The year 2019 saw the launch of over two dozen all-new cars in India. By the term 'all-new', we mean cars that come with new or altered mechanicals in terms of engine, platform and transmission. Also, this list of SUVs launched in 2019 will not include premium options like the beautiful Porsche Cayenne Coupe or the all-rounder GLC.
The SUVs mentioned below have been sorted in terms of the launch date in India. Here we go then:
Nissan Kicks : 22nd Jan 2019
Price at launch: Rs 9.55 lakh
The first model in the list of 2019 SUVs is the Kicks. Nissan invested heavily into the Indian spec Kicks that is much larger in dimensions as compared to its international counterpart. The Kicks offers a radical and stylish design, is feature-loaded and offers excellent dynamics too. While the petrol versions started at Rs 9.55 lakh, the diesel line-up was on the wrong side of Rs 10 lakh. Nissan addressed by launching a lower XE variant in August. Priced at Rs 9.8 lakh and backed by a 5 year warranty, this has helped push up the sales.
Tata Harrier : 23rd Jan 2019
Price at launch: Rs 12.69 lakh
One of the highlights earlier this year was the launch of the Tata Harrier. It looks a lot like the concept vehicle and this infact is the USP here - the design is what makes it stands out on the road. We also like the dynamics, terrain modes and the black edition is something we haven't seen before. Tata Motors will launch an optional automatic next year and that will definitely up the appeal further.
Mahindra XUV300 : 15th Feb 2019
Price at launch: Rs 7.90 lakh
Based on the Ssangyong Tivoli, Mahindra's bold sub-4m compact SUV was launched a day after Valentine's Day! It definitely has one of the best exterior designs in the segment and comes with power packed engine options. AMT options were introduced later in the year and if you want a compact SUV that can give you grinning moments every now and then, pick this one up. Its expensive than most of its rivals, but worth the premium we say!
Hyundai Venue: 21st May 2019
Price at launch: Rs 6.5 lakh
The Indian Car Of The Year is the Hyundai Venue and for the right reasons. It is a smashing compact SUV, one that managed to dethrone the Maruti Vitara Brezza from the post of the largest selling compact SUV in India. The Venue looks bling, offers polished and high quality interiors and comes with as many as three engine options. We are a fan of the 1000cc turbo petrol motor that is also offered with a segment best DCT 'box. At a starting price of just Rs 6.5 lakh, the Venue offers tremendous value for money too.
Jeep Compass Trailhawk: 25th June 2019
Price at launch: Rs 26.80 lakh
The most expensive model in this list of 2019 SUVs is a very interesting one. An automatic diesel Compass has been much awaited and demanded by enthusiasts in India. Jeep decided to go all the way and launched the A/T with the 4x4 Compass while also offered off-road specific bits. The result? The Compass Trailhawk is the most accomplished automatic SUV off the road. It also looks better and with a lot more added muscle. The only shortcoming? Too expensive for the size but we are happy to see numerous examples of the road!
MG Hector: 27th June 2019
Price at launch: Rs 12.18 lakh
Two days after the Trailhawk's launch, MG Motor dropped a bomb by launching the Hector at a starting price of just Rs 12.18 lakh. This made is more affordable than its chief rival, the Tata Harrier. This combined with extra-ordinarily long list of features has made the Hector a hit. We love the way it rides too and given MG's upcoming network across India, the Hector will continue to be a common sight on Indian roads.
Hyundai Kona: 9th June 2019
Price at launch: Rs 25.3 lakh
India's first, full electric SUV went on sale this year and created a revolution of sorts. Hyundai sold over 50 units each month in October and November and this gives the industry enough encouragement to come up with their own EVs. The Kona looks futuristic, delivers more than ample driving range and is tech laden. We agree it will not be practical for smaller towns but as a trendsetter, we must pat Hyundai's backs for this product.
Isuzu V Cross Automatic: 20th August 2019
Price at launch: Rs 19.99 lakh
The Isuzu V Cross fired up the (sleeping) pick up market in India. It is the number one choice for off-road enthusiasts and why not. Looks butch, has great mechanicals and comes with enough kit to take care of 'luxury' needs. Their flagship version now is the automatic versions that comes with a 1.9-litre turbo diesel belting out more power than the larger 2.5 motor. Do note that the A/T is only available with this new, smaller motor. At Rs 19.99 lakh, it may seem expensive there is no other alternative in the market as of now.
Kia Seltos: 22nd August 2019
Price at launch: Rs 9.69 lakh
And finally, the Seltos comes in last in the list of 2019 SUVs. This has been a big surprise in the market - the Seltos broke all records and over 14,000 units were sold in the month of November alone. For an SUV that has an average retail price of Rs 12 lakh, this figure has never been seen more. Available with multiple engine and transmission options, the Seltos has been a runaway success - no two ways about it!
