At the 11th edition of the Delhi Auto Expo, organised between 5th January and 11th January, an exciting line up of new SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) belonging to big brands was unveiled. Car manufacturers like Ford, Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and many others brought forward their latest SUV offerings.
The new models that were showcased included Tata Safari Storme, Ford EcoSport, Maruti concept XA Alpha, Chevrolet Captiva, Mahindra & Mahindra XUV 500, Ssangyong’s concept XIV-1, Rexton and Korando E. Force One, Renault Duster, Toyota Fortuner, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Audi Q3 and Volkswagen Touareg were some of the other SUVs showcased at the Expo.
Tata Safari Storme from the Tata Motors stable is a fresher and an updated version of the popular Safari. The Storme has all new exteriors and interiors along with innovative technologies. A 2.2-litre, 16-valve common rail (DiCOR) engine of Storme generates a maximum power of 138 hp and torque of 320 Nm. The Tata Storme will compete with Mahindra’s XUV 500, Scorpio, Ford EcoSport, Force One and Chevrolet Captiva in the Indian automobile market.
Ford EcoSport, the newest from the Ford Motor Company, is a sleek and stylish compact SUV. It has been designed exquisitely and has many advanced features. This car will be fitted with the new EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol, 3-cylinder engine that will perform at par with the car equipped with 1.6-litre one. It will deliver a maximum power output of 118.5 hp and a torque of 170 Nm. Ford EcoSport, an international product, is all set to capture a major market share in the SUV segment in India.
Maruti Suzuki, the leading automobile manufacturer in India, has forayed into the newer segment. At the Auto Expo, it unveiled the Ertiga, a multi purpose vehicle, and a concept SUV, XA Alpha. Maruti’s latest concept XA Alpha appears to be an efficient on-road and off-road vehicle. The car is powerful and looks muscular and aggressive. It is efficient, spacious and technologically advanced.
Captiva, Chevrolet’s upgraded sports utility vehicle, was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012. The Chevrolet was first unveiled in India at the Delhi Auto Expo in 2008. Captiva is now fitted with a powerful 2.2-litre, Common Rail Direct Injection TDCi engine. The maximum power output is 184 hp at 3800 rpm, while the torque is 424 Nm at 2000 rpm. It is incorporated with six-speed automatic transmission. Captiva will be available as a single version LTZ and is most likely to be priced at Rs. 22 lacs (ex-showroom price Delhi).
Mahindra & Mahindra’s fleet comprised the XUV 500, Ssangyong’s concept XIV-1, Rexton and Korande E. The XUV 500 is a trendy sports utility vehicle equipped with a dynamic diesel engine. The XIV-1 is a B segment SUV with an innovative design. The Rexton is a sporty and dynamic vehicle that is suitable for all types of terrains. It is incorporated with a 2.7-litre, turbocharged common-rail diesel engine. The Korando E is a futuristic electric sports utility vehicle based on the Korando C of the Ssangyong Motor.
The Premium SUVs included Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Audi Q3. The Mercedes-Benz model is the new generation M-Class having a stylish body with the ‘hallmark C-pillar shape.’ The Audi Q3 is a luxury SUV and marks Audi’s entry into a newer segment of the Indian car market. It is expected to compete with the BMW X1 in the market.
With so many launches in the SUV segment, potential buyers can have a tough time choosing the best amongst them.
