will be the ix25, which when launched will sport a specific nomenclature for the Indian market, as we've seen with the Xcent and the Grand i10. The ix25 will be based on the new Elite i20's platform but unlike other dressed up hatchbacks, its platform will actually be modified to increase the wheelbase by 20mm. The ix25 will be positioned between the i20 and the Verna, and is expected to be priced near the Rs 10 lakh mark.Jeep Grand CherokeeJeep's flagship luxury SUV - the Grand Cherokee, is a welcome alternative to German stalwarts like the Mercedes-Benz GL, the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5. The Grand Cherokee feels like a very accomplished package both on and off road and that's probably because underneath the skin, it's based on a modified 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class platform. We expect Fiat to launch the Grand Cherokee between Rs 60 to 65 lakh.Land Rover Discovery SportFor the first time, a Discovery badged vehicle will be able to seat seven people in an SUV that Land Rover claims has a footprint no larger than other competing 5-seat premium SUVs. The Discovery Sport will feature the familiar tried and tested 2.2-litre turbo diesel with the new 9-speed ZF gearbox.Mahindra S101It's speculated that Mahindra are working on a mini SUV codenamed S101, which will be positioned as the bottom end of the XUV family and named the XUV300. Maruti-Suzuki S-CrossMaruti Suzuki, India's largest carmaker intends to make the most of the crossover craze with the S-Cross. The S-Cross was unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo and caught testing on Indian roads. It is plausible to expect it to be officially sold in India this year. But unlike the Ford EcoSport and the Duster/Terrano, the S-Cross is likely to be positioned on a slightly premium side, perhaps above the newly launched Ciaz, in a bid to improve the brand's perception.SsangYong KorandoMahindra's SUV plans for 2015 will include another SUV from the SsangYong stable - the new Korando C. It will be offered in three trim levels, much like the Rexton, but is likely to be placed lower. Expected to be priced around the Rs 15-20 lakh mark, the Korando will take on the likes of the Skoda Yeti, the Chevrolet Captiva and the Renault Koleos.(With inputs from Overdrive.in)