Following its launch, the Creta has been successfully keeping the cash registers ringing, while its current competitors are gradually falling behind. In this article, we examine four upcoming rivals from Indian and French manufacturers that are poised to challenge the Creta’s dominance.
1. Renault Duster
The updated Dacia Duster was launched in Europe a few months ago, and the same model is expected to debut in India by the end of this year or early 2025. The exterior design takes significant inspiration from the Dacia Bigster concept, featuring a refreshed grille, sleek headlights, and Y-shaped LED DRLs.
The interior represents a significant upgrade from the previous model sold in India, offering premium features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, TPMS, ADAS, and ESC. While the powertrain options for the Indian market have yet to be confirmed, it is known that there will be no diesel engine available. The Renault Duster is expected to be priced starting from Rs 10 lakh ex-showroom.
2. Tata Curvv
The Tata Curvv is set to be released as a production version based on the concept showcased a few years ago. Tata has confirmed the specifications for the ICE models, which include a new 1.5-litre GDi turbo petrol engine debuting in the Curvv, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine currently used in the Nexon. Externally, the Curvv will feature flush door handles, dual-tone alloy wheels, LED light bars at the front and rear, vertically stacked headlights in the bumper, LED taillights, roof rails, and a signature sloping coupe roofline.
The interior will offer a premium experience with two 12.3-inch screens, an ADAS suite, touch-sensitive HVAC controls, a drive mode selector using a rotary dial, a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and a newly designed gear lever. The Curvv’s length is expected to exceed 4 meters, and with its premium features, it is anticipated to be priced between Rs 15 – 20 lakh ex-showroom.
3. Citroen Basalt
The French carmaker is set to launch its fifth product in India, a Coupe SUV named the ‘Basalt’. Scheduled for release in the second half of the year, test mules of the vehicle have already been spotted on Indian roads. The Basalt Coupe SUV will be based on the C3 Aircross, with a front fascia that resembles its predecessor. However, the front bumper has been redesigned for a more aggressive look, featuring a wide radiator grille.
The Basalt Coupe SUV will be a more premium offering compared to the C3 Aircross, equipped with features such as automatic climate control, an auto-dimming IRVM, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, and ventilated front seats. The expected price range is between Rs 12 – 17 lakh ex-showroom.
Also Read : Hyundai launches Creta N-line in India at Rs.16.82 lakh
4. Mahindra XUV500 Coupe
Following the launch of the Mahindra XUV700, the XUV500 was temporarily retired. Last year, test mules of a Mahindra coupe SUV, resembling the “Mahindra XUV500 Aero” concept, were spotted near Chennai alongside the XUV700. While detailed information about this coupe SUV remains sparse, it is confirmed to be a 5-seater SUV with an expected length of 4.3 meters.
With several manufacturers like Tata and Citroen entering the coupe SUV segment, Mahindra aims to price the XUV500 Coupe competitively. To achieve this, it will utilize the XUV300 platform with some modifications, likely retaining the XUV300’s engine options with adjustments to boost power and torque. This will include both petrol and diesel engines. The new XUV500 Coupe is anticipated to be priced between Rs 11 – 19 lakh ex-showroom.